JP2005510329A - Hair Dryer - Google Patents

Abstract

  The cordless hair dryer (10) includes a gas burner (34) and a fan (22). The first baffle (58) covers the burner against the air stream, and the second baffle (54) is mixed with the air stream by deflecting the burned gas exiting the burner (34). .

Description

  The present invention is a cordless of the type comprising a rechargeable battery that supplies power to a motor that drives a fan, and a gas canister that supplies gas to a catalyst for flameless combustion and for supplying heat to the air sent by the fan Related to hair dryers.

  The concept of such a hair dryer is known (see, for example, US-A-5009592, US-A-4635382, US-A-4800654, US-A-4903416, DE-A-31033843), but as a commercial product Yes, not yet on the market. The reason is complicated, especially related to the inefficiency of the battery and the inability to efficiently convert the potential energy of the gas into heat in the air.

  One of the problems addressed by the present invention is to ensure that product safety is not compromised by electronic or electrical failure, especially taking into account the close proximity of the gas reservoir and electrical components. It is.

  Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a hair dryer that overcomes or at least alleviates existing difficulties.

  Aspects of the invention are set out in the claims.

  This arrangement of heating the air by mixing the air flow with the combusted gas after the burned gas exits the burner and by covering the burner so that there is no danger of the burner being cooled by the air flow. If used, there is no risk of end of flameless combustion.

  The second baffle preferably includes a ceramic block that leaves an annular space in the air passage through which the combusted gas and air flow. Preferably, the second baffle has a trailing edge cut in the flow direction of the air and the combusted gas to create a turbulent flow and ensure that the air and combusted gas are thoroughly mixed. Yes.

  According to the present invention, there is further provided a hair dryer, preferably a cordless hair dryer, comprising a burner, a fuel reservoir for storing fuel, and an electromechanical controller for controlling the supply of fuel from the reservoir. Preferably, the control unit includes a reservoir valve and an electronic valve control circuit. Preferably, the reservoir valve is set to close upon failure of the control circuit, for example with a biased closed solenoid valve. Preferably, the control circuit includes a valve control element (eg, which may be opto-isolated) that is electrically isolated from the control circuit. The control circuit may include one or more state sensors, such as an undertemperature sensor or an overtemperature sensor.

  According to another aspect of the invention, a hair dryer, preferably a cordless hair dryer, comprising a burner, a flow passage, and at least one baffle that redirects the flow in the passage and provided with a state sensor along with the baffle. Is provided. Preferably, the status sensor is an overcooling or overheating sensor. Preferably, the baffle covers the burner to prevent air flow from cooling the burner and / or deflects the burned gas exiting the burner so that the burned gas mixes with the air flowing around the burner. .

  The invention will be further described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a hair dryer 10 includes a housing 12 having two clamshell halves 14 a and 14 b at one end, an intermediate tubular portion 16, an end nozzle 18, and the like. Is provided. A motor 20 that drives the fan 22 is attached to the clamshell end portion 14. The fan 22 draws air axially through an end opening 24 (which may be protected with a grill (not shown) to prevent the finger from touching the fan 22). The fan 22 discharges air in the radial direction, but the clamshells 14 a and 14 b are shaped such that the air exiting from the fan 22 is deflected in the longitudinal direction and enters the cylindrical portion 16 of the housing 12. Thus, this configuration results in a cylindrical flow of air through the air passage 26 defined by the housing 12. In practice, the motor 20 defines a tilt start 26 a of the air passage 26.

  A cross element 30 is attached to the inlet of the cylindrical portion 16 of the housing 12. Screws 33 fix the cross in place. The cross portion 30 is provided with two screw holes 32 at the top and bottom, and a burner 34 is fastened to each screw hole.

  Each burner 34 includes a brass collar 36 that is fastened to the hole 32 and provided with a gas terminal 38. A gas pipe (not shown) from a gas supply (not shown) can be connected to the terminal 38 via a trigger or other supply control mechanism (not shown). The terminal 38 is provided with a narrow hole that opens to the inside of the collar 36 and injects gas into the collar 36. A pressure / sintered metal neck 40 is fastened to the collar 36. Inside the neck 40 is a porous metal plug 42 which serves to regulate the gas flow through the burner 34. As the gas exits the plug 42, it flows along the hole 44 in the neck 40 where it mixes with the air drawn through the cross hole / port 46.

  Air is drawn into port 46 by creating a low pressure in hole 44 due to the high velocity gas flow in hole 44 controlled by plug 42. Thus, a stoichiometric volume of gas and air flows along the neck 40 and enters the sleeve 50. Finally, a coiled catalyst wire (not shown) covered with platinum is disposed on the wide portion 52 of the sleeve 50, where the combustible gas mixture burns flamelessly.

  Finally, the burned gas exits the burner 34, collides with the ceramic block baffle 54, is deflected radially outward, and mixes with the cylindrical airflow provided by the fan 22.

  A second baffle 56 is provided around the sleeve 50 to further define a cylindrical flow by defining an annular space 26 c of the air passage 26. The second baffle 56 prevents airflow from coming into direct contact with the burner 34 in the region of the cup 52 where the catalyst is disposed. This ensures that the catalyst maintains the temperature necessary to ensure complete combustion of the combustible gas. As shown, the baffle 56 is attached to one of several fins 58 of each burner 34, particularly to the fin closest to the cup 52. However, it is equally suitable for the baffle 56 to be attached to its own spider from the inner surface of the housing portion 16.

  The fin 58 also extends to the neck 40 and serves to shed heat generated in the burner cup 52 and conducted along the material of the burner 34. This heat is dissipated by both convection and radiation by the surrounding air flow. In practice, the radiation is more pronounced if there is a third baffle 60 which is a disk with a cup-like edge like baffle 56. The baffle 60 also defines a cylindrical air passage by the annular space 26b. The baffle 60 is held in contact with the cross portion 50 by a burner 34 that passes through an opening (not shown) of the baffle 60. The baffle 60 protects the port 46 and prevents the air flow sent by the fan 22 from drawing gas out of the port 46. Instead, the air stagnating behind the baffle 60 is at a relatively high pressure compared to the gas flowing through the hole 44 in the neck 40 of the burner 34.

  When returning to the second baffle 54, the rod 62 and the further cross portion 64 are attached to the inside of the cylindrical housing portion 16. A nozzle 18 is disposed at the end of the housing portion 16 and the nozzle 18 may be shaped to further facilitate mixing.

  As already mentioned, there are two burners 34 that each release hot exhaust gases to the baffle 54. The baffle 54 has a ridge 66 aligned with the joining line to the longitudinal axis of each burner. Most of the outflow from each burner flows to one side or the other side of the ridge 66. However, hips 68 are formed at both ends of the ridge of the baffle 54. This causes the gas exiting the sector away from the other burner of each burner to be deflected at right angles to the gas deflected by the ridge. This extends the penetration of the hot gas into the air stream and results in more effective mixing with a low likelihood of hot spots.

  The baffle 54 terminates at a blunt end 70, thereby turbulent air flow around the end 70, further promoting gas mixing and temperature stabilization.

  As described above, in general, a hair dryer includes a gas burner, a gas reservoir, and a fan. In addition, as will be described in more detail below, a battery for powering the control circuit and the fan is provided. The first baffle covers the burner to prevent airflow from cooling the burner. The second baffle deflects the burned gas exiting the burner so that the air and gas flowing around the burner mix.

  5-12 show various product configurations of a schematic form of a hair dryer according to the present invention, but the housing and control components are not shown for clarity. Each figure shows a cordless dryer, generally designated 300, that includes a fan 302, a burner 304, an end nozzle 306, a battery pack 308, and a gas canister 310. The fan 302, the burner 304, and the nozzle 306 define a substantially straight axis 312 with the burner 304 between the fan 302 and the nozzle 306, but various configurations are possible for the remaining components. . In either case, the design avoids obstructing airflow through the fan and minimizes the power required to drive the fan.

  Referring to FIG. 5, a battery pack having a relatively large capacity cell is suspended in parallel with the shaft 312 below the shaft 312 in a 2 × 2 configuration in front of the fan 302. The gas canister 310 protrudes vertically below the shaft 312 between the fan 302 and the battery pack 308, and can be improved in safety by being housed in a handle that is greatly separated from the burner. In FIG. 6, the capacity of the battery pack 308 and the gas canister 310 having relatively large capacity cells is increased by reversing the position away from the burner. FIGS. 7 a and 7 b show a configuration arrangement having a smaller squat configuration with the gas canister 310 positioned along the axis 312 but behind the fan 302.

  Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the configuration is similar to that shown in FIG. 6, but the gas canister 310 is positioned above the shaft 312 rather than below.

  9a and 9b are the same as those in FIG. 6, but slightly change so that the outer shape of the gas canister 310 is narrowed upward from the bottom.

  Referring to FIGS. 10a and 10b, this configuration is similar to that of FIG. 7 except that the orientation of the fan has changed. In particular, the fan is positioned below the shaft 312 and perpendicular to the shaft 312 to push air toward the shaft. Therefore, a suitable deflector will be required to redirect the air towards the burner.

  FIGS. 11 a and 11 b are also similar to that of FIG. 7 except that the gas canister 310 is more elongated than the housing of the fan 302. The battery pack 308 is provided in a 4 × 1 configuration.

  Finally, referring to FIGS. 12 a and 12 b, all components are aligned with the axis 312. The gas canister extends along the axis to the rear of the fan 302 and the battery is distributed around its circumference. In the illustrated embodiment, the batteries are provided at 90 ° intervals in grooves provided on the outer wall of the canister.

  Looking at aspects of the present invention in more detail, control and safety circuitry controls motor speed, burner level, burner ignition, and provides a safe stop in the event of various failure modes. Purely mechanical controls and safety mechanisms are less desirable because the controls and burners are likely to be physically separated. Because a power source (for the motor) is available, it is preferred that at least a portion of the gas control system is electrically powered and / or sensed. This allows for a wider variety of control methods, is the least complex and dangerous in terms of development, and allows a control that is almost identical to a standard corded hair dryer.

  Referring to the control and safety circuit block diagram shown as 399 in FIG. 3, the rechargeable battery pack 400 provides full power to the hair dryer. The positive supply from the battery is switched by a mechanical on / off switch 402. In the off position, power for operating the normally closed (spring return type) solenoid operated gas shut-off valve 404 including the reservoir valve is not supplied.

  When switch 402 is in the on position, a live connection from the battery connects to vane airflow switch 406. The switch 406 includes a plastic molded blade and a micro switch. When the fan is on and the airflow is above the minimum value, the switch 406 is closed and the battery supply 400 is connected to the overheat switch 408. In an alternative embodiment, the flow switch 406 can be omitted and only the overtemperature switch 408 can rely on detecting a decrease or absence of air flow.

  Any suitable type of overheat switch 408 may be placed in close proximity to the burner to detect overheating for any reason (excessive burner level, air flow restriction, or fan / motor failure). When the switch 408 is opened due to excessive temperature, power is cut off from the solenoid valve 404 and the gas supply unit 414 is shut off. The hysteresis of this switch 408 should not be re-closed until the temperature is in the open range of the overcool switch 416 and should prevent the gas valve 404 from being reopened when the unit is cooled. It is.

  The next component of the safety circuit 399 is a thermal undercool switch 416 and an override switch 418 connected in parallel. Except when the override switch 418 is held in the ignited position by the user, the temperature subcooling heat switch 416 (any suitable type) indicates that the burner temperature (the burner 410 is not ignited or not ignited). ) Always open when below a certain value. Thereby, when the gas burner 410 is not ignited, the supply to the gas control valve 404 is cut off, and the gas supply unit is turned off.

  Both the overtemperature and overtemperature switches include a state sensor provided on the baffle 56 shown in FIG.

  To initially ignite burner 410, override switch 418 is moved to an ignition position that provides power to temporarily jump over temperature overcool switch 416 and open gas valve 404. The override switch 418 also supplies power to the burner ignition circuit 420 to ignite the gas. Since the power supply unit and the electronic igniter circuit are wired through a safety circuit, the igniter circuit cannot operate unless the switch 418 is in the ignition position.

  When the gas is ignited, the temperature overcooling switch closes after a few seconds, and the power supply 400 remains connected to the solenoid valve 404 after the override switch is released. The light-blocking monitoring circuit 422 determines whether or not the temperature supercooling switch 416 is closed in order to turn on the LED indicating that the burner is ignited. This monitoring circuit 422 does not affect the safety circuit and is simply provided as an indicator 424 to indicate to the user that the gas is ignited, and the user can release the ignition / override switch 418. The failure of the monitoring circuit 422 may erroneously indicate whether or not the burner is ignited, but does not affect the safety stop function of the gas supply unit.

  When the gas shut-off valve 404 also performs heat level adjustment using, for example, pulse width modulation during the on / off period of the valve, the power to the solenoid valve via the isolator 426 is caused by the light shut-off signal from the electronic circuit isolator 426. Can be switched on / off. If the electronic circuit fails, the control valve cannot be turned on if other hardwired safety components indicate a failure condition.

  When the gas adjustment is performed using the manual adjustment valve 428, the light blocking control circuit is omitted, and the gas solenoid valve 404 is directly connected to the terminals of the temperature supercooling switch 416 and the override switch 418.

  The fault that causes overheating is detected by the wired overtemperature switch (and air flow switch if necessary), so the motor controller is electronically controlled as it is not important for the safety of the hair dryer be able to. However, safety critical components such as the solenoid valve 404 are hardwired using electromechanical components. In addition, the connection between the HT supply 430 and the igniter 420, and between the connection and the solenoid valve are electrically connected by any suitable type of isolations 432, 426 in the electronic control circuit 434. Light is blocked.

  According to this arrangement, there is no possibility that a circuit important for safety is damaged by a failure of the electronic circuit. This is ensured by using a light blocking component to prevent any monitoring or control circuitry of the electronic circuit from being powered or malfunctioning part of the safety circuit. If the electronic control circuit fails, the hair dryer may not work, but it will always be in a fail-safe manner.

  If the gas burner cannot be ignited (or the burner has been extinguished due to control or failure), if the temperature is below the specified temperature (due to a fan / motor failure, air flow interruption, etc.), or the air flow is below the minimum level If so, the safety circuit shuts off the gas supply.

  With respect to motor control and electronic gas regulation, two embodiments for gas regulation (to provide different thermal settings) are presented. One is to provide variable heat control using a manual regulating valve 428 and the other is to control the average gas flow by adjusting the on / off period of the gas shut-off valve.

  The advantage of electronic control of the solenoid valve is that there are fewer mechanical parts (but more electronic control) and more freedom in the mounting position and type of the control.

  An electronic control circuit (ECC) 434, preferably a printed circuit board, provides PWM speed control of the fan motor 42, in addition to possible PWM control of the solenoid valve, and igniter circuit 430 (section 3.11 if desired). Battery monitoring circuit and low battery indicator LED 436, burner ignition monitor and indicator LED 424, mounting platform for on / off / ignition switch, mounting platform for burner control switch 438 and motor control switch 440, and mounting platform for gas solenoid valve 404 And provide a “junction box” for electrical cables.

  A possible arrangement 499 of the hair dryer control switch and indicator according to the invention is shown in FIG.

  One on / off slide switch 500 controls the total power from the battery pack to the hair dryer. When this switch is in the “off” position 502, all power is disconnected from the electronics, fan motor, and solenoid gas shut-off valve, ensuring that the gas source is closed. The on / off slide switch 500 is concave and must be depressed before it can be moved from the off position. This minimizes the possibility of unintentional operation.

  Moving the switch to the “on” position 504 provides power to the electronic circuitry and motor control circuitry. The fan rotates at the speed selected by the “fan speed” control switch 512. The control switch 512 may be a two-position switch that indicates two fan speeds, or may be several speed settings. Gas has not yet been released at this point.

  The on / off slide switch 500 has a third temporary spring biased position 506. This is the “ignition” position where the user needs to hold the switch to ignite the gas. Moving the switch to this position opens the gas valve and turns on the HT spark igniter 430 (FIG. 3). When the burner is ignited, the temperature sensor detects this, the LED lamp 508 is lit to indicate gas ignition, and the user can release the switch 500 back to the “on” position 504. If the user releases the switch before the gas is ignited, the gas supply is switched off and the hair dryer continues to blow cold air. To switch the gas supply on and activate the ignition circuit, the switch must be moved to the “ignition” position 506 again.

  The heat level is controlled by a switch (or manual regulator) 510 that indicates two heat levels or several heat settings.

  After use, the user moves the slide switch to the “off” position 502. This stops the fan and closes the gas supply valve. To reignite the gas supply, the user must repeat the ignition procedure.

  A “cool shot” option for burner extinguishing and re-igniting is also possible. Cold air operation is possible by switching the unit “off” and then moving the switch “on” without igniting the gas.

  With respect to burner ignition, the preferred embodiment is the electronic spark ignition system 430 described above, which continues to fire repeatedly until the gas is ignited or the user releases the ignition button. Such an electronic system can be used in the same way as a conventional mains powered dryer.

  A less expensive alternative is any suitable type of simple mechanical piezoelectric ignition system. When the user moves the on / off / ignition switch 500 to the ignition position, the piezoelectric is activated. The drawback is that if the burner fails to ignite, the user must repeat the process, and if the burner is not visible, it may not notice this for tens of seconds.

  Further safety and related aspects include the placement of a spark electrode, which is selected to further minimize the risk of ignition of the gas product due to the accumulation of silicone on the spark electrode.

  Also, a filter or grill is placed at the air inlet to prevent hair from entering the product. This prevents the hair from being drawn into the fan and tangled and prevents other dust from entering.

  Furthermore, in order to prevent dust drawn into the hair dryer (eg cotton dust, hair, etc.) from being ignited by the gas burner and being burned or discharged as very hot particles, first the air inlet filter Particles are then drawn into the hair dryer, and then the product design minimizes the risk of any drawn particles coming into contact with the flame or very hot surfaces. In particular, because the gas burner is catalytic, it burns at a temperature of about 500-800 ° C. (not 1300 ° C.) without a substantial flame. In addition, such hot catalytic surfaces are protected from intake air to maintain combustion. Thus, particles drawn into the product are not exposed to high temperatures that can pose a danger.

  In addition, products such as gels and hair sprays that are considered to be used with hair dryers do not pose a safety hazard as a result of various characteristics.

  For example, by controlling the air flow within the product, there is not much chance of contact with a surface hot enough to ignite an aerosol, etc., the spark ignition source is properly positioned, and the operating temperature of the catalyst burner is The hair dryer burns in a safe way.

  Thus, the invention described herein is simple to use and can be used in the same manner as existing corded hair dryers. The present invention provides a gas shut-off if the burner does not ignite or for some reason extinguishes, two (or more) levels of heat output and fan speed, gas ignition, air flow reduction detection and gas shut-off, Provided below sub-temperature detection and gas shut-off, over-temperature detection and gas shut-off (can be used to detect ignition failure), low battery indicator, and burner on indicator.

  It will be understood that features and components from the various embodiments may be combined and interchanged as appropriate without departing from the inventive concept. The individual components described are not described in detail because they are known to the skilled reader in the range of general products, ie ready-made products.

It is a disassembled perspective view of the main components of the hair dryer by this invention. It is sectional drawing of a hair dryer. Fig. 2 shows a diagram of a hair dryer control and safety circuit. Fig. 2 shows a user control and an indicator of a hair dryer. 1 shows one possible component form of a hair dryer. Figure 3 shows an alternative possible form of hair dryer component. It is an exploded view which shows the alternative form of a hair dryer. FIG. 7b is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing the configuration of FIG. 7a. FIG. 6 is an exploded view showing a further alternative form of the hair dryer. It is a schematic sectional side view which shows the form of FIG. 8a. FIG. 6 is an exploded view showing a further alternative form of the hair dryer. FIG. 9b is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of FIG. 9a. FIG. 6 is an exploded view showing a further alternative form of the hair dryer. FIG. 10b is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing the configuration of FIG. 10a. FIG. 6 is an exploded view showing a further alternative form of the hair dryer. FIG. 11b is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing the configuration of FIG. 11a. FIG. 6 is an exploded view showing a further alternative form of the hair dryer. It is a schematic sectional side view which shows the form of FIG.

Claims (29)

A housing defining an air passage;
A battery adapted to power a motor and a fan driven by the motor so as to send air into the air passage;
A burner in the air passage and in the form of a sleeve surrounding the catalyst at the open end;
A combustible gas supply stream to the burner,
A first baffle covers the burner and prevents air flowing in the passage around the baffle and the burner from cooling the burner;
A hair dryer, wherein a second baffle deflects the burned gas exiting the burner so that it mixes with air after flowing around the burner.   The hair dryer according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve is provided with a fin behind the burner for radiating heat conducted from the burner by radiating and convection to a surrounding air flow.   The hair dryer of claim 2, wherein the first baffle extends from one of the fins.   The hair dryer according to claim 3, wherein the first baffle extends from the fin of the sleeve closest to the burner.   The hair dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the burner comprises a catalyst in the form of a coil of platinum-coated wire.   The said 2nd baffle is a hair dryer as described in any one of Claims 1-5 containing the ceramic block which leaves the annular space through which the flow of the burned gas and air passes in the said air path.   The second baffle has a trailing edge cut in the flow direction of air and combusted gas, thereby creating a turbulent flow and ensuring that the air and combusted gas are thoroughly mixed. Item 7. A hair dryer according to item 6.   The hair dryer according to claim 7, wherein the baffle is conical in the flow direction.   The hair dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a third baffle is disposed upstream of the burner and produces a cylindrical flow of air sent by the fan.   The hair dryer according to claim 9, wherein the third baffle includes a motor provided downstream of the fan in the air passage.   The hair dryer according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the third baffle includes a cup-shaped plate.   The burner includes a port in the sleeve downstream of the first baffle, through which air is drawn and mixed with gas supplied through the sleeve, thereby generating the combustible gas. The hair dryer as described in any one of 1-11.   13. A hairdryer according to claim 11 and 12, wherein the third baffle covers the port and creates a positive pressure at its inlet.   The fan is a radial fan that draws air axially through an end opening of the housing and releases air radially from the fan against a shroud that deflects the air into a cylindrical flow. The hair dryer as described in any one of 13.   14. A hair dryer according to claim 13, wherein the shroud is the housing itself.   The hair dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein there are a plurality of the burners provided in parallel to the longitudinal axis in the air passage.   There are two burners in the air passage, the second baffle includes a ridge parallel to a line intersecting the longitudinal axis and a hip substantially above the longitudinal axis of each of the burners at each end. The hair dryer according to claim 15, comprising: With a burner,
A fuel reservoir for storing fuel;
A hair dryer comprising: an electromechanical controller that controls supply of fuel from the reservoir.   The hair dryer according to claim 18, wherein the control unit includes at least one of a reservoir valve and an electronic valve control circuit.   20. A hair dryer according to claim 19, wherein the reservoir valve is set to close upon failure of the control circuit.   21. A hair dryer according to claim 20, wherein the reservoir valve comprises a bias closed solenoid valve.   22. A hair dryer according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the control circuit includes a valve control element that is electrically insulated from the control circuit.   23. A hair dryer according to claim 22, wherein the valve control element is light-blocked from the control circuit.   The hair dryer according to any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the control circuit includes a state sensor.   The hair dryer according to claim 24, wherein the state sensor includes at least one of an overcooling sensor and an overtemperature sensor. With a burner,
A flow passage,
And at least one baffle that redirects the flow in the passageway,
A hair dryer in which a state sensor is provided with the baffle.   27. A hair dryer according to claim 26, wherein the condition sensor includes at least one of an over-cooling sensor or an over-temperature sensor.   28. A hair dryer according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the baffle covers the burner. With a gas burner,
A gas reservoir;
With fans,
A battery for supplying power to the fan as a component;
The hair dryer, wherein the component is configured to avoid obstructing air flow from the fan to the burner.

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