ES2942544A1 - HAIR DRYER WITH ADJUSTABLE AIR FLOW (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Hair dryer with adjustable air flow comprising at least one outer casing, a fan and a turbine whose diameters are smaller than those of the casing, a direct current electric motor, a rear air inlet channeled to the air outlet through a blow nozzle, and a control panel; where the dryer also has a diaphragm head with parallel retractable blades, which open and close based on the distance between the dryer and the user's hair, measured by an infrared proximity sensor. In this way, depending on the measured distance, the blades move closer or further away, generating a smaller or larger diaphragm opening respectively, and thus modifying the volume and/or intensity of air diffusion automatically. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

HAIR DRYER WITH ADJUSTABLE AIR FLOW

TECHNIQUE SECTOR

The present invention falls within objects for personal use for hair care, more specifically, electrical appliances known as hair dryers. These are, in particular, devices for drying hair by means of electrically heated air.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hair dryers are mainly made up of an outer casing made up of a head and a handle. Inside it, a rear suction opening with a circular shape is incorporated, a fan that can be centrifugal and with a diameter less than the maximum diameter of the outer casing, a turbine with a diameter less than the outer casing, a direct current electric motor or alternating, a convex-shaped blow nozzle also made of plastic and narrowed by the air outlet, a heating element and an air current passage through the outer casing from the suction opening to the hot air outlet through the blow nozzle.

In addition, they usually have a control panel or PCB (Printed Circuit Board in Anglo-Saxon terminology) installed inside the hair dryer device that controls the electronic circuit that allows regulating the use of the heating elements. In relation to the different modes of operation, this type of machine generally has various operating temperatures whose range is usually between 40°C and 140°C. Besides, may have a control panel installed on one side with external access that may consist of buttons, luminous LEDs or Light-Emitting Diodes as indicators and/or an LCD liquid crystal display or LCD (Liquid-Crystal Display).

The problem that frequently arises with these devices is being able to modify the intensity and/or the shape of the air flow that comes out of them in order to adapt it to different hairstyles.

The parameters that define the drying process and that can be modified are the temperature level, the speed level and the shape or concentricity of the air. Depending on the stage of the drying process in which the hair is, depending on the type of hair or the need to achieve a certain result, the drying process requires modifying these drying parameters. If the parameters are not adjusted to the needs of each moment, the drying process becomes longer because losses occur due to lack of efficiency.

Losses can occur by not using the correct and appropriate temperature or speed level. These parameters are controlled by the user. However, the shape or concentricity of the air flow is usually not modifiable. In this case, airflow losses usually occur when more or less air flow is used than necessary or when it is used more or less away from the head than necessary.

Professionals in the hairdressing sector have sufficient knowledge of the different types of hair and scalps, and they are able to adjust and direct the airflow of the dryer while handling the user's hair, taking into account the following parameters: the distance in which the hair dryer is located and the user's scalp, the speed level applied, and the type of hairstyle desired carry out. However, this airflow control is really unknown and uncertain for the basic knowledge user of hair dryers.

To solve this problem, some hair dryers use one or more detachable accessories, mounted at the outlet end of the appliance and allowing for the same number of airflow shapes. This presents the drawback of having to change various accessories during use of the appliance, which is annoying when accessories arranged in the vicinity of the heating means have to be handled. Another drawback is that of multiplying the number of accessories, which poses a problem of volume and storage of the appliance with its utensils, while having a limited number of shapes and intensities of air flow available.

Currently, existing hair dryers on the market are not capable of controlling the air outlet flow when they do not have an accessory incorporated at the end of the duct. For this reason, to change from one level of air flow to another, the accessories or nozzles must be manually exchanged and the user must control the distance at which the dryer is located from their head so as not to expose it to excessive temperatures that could damage the leather. scalp or treat it in an erroneous or catastrophic way, as well as, to achieve the desired hairstyle or style.

In the state of the art, hair dryers described in European patent documents ES2307278T3 SEB SA (2008) are known, which describes a hair dryer provided with a device for varying the outlet section of the air flow comprising a pivoting flap capable of moving between a first end position in which it allows the flow of air leaving the appliance to pass through practically the entire outlet end section of a hair dryer and a second end position in which it seals off the least partially this airflow outlet section.

A hair dryer is also known in the state of the art, described in the international patent document WO0221967A1 PEREZ LOUIS et al. (2002), which describes an adjustable air outlet at one end of the hollow body of the hair dryer to regulate the amount of air entering the elongated portion of the hollow body. And which stands out for an adjustable air outlet comprising, a diaphragm mechanism mounted at the front end of the elongated portion of the hollow body and having portions of petals movable with respect to each other to form an opening of continuously variable size from a minimum up to a maximum. Modifies the air outlet, but requires the user to manually modify the opening.

In short, in the state of the art we find dryers with parts and accessories that allow the outlet section to be modified, but there is no associated mode that automatically modifies the outlet flow of the hair dryer device, in the sense in which it is claimed. the present invention.

These solutions are valid for the problem posed, but limiting in terms of automation and customization of the airflow outlet applied to the hair during its drying process.

Thus, the technical problem that the present invention solves has to do with the possibility of being able to identify the distance in which the air outlet of the hair dryer is from the user's head during use of the device in order to adapt and regulating the shape and concentricity of the air expelled by the hair dryer apparatus.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The technical challenge to be solved with the present invention is to achieve a device that allows the recognition of the distance at which the hair dryer is located from the head and the scalp and hair of the user, in order to adjust the flow rate and shape of the air flow exiting the outlet section of the hair dryer apparatus for the purpose of adapting and progressively transitioning from a multidirectional amplified flow to a unidirectional concentrated and focused flow, and vice versa.

The drying apparatus has an adjustable air outlet at the front end of the hollow body portion for regulating the amount of air exhausted from the hair drying device. This adjustable outlet comprises a series of parallel blades or blades that are adjustable from a minimum separation between them to allow a minimum air flow within the hollow portion of the head, and a maximum separation between them to allow a maximum air flow within of the elongated portion of the hollow body.

The air outlet comprises a mechanically adjustable diaphragm, manually rotating a ring or driven by a series of gears that causes the diaphragm petals to move closer to each other or further apart to form a small or large circumference through through which airflow can pass.

The adjustable air outlet with a movable diaphragm mechanism mounted at the front end of the elongated hollow body portion and consisting of petal portions movable with respect to one another to form a controllable opening of variable size from a minimum to a maximum .

In this way, the hair dryer has the ability to regulate an air flow by modifying the useful outlet surface. Said air can be regulated both before and after having passed through the heating element or resistance, so it may be hot or at room temperature. This depends on whether or not the heating element is turned on.

The device that is presented allows the regulation of the air outlet surface allowing to modify at the same time the shape and concentricity of the air flow while modifying its power, since the air flow that moves the motor always achieve continuity. This is because the air flow in a closed duct is equal to the speed of the air over the surface through which it passes.

The advantage of this device is that it is fully incorporated and integrated into the head of the hair dryer, so its operation is completely independent of the additional accessory used.

The hair dryer has proximity sensors that will be in charge of measuring the distance at which the hair dryer is located from the hair or its scalp. Knowing said distance, the diaphragm mechanism located in the body of the drying apparatus regulates the opening level of the blades to allow a greater or lesser passage of air through the duct. This will help to have greater control of the direction of the air on the hair and prevent possible air loss, ensuring that all the flow will be used by the user's hair.

This regulation can be manual or semi-automated, depending on the need for user intervention that interacts with the drying device. The control in an automated or indirect way, arises from a system formed by an external body composed of a head and a mango. This device has a basically circular rear opening for the head to suck air by means of a fan with a diameter somewhat less than the diameter of the outer casing, and an electric motor that powers said fan. Next, it has one or more heating elements that transfer heat to the air that passes through forced convection.

Also, it has a control panel installed that can consist of buttons and indicators. Furthermore, it comprises at least one proximity sensor located inside the head of the drying apparatus, close to the air outlet of the hair dryer, which identifies the distance between the portion of the user's hair to be treated and the hair dryer device. Finally, it has a PCB or Controller Board (Printed Circuit Board in Anglo-Saxon terminology) installed inside the hair dryer device, which in turn is connected to the proximity sensor. Said PCB monitors the distances calculated by the proximity sensor, between the hair dryer apparatus and the user's hair.

Depending on the measurement made, the proximity sensor sends a signal to the PCB and this in turn activates at least one light indicator, or an audible indicator or any other type of indicator that notifies the user that adjustment is necessary. diaphragm mechanism manual to eliminate or decrease losses.

This regulation can be done by directly actuating the rotary mechanism that drags at least one of the blades that make up the shutter mechanism, the aforementioned blade is pivotally activated by means of a lever or by means of a button, which finally acts on the shutter itself. shutter mechanism or diaphragm, to regulate its opening. The shutter system moves about an axis perpendicular or inclined with respect to the air flow of the hair dryer apparatus.

On the other hand, manual or direct control occurs when at minus a proximity sensor located inside the head, it measures the distance between the user's hair and/or scalp with respect to the air outlet of the hair dryer. This sensor sends a signal to the control panel or PCB, which identifies and records the distance. The PCB is in turn connected to an additional electric motor to the main motor.

Based on the data obtained from the proximity sensor, the PCB regulates the power that supplies said additional motor. This motor is in charge of actuating the shutter or diaphragm system, which achieves its movement by being pushed by a series of gears or adjacent means, in order to move the blades that constitute the mechanism away from each other or closer together. The adjacent means or gears that drive the movement of the blades have a diameter less than or equal to the air outlet end of the appliance to ensure proper manageability. The decision of the opening level is made by the control panel or PCB based on the identified distance.

The control panel is in turn connected to the heating element. Thus, depending on the distances calculated, the control panel or PCB regulates the electrical supply of the heating element with the intention of modulating the temperature reached by it. In this way, possible incidents due to overheating of the user's hair or scalp are avoided when, for example, the hair dryer is located very close to the user.

When the drying process requires a concentrated air flow at a specific point, the air generated that does not affect that area derives as air losses in the drying process. With the present invention, the drying device recognizes by means of the distance the need to make the flow of air generated to a greater extent to a concentric focus, and helps to correct it in its movement towards and away from it.

In summary, the advantage of the present invention is that it allows the modification of the air outlet section of the drying device both manually and automatically, achieving an autonomous or semi-autonomous drying process that reduces air losses in the process.

Another advantage of the invention is that it reduces the need for the user to constantly perform manual changing operations of the removable accessories of the hair dryer apparatus, in order to modify the concentricity of the air flow.

The set of elements described represents an innovation with structural and functional characteristics, reasons that, together with its practical utility, provide it with a sufficient foundation for industrial application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description, where, with an illustrative and non-limiting nature, the following list of figures and references:

Figure. 1.- General view of the hair dryer with adjustable air flow.

Figure. 2.- Front view of the hair dryer with adjustable air flow.

Figure 3.- Perspective view of the hair dryer with adjustable air flow with its outer casing ( 1 ), Handle ( 2 ), Buttons ( 3 ), air inlet ( 4 ), air outlet ( 5 ), Head of the Diaphragm ( 6 ), Diaphragm Head Manual Override Button ( 7 ), and Blow Nozzle ( 8 ).

Figure 4.- Concentric shape of the air flow when the drying device is far from the user due to the closure of the diaphragm mechanism.

Figure 5.- General view of the diaphragm head in frontal and profile perspective with the diaphragm completely open.

Figure 6.- Sequential front view of the hair dryer with adjustable airflow with three positions: Diaphragm with maximum opening, Diaphragm semi-open, and Diaphragm with minimum opening. The first position of the diaphragm with maximum opening occurs when the air outlet is at a short distance from the focus or portion of hair to be treated. On the contrary, when the air outlet is at a distance from that source or the portion of hair to be treated, the hair dryer device detects the need to cover a specific and focused area, and the diaphragm blades move until reach minimum opening

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be embodied. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to carry out the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be used and logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and/or chemical changes may be made without departing from the scope. of the invention. To avoid details not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to carry out the detailed description should therefore not be taken in a limiting sense.

The invention consists of a hair dryer device comprising an outer casing ( 1 ), which can be made of plastic, a rear air inlet ( 4 ) with a circular shape, a fan, which can be centrifugal and with a diameter less than maximum diameter of the outer casing ( 1 ), a turbine with a smaller diameter than the outer casing, a direct current electric motor, a convex-shaped blow nozzle ( 8 ) also made of plastic and narrowed by the air outlet , a heating element that can be an electrical resistance, a passage of air current that crosses the outer casing ( 1 ) from the suction opening to the outlet of hot air ( 5 ) through the blow nozzle ( 8 ), a panel control or PCB installed in the handle ( 2 ) that can consist of buttons ( 3 ) and luminous LEDs as indicators.

In its front front part there is a diaphragm head ( 6 ) with parallel retractable blades or blades located in the casing ( 1 ) of the drying device, which allows the partial opening and closing of the air outlet duct to the outside with the that the output section of the same can be modified. Said head is placed between the blow nozzle ( 8 ) and the outer casing ( 1 ).

The device can also have a button ( 7 ) that allows the diaphragm to be manually opened and closed during the drying process simply by pressing it by the user. It has one or several proximity infrared sensors that are located on the front of the dryer to measure the distance between the user and the device. And it also contains an electric motor, located inside the device that is responsible for opening and closing the opening of the diaphragm mechanism ( 6 ) based on the reading made by the infrared proximity sensor. In addition, a PCB installed inside the hair dryer apparatus controls that it correctly executes the tasks of opening and closing the retractable blades, since it processes the information and activates the electric motor, increasing the opening of the air diffuser in a close position. to the head - from 0.1 to 10 cm -, and closing it with a greater degree of air concentration as it moves away. And finally, in its lower rear part it has the entrance of the electrical supply.

When the device calculates that the air outlet is at a short distance from the portion of hair to be treated, the hair dryer unit interprets that it needs to cover a larger area and the diaphragm blades maintain the maximum opening (Figure.6 ). On the other hand, when the device identifies that the air outlet is at a large distance from the portion of hair to be treated (Figure.6), the hair dryer device detects that it needs to cover a limited area and the diaphragm blades they move until reaching the minimum opening.

In a preferred embodiment, the hair dryer apparatus automatically regulates the temperature reached by the heating element based on the distance at which the air outlet is located from the user's hair portion, thus preventing the hair is affected by the use of excessive temperature in the event that the device is very close to the area to be treated. The regulation of the temperature will be possible due to the control that the PCB exerts on the heating element by assigning the amount of current that passes to the resistance and that determines the temperature to be reached. The distance is defined by the infrared proximity sensor connected to the PCB.

Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the way of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field understands its scope and the advantages derived from it, stating that, Within its essential nature, it may be put into practice in other embodiments that differ in detail from the one indicated by way of example, and which will also achieve the protection that is sought provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.

The list of references or technical means of the present invention is as follows:

A).External part

1. Outer casing ( 1 )

2. Handle ( 2 )

3. Buttons ( 3 )

4. Indicators

5. Power cord

6. Air inlet ( 4 )

7. Air outlet ( 5 )

B). Internal-rear part

8. Heating medium

9. Fan

10. Main electric motor

11. Controller board (PCB)

12. Auxiliary electric motor

C). Internal-anterior part

13. Infrared proximity sensor (one or more)

14. Diaphragm head ( 6 )

15. Diaphragm head manual override button ( 7 ) 16. Blow nozzle ( 8 )

Claims (4)

1.- Hairdryer with adjustable air flow comprising at least one outer casing ( 1 ), a fan with a diameter less than the maximum diameter of its outer casing ( 1 ), a turbine with a diameter less than the outer casing ( 1 ), a direct current electric motor, a heating element, a rear air inlet ( 4 ) channeled to the hot air outlet ( 5 ) through the blow nozzle ( 8 ) as a passage for air current, and a control panel. control or PCB ( 11 ) characterized by comprising a diaphragm head ( 6 ) with parallel retractable blades located in the outer casing ( 1 ) for the partial opening and closing of the air outlet duct to the outside through the outlet, modifying the volume and/or intensity of air diffusion automatically depending on the distance of the dryer from the user's head by means of at least one proximity infrared ray sensor that measures said distance. Said head is placed between the blow nozzle ( 8 ) and the outer casing ( 1 ). 2. - Hair dryer with adjustable air flow, according to Claim 1, characterized in that the infrared proximity sensor sends the data on the proximity to the PCB that processes the information and drives the electric motor increasing the opening of the air diffuser in a position close to the head (from 0.1 to 10 cm), and closing it with a greater degree of concentration of air as it moves away. 3. - Hair dryer with adjustable air flow, according to any of the previous Claims , characterized in that the proximity sensor is an infrared sensor located in the front front part of the outer casing ( 1 ). 4. - Hair dryer with adjustable air flow, according to any of the previous Claims, characterized in that the device has a button ( 7 ) that allows the diaphragm head ( 6 ) to be manually opened and closed.