EP1527709A1 - Hair care appliance with ionization device - Google Patents

Abstract

The ionisation electrode (12) is integrally formed from a wire (15) in the electric cable (13) connectable to the high voltage source. The wire is insulated and has a sharp end (18) for generating a concentrated magnetic field. Independent claims are also included for the following: (A) Hair dryer, preferably a hand-held one, containing the hair care device and provided with a metallic mesh in the hot air outlet in the dryer casing; (B) Hot air curlers with the hair care device; and (C) Hair brush with the hair care device, whose high voltage source is battery-powered.

Description

The invention relates to a hair care appliance according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular a hairdryer.

When brushing, combing or drying hair, they are statically charged or electrified, which leads to undesirable effects. This electrification is the Hair difficult to style. In addition, the hair attracts dust particles and soils fast.

From DE-U 80 18 566, for example, a hair dryer with an ionization device known, with which these negative effects are eliminated. By the integrated in the hair dryer namely ionization device, the electric charges are neutralized. The Ionization device comprises a high voltage circuit formed by a pulse generator circuit, the one located in an end region of a hot air line ionization electrode fed.

DE 29 19 598 describes two embodiments of a hair dryer with an ionization device.

The first embodiment relates to a hand-held hair dryer. This includes one Air duct with an electrical heating resistor. Within a handle is a generator housed with a piezoelectric transducer, which with a current-conducting cable connected is. At the other end, the cable runs out into a metal electrode. The metal electrode has a needle-shaped tip. The tip is arranged obliquely in the air duct, the cable is routed outside the air duct. What the lace is made of and how the metal electrode is connected to the cable is not described. At best it is described that the electrode is stamped from sheet metal.

More precisely, the metal electrode in connection with the second embodiment explained, which refers to a drying hood. Located inside the hood four electrodes below an electrical heating resistor and a fan. The four electrodes are arranged radially to the air flow and are punched out of sheet metal. The electrodes are connected by a ring, which with them was obtained in one piece. The ring is with one outside the hood connected cables. At the other end of the cable is a foot pedal, in the generator is integrated. Such a solution with several radial electrodes requires a relatively high voltage source and is unsuitable for handheld devices. The defined thin-plate electrode tips emit a well-defined ion field at the tip.

Another document, namely JP 2000 323 296 A describes an ionization device, in which the end of a cable forms a needle-shaped electrode. The ionization device consists of a high voltage source with a piezoelectric generator and an electrode within a vacuum layer. The high voltage source is located outside a vacuum chamber. Between high voltage source and the cable is a high resistance available. On the one hand is the arrangement of a hair dryer additional high-impedance resistor in the high-voltage circuit undesirable, on the other hand this device is for discharging a film in the vacuum layer intended.

In DE 31 00 338 A1 is also a hair dryer with an ionization with an electrode described. As a high voltage source is a relatively strong high voltage cascade. It includes two additional protective resistors connected in series. A Such high-voltage power source is relatively expensive and also for security reasons disadvantageous. How the electrode is formed is not explained in detail.

From US 5,612,849 another hair dryer is known in which even two high voltage generators be used. The high voltage generators comprise a cascade connection. In the air outlet area of the hair dryer are two spaced apart approximately cylindrical carbon electrodes used to a lonisation of the air flow to reach. Each electrode is provided with a connecting line, which over each a protective resistor are each connected to a generator. Again, these are relative strong generators provided.

From US 5,612,849 is a hair dryer with a low-power high-voltage source known. The source is formed by a piezoelectric generator. One in the direction of Air flow directed needle-shaped electrode is integrated in a protective grid and with connected to a connecting cable leading to the high voltage source. The top at the Electrode allows a high field concentration, a high ion quantity and thus a good efficiency of the ionization device. The disadvantage, however, is that a piezoelectric generator is used, which does not allow continuous ionization.

US 6,191,930 describes a hair dryer comprising an ionization device from a high voltage generator, a separate electrode with a tip and a Link. The output voltage should be over 6 kV, preferably 7 kV. The open circuit voltage is obviously not indicated. The electrode and the wire are about arranged centrally in an air duct. The tip points to an air outlet. At the Transition between the electrode and the connecting line creates an edge. The For example, the electrode must be held with a metal sheet. However, it has been shown that this solution requires a strong voltage source and that this arrangement therefore not optimal.

The invention has for its object to provide a hair care device with an easily integrated in the device ionization device according to the preamble of claim 1 to improve such that the efficiency of the ionization device is further increased. Especially It should be possible that a high voltage source with small dimensions and with a continuous ionizing voltage can be used.

This object is achieved in that the ionization in one piece from the electrical Ladder is formed.

The invention is based on the surprising finding that a connection point between the high voltage cable and the electrode for a significant reduction in the amount of ions provides. By soldering, riveting or other joints between The cable and the electrode namely arise incalculable losses that a require higher dimensions of the high voltage source. Causing the electrode without interruption - ie without intermediate parts or connecting means - to the high voltage source can reach the ion emission is optimized in a simple manner. Edges, steps or the like in the transition of a separate metal electrode to the connection cable incurred are prevented by the measure according to the invention. At such edges already field concentrations can occur, which can not be used depending on the electrode arrangement but mean a significant loss field.

On additional, external in series protective resistors for personal protection can completely dispensed with by the use of a relatively low-power high voltage source become. Because such a source has a relatively high internal resistance, it is sufficient that in the generator integrated resistors meet protection standards. Such High voltage source is also cheaper.

The electrode is so effective that even a high voltage source that is a continuous Ionisierungseffekt allowed, can be used, with small dimensions and a low weight of the high voltage source are given. A preferred high voltage source is a transformer, e.g. powered on the network side.

Such an electrode training is also very easy to accommodate in a hairdryer. In addition, the device of the invention can be easily in existing devices integrate.

Due to the one-piece design of the electrode no additional holding parts are required. The invention therefore requires few parts and results in a smaller one Installation effort. This also allows the electrode relatively free in or on the hairdryer housing be positioned.

A capacitive load by surrounding holding parts or other materials does not find instead of. The fact that no additional holding parts for the electrode are needed omitted parallel capacitances or impedances caused by the holding parts and / or insulators for the Electrode arise. In addition, edges or e.g. Punching burrs of the holding parts, at their production arise. These burrs according to the prior art are not in Air flow direction and deteriorate the efficiency, also because they have electrical loss fields produce.

In the case of a separate electrode produced from a metal sheet or a separate electrode held by a retaining sheet, a parallel capacitance Cp is relatively large. This is proportional to an effective surface. While in the solution according to the invention, the effective surface is very small and is for example 16 mm ² , such an arrangement according to the prior art may have a surface of eg 148 mm ² . The latter is composed, for example, of a surface of a wire of, for example, 16 mm ² , a surface of a sheet of 100 mm ² and a surface of a tip of, for example, 32 mm ² , ie an approximately 10-fold surface and thus an approximately 10-fold capacity , A parallel resistance Rp is inversely proportional to the surface. Accordingly, this is only about 1/10 compared to the prior art.

The solution according to the invention thus enables a defined emission of ions with a low effective surface or a high parallel impedance.

A low parallel impedance is very disadvantageous because it matches the internal resistance of the High voltage source forms a voltage divider. This has the consequence that a high Voltage drop occurs at the internal resistance of the high voltage source, which is responsible for ionization not usable. The usable voltage at the electrode is determined by the invention Electrode training almost the open circuit voltage of the high voltage source. Open circuit voltages below only 6 kV are at a high efficiency and a high internal resistance of e.g. 10 megohms possible. The low voltage allows the use of a low-cost transformer.

In addition, a test of a contact point between the cable and the electrode is omitted.

In an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention it is provided that the tip region of the ionization electrode by machining, preferably truncation of the electrical conductor is formed. At the e.g. cut leaders arise Burrs that have sharp and sharp points. At these points occurs a high field concentration so that a high ion emission takes place.

A pointed area is easily created when the conductor is cut off at an angle. The tip thus formed is easy to produce and favors the emission of ions.

A further improvement of the emission behavior of the electrode is given if the Cable is a stranded wire with stranded core and / or a multi-core cable that is several pointed Forming areas. As a result, the amount of use of the ions is increased in a cost effective manner. The individual ends of the Litzeadern can lie next to and / or behind each other.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the Ionization electrode runs in the direction of an air channel. By this orientation are hardly parallel capacitances and resistances exist, which lead to parallel currents, which reduce an achievable voltage and the available current flow for ionization reduce. This reduction of the current flow causes a deterioration of the effect the ionization device.

A good ionization effect arises when the ionization electrode in the vicinity of an air outlet opening is arranged. The ions can be easily blown out and stand in the blow-off stream for a neutralization available.

The ionization device works particularly effectively when the electrode is approximately centric Air duct is arranged. There prevails a favorable volume flow.

A light attachment of the ionization electrode is achieved by placing them in a heated Area of the air duct is arranged, in particular when the cable through a Heating plate is guided and fixed there. This makes an ion emitting point easier Way in the air stream. The attachment of the cable may be to an isolated location of the cable with a holding element, preferably a screwed holding clamp on the support plate respectively.

The invention is applicable not only to a hair dryer, but also to others Hair care appliances, e.g. with curlers or curling irons, with no heated air flow must be done. Heating may also be by convection, e.g. in gas-powered Curling irons or so-called "straightener". The invention can be applied to hair stylers, Hair brushes with a power supply of the transformer with battery voltage, drying hoods or other hair care appliances. Also a use in air conditioners, humidifiers, Air conditioners and the like is conceivable.

Further advantageous developments of the invention are mentioned in the subclaims.

Based on the figure description, an embodiment of an inventive Hair care device, the invention and other advantages thereof explained in more detail.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Haartrockners mit einer erfindungsgemäßen lonisationsvorrichtung,

Fig. 2

eine vergrößerte Darstellung eines Luftaustrittsbereiches des Haartrockners, in dem eine Elektrode vorhanden ist,

Fig. 3

einen Darstellung von Heizträgerplatten mit der Elektrode von einer Stirnseite aus gesehen,

Fig. 4

einen Darstellung der Elektrode,

Fig. 5-9

Varianten der Elektrode,

Fig. 10

einen Darstellung eines Schnittbereiches der Elektrode,

Fig. 11

ein Schaltbild der lonisationsvorrichtung, wobei ein großer horizontaler Pfeil den Gesamtluftfluss und ein kleiner Pfeil den effektiven lonenfluss darstellt, und

Fig. 12

ein weiteres Schaltbild der lonisationsvorrichtung mit einer parallelen Kapazität und einem parallelen Widerstand, wobei zusätzlich ein uneffektiver lonenfluss (nach oben gerichteter Pfeil) dargestellt ist.

It shows:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a hair dryer with an ionization device according to the invention,

Fig. 2

an enlarged view of an air outlet region of the hair dryer, in which an electrode is present,

Fig. 3

an illustration of Heizträgerplatten with the electrode seen from one end,

Fig. 4

a representation of the electrode,

Fig. 5-9

Variants of the electrode,

Fig. 10

a representation of a cutting region of the electrode,

Fig. 11

a circuit diagram of the ionization device, wherein a large horizontal arrow represents the total air flow and a small arrow represents the effective ion flow, and

Fig. 12

a further circuit diagram of the ionization device with a parallel capacitance and a parallel resistor, wherein additionally an ineffective ion flux (upward arrow) is shown.

In the figures, the same parts are always provided with the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1 shows a hairdryer 1, which is designed as a hand-held device. This preferably has a plastic housing 2 and a handle 3. The housing 2 is approximately tubular formed and with an air inlet side 4 and a e.g. opposite air outlet side or air outlet opening 5 provided. In the housing 2 are known components, as an unillustrated fan, one or more heating elements and the ionisationsvorrichtung integrated. At the air outlet side is a guard 7 or another Protective cover attachable. The protective grid is preferably not made of plastic but Metallic, because a plastic protective grid more susceptible to electrical charges and electrical interference is. The housing 2 forms an air channel 8, in which a warm air stream for drying the hair flows.

The ionization device comprises an electrode 12 with an electrode tip.

The ionization device further consists of a high voltage source 11 - in particular a transformer - to form a preferably negative high voltage of preferably at least 2 kV and less than 6 kV, in particular less than 5 kV (per measured with gigaohm of the measuring instrument at the electrode tip). In particular, a measured Voltage of about 2.6 to 3.8 kV at the electrode tip is very advantageous, wherein the meter has a resistance of 1 Gigaohm. The transformer module becomes preferably fed with mains frequency. Preferably, the open circuit voltage is below of 7 kV.

In principle, it is also possible to use a high-voltage generator which has a cascade connection, a piezo element or another generating element. At least the tension is but 1000V, which is already referred to as high voltage. To be favoured negative ions used to unload the hair.

The internal resistance of the high voltage source is relatively high and is in particular about 5 to 20 megohms, especially about 10 megohms, so that a short circuit current of at most about 1.4 mA (e.g., 7kV / 5 megohms), preferably about 0.3 to 0.4 mA (e.g., 3 kV / 10 megohms) would be possible. This electricity is safe for people, so even in direct contact with the electrode 12 no danger.

The generator can also be in the handle 3 in a bulge of the housing top, above or be integrated outside the Heizluftstromes or another location. Preferably But he is housed in an unheated area.

The electrode 12 for ion ejection is via a cable 13, in particular a high-voltage cable, directly connected to the high voltage source. At the electrode 12 forms an electric field due to the high voltage. At a sharp area 18 takes place an increase in the electric field or an increase in the field strength (field concentration) instead of.

The high voltage source 11 is, if necessary, switched on via a switch 13. The Voltage form is pulsed or as DC or AC voltage, e.g. as sinusoidal Voltage provided at 50 Hz.

The cable 13 comprises at least one electrical insulation 14 and at least one electrical conductor 15 which is stripped at a free end, preferably 5 to 15 mm stripped.

According to the invention, the ionization electrode 12 is made in one piece from the electrical conductor 15 formed, as Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 illustrates. The free, stripped end of the cable is So the electrode 12 itself. The electrode 12 is directly and preferably only from the cable 13 held.

The cable 13 is fixed exactly centric to slightly eccentric to the axis of the air duct. At most, the electrode 12 is spaced about 10 to 15 mm from the axis. Essentially she is still centric. The cable 13 is arranged axially to the air flow and leaves this alignment only in the vicinity of the handle 3, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 show.

In particular, the cable 13 is on a guide and / or fastener, preferably attached from electrical insulation material. Preferably, the cable 13 is at one Heating element carrier, in particular on one of a plurality of carrier plates 6, in particular a Mikanitkreuzes or another Mikanitanordnung, preferably with two or four or three or six plates 6, as shown in FIG. 3, attached. The heating element carrier enters or a plurality of heating elements, preferably consisting of helical heating wire 10, as Fig. 3 shows. The cable 13 is within the heating arrangement. The e.g. six plates 6 are preferably arranged in a star shape about the longitudinal axis.

The cable 13 is further attached via at least one holding element 16, which in the vicinity of Electrode 12 and in the insulated conductor region is arranged. Preferably, a second Retaining element 16 is present, which, however, is arranged closer to the handle 3.

The plates 6 are recessed in the vicinity of the electrode 12 and thus form near the electrode a free space 17, wherein the electrode 12 is exposed in this space 17. The summit the electrode 12 is stored in the micanite cross or other micanite arrangement. Between the electrode tip and the carrier plates 6 or another carrier element is a distance of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10mm available. The heating elements and the housing 2 form a heating tube.

In order to achieve a better ion ejection, the conductor 15 is cut off at an angle, so that a tip 18 of preferably about 20 ° to 60 °, preferably formed about 30 ° to 45 ° becomes. The conductor 15 can also be cut off several times from several sides at an angle so that the tip 18 is in the middle of the conductor. Preferably, the cut Tip arranged in a blow-out area of the hair dryer 1 and in particular in Heating channel integrated.

The conductor cross section of the electrode 12 is stripped off, preferably about 0.8 to 2 mm.

The conductor 15 or the electrode 12 may comprise a single wire, as shown in FIG. 5 or consist of stranded wire with multiple wires, as Fig. 6 illustrates. It can also be used for education the electrode 12 is a multi-core cable with several insulated conductors or even a multi-wire stranded cable can be used (see Fig. 6-9).

The conductor end may be spread radially outwards, as shown in FIG. 7 or e.g. cut obliquely and bent in a preferred direction, as shown in FIG. 8. The individual wire ends, preferably made of strand, then lie one behind the other and next to each other. It is advantageous that a plurality of pointed areas 18a, 18b, 18c, etc. are present. Preferably the tips are essentially in the direction of action to the hair or air outlet of the Hair dryer directed and arranged in the blow-out area.

Particularly advantageous are burrs 21, which arise during cutting, as Fig. 10 illustrates. These in turn form further tip portions 21 a, 21 b, etc., or a plurality of Ionisierungsspitzen and sharp edges, thereby increasing the effect of the electrode 12th

It is particularly advantageous that not only the electrode tip 18, but the entire Electrode 12 is exposed and / or that the tip points directly to the air outlet, as shown by the Figures 11 and 12 will be explained. The internal resistance Ri of the high voltage source hardly has Influence on the voltage at the Emittierstelle the electrode 12. The voltage Uah corresponds about the voltage Uaw, as shown in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 12, caused by a unfavorable electrode arrangement, however, parallel impedances or parallel capacitances Cp and resistors Rp, which reduce the voltage Uaw by voltage division and thus worsening the ionization effect. This effect is especially at a high internal resistance of the generator Ri noticeable and is also of the voltage shape dependent. For steep pulses or high frequencies, the capacitance Cp acts as a short circuit, whereby no ion emission in the air flow is possible.

But also additional electrical and mechanical connection points between electrode and cables can create additional parallel impedances through the one-piece Electrode formation is prevented.

Due to this advantageous low-capacitance arrangement and the electrode provided here can be a low-power generator with low voltage and / or lower power Electricity can be used.

It is also possible that the tip formed by ultrasonic welding or by spark erosion is formed. Also, the conductor end or the electrode can be squeezed, pulled or are formed from a predetermined breaking point, so that field concentration points arise.

Claims (24)

Hair care appliance having an ionization device for generating an air ionization, comprising a high voltage source (11), a cable (13) connectable to the high voltage source (11) and comprising an insulated electrical conductor (15), an ionisation electrode (12) at a free end of the Conductor (15) is arranged to form an electric field and a tip region (18), so that a field concentration takes place, characterized in that the ionization electrode (12) is integrally formed from the electrical conductor (15). Hair care appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the pointed region (18) of the ionisation electrode (12) is formed by machining, in particular by cutting off the electrical conductor (15). Hair care appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that the pointed area (18) is formed by an oblique section of a conductor end at the free end of the conductor (15). Hair care appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pointed area (18) is formed by at least one ridge (21), in particular an oblique section. Hair care appliance according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the oblique section is at an angle of 30 ° to 70 °, preferably about 45 ° to 60 ° to the conductor direction and / or so takes place so that a peak of preferably about 20 ° to 60 ° , preferably about 30 ° to 45 ° is formed. Hair care appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of pointed areas (18) are present. Hair care appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable (13) is a stranded wire stranded wire and / or a multi-core cable which forms a plurality of pointed areas (18a-c). Hair care appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that the stranded and / or wire ends are spaced from each other. Hair care appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that the stranded and / or wire ends are fanned apart. Hair care appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ionization electrode (12) is arranged in an air channel (8) for generating an ionized air flow. Hair care appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ionization electrode (12) extends in the direction of the air channel (8). Hair care appliance according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the ionization electrode (12) is arranged substantially approximately centrally in the air channel (8). Hair care appliance according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the ionisation electrode (12) is arranged in a heated or heatable region of the air channel (8). Hair care appliance according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the cable (13) is guided at least partially within the air channel (8), preferably approximately centrally in the air channel (8). Hair care appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ionization electrode (12), in particular without additional holding elements, is exposed. Hair care appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ionisation electrode (12) is arranged in the vicinity of an air outlet opening (5). Hair care appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable (13) by at least one Heizträgerplatte (6), in particular a micanite arrangement is fixed, and in particular by at least one holding element (16) is held. Hair care appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ionization electrode (12) is integrated in a heating channel, preferably a heating tube. Hair care appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the high voltage source (13) has an open circuit voltage of 2 kV to 7 kV, wherein its internal resistance is preferably 5 - 20 megohms, in particular 10 megohms. Hair care appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the high voltage source (13), the electrode and the electrical conductor are formed such that at the electrode, a negative high voltage of less than 5 kV, measured at 1 gigaohm of the measuring device, is applied. Hair care appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the high voltage source (13) is an induction-based transformer. Hair dryers, in particular hand hair dryers with an ionization device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the housing for the air outlet a metallic Grille is provided. Hot air curling iron with an ionization device according to one of the preceding Claims. Hair brush with an ionization device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the high voltage power source is battery powered.

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