ES2941789T3 - Hairdryer comprising a damping support - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention refers to a hair dryer (1) comprising an air circulation chamber (3) provided with an inlet area (4) and an outlet area (5), an air circulation system (6 ) and at least one heating element (12), as well as a motor (8) configured to drive a propeller (7) in rotation, which extends downstream of said inlet zone (4) when considering the direction of air movement. between said input (4) and output (5) zones, said motor (8) being mounted on an elastically deformable damping support (9), characterized in that said damping support (9) has a conical outer shape. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Hairdryer comprising a damping support

General technical scope

The invention is situated in the general field of hairdressing appliances, such as hair dryers, for example. state of the art

Many domestic blower appliances incorporate a rotating part to produce a radial air flow inside the appliance. The rotating part (propeller) is, for example, driven in rotation by an electric motor block incorporated in the apparatus.

Such rotating parts are used in particular in appliances in the category of hair dryers, to produce a flow of exhaust air. A hair dryer usually comprises a handle held by the user, as well as a longitudinal portion generally perpendicular to the handle, for air circulation. The air flow leaving the longitudinal portion is usually heated by heating means.

In hair dryers of the state of the art, the air flow is generated by a rotating propeller-type part that moves the air from an air inlet area to an air outlet area.

Such a hair dryer is described, for example, in the international application WO 2017/017330 A1.

The noise pollution associated with this type of device is mainly due to air currents and the vibrations of the parts contained in the device.

In the prior art, hair dryers are also known whose electric motor is housed in a shock-absorbing support generally known by the term - silenbloc - whose function is to reduce the vibrations generated by the motor (the propeller attached to the motor) and transmitted to the rest of the appliance. . Such an apparatus is described, for example, in the document CN 108937062 A.

However, it is found that such damping support can be improved in terms of size and aerodynamics. Indeed, the damping supports of the prior art generally generate a significant increase in the diameter of the hair dryers and/or a disturbance of the air flow current, given their size.

There is therefore an unmet need to date for a hair dryer whose damping support is satisfactory from the point of view of size and aerodynamics and which, as far as possible, makes it possible to effectively filter the vibrations generated by the engine.

Presentation of the invention

The present invention concerns a hair dryer as defined in claim 1. Preferred features of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

For this purpose, the present invention proposes a hair dryer comprising an air circulation chamber provided with an inlet area and an outlet area, an air circulation system and at least one heating element, as well as a motor. configured to drive a propeller in rotation, which extends downstream from said inlet zone when considering the direction of air movement between said inlet and outlet zones, said motor being mounted inside a elastically deformable damping support. This hair dryer is characterized in that said damping support has a frustoconical external shape. Thanks to this particular shape of the damping support, its size is drastically limited and an aerodynamic, profiled shape is given to it, which facilitates the circulation of air around it, which opposes at least the circulation of air inside the hair dryer. hair.

The expression "hairdryer" refers to any household appliance, generally any hairdressing appliance, which makes it possible to produce a flow of air against the hair, preferably hot, so as to dry the latter. Thus, in an illustrative and non-restrictive manner, this expression designates hair dryers in the strict sense, but also blower brushes, rotating blower brushes, or even Coanda effect hair pulling devices, etc. According to other advantageous and non-limiting characteristics of the invention, taken alone or according to any combination of two or more of them:

- the legs are arranged diametrically opposite two by two around the motor;

- the number of legs is equal to four;

- the motor is partially inserted in the damper mount;

- the motor is inserted into the damper mount for approximately half of its length; preferably about one-half to about two-thirds of its length.

- the shock absorber is made of rubber;

- the damping support has a Shore A hardness of between 40 and 90, preferably between 60 and 80; - the damping support has a Shore hardness of the order of 70;

- Said motor is fixed to a rigid support part, which is integral with said damping support.

Description of the figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description that will be given below, with reference to the attached drawings, which represent, by way of indication but not limitation, different possible embodiments.

In these drawings:

[fig. 1] Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a hair dryer according to the invention;

[fig. 2] Figure 2 illustrates internal components of the hair dryer of Figure 1;

[fig. 3] Figure 3 is an analogous view of the same hair dryer, showing external components;

[fig. 4] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional view of the damping support integrated in the hair dryer of the invention;

[fig. 5] Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, in which the motor of the hair dryer is seen placed on the damping support;

[fig. 6] Figure 6 is a detail view of a part of the damping support of figure 5, showing more specifically the attachment of the motor of the hair dryer to the damping support.

Detailed description of the invention

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the hair dryer 1 according to the invention comprises a body 10 that is extended downwards by a handle 11, which is only partially represented. This handle typically comprises buttons to manually control the hair dryer 1.

The body 10 presents a converging shape from right to left considering figure 1 and has a shape of revolution of longitudinal axis A. The body 10 is formed by two coaxial casings 2a and 2b. These casings can also be classified as casings.

The two casings 2a and 2b have a similar tapered general shape.

The casing 2a is external and contains all the components of the hair dryer 1. This houses the casing 2b which constitutes an internal casing or casing and contains a substantial number of the components of the hair dryer. The external casing 2a is visible to the user while the internal casing 2b is concealed inside the external casing 2a and is therefore not visible to the user under normal conditions of use. Annular vibration isolation devices that preferably form joints 20 are arranged between the inner 2b and outer 2a casings and make it possible to isolate them from one another from the vibratory point of view.

An air inlet area 4 is located at one end of the outer casing 2a and an air outlet area 5 is located at its opposite end. An air circulation chamber 3 extends between the air inlet area 4 and the air outlet area 5.

During the operation of the hair dryer 1, ambient air is drawn in at the level of the air inlet area 4. The ambient air enters the air circulation chamber 3 through an opening made in the air inlet area. air 4 and in the internal casing 2b. The air is set in motion along the air circulation chamber 3 up to the air outlet area 5. A concentrator nozzle 50, preferably removable, is usually connected to this air outlet area 5, as shown in figures 2 and 3.

A circulation system allows this air to move. This circulation system comprises, from upstream to downstream, when considering the direction of air circulation between the air inlet 4 and air outlet 5 areas, a propeller 7 arranged in the vicinity of the air inlet area. air 4, a motor 8, preferably electric, to rotate the propeller 7, a rectifier 6 that makes it possible to channel and/or straighten the air at the outlet of the propeller 7. More specifically, the propeller 7 is advantageously chosen from among the propellers centrifuges or helicocentrifuges. This type of propeller, well known to those skilled in the art, works on the principle of a axial intake in the center of the propeller, and then a radial expulsion of air, under the effect of centrifugal force. This type of propeller therefore generates a radial air flow. Depending on the construction of the propeller 7, it is also possible to impart a helical component to the air flow. These propellers present interesting performance/noise compromises and therefore find all their interest for use in a hair dryer such as that of the invention.

The system also comprises at least one heating element 12 arranged downstream of the rectifier 6, which makes it possible to heat the air in the downstream part of the circulation chamber 3, before it is expelled through the outlet area 5. All of these elements are advantageously coaxial, which makes it possible to limit their radial size and to integrate perfectly into the shaft of a hair dryer. Such a construction is furthermore particularly simple, reliable and easy to implement.

The hair dryer also includes means for controlling and regulating the motor 8 and/or the heating element 12, which are not shown here, and which make it possible to individually modify parameters such as the speed of rotation of the motor and/or the heating temperature. , from an off position to a full power position, eventually passing through one or more intermediate positions.

The rectifier 6, as can be seen particularly in FIG. 3, comprises a body 60 with a converging shape from upstream to downstream, for example frustoconical, and whose external inlet diameter is greater than the external diameter of the propeller 7. It is placed as close as possible to this propeller so as to capture the air eddy generated by it. The function of the rectifier 6 is to channel the air flow coming out of the propeller 7 and straighten it. For this purpose, the rectifier 6 comprises on its periphery several rectifier blades 61 which here have a helical shape. In a different embodiment, the blades may have, for example, a spiral staircase shape. In other words, the rectifier 6 makes it possible to transform an air flow that has a radial or helicoradial component emitted by the propeller 7 into an air flow that essentially or only has an axial component.

As can be seen by comparing figure 1 on the one hand and figures 2 and 3 on the other, the body 60 of the rectifier 6 houses the mentioned motor 8 inside, which drives the propeller 7 in rotation on itself by a tree 80.

This motor 8 is mounted inside an elastically deformable damping support 9 which is shown in detail in figures 4 and 5.

According to the invention, this shock-absorbing support is characterized in that it has a frustoconical external shape. As indicated above, this particular shape of the elastically deformable damping support 9 makes it possible to drastically limit its size and to give it an aerodynamic shape that at least opposes the circulation of air inside the hair dryer. On the other hand, this elastically deformable damping support 9 contributes very significantly to filtering the vibrations generated by the motor 8 as well as the propeller 7 of the hair dryer when they are in operation.

The embodiment of this example of damping support represented in figures 4 and 5 is described more precisely below.

This elastically deformable damping support 9 comprises a base 90 in the shape of a thick disk, which has a circular and axial opening 900. This gives this base an annular shape whose opposite faces 901 and 902 are flat and parallel.

Four legs 91 extend from the face 901 which serve, as will be seen later, to hold and enclose the motor 8. These legs 91 form a single piece (that is to say monolithic) with the base 90. The expression legs here advantageously designates a protrusion 901 protruding from the face so that the elastically deformable damper 9 has a discontinuous outer surface. In other words, the elastically deformable damper 9 preferably does not have a continuous shape (such as a solid revolution shape such as a cone or a cylinder) but, on the contrary, a discontinuous shape, that is to say that it comprises protrusions and/or protrusions, advantageously shaped by said legs 91. In other words, the elastically deformable damper 9 is not a solid piece. This results in particular in the use of less material, and therefore a minimized cost and weight for the elastically deformable damper 9. In addition, air circulates easily around the motor which is therefore not enclosed in a closed space (since which is supported by legs) 10 that contributes to its good cooling. The expression "enclose" preferably designates a direct retention. Thus, the legs 91, preferably four in number, are advantageously in direct contact with the motor 8 and themselves ensure the support of the motor 8, gripping it directly. As explained, this makes it possible to increase the heat exchange surface between the motor 8 and its surroundings and therefore to improve the cooling of the latter.

In an embodiment not shown, the number of legs 91 is different from four. However, it is preferable that it be at least equal to three, in order to allow a good support of the motor 8. Advantageously and with the aim of perfect stability, the legs 91 are angularly equidistant. Thus, in the illustrated example, the number of legs is four and the legs 91 are diametrically opposed two by two, that is to say that they are separated by 90° each. In another example, where the number of legs 91 is 3, the legs 91 are 120° apart each.

The base of the legs has the reference 910, while its free end or tip has the reference 912. The base 910 is wide and extends radially, from the outer edge of the base 90 to the edge of the opening 900, forming without however a slight recess removed from this opening. These rise in the axial direction, parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the hair dryer, visible in particular in figure 1.

Each leg 91 comprises four faces indicated by the references 913 to 916. The internal face 913 is a flat face that extends in prolongation or almost in prolongation of the edge of the opening 900. The external face 914 that extends on the opposite side to the internal face has a converging shape whose convergence is directed in the direction of axis A, as it moves away from the base 90. Thus, the convergence is oriented in the direction of the air flow in order to confer it on the elastically deformable shock absorber support 9

It is the external faces 914 of the legs 91 that give the elastically deformable damping support 9 a frustoconical external shape. As explained above, this frustoconical external shape is discontinuous (not solid).

The last two side faces 915 and 916 are radially extending flat faces.

The free end 912 of the lugs 91 has a lug shape that protrudes slightly radially in the direction of the axis A.

It should be noted that each leg 91 is framed by two reinforcing elements or buttresses 93 that rise from the base 90 and bear against the side faces 915 and 916. These reinforcing elements 93 rise in part of the extension of the legs 91. This helps to fix the legs 91 well to the base 90, while allowing a certain displacement of their respective free ends 912.

Advantageously, this damping support is made of rubber. It is preferably in one piece (in other words, it is monolithic) and cast under vacuum.

According to a possible embodiment of the invention, this elastically deformable damping support 9 has a Shore A hardness of between 40 and 90, preferably between 60 and 80 and even more preferably of the order of 70. Using such hardness, a excellent compromise between the filtering of the vibrations generated by the motor 8 and the guiding (that is to say the fastening) of the latter. In this way, and as will be seen later, the engine is perfectly secured, preventing in particular any movement that would cause the propeller to come into contact with other fixed parts.

As shown in figure 5, the motor 8 is inserted inside the elastically deformable damping support 9, in the space delimited by the legs 91. This motor is cylindrical in shape and has an external diameter that substantially corresponds to that of the opening 900. The shaft 80 of the motor 8, which is attached to the propeller 7, extends through the opening 900.

The motor 8 is surrounded by an axially grooved cylindrical sleeve 82 whose function is to improve the performance of said motor 8 in particular against electromagnetic disturbances.

As shown in figure 5, the motor 8 is retained on the damping support 9 by the legs 91 and more specifically by its free end 912 in the form of a lug. A large movement of the motor in a radial direction is prevented by the feet 91, which effectively filter the vibrations likely to be generated.

On the other hand, and as seen in figure 6, the motor 8 is fixed to a support part 94 in the general shape of a disc, which is housed in the opening 900 of the base 90 of the elastically deformable damping support 9. This part of support 94 is rigid and is fixed to the elastically deformable damping support 9 by any known assembly means (overmolding, tight fit, etc.). The motor 8 is fixed directly to the support piece 94 by a pair of screws 940.

The presence of such a support piece 94 makes it possible to obtain an excellent fixing of the motor, avoiding a direct connection between the motor 8 and the elastically deformable material 9 of the damping support. The propeller 7 and motor 8 assembly is thus positioned precisely and firmly, limiting any risk of interference (contact, shock) between the propeller 7 and its surroundings during the operation of the apparatus, and optimizing aeraulic performance.

On the other hand, note the presence, in the body of the support piece 94, of large openings 941, the function of which will be explained in what follows.

It is noted, however, and advantageously but not necessarily, that the motor 8 is only partially inserted into the damping mount 9 in such a way that a part of its longitudinal extension extends beyond the free end 912 of the legs 91. Preferably, it is inserted into the shock absorber for about half to about two-thirds of its length.

Thus, a better cooling of the engine is obtained, whose released calories can circulate more freely. In addition, the wide openings 941 of the support piece 94 that allow the air to be conducted into the motor 8, as well as the The presence of oblong holes in the base 90 of the elastically deformable shock absorber support 9, together contribute to excellent engine cooling.

On the other hand, a good compromise is obtained between guiding/freedom of movement of the motor, which translates into a reduced rate of vibrations.

In this case, only the free end 912 of the legs 91 is in contact with the motor 8. This form of lug makes it possible to limit the contact between the motor 8 and the elastically deformable damping support 9 to a specific contact, or more precisely to several punctual contacts which allows, on the one hand, to leave a greater degree of freedom for the motor (according to a slight oscillating movement, for example) while allowing the legs 91 to deform slightly towards the outside to accommodate the motor 8.

The propeller 7 shown in the figures is configured to be actuated in rotation about the longitudinal axis A. It comprises a proximal wall defining an inlet opening intended to admit into the propeller an air flow directed along the longitudinal axis.

In addition, it comprises a plurality of air passage channels in fluid communication with the intake opening, said air passage channels being positioned around the longitudinal axis, each air passage channel extending radially outward from the longitudinal axis, between an input end and an output end. Thus, as can be seen in figures 2 and 3, the air is expelled from the propeller 7 through a plurality of channels or cells, radially to the longitudinal axis A. Such a propeller is then of the cellular type.

In such a propeller 7, in response to the rotation of the propeller 7, an air flow is admitted at the level of the intake opening, and is then driven radially outwards under the effect of the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the propeller. propeller. The radial airflow passes through the inlet ends and the outlet ends of the air passage channels. A high flow rate outgoing radial flow can be obtained.

Such a propeller 7 is of the centrifugal or helicocentrifugal type. This type of propeller 7 is particularly appreciated for its excellent compromise between generated noise and performance, in particular good flow rate and good resistance to pressure.

The volume that comes out of each radial air passage channel is less than the volume set in motion between two blades of the standard hair dryer propeller. Thus, noise pollution caused by the collision of the small volume of air coming out of each channel against fixed elements of the hair dryer is limited.

In addition, an increase in the natural vibration frequencies is observed, with respect to a centrifugal propeller of the state of the art. The acoustic noise generated by the movement of the air inside the propeller is therefore more acute.

Of course, instead of such a propeller, a propeller of traditional shape, known in the prior art, such as the one described in WO2017/017330, can be used.

Claims (9)

1. Hairdryer (1) comprising an air circulation chamber (3) provided with an inlet area (4) and an outlet area (5), an air circulation system (6, 7, 8 ) and at least one heating element (12), as well as a motor (8) configured to drive a propeller (7) in rotation, which extends downstream of said input area (4) when considering the direction of air displacement between the mentioned inlet (4) and outlet (5) zones, the said motor (8) being mounted inside an elastically deformable shock-absorbing support (9) that has a frustoconical external shape, characterized by Said damping support (9) comprises a set of legs (91) distant from each other, which enclose said motor (8). Hairdryer (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said legs (91) are diametrically opposed two by two around said motor (8). Hairdryer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number of legs (91) is equal to four. Hairdryer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said motor (8) is partially inserted into said damping support (9). Hairdryer (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said motor (8) is inserted into said damping support (9) for approximately half to approximately two thirds of its length. Hairdryer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said damping support (9) is made of rubber. Hairdryer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said damping support (9) has a Shore A hardness of between 40 and 90, preferably between 60 and 80. Hairdryer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said damping support (9) has a Shore A hardness of the order of 70. Hairdryer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said motor (8) is fixed to a rigid support part (94), which is integral with said damping support (9 ).