EP2564723A1 - Wärmegebläse - Google Patents

Wärmegebläse Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2564723A1
EP2564723A1 EP12175630A EP12175630A EP2564723A1 EP 2564723 A1 EP2564723 A1 EP 2564723A1 EP 12175630 A EP12175630 A EP 12175630A EP 12175630 A EP12175630 A EP 12175630A EP 2564723 A1 EP2564723 A1 EP 2564723A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mist
generating unit
air
unit
mist generating
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP12175630A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Kyoko Ida
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Panasonic Corp
Original Assignee
Panasonic Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Panasonic Corp filed Critical Panasonic Corp
Publication of EP2564723A1 publication Critical patent/EP2564723A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D20/00—Hair drying devices; Accessories therefor
    • A45D20/04—Hot-air producers
    • A45D20/08—Hot-air producers heated electrically
    • A45D20/10—Hand-held drying devices, e.g. air douches
    • A45D20/12—Details thereof or accessories therefor, e.g. nozzles, stands
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D2200/00—Details not otherwise provided for in A45D
    • A45D2200/15—Temperature
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D2200/00—Details not otherwise provided for in A45D
    • A45D2200/20—Additional enhancing means
    • A45D2200/202—Ionisation

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a heat blower.
  • Patent Literature 1 One of conventionally-known heat blowers, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2009-136303 (hereinafter, referred to as Patent Literature 1), includes within the body case, a mist generator for generating slightly acidic mist and discharges the slightly acidic mist through the air outlet.
  • the heat blower discharges through the air outlet, slightly acidic mist with a pH of 3.5 to 6.0 that gently acts on skin and hair.
  • slightly acidic mist With a pH of 3.5 to 6.0 that gently acts on skin and hair.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a heat blower capable of preventing hair and skin from being damaged.
  • a first aspect of the present invention is a heat blower, including: an air channel which is placed within a housing and is provided with a suction port and a discharge port at both ends; an air supply unit which is placed in upstream of the air channel and is configured to introduce air through the suction port and discharge the air through the discharge port; a heating unit which is provided on the downstream side of the air supply unit and is configured to heat the air; a mist generating unit configured to generate mist containing an acidic component; a detecting unit configured to detected acidity of the mist generated by the mist generating unit; and a controller configured to control an amount of mist generated by the mist generating unit.
  • the controller controls the amount of mist generated by the mist generating unit according to the acidity of the mist detected by the detection unit.
  • a second aspect of the present invention is that the controller controls the amount of mist generated by the mist generating unit by controlling current flowing in the mist generating unit.
  • a third aspect of the present invention is that the mist generating unit is provided within the air channel, and the detection unit is provided on the downstream side of the mist generating unit.
  • a fourth aspect of the present invention is that the air channel includes a branch channel which is branched on the downstream side of the air supply unit and on the upstream side of the heating unit and is supplied with air not passing through the heating unit. Moreover, the-branch channel is supplied with at least a part of the mist generated by the mist generating unit, and the detection unit is provided in downstream of the branch channel.
  • a fifth aspect of the present invention is that the controller drives the mist generating unit when the air supply unit is driven and controls the mist generating unit to set the acidity of the mist detected by the detection unit being not more than a predetermined value.
  • a sixth aspect of the present invention is that the controller drives the mist generating unit when the air supply unit is driven and controls the mist generating unit to keep the acidity of the mist detected by the detection unit constant in a range not more than a predetermined value.
  • a seventh aspect of the present invention is that the controller drives the mist generating unit when the air supply unit is driven and controls the mist generating unit to repeatedly increase and decrease the acidity of the mist detected by the detection unit in a range not more than a predetermined value.
  • An eighth aspect of the present invention is the heat blower further including: an air volume switch for changing air volume; and a second controller for controlling the amount of mist generated by the mist generating unit.
  • the second controller controls the mist generating unit to reduce the amount of generated mist when the air volume switch is activated to reduce the air volume.
  • a ninth aspect of the present invention is the heat blower further including: an air temperature switch for changing air temperature; and a second controller for controlling the amount of mist generated by the mist generating unit.
  • the second controller controls the mist generating unit to reduce the amount of generated mist when the air temperature switch is activated to reduce the air temperature.
  • a hair dryer 1 as a heat blower includes a grip 1a as a part gripped by a user and a body 1b connected to the grip 1a so as to extend in a direction crossing the same.
  • the grip 1a and body 1b when in use are configured to form a substantially T- or L-shaped profile (a T-shaped profile in this embodiment).
  • a power cord 2 is drawn out from an end of the protrusion of the grip a1.
  • the grip 1a is separated into a base portion 1c on the body 1b side and a tip portion 1d, which are rotatably connected to each other through a joint portion 1e.
  • the tip portion 1d can be folded to the position along the body 1b.
  • the hair dryer 1 includes a housing 3 forming an outer wall of the hair dryer 1.
  • the housing 3 is composed of plural parts connected to each other.
  • the housing 3 includes a cavity inside and accommodates various types of electric parts within the cavity.
  • an air channel 4 is formed from an inlet opening (a suction port) 4a at an end thereof in the longitudinal direction (in the horizontal direction of Fig. 1 ) to an outlet opening (a discharge port) 4b.
  • the air channel 4 provided with the inlet opening (suction port) and the outlet opening (discharge port) at both ends is placed within the housing 3 of the body 1.
  • an air supply unit 5 In upstream (on the near side to the inlet opening 4a) of the air channel 4, an air supply unit 5 is provided.
  • the air supply unit 5 is configured to introduce air through the inlet opening (suction port) 4a and to discharge the air through the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b.
  • the air supply unit 5 includes: a fan 51 placed in the upstream of the air channel 4; and a motor 52 which is placed on the downstream side of the fan 51 and is configured to drive the fan 51.
  • the motor 52 is supplied with electricity to drive the fan 51.
  • Rotation of the fan 51 forms air flow (supplied air) which flows from the outside through the inlet opening 4a into the air channel 4 and passes through the air channel 4 to be discharged through the outlet opening 4b to the outside.
  • a heating unit 6 configured to heat the supplied air is provided on the downstream side (the side closer to the outlet opening 4b than the air supply unit 5).
  • the heating unit 6 can be a heater composed of a belt-shaped and corrugated plate-shaped electric resistor wound along the inner circumference of the housing 3 of the body 1b.
  • a mist generating unit 10 configured to generate mist containing an acidic component is accommodated in the air channel 4.
  • the mist generating unit 10 configured to generate mist containing nitrate ions (the acidic component) is provided between the air supply unit 5 and heating unit 6 in the air channel 4.
  • the mist generating unit 10 can be composed of an electrostatic atomization apparatus.
  • the electrostatic atomization apparatus is configured to apply high voltage across a pair of electrodes made of a conductive metallic material for discharge (corona discharge or the like) and generate very fine mist of nanometer size containing nitrate ions by the discharge operation.
  • a detection unit 11 is accommodated.
  • the detection unit 11 detects an acidity of mist (nitrate ion-contained mist) generated by the mist generating unit 10.
  • the detection unit 11 is composed of a conductive substance and is provided on the downstream side of the mist generating unit 10.
  • the detection unit 11 is configured to detect the pH (acidity) of the mist generated by the mist generating unit 10.
  • the mist generated by the mist generating unit 11 is configured to hit the detection unit 11 when the detection unit 11 is positively charged by power supplied to the hair dryer 1. If the generated mist hits the positively-charged detection unit 11, nitrate ions contained in the mist adhere to the detection unit 11 to change the charge amount of the detection unit 11.
  • the detection unit 11 detects the amount of nitrate ions contained in the mist based on the change per unit time in the charge amount of the detection unit 11.
  • the detection unit 11 only needs to be a conductive material and may be either metal or plastic.
  • the detection unit 11 may have a circular, rectangular, or an elliptical shape. The position where the detection unit 11 is placed is not limited to the vicinity of the outlet opening (discharge port) and may be placed anywhere in the air channel 4.
  • a push-type power switch 7 is provided in the side surface of the grip 1a. If the power switch 7 is operated to turn on the power supply of the hair dryer 1, electric power is supplied to the hair dryer 1 through the power cord 2 extending from the tip end of the grip 1a. The motor 52 of the air supply unit 5 is then driven to rotate the fan 51, so that air is introduced into the air channel 4 through the inlet opening (suction port) 4a. In addition, if the power supply of the hair dryer 1 is turned on, the heating unit 6 generates heat and heats the air supplied from the air supply unit 5. The heated air is discharged through the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b as hot air.
  • the nitrate ion-contained mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 is discharged through the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b together with the air, and the detection unit 11 detects the amount of nitrate ions contained in the mist.
  • the hot air discharged through the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b is applied to hair for drying the hair. Furthermore, the nitrate ion-contained mist discharged through the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b is applied to hair or skin, so that the acidity of the hair or skin falls in a range of pH 3.5 to 6.0, thus preventing the hair or skin (the scalp or face) from being damaged.
  • a controller 8 configured to control outputs from the air supply unit 5, heating unit 6, mist generating unit 10, and detection unit 11 is provided in the cavity of the housing 3 of the grip 1a.
  • the controller 8 is configured to control the on and off timing of the air supply unit 5 (motor 52) and the on and off timing of the heating unit 6.
  • the controller 8 is configured to control the on and off timing of the mist generating unit 10 and the on and off timing of the detection unit 11.
  • the electronic parts including the controller 8, a timer 81 which will be described later, and the like are arranged in a cavity of the grip 1a which is separated from the air channel 4.
  • a charge unit 9 is provided.
  • the charge unit 9 is configured to electrostatically charge the user with a polarity opposite to that of the charges of the ions generated by the mist generating unit 10 (negative charges in this embodiment).
  • the charge unit 9 is made of conductive resin (a conductive material) exposed in the outer surface of the grip 1a and is connected to the controller 8 through a conductor.
  • the hair dryer 1 is configured to discharge mist containing nitrate ions (acidic component). Accordingly, if the hair dryer 1 is continuously used, electric charges of nitrate ions (negative charges) accumulate in the user, thus making it difficult for the nitrate ions to be discharged to the user.
  • the provision of the charge unit 9 allows the user to be electrostatically charged with the opposite polarity (positive polarity) to the charges of the ions generated by the mist generating unit 10. This can prevent a situation in which the charges of the ions generated by the mist generating unit 10 accumulate in the user and make it less likely for the ions to reach the user.
  • surfactant agents contained in daily-used shampoo or soap function to bring the acidity of hair and skin to an alkaline range of pH 7.5 to 10.0 and to weaken the bonds of protein constituting hair and skin. Washing hair using normal shampoo or soap therefore makes hair or skin slightly alkaline.
  • conditions of hair and skin are generally normal with an acidity in a range of pH 3.5 to 6.0.
  • hair dryers have been designed to apply acidic mist (nitrate ion-contained mist), which can gently act on hair and skin, for restoring the conditions of hair or skin to the normal conditions.
  • the acidic component can be excessively applied to dry skin or hair damaged by bleaching or perm, and the dehydration reaction due to the acidic component is promoted, thus damaging the hair or skin by contraries.
  • Fig. 4 is a graph showing the concentration of mist containing the acidic component on the horizontal axis and the average friction coefficient of hair on the vertical axis.
  • samples each including 30 bleached hairs arranged at intervals of 0.5 mm were prepared, and mist containing the acidic component was applied to each sample from a distance of 10 cm for 10 seconds for measurement of the average friction coefficient of the sample.
  • the average friction coefficient of each sample was measured after the acidic mist having a concentration of 0, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 mg/L was applied to the sample.
  • the concentration of the acidic mist was represented by an amount of acidic mist dissolved in a certain amount of liquid after the acidic mist continued to be generated for 10 minutes at a distance of 3 cm.
  • the experiments were performed in an environment of 25°C and 50%RH, and the average friction coefficient was measured by using a friction tester manufactured by KATO TECH CO., LTD.
  • Fig. 4 shows that the average friction coefficient is minimized at a concentration of acidic mist of 9 mg/L.
  • the lower the average friction coefficient of hair the better adhesion the cuticles of the hair have. Accordingly, it is understood that the adhesion of cuticles of the hair was kept good when the acidic mist had a concentration of 9 mg/L.
  • the average friction coefficient gradually increased in a case where the concentration of the acidic mist was less than 9 mg/L or more than 9 mg/L, as the concentration of the acidic mist either decreased or increased.
  • the concentration of acidic mist of 9 mg/L is optimal to keep the good adhesion of cuticles of hair. From the above experiments, it can be understood that if an excessive amount of acidic component is applied to hair, the excessive acidic component accelerates the dehydration reaction and damages the hair by contraries.
  • the acidic component promotes the dehydration reaction and damages the hair or skin.
  • the controller 8 is configured to control the amount of nitrate ion-contained mist generated by the mist generating unit 10.
  • the controller 8 is configured to control the amount of nitrate ion-contained mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 according to the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist which is detected by the detection unit 11.
  • the controller 8 drives the mist generating unit 10 when the air supply unit 5 is driven.
  • the controller 8 controls the mist generating unit 10 so that the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist which is detected by the detection unit 11 is not more than a predetermined value.
  • the controller 8 controls the mist generating unit 10 so that pH (acidity) of the mist which is detected by the detection unit 11 is constant in a range not more than the predetermined value.
  • the electricity also flows to the detection unit 11 to positively charge the detection unit 11. Since the acidic component (nitrate ion) contained in the mist is negatively charged, the nitrate ions adhere to the positively-charged detection unit 11, and the charge amount of the detection unit 11 changes. Based on the change per unit time in the charge amount of the detection unit 11, the amount of nitrate ions contained in the mist is detected. For example, the charge amount of the detection unit 11 is measured every 10 seconds using the timer 81, and the difference between the amounts of charges currently measured and measured 10 seconds before is used to calculate the amount of nitrate ions contained in the mist.
  • control of the mist generating unit 10 by the controller 8 is started several seconds after the electric power is supplied to the motor 52 of the air supply unit 5, heating unit 6, mist generating unit 10, and detection unit 11.
  • the time between the supply of electric power and the start of the control is about 10 seconds.
  • the detection unit 11 detects the concentration of nitrate ions (the acidic component) constantly, preferably once every three seconds. If the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the nitrate ion-contained mist reaches a predetermined amount (a threshold value) x0, the controller 8 controls the amount of mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 so that the nitrate ion concentration of the nitrate ion-contained mist is kept at the threshold value x0 multiplied by a predetermined factor y.
  • the detected acidity (nitrate ion concentration) and the current A flowing in the mist generating unit 10 are in a proportional relationship. Accordingly, by controlling the current A flowing to the mist generating unit 10 to a predetermined value, the detected acidity (nitrate ion concentration) can be kept constant at the threshold value x0 multiplied by the predetermined factor y.
  • the power supply to the detection unit 11 is stopped.
  • the power supply to the detection unit 11 may not be stopped. If the power supply to the detection unit 11 is stopped, the nitrate ions adhering to the detection unit 11 are separated from the detection unit 11 after the stop of the power supply.
  • the detection unit 11 detects that the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the nitrate ion-contained mist reaches the predetermined amount (threshold value) x0, the current A flowing in the mist generating unit 10 is gradually reduced so that the detected acidity (nitrate ion concentration) is gradually reduced.
  • the current A flowing in the mist generating unit 10 is controlled to be constant so that the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the nitrate ion-contained mist is kept constant at the predetermined amount (threshold value) x0 multiplied by the factor y.
  • the power supply to the detection unit 11 is stopped at this time.
  • the predetermined amount (threshold value) x0 is a value corresponding to a concentration of about 9 mm/L which is represented by an amount of acidic mist dissolved in a certain amount of liquid after the acidic mist continues to be generated for 10 minutes at a distance of 3 cm.
  • the predetermined amount (threshold value) x0 is preferably 30 to 40 mg/L and more preferably about 36 mg/L.
  • the current A flowing in the mist generating unit 10 is set desirably to 5 to 15 ⁇ A and more preferably 8 to 10 ⁇ A.
  • the predetermined factor y is set to three quarters to one half and more preferably about two thirds.
  • the condition of hair after use of the hair dryer 1 can be made closer to the condition of hair to which mist containing an acidic component with a concentration of 9 mg/L is applied for 10 seconds from a distance of 10 cm.
  • the controller 8 may be configured to perform control such that the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the nitrate ion-contained mist is kept constant when it exceeds the predetermined amount (threshold value) x0 multiplied by the predetermined factor y.
  • the controller 8 of the hair dryer (heat blower) 1 controls the amount of mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 according to the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist which is detected by the detection unit 11.
  • the controller 8 drives the mist generating unit 10 when the air supply unit 5 is driven and controls the mist generating unit 10 so that the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist detected by the detection unit 11 is not more than the predetermined value x0. Accordingly, the mist containing nitrate ions (acidic component) can be prevented from being excessively discharged.
  • the hair dryer 1 can therefore discharge mist containing an appropriate amount of nitrate ions (acidic component) for the type of hair or skin, thus preventing the hair or skin from being damaged.
  • the detection unit 11 is placed on the downstream side of the mist generating unit 10. Accordingly, the detection unit 11 can accurately detect the amount of nitrate ions (acidic component) to be actually adhered to hair or skin.
  • the controller 8 controls the mist generating unit 10 such that the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist detected by the detection unit 11 is kept constant in a range not more than the predetermined value x0. It is therefore possible to more reliably prevent the mist containing nitrate ions (acidic component) from being excessively discharged.
  • a hair dryer 1A according to a first modification basically has the substantially same configuration as that of the aforementioned first embodiment.
  • the hair dryer 1A includes the air channel 4 which is placed in the housing 3 and is provided with the inlet opening (suction port) 4a and the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b at both ends.
  • the air supply unit 5 is placed in the upstream of the air channel 4 and is configured to introduce air through the inlet opening (suction port) 4a and discharge the air through the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b.
  • the heating unit 6 configured to heat the air is provided on the downstream side of the air supply unit 5.
  • the mist generating unit 10 and detection unit 11 are provided within the air channel 4.
  • the mist generating unit 10 is configured to generate mist containing nitrate ions (the acidic component), and the detection unit 11 is configured to detect the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist generated by the mist generating unit 10.
  • the controller 8 configured to control the amount of mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 is provided in the cavity of the housing 3 of the grip 1a.
  • the controller 8 is configured to perform the control as shown in the timing diagram of Fig. 2 .
  • the controller 8 controls the amount of nitrate ion-contained mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 according to the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist detected by the detection unit 11.
  • the controller 8 drives the mist generating unit 10 when the air supply unit 5 is driven.
  • the controller 8 then controls the mist generating unit 10 such that the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist detected by the detection unit 11 is not more than a predetermined amount.
  • the controller 8 controls the mist generating unit 10 such that the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of mist detected by the detection unit 11 is kept constant in a range not more than the predetermined value.
  • the hair dryer 1A according to the first modification mainly differs from that of the first embodiment in that the air channel 4 of the hair dryer 1A is provided with a branch channel 4c which is branched at the downstream side of the air supply unit 5 and at the upstream side of the heating unit 6, thus being supplied with air that has not passed through the heating unit 6.
  • At least a part of the mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 is supplied to the branch channel 4c, and the detection unit 11 is provided at the downstream of the branch chance1 4.
  • the air channel 4 supplied with air that has passed through the heating unit 6 and the branch channel 4c supplied with air that has not passed through the heating unit 6 are formed by providing a partition plate 3a within the housing 3 of the body 1b.
  • the branch channel 4c may be formed by providing an inner cylinder surrounding the heating unit 6 within the housing 3 of the body 1b.
  • the air channel 4 is provided with the branch channel 4c which is branched at the downstream side of the air supply unit 5 and at the upstream side of the heating unit 6 and is supplied with air not having passed through the heating unit 6. At least a part of the mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 is supplied to the branch channel 4c, and the detection unit 11 is provided at the downstream of the branch channel 4c. Accordingly, the amount of nitrate ions (acidic component) can be detected without an influence of the air flowing in the main channel of the air channel 4. The amount of nitrate ions (acidic component) can be therefore accurately detected by the detection unit 11.
  • a hair dryer 1B according to the second modification basically has substantially the same configuration as that of the first modification of the first embodiment.
  • the hair dryer 1B includes the air channel 4 which is placed within the housing 3 and is provided with the inlet opening (suction port) 4a and the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b at both ends.
  • the air supply unit 5 is placed at the upstream of the air channel 4.
  • the air supply unit 5 is configured to introduce air through the inlet opening (suction port) 4a and discharge the air through the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b.
  • the heating unit 6 configured to heat the air is provided.
  • the mist generating unit 10 and detection unit 11 are provided within the air channel 4.
  • the mist generating unit 10 is configured to generate mist containing nitrate ions (acidic component), and the detection unit 11 is configured to detect the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist generated by the mist generating unit 10.
  • the controller 8 configured to control the amount of mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 is placed in the cavity of the housing 3 of the grip 1a.
  • the air channel 4 is provided with the branch channel 4c which is branched at the downstream side of the air supply unit 5 and at the upstream side of the heating unit 6 and is supplied with air not having passed through the heating unit 6.
  • the air channel 4 supplied with air having passed through the heating unit 6 and the branch channel 4c supplied with air not having passed through the heating unit 6 are formed by providing the partition plate 3a within the housing 3 of the body 1b.
  • the branch channel 4c may be formed by providing an inner cylinder surrounding the heating unit 6 within the housing 3 of the body 1b.
  • the controller 8 performs the control as shown in the timing diagram of Fig. 2 .
  • the controller 8 is configured to control the amount of nitrate ion-contained mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 according to the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist detected by the detection unit 11.
  • the controller 8 drives the mist generating unit 10 when the air supply unit 5 is driven.
  • the controller 8 then controls the mist generating unit 10 so that the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist which is detected by the detection unit 11 is not more than the predetermined amount.
  • the controller 8 controls the mist generating unit 10 so that the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist which is detected by the detection unit 11 is kept constant in a range not more than the predetermined value.
  • the hair dryer 1B according to the second modification of the first embodiment mainly differs from that of the first modification of the first embodiment in that the mist generating unit 10 is placed within the branch channel 4c.
  • a hair dryer 1 according to a second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the hair dryer 1 of the first embodiment.
  • the control performed by the controller 8 is different from that of the first embodiment.
  • the control by the controller 8 of the second embodiment is basically the same as that by the controller 8 of the first embodiment.
  • the control by the controller 8 of the second embodiment mainly differs from that of the first embodiment in that the controller 8 controls the mist generating unit 10 so that the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist which is detected by the detection unit 11 repeatedly increases and decreases in a range not more than a predetermined value.
  • the controller 8 controls the amount of nitrate ion-contained mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 according to the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist detected by the detection unit 11.
  • the controller 8 drives the mist generating unit 10 when the air supply unit 5 is driven.
  • the controller 8 then controls the mist generating unit 10 such that the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist detected by the detection unit 11 is not more than the predetermined value.
  • the controller 8 controls the mist generating unit 10 so that the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of mist which is detected by the detection unit 11 repeatedly increases and decreases in a range not more than the predetermined value.
  • the electricity also flows to the detection unit 11 to positively charge the detection unit 11. Since the acidic component (nitrate ions) contained in the mist is negatively charged, the nitrate ions adhere to the positively-charged detection unit 11, and the charge amount of the detection unit 11 changes. Based on the change per unit time in the charge amount of the detection unit 11, the amount of nitrate ions contained in the mist is detected. For example, the charge amount of the detection unit 11 is measured every 10 seconds using the timer 81, and the difference between the charge amounts currently measured and measured 10 seconds before is used to calculate the amount of nitrate ions.
  • the control of the mist generating unit 10 by the controller 8 is started several seconds after the electric power is supplied to the motor 52 of the air supply unit 5, heating unit 6, mist generating unit 10, and detection unit 11.
  • the time between the supply of electric power and the start of the control is about 10 seconds.
  • the detection unit 11 detects the concentration of nitrate ions (acidic component) constantly, and preferably, once every three seconds. If the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of nitrate ion-contained mist reaches a predetermined amount (a threshold value) x0, the controller 8 performs control so that the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist which is detected by the detection unit 11 repeatedly increases and decreases in a range not more than the predetermined value x0.
  • a threshold value a predetermined amount
  • the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist is configured to repeatedly increase and decrease in a range not more than the predetermined value x0 by controlling the current A flowing in the mist generating unit 10 such that the current A repeatedly increases and decreases in a range not more than the predetermined value A0.
  • the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of mist is configured to repeatedly increase and decrease in a range not more than the predetermined value x0 multiplied by a predetermined factor y.
  • the detection unit 11 detects that the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the nitrate ion-contained mist reaches the predetermined amount (threshold value) x0, the current A flowing in the mist generating unit 10 is gradually reduced so as to gradually reduce the detected acidity (nitrate ion concentration).
  • the current A flowing in the mist generating unit 10 is controlled to repeatedly increase and decrease in a range not more than the predetermined value A0 multiplied by the predetermined factor y so that the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the nitrate ion-contained mist repeatedly increases and decreases in a range not more than the predetermined amount (threshold value) x0 multiplied by the factor y.
  • the predetermined amount (threshold value) x0 is a value corresponding to a concentration of about 9 mm/L which is represented by an amount of acidic mist dissolved in a certain amount of liquid after the acidic mist continues to be generated for 10 minutes at a distance of 3 cm.
  • the predetermined amount (threshold value) x0 is preferably, 30 to 40 mg/L and more preferably, about 36 mg/L.
  • the current A flowing in the mist generating unit 10 is set to 5 to 15 ⁇ A and more preferably, 8 to 10 ⁇ A.
  • the predetermined factor is preferably, set to three quarters to one half and more preferably, about two thirds.
  • the condition of hair after use of the hair dryer 1 can be made closer to the condition of hair to which mist containing the acidic component with a concentration of 9 mg/L has been applied for 10 seconds from a distance of 10 cm.
  • the controller 8 controls the mist generating unit 10 so that the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist which is detected by the detection unit 11 repeatedly increases and decreases in a range not more than the predetermined value.
  • the mist generating unit 10 is then controlled such that the mist containing nitrate ions (acidic component) is generated with the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) thereof varying in a range not more than the threshold value multiplied by the predetermined factor. This can prevent nitrate ions (acidic component) from locally adhering only to a part of hair.
  • a method to control the generation of nitrate ion-contained mist to have varying degrees of acidity it is also possible to control the acidity thereof sinusoidally.
  • the acidity may be controlled so as to provide a pulse waveform or a decaying waveform.
  • control of the second embodiment can be applied to the hair dryers 1A and 1B shown in the modifications of the first embodiment.
  • the hair dryer 1 according to a third embodiment has the same configuration as the hair dryer 1 of the first embodiment.
  • the control performed by the controller 8 is different from that of the first embodiment.
  • the control by the controller 8 of the third embodiment basically is substantially the same as the control by the controller 8 of the first embodiment.
  • the control of the third embodiment mainly differs from that of the first embodiment in that the mist generating unit 10 is controlled such that the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist which is detected by the detection unit 11 simply stays in a range not more than a predetermined value.
  • the controller 8 is configured to control the amount of nitrate ion-contained mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 according to the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist detected by the detection unit 11.
  • the controller 8 drives the mist generating unit 10 when the air supply unit 5 is driven.
  • the controller 8 then controls the mist generating unit 10 so that the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist detected by the detection unit 11 is not more than the predetermined value.
  • the electricity also flows in the detection unit 11 to positively charge the detection unit 11. Since the acidic component (nitrate ions) contained in the mist is negatively charged, the nitrate ions adhere to the positively-charged detection unit 11, and the charge amount of the detection unit 11 changes. Based on the change per unit time in the charge amount of the detection unit 11, the amount of nitrate ions contained in the mist is detected. For example, the charge amount of the detection unit 11 is measured every 10 seconds using the timer 81, and the difference between the amounts of charges currently measured and measured 10 seconds before is used to calculate the amount of nitrate ions.
  • the control of the mist generating unit 10 by the controller 8 is started several seconds after the motor 52 of the air supply unit 5, heating unit 6, mist generating unit 10, and detection unit 11 are supplied with electric power.
  • the time between the supply of electric power and the start of the control is about 10 seconds.
  • the detection unit 11 detects the concentration of nitrate ions (acidic component) constantly, preferably once every three seconds. If the acidity of nitrate ion-contained mist (nitrate ion concentration) reaches a predetermined amount (a threshold value) x0, the controller 8 performs the control such that the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the nitrate ion-contained mist which is detected by the detection unit 11 changes in a range not more than the predetermined value x0.
  • the detection unit 11 detects that the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the nitrate ion-contained mist reaches the predetermined amount (threshold value) x0, the current A flowing to the mist generating unit 10 is changed to stay in a range not more than a predetermined current A0 so that the detected acidity (nitrate ion concentration) changes to stay in a range not more than the predetermined value x0.
  • the predetermined amount (threshold value) x0 is a value corresponding to a concentration of about 9 mm/L which is represented by an amount of acidic mist dissolved in a certain amount of liquid after the acidic mist continues to be generated for 10 minutes at a distance of 3 cm.
  • the predetermined amount (threshold value) x0 is preferably 30 to 40 mg/L and more preferably, about 36 mg/L.
  • the current A flowing to the mist generating unit 10 is set to 5 to 15 ⁇ A and more preferably 8 to 10 ⁇ A.
  • the condition of hair after use of the hair dryer 1 can be made closer to the condition of hair to which the mist containing the acidic component with a concentration of 9 mg/L has been applied for 10 seconds from a distance of 10 cm.
  • control of the third embodiment can be applied to the hair dryers 1A and 1B as shown in the modifications of the first embodiment.
  • a hair dryer 1C according to a fourth embodiment basically has the same configuration as that of the second modification of the first embodiment.
  • the hair dryer 1C includes the air channel 4 which is provided in the housing 3 and has the inlet opening (suction port) 4a and the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b at both ends.
  • the air supply unit 5 is placed in the upstream of the air channel 4.
  • the air supply unit 5 is configured to introduce air through the inlet opening (suction port) 4a and discharge the air through the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b.
  • the heating unit 6 configured to heat air is provided on the downstream side of the air supply unit 5.
  • the mist generating unit 10 and detection unit 11 are provided within the air channel 4.
  • the mist generating unit 10 is configured to generate mist containing nitrate ions (the acidic component), and the detection unit 11 is configured to detect the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist generated by the mist generating unit 10.
  • the controller 8 configured to control the amount of mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 is provided in the cavity of the housing 3 of the grip 1a.
  • the air channel 4 includes the branch channel 4c which is branched at the downstream side of the air supply unit 5 and at the upstream side of the heating unit 6 and is supplied with air not having passed through the heating unit 6.
  • the air channel 4 supplied with air having passed through the heating unit 6 and the branch channel 4c supplied with air not having passed through the heating unit 6 are formed by providing the partition plate 3a in the housing 3 of the body 1b.
  • the branch channel 4c may be formed by providing an inner cylinder surrounding the heating unit 6 within the housing 3 of the body 1b.
  • the mist generating unit 10 is provided within the branch channel 4c.
  • the controller 8 is configured to control the amount of nitrate ion-contained mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 according to the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist which is detected by the detection unit 11.
  • the amount of nitrate ion-contained mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 is controlled by any one of the control methods described in the aforementioned first to third embodiments.
  • the hair dryer 1C according to the fourth embodiment mainly differs from that of the second modification of the first embodiment in that the hair dryer 1C includes an air volume switch 12 switching the air volume.
  • the air volume switch 12 is formed above the power switch 7 of the grip 1a and is connected to the controller 8 by a conductor.
  • the air volume switch 12 is configured to switch between two air volumes.
  • the hair dryer 1C includes a second controller controlling the mist generating unit 10 so that the amount of generated mist is reduced when the air volume switch 12 is driven to reduce the air volume.
  • the controller 8 serves as the second controller.
  • the second controller may be provided separately from the controller 8.
  • the air volume switch 12 is connected to the second controller separately provided from the controller 8 through a conductor.
  • the electricity also flows to the detection unit 11 to positively charge the detection unit 11. Since the acidic component (nitrate ions) contained in the mist is negatively charged, the nitrate ions adhere to the positively-charged detection unit 11, and the charge amount of the detection unit 11 changes. Based on the change per unit time in the charge amount of the detection unit 11, the amount of nitrate ions contained in the mist is detected. For example, the charge amount of the detection unit 11 is measured every 10 seconds using the timer 81, and the difference between the amounts of charges currently measured and measured 10 seconds before is used to calculate the amount of nitrate ions.
  • control of the mist generating unit 10 by the controller 8 is started several seconds after the electric power is supplied to the motor 52 of the air supply unit 5, heating unit 6, mist generating unit 10, and detection unit 11.
  • the time between the supply of electric power and the start of the control is about 15 sec.
  • the control of the mist generating unit 10 is started at (T0 + 15) seconds.
  • the time to the start of the control also can be about 10 seconds.
  • the detection unit 11 detects the concentration of nitrate ions (acidic component) constantly, preferably once every three seconds. If the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of nitrate ion-contained mist reaches a predetermined amount (a threshold value) x0, the controller 8 controls the amount of mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 such that the nitrate ion concentration of mist containing nitrate ions is kept constant at the threshold value x0 multiplied by the predetermined factor y.
  • a threshold value a predetermined amount
  • the detected acidity (nitrate ion concentration) is kept constant at the threshold value x0 multiplied by the predetermined factor y by controlling the current A flowing to the mist generating unit 10 to a predetermined value.
  • the predetermined amount (threshold value) x0 is a value corresponding to a concentration of about 9 mm/L which is represented by an amount of acidic mist dissolved in a certain amount of liquid after the acidic mist continues to be generated for 10 minutes at a distance of 3 cm.
  • the predetermined amount (threshold value) x0 is preferably 30 to 40 mg/L and more preferably about 36 mg/L.
  • the current A flowing to the mist generating unit 10 is set to 5 to 15 ⁇ A and more preferably 8 to 10 ⁇ A.
  • the predetermined factor is set to three quarters to one half and more preferably, about two thirds. In the example of Fig. 10 , the predetermined factor y is set to three fourths (the current A flowing to the mist generating unit 10 is controlled to 3/4 of A0).
  • the condition of hair after use of the hair dryer 1 can be made closer to the condition of hair to which mist containing the acidic component with a concentration of 9 mg/L has been applied for 10 seconds from a distance of 10 cm.
  • the hair dryer 1C is supplied with a power of 600 W (T1 in Fig. 10 ) and blows air at 0.75 m2/min.
  • the controller 8 controls the amount of mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 such that the amount of generated acidic mist is half the amount of mist generated when the power supply is 1200 W.
  • the controller 8 therefore controls the mist generating unit 10 so that the current A flowing to the mist generating unit 10 is 3/8 of A0.
  • the controller 8 as the second controller controls the mist generating unit 10 so that the amount of generated mist is reduced when the air volume switch 12 is activated to reduce the air volume.
  • the air dryer 1C blows air at 1.3 m2/min.
  • the control by the controller 8 returns to the original state.
  • the controller 8 controls the amount of mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 so that the nitrate ion concentration of mist containing nitrate ions is kept constant at the threshold value x0 multiplied by the predetermined factor y (3/4 in Fig. 10 ), that is, so that the current A flowing to the mist generating unit 10 is 3/4 of A0.
  • the controller (second controller) 8 of the hair dryer (heat blower) 1C controls the mist generating unit 10 so that the amount of generated mist is reduced when the air volume switch 12 is activated to reduce the air volume.
  • the controller (second controller) 8 controls the mist generating unit 10 so that the mist generating unit 10 generates an amount of mist according to the air volume.
  • the mist generating unit 10 is controlled so that the amount of generated mist is reduced when the air volume is reduced. This can prevent that the mist containing nitrate ions (acidic component) with a high concentration is discharged to be adhered to hair. It is therefore possible to discharge mist containing appropriate nitrate ions (acidic component) for the type of hair or skin regardless of an increase or decrease in air volume, thus preventing hair or skin from being damaged.
  • the normal control of the mist generating unit 10 by the controller 8 is the control shown in the first embodiment.
  • the normal control of the mist generating unit 10 by the controller 8 also can be the control shown in the second or third embodiment.
  • the configuration and control of the fourth embodiment can be applied to the hair dryers 1 and 1A shown in the first embodiment and modification thereof.
  • a hair dryer 1D according to the embodiment basically has the same configuration as that of the second modification of the first embodiment.
  • the hair dryer 1D includes the air channel 4 which is placed within the housing 3 and is provided with the inlet opening (suction port) 4a and the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b at both ends.
  • the air supply unit 5 is provided in the upstream of the air channel 4.
  • the air supply unit 5 is configured to introduce air through the inlet opening (suction port) 4a and discharge the air through the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b.
  • the heating unit 6 configured to heat the air is provided.
  • the mist generating unit 10 and detection unit 11 are provided within the air channel 4.
  • the mist generating unit 10 is configured to generate mist containing nitrate ions (the acidic component), and the detection unit 11 is configured to detect the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist generated by the mist generating unit 10.
  • the controller 8 configured to control the amount of mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 is provided in the cavity of the housing 3 of the grip 1a.
  • the air channel 4 includes the branch channel 4c which is branched at the downstream side of the air supply unit 5 and at the upstream side of the heating unit 6 and is supplied with air not passing through the heating unit 6.
  • the air channel 4 supplied with air having passed through the heating unit 6 and the branch channel 4c supplied with air not having passed through the heating unit 6 are formed by providing the partition plate 3a in the housing 3 of the body 1b.
  • the branch channel 4c may be formed by providing an inner cylinder surrounding the heating unit 6 within the housing 3 of the body 1b.
  • the mist generating unit 10 is provided within the branch channel 4c.
  • the controller 8 is configured to control the amount of nitrate ion-contained mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 according to the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist which is detected by the detection unit 11.
  • the amount of nitrate ion-contained mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 is controlled by any one of the control methods described in the aforementioned first to third embodiments.
  • the hair dryer 1D according to the fifth embodiment mainly differs from that of the second modification of the first embodiment in that the hair dryer 1D includes an air temperature switch 13 for changing air temperature.
  • the air temperature switch 13 is formed above the power switch 17 of the grip 1a and is connected to the controller 8 through a conductor.
  • the heating unit 6 is switched between on and off for switching between two air temperatures.
  • the hair dryer 1D includes a second controller controlling the mist generating unit 10 so that the amount of generated mist is reduced when the air temperature switch 13 is activated to reduce the air temperature.
  • the controller 8 serves as the second controller.
  • the second controller may be provided separately from the controller 8.
  • the air temperature switch 13 is connected to the second controller separately provided from the controller 8 through a conductor.
  • the electricity also flows to the detection unit 11 to positively charge the detection unit 11. Since the acidic component (nitrate ions) contained in the mist is negatively charged, the nitrate ions adhere to the positively-charged detection unit 11, thus changing the charge amount of the detection unit 11. Based on the change per unit time in the charge amount of the detection unit 11, the amount of nitrate ions contained in the mist is detected. For example, the charge amount of the detection unit 11 is measured every 10 seconds using the timer 81, and the difference between the amounts of charges currently measured and measured 10 seconds before is used to calculate the amount of nitrate ions.
  • control of the mist generating unit 10 by the controller 8 is started several seconds after the motor 52 of the air supply unit 5, heating unit 6, mist generating unit 10, and detection unit 11 are supplied with electric power.
  • the time between the supply of electric power and the start of the control is about 15 seconds.
  • time to the start of the control also can be set to about 10 seconds.
  • the detection unit 11 detects the concentration of nitrate ions (acidic component) constantly, preferably once every three seconds. If the acidity of nitrate ion-contained mist (nitrate ion concentration) reaches a predetermined amount (a threshold value) x0, the controller 8 controls the amount of mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 so that the nitrate ion concentration of mist containing nitrate ions is kept constant at the threshold value x0 multiplied by the predetermined factor y.
  • a threshold value a predetermined amount
  • the detected acidity (nitrate ion concentration) is kept constant at the threshold value x0 multiplied by the predetermined factor y by controlling the current A flowing in the mist generating unit 10 to a predetermined value.
  • the predetermined amount (threshold value) x0 is a value corresponding to a concentration of about 9 mm/L which is represented by an amount of acidic mist dissolved in a certain amount of liquid after the acidic mist continues to be generated for 10 minutes at a distance of 3 cm.
  • the predetermined amount (threshold value) x0 is preferably 30 to 40 mg/L and more preferably about 36 mg/L.
  • the current A flowing to the mist generating unit 10 is set to 5 to 15 ⁇ A and more preferably 8 to 10 ⁇ A.
  • the predetermined factor y is set to three quarters to one half and more preferably, about two thirds.
  • Fig. 12 shows an example where the predetermined factor y is set to three fourths (the current A flowing to the mist generating unit 10 is controlled to 3/4 of A0).
  • the condition of hair after use of the hair dryer 1D can be made closer to the condition of hair to which mist containing the acidic component with a concentration of 9 mg/L has been applied for 10 seconds from a distance of 10 cm.
  • the air temperature switch 13 is operated to change the air temperature during use of the hair dryer 1D, power supply to the heating unit 6 is stopped (T1 in Fig. 12 ).
  • the air temperature decreases from about 120°C to about 30°C to deliver air blow of about 30°C if the air temperature is measured at a distance of 15 cm under the environment of 30°C.
  • the controller 8 controls the amount of mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 so that the amount of the generated acidic mist is half the amount of acidic mist which is generated when the electric power is supplied to the heating unit 6.
  • the controller 8 is configured to control the mist generating unit 10 so that the current A flowing to the mist generating unit 10 is 3/8 of A0.
  • the controller 8 as the second controller controls the mist generating unit 10 so that the amount of generated mist is reduced when the air temperature switch 13 is activated to reduce the air temperature.
  • the hair dryer 1D blows out air of about 120°C.
  • the control by the controller 8 also returns to the original state.
  • the controller 8 controls the amount of mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 so that the nitrate ion concentration of mist containing nitrate ions is kept constant at the threshold value x0 multiplied by the predetermined factor y (3/4 in Fig. 12 ), that is, so that the current A flowing to the mist generating unit 10 is 3/4 of A0.
  • the controller 8 as the second controller is configured to control the mist generating unit 10 so that the amount of generated mist is reduced when the air temperature switch 13 is activated to reduce the air temperature.
  • mist containing nitrate ions (acidic component)
  • the cold air closes cuticles to make it difficult for the acidic component to enter hair. Accordingly, if the same amount of mist containing nitrate ions (acidic component) is supplied when cold air of about 30°C is applied to hair as when hot air of about 120°C is being applied to hair, mist containing an excessive amount of nitrate ions (acidic component) is supplied to hair.
  • mist generating unit 10 controls the mist generating unit 10 so that the amount of generated mist is reduced when the air temperature is reduced, it is possible to prevent that the mist containing an excessive amount of nitrate ions (acidic component) is discharged to hair. It is therefore possible to discharge mist containing an appropriate amount of nitrate ions (acidic component) for the type of hair or skin regardless of the air temperature, thus preventing hair and skin from being damaged.
  • control of the mist generating unit 10 normally performed by the controller 8 is the control as shown in the first embodiment.
  • the control of the mist generating unit 10 normally performed by the controller 8 also can be the control as shown in the second or third embodiment.
  • the configuration and control of the fifth embodiment also can be applied to the hair dryers 1 and 1A as shown in the first embodiment and modification thereof.
  • a hair dryer 1E according to the embodiment basically has the same configuration as that of the fourth embodiment.
  • the hair dryer 1E includes the air channel 4 which is placed in the housing 3 and is provided with the inlet opening (suction port) 4a and the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b at both sides.
  • the air supply unit 5 is placed in the upstream of the air channel 4.
  • the air supply unit 5 is configured to introduce air through the inlet opening (suction port) 4a and discharge the air through the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b.
  • the heating unit 6 configured to heat air is provided on the downstream side of the air supply unit 5.
  • the mist generating unit 10 and detection unit 11 are provided within the air channel 4.
  • the mist generating unit 10 is configured to generate mist containing nitrate ions (the acidic component), and the detection unit 11 is configured to detect the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist generated by the mist generating unit 10.
  • the controller 8 configured to control the amount of mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 is provided in the cavity of the housing 3 of the grip 1a.
  • the air channel 4 includes the branch channel 4c which is branched at the downstream side of the air supply unit 5 and at the upstream side of the heating unit 6 and is supplied with air not passing through the heating unit 6.
  • the air channel 4 supplied with air passing through the heating unit 6 and the branch channel 4c supplied with air not passing through the heating unit 6 are formed by providing the partition plate 3a in the housing 3 of the body 1b.
  • the branch channel 4c may be formed by providing an inner cylinder surrounding the heating unit 6 within the housing 3 of the body 1b.
  • the mist generating unit 10 is provided within the branch channel 4c.
  • the controller 8 is configured to control the amount of nitrate ion-contained mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 according to the acidity (nitrate ion concentration) of the mist which is detected by the detection unit 11.
  • the amount of nitrate ion-contained mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 is controlled by any one of the control methods described in the aforementioned first to third embodiments.
  • the hair dryer 1E according to the sixth embodiment mainly differs from that of the fourth embodiment in that the hair dryer 1E includes the air temperature switch 13 for changing the air temperature as well as the air volume switch 12 for changing the air volume.
  • the air volume switch 12 and air temperature switch 13 are formed above the power switch 7 of the grip 1a and are connected to the controller 8 through conductors. The air volume and temperature can be individually switched between two levels.
  • the hair dryer 1E includes a second controller controlling the mist generating unit 10 such that the amount of generated mist is reduced when the air volume switch 12 is activated to reduce the air volume.
  • the controller 8 serves as the second controller.
  • the second controller may be separately provided from the second controller.
  • the push-type power switch 7 when the push-type power switch 7 is operated to turn on the power supply of the hair dryer 1, electric power (1200 W, for example) is supplied through a not-shown plug to the motor 52 of the air supply unit 5, heating unit 6, mist generating unit 10, and detection unit 11.
  • the fan 51 of the air supply unit 5 then is rotated to introduce air through the inlet opening (suction port) 4a into the air channel 4 and discharge air heated by the heating unit 6 through the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b.
  • the nitrate ion-contained mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 also is discharged through the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b.
  • the hair dryer 1E blows out air at 1.3 m2/min.
  • the air temperature is about 120°C when the air temperature is measured at a distance of about 15 cm under the environment of 30°C.
  • the electricity also flows to the detection unit 11 to positively charge the detection unit 11. Since the acidic component (nitrate ions) contained in the mist is negatively charged, the nitrate ions adhere to the positively-charged detection unit 11, thus changing the charge amount of the detection unit 11. Based on the change per unit time in the charge amount of the detection unit 11, the amount of nitrate ions contained in the mist is detected. For example, the charge amount of the detection unit 11 is measured every 10 seconds using the timer 81, and the difference between the amounts of charges currently measured and measured 10 seconds before is used to calculate the amount of nitrate ions contained in the mist.
  • control of the mist generating unit 10 by the controller 8 is started several seconds after the motor 52 of the air supply unit 5, heating unit 6, mist generating unit 10, and detection unit 11 are supplied with power.
  • the time between the supply of electric power and the start of the control is about 15 seconds.
  • the control of the mist generating unit 10 is started at (T0 + 15) seconds.
  • the time to the start of the control also can be about 10 seconds.
  • the detection unit 11 detects the concentration of nitrate ions (acidic component) constantly, preferably once every three seconds. If the acidity of nitrate ion-contained mist (nitrate ion concentration) reaches a predetermined amount (a threshold value) x0, the controller 8 controls the amount of mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 so that the nitrate ion concentration of the mist containing nitrate ions is kept constant at the predetermined value x0 multiplied by the predetermined factor y.
  • the detected acidity (nitrate ion concentration) is kept constant at the threshold value x0 multiplied by the predetermined factor y by controlling the current A flowing in the mist generating unit 10 to a predetermined value.
  • the predetermined amount (threshold value) x0 is a value corresponding to a concentration of about 9 mm/L which is represented by an amount of acidic mist dissolved in a certain amount of liquid after the acidic mist continues to be generated for 10 minutes at a distance of 3 cm.
  • the predetermined amount (threshold value) x0 is preferably 30 to 40 mg/L and more preferably about 36 mg/L.
  • the current A flowing to the mist generating unit 10 is set to 5 to 15 ⁇ A and more preferably 8 to 10 ⁇ A.
  • the predetermined factor is set to three quarters to one half and more preferably about two thirds. In the example as shown in Fig. 12 , the predetermined factor y is set to three fourths (the current A flowing to the mist generating unit 10 is controlled to 3/4 of A0).
  • the condition of hair after use of the hair dryer 1E can be made closer to the condition of hair to which the mist containing the acidic component with a concentration of 9 mg/L has been applied for 10 seconds from a distance of 10 cm.
  • the hair dryer 1E is supplied with an electric power of 600 W, and power supply to the heating unit 6 is stopped (T1 in Fig. 10 ).
  • the hair dryer 1E therefore blows out air of about 30 °C at 0.75 m2/min.
  • the controller 8 controls the amount of mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 so that the amount of generated acidic mist is half the amount of mist which is generated when the power supply is 1200 W.
  • the controller 8 is configured to control the mist generating unit 10 such that the current A flowing to the mist generating unit 10 is 3/8 of A0.
  • the controller 8 as the second controller is configured to control the mist generating unit 10 so that the amount of generated mist is reduced when the air volume switch 12 is activated to reduce the air volume.
  • the air dryer 1E blows out air of about 120°C at 1.3 m2/min. In this case, the control by the controller 8 returns to the original normal state.
  • the controller 8 controls the amount of mist generated by the mist generating unit 10 so that the nitrate ion concentration of the mist containing nitrate ions is kept constant at the threshold value x0 multiplied by the predetermined factor y (3/4 in Fig. 10 ), that is, so that the current A flowing to the mist generating unit 10 is 3/4 of A0.
  • the controller 8 performs the control to generate half the amount of acidic mist which is generated when the power supply is 1200 W (the control between T1 and T2 in Fig. 10 ) since the hair dryer 1E blows out air at 0.75 m2/min.
  • the second controller controls the mist generating unit 10 so that the amount of generated mist is reduced when the air volume switch 12 is activated to reduce the air volume.
  • the second controller also may be configured to control the mist generating unit 10 so that the amount of generated mist is reduced not only when the air volume switch 12 is activated to reduce the air volume but also when the air temperature switch 13 is activated to reduce the air temperature.
  • the configuration and control of the sixth embodiment can be applied to the hair dryers 1 and 1A as shown in the first embodiment and modifications thereof.
  • the mist generating unit is an electrostatic atomization apparatus, for example.
  • the mist generating unit may be a Venturi-type apparatus which discharges liquid containing nitrate ions (acidic component) from a Venturi tube.
  • the control is performed based on the detected concentration of nitrate ions contained in the mist.
  • the control may be performed by detecting another component to predict the amount of acidic component to be atomized.
  • the mist containing the acidic component is generated by electrostatic atomization using electrodes made of Pt or Zn, the amount of discharged Pt or Zn is in a substantially proportional relationship with the amount of acidic component.
  • mist generating unit only the mist generating unit is controlled.
  • the air volume or heat amount may be controlled in combination.
  • the air volume switch switches between two air volumes.
  • the air volume switch may switch among three or more air volumes.
  • the air temperature switch switches between two air temperatures.
  • the air temperature switch may switch among three or more air temperatures.

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  • Cleaning And Drying Hair (AREA)
  • Devices For Medical Bathing And Washing (AREA)
  • Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)
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JP6820534B2 (ja) * 2017-03-01 2021-01-27 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 加熱送風装置
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JP2023050542A (ja) * 2021-09-30 2023-04-11 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 理美容機器

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JP2009136303A (ja) 2007-12-03 2009-06-25 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd ヘアドライヤー
WO2010013614A1 (ja) * 2008-07-31 2010-02-04 パナソニック電工株式会社 髪ケア装置

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2929799A1 (de) * 2014-04-11 2015-10-14 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Heizgebläse
US9498039B2 (en) 2014-04-11 2016-11-22 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Heating blower
CN112469305A (zh) * 2018-07-25 2021-03-09 皇家飞利浦有限公司 具有传感器和可拆卸附件的吹风机
CN112469305B (zh) * 2018-07-25 2023-04-14 皇家飞利浦有限公司 具有传感器和可拆卸附件的吹风机
EP3721748A3 (de) * 2019-04-11 2021-03-10 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Verfahren zur steuerung eines wärmegebläsesystems

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