JP2004129959A

JP2004129959A - Folding type small electric apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP2004129959A
Application number: JP2002299489A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Kenji Endo; 遠藤　謙治
Original assignee: Kyushu Hitachi Maxell Ltd; Hitachi Maxell Ltd
Current assignee: Kyushu Hitachi Maxell Ltd; Maxell Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2002-10-11
Filing date: 2002-10-11
Publication date: 2004-04-30
Anticipated expiration: 2022-10-11
Also published as: JP4183065B2

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate wasteful consumption of a battery by surely preventing a power switch from turning into an ON state in carrying in a small electric apparatus with a foldable body case. SOLUTION: This folding type small electric apparatus includes an electric device incorporated inside the body case 1 and the power switch 10 changing over a conduction passage for the electric device into the ON state and the OFF state. The body case 1 is foldably and openably/closably constituted by connecting the ends of a first case 3 and a second case 4 together by a connecting shaft 5. The power switch 10 is operated associated with the opening/closing operation of the first case 3 and the second case 4 to turn the ON state and the OFF state and, only when the first case 3 and the second case 4 are widely opened into a use attitude, the power switch 10 turns the ON state. The power switch 10 is disposed near one connecting boss 25 and the power switch 10 can be changed over by the other connecting boss 19. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、本体ケースが折り畳み可能な携行用の小型電気機器、例えばイオン発生装置を内蔵している携行用のヘアーブラシに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
ヘアーブラシにおいて、ブラシ本体の内部にイオン発生装置と送風ファンとを設けることは公知である（例えば特許文献１参照）。そこでは、オゾンまたはイオンを発生する放電電極や、放電電流を調整するための電源回路、および送風ファンなどが、中空のブラシ本体の内部に収容されている。本発明に関して、ケースの姿勢変更動作を利用してスイッチを切り換えることは公知である（特許文献２参照）。そこでは、ドライヤ本体が壁面に固定した基部で上下揺動可能に支持してあり、揺動中心となるヒンジ部の近傍にドライヤ本体の姿勢変化を検知するスイッチが配されている。
【０００３】
【特許文献１】
実開平３−７４８１９号公報（６頁、第１図）
【特許文献２】
特開平６−４６９２１号公報（項番号００２２−００２３、図３）
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
本発明においては、本体ケースが折り畳み自在に連結される第１ケースと第２ケースとで構成され、小型電気機器をコンパクトに折り畳んだ状態で携行できるようにする。このような折り畳み可能な小型電気機器においては、電池の無駄な消費を避けるためにも、本体ケース内に収容した電装品が携行時に駆動されるのを確実に阻止する必要がある。例えば、本体ケースを折り畳んだ状態において、スイッチボタンやスイッチノブが折り畳まれたケースの対向面に臨むように配置すると、携行時に電源スイッチがオン状態に切り換わるのを避けることができる。
【０００５】
しかし万全とは言いがたく、例えば文房具や身装品などの小物がスイッチボタンとケースとの対向隙間に入り込んだり、折り畳んだ筈の本体ケースが徐々に拡開して、電源スイッチがオン状態に切り換わるおそれがある。このように、電源スイッチが誤ってオン状態になると、小型電気機器これ自体、あるいは小型電気機器を携行するバッグや鞄をいためてしまうおそれがある。とくに、本体ケースの内部に発熱機器が組み込まれている場合には、熱がこもるため危険である。
【０００６】
本発明の目的は、本体ケースが折り畳み自在に構成された小型電気機器において、携行時に電源スイッチがオン状態に切り換わるのを確実に防止し、以て電池の無駄な消耗を阻止し、さらに本体ケース内の電装品が駆動されることに基づく種々の不具合を解消することにある。本発明の目的は、コンパクトに折り畳める携行用のへアーブラシ、中でもイオン発生機能を備えた携行用のへアーブラシを提供することにある。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の小型電気機器は、本体ケース１と、本体ケース１の内部に組み込まれる電装品と、電装品用の通電路をオン状態とオフ状態とに切り換える電源スイッチ１０とを含む。本体ケース１は、第１ケース３と第２ケース４の端部どうしを連結軸５で連結して、両ケース３・４が折り畳まれる不使用姿勢と、両ケース３・４が全開される使用姿勢とに姿勢変更できるよう構成する。電源スイッチ１０は、第１ケース３と第２ケース４との開閉動作に連動して、オン状態とオフ状態とに切り換わるように構成し、第１ケース３と第２ケース４が使用姿勢に拡開操作された状態においてのみ、電源スイッチ１０がオン状態に切り換わるようになっていることを特徴とする。
【０００８】
具体的には、第１ケース３と第２ケース４とは、左右に隣接する連結ボス１９・２５と、連結ボス１９・２５どうしを連結する連結軸５とを介して相対回動自在に連結する。そして、片方の連結ボス２５の近傍に電源スイッチ１０を配置し、他方の連結ボス１９で電源スイッチ１０を切り換え操作できるようにする。
【０００９】
電源スイッチ１０は、第１ケース３と第２ケース４とのいずれか一方のケース内部に、外部から切り換え操作不能に収容されている。
【００１０】
第１ケース３と第２ケース４との間には、不使用姿勢と使用姿勢とにおいて、それぞれ両ケース３・４の開閉を規制する節動機構を設ける。電源スイッチ１０は、スイッチ端子５１を接離操作する切換えピース５３と、切換えピース５３を移動付勢するばね５４とを含む。連結ボス１９に電源スイッチ１０を切り換え操作する操作体６０を設ける。操作体６０は、切換えピース５３の接当腕５７をばね５４に抗してオフ状態に維持する受壁６１と、接当腕５７を落ち込み係合させてオン状態に維持する凹部６２とで構成する。
【００１１】
電源スイッチ１０は、一対のスイッチ端子５１・５１と、一方のスイッチ端子５１を他方のスイッチ端子５１に接離操作する切換えピース５３と、切換えピース５３を移動付勢するばね５４と、これらのスイッチ部品を支持するスイッチベース５５とでユニット部品化する。
【００１２】
一対の連結ボス１９・２５の片方２５に連結軸５を固定し、他方の連結ボス１９を連結軸５に相対回動可能に連結する。節動機構は、連結軸５に固定される第２節動板４１と、他方の連結ボス１９に固定されて第２節動板４１に対して相対回動する第１節動板４０とで構成する。両節動板４０・４１の摺動面には、互いに凹凸係合する係合突起４４と係合凹部４３とを設けて、不使用姿勢と使用姿勢とにおいて、第１ケース３と第２ケース４を開閉規制できるようにする。
【００１３】
第１節動板４０と第２節動板４１とは、それぞれ円板状に形成して板面どうしが摺動できるように密着接合されており、両節動板４０・４１の周縁に、互いに凹凸係合する係合突起４４と係合凹部４３とを設けることができる。
【００１４】
第１ケース３と第２ケース４とは、それぞれ側面視において半円状に形成し、折り畳み状態において第２ケース４と対向する第１ケース３の平坦壁にブラシユニット２を装着する。第１ケース３の内部には、マイナスイオンを生成する放電体１２およびトランス１１と、マイナスイオンをケース外へ送出する送風ファン１３と、送風ファン１３を回転駆動するモーター１４とを配置する。第２ケースの内部には、電池８および回路基板９を配置する。
【００１５】
【発明の作用効果】
本発明では、本体ケース１が、連結軸５を介して折り畳み開閉自在に連結された第１ケース３と第２ケース４とで構成されており、その内部に電装品用の通電路をオン状態とオフ状態とに切り換える電源スイッチ１０が設けてある小型電気機器において、電源スイッチ１０は、第１ケース３と第２ケース４の開閉動作に連動して、オン状態とオフ状態とに切り換わるようにした。そのうえで、第１ケース３と第２ケース４が使用姿勢に拡開操作された状態においてのみ、電源スイッチ１０がオン状態に切り換わるようにした。換言すると、本体ケース１が折り畳み姿勢から徐々に開放変位されることがあったとしても、第１ケース３と第２ケース４とが使用姿勢に拡開操作変位しない限りは、電源スイッチ１０がオン状態に切り換わるのを阻止できるので、小型電気機器を携行する際に本体ケース１内の電装品が駆動されるのを確実に防止して、電池８の無駄な消耗を防止できる。更に、電装品が駆動されることに基づく不具合、例えば本体ケースの内部に発熱機器が組み込んである場合には、小型電気機器を携行するバッグや鞄が熱を受けて変質したり、あるいは小型電気機器自体が過熱状態に陥って故障するのを確実に防止できる。
【００１６】
第１ケース３と第２ケース４とは、左右に隣接する連結ボス１９・２５と、連結ボス１９・２５どうしを連結する連結軸５とを介して相対回動自在に連結し、片方の連結ボス２５の近傍に電源スイッチ１０を配置し、他方の連結ボス１９で電源スイッチ１０を切り換え操作できるようにしてあると、両ケース３・４の開閉中心軸、すなわち連結軸５に近い位置で電源スイッチ１０をオン状態とオフ状態とに切り換えることができる。従って、例えば両ケース３・４の遊端寄りに電源スイッチ１０とその切換え具とを配置した場合に比べて、両ケース３・４を開閉する際の電源スイッチ１０と連結ボス１９との位置ずれが殆どないので、電源スイッチ１０のオンオフの切り換えが安定状態で確実に行え、長期使用時にも安定したスイッチ切り換えを行える。
【００１７】
第１ケース３と第２ケース４とのいずれか一方のケース内部に電源スイッチ１０を収容して、電源スイッチ１０が外部から切り換え操作されるのを防止する形態によれば、例えば文房具や身装品などの小物と一緒に小型電気機器をバッグや鞄に入れて携行するような場合に、小物類がスイッチボタンとケースとの対向隙間に入り込んだり、折り畳んだ筈の本体ケースが徐々に拡開されて電源スイッチがオン状態に切り換わるなど、使用者の意図とは無関係に電源スイッチ１０がオン状態に切り換わるのを確実に防止でき、小型電気機器を携行する際の安全性が向上する。
【００１８】
第１ケース３と第２ケース４との間に、不使用姿勢と使用姿勢とにおいて、それぞれ両ケース３・４の開閉を規制する節動機構を設けてあると、小型電気機器をバッグや鞄に入れて携行する際に、折り畳んだ状態の両ケース３・４が不用意に拡開したり、あるいは使用状態における両ケース３・４が屈曲変位したりするのを防止して、小型電気機器の使い勝手を向上できる。さらに、スイッチ端子５１を接離操作する切換えピース５３と、切換えピース５３を移動付勢するばね５４とを含んで電源スイッチ１０を構成し、連結ボス１９に電源スイッチ１０を切り換え操作する操作体６０を設けて、電源スイッチ１０が操作体６０でオン状態に切り換えられたとき、切換えピース５３の接当腕５７を凹部６２に落ち込み係合させるようにしたスイッチ構造によれば、先の節動機構による位置保持機能に加えて、切換えピース５３による位置保持作用を付加できるので、両ケース３・４を使用姿勢と不使用姿勢とのそれぞれの状態において、さらに確実に位置決め保持できる。
【００１９】
一対のスイッチ端子５１・５１と、一方のスイッチ端子５１を他方のスイッチ端子５１に接離操作する切換えピース５３と、切換えピース５３を移動付勢するばね５４と、これらのスイッチ部品を支持するスイッチベース５５とで電源スイッチ１０がユニット部品化されていると、電源スイッチ１０を１個のユニット部品として取り扱えるので、その本体ケース１に対する組み立てをより少ない手間で簡単に行え、電源スイッチ１０の切り換わりタイミングのばらつきも小さくできる。
【００２０】
連結軸５に固定される第２節動板４１と、他方の連結ボス１９に固定されて第２節動板４１に相対回動する第１節動板４０とで節動機構を構成し、両節動板４０・４１の摺動面に、互いに凹凸係合する係合突起４４と係合凹部４３とを設けて、不使用姿勢と使用姿勢とにおいて、第１ケース３と第２ケース４とを開閉規制できるようにしてあると、節動機構の強度向上を実現しながら、節動機構の組み付けが簡便に行える。詳しくは、両連結ボス１９・２５の揺動中心軸に沿う方向へ第２節動板４１が弾性変形すること、つまり第２節動板４１が板厚方向へ弾性変形することで、係合突起４４と係合凹部４３とを係脱できるので、構造強度に優れた節動機構とすることができる。さらに、隣接する連結ボス１９・２５を連結軸５で連結した後、両節動板４０・４１を連結軸５と連結ボス１９とに組み付ければよいので、節動機構の組み付けが少ない手間で簡便に行える。
【００２１】
第１節動板４０と第２節動板４１とをそれぞれ円板状に形成して、両節動板４０・４１の周縁に係合突起４４と係合凹部４３とを設けた節動機構によれば、第２節動板４１の板面の全体が弾性変形することで、係合突起４４と係合凹部４３とを係脱できるので、第２節動板４１の占めるスペースが小さいにもかかわらず、弾性変形するときの内部応力を大きく設定できる。従って、係合突起４４と係合凹部４３との係合力がより強固なものとして、節動機構の位置保持力が向上し、両ケース３・４を使用姿勢と不使用姿勢とに確実に維持できる。両節動板４０・４２の占有スペースが小さい分だけ節動機構をコンパクトにまとめて、小型電気機器が大型化するのを解消できる利点もある。
【００２２】
第１ケース３と第２ケース４とをそれぞれ側面視において半円状に形成したうえで、第１ケース３の内部に、マイナスイオンを生成する放電体１２およびトランス１１と、マイナスイオンをケース外へ送出する送風ファン１３と、送風ファン１３を回転駆動するモーター１４とを配置し、第２ケース４の内部に、電池８および回路基板９を配置し、さらに折り畳み状態において第２ケース４と対向する第１ケース３の平坦壁にブラシユニット２を装着したヘアーブラシによれば、マイナスイオンを髪に吹き付けながら髪を梳くことができるので、水分を含むマイナスイオンを毛髪の内部深くまで浸透させて水分を補給できる。従って、髪の水分率を高めて、ブラッシング後の髪の状態がしっとりとしたものになる。
【００２３】
【実施例】
図１ないし図１２は本発明に係る携行用のヘアーブラシ（小型電気機器）の実施例を示す。図１および図３において、ヘアーブラシは折り畳み可能に構成した本体ケース１と、ブラシユニット２とを有し、本体ケース１の内部にイオン発生装置が組み込まれている。
【００２４】
本体ケース１は、側面視がそれぞれ半円状に形成された第１ケース３と第２ケース４とを連結軸５で連結して、折り畳み可能に構成してあり、第１・第２の両ケース３・４を円形に折り畳んだ図２の状態と、両ケース３・４をアラビア数字の３の字形に拡開した図１、図３の状態とに揺動開閉できる。ブラシユニット２は、第１ケース３における第２ケース４との対向面に装着してあり、両ケース３・４を拡開することにより髪を梳くことができる。このときの第２ケース４はグリップとして機能し、片手で掴むことができる。
【００２５】
図１３においてマイナスイオン発生装置は、電源となる２個の乾電池（電池）８、イオン発生回路が実装された回路基板９、電源スイッチ１０、トランス１１、放電体１２、送風ファン１３およびそのモーター１４と、中継基板１５とを含む。これらのうち乾電池８、回路基板９、電源スイッチ１０の三者は第２ケース４内に組み込まれており、残りの部品１１〜１５は第１ケース３内に組み込まれている。
【００２６】
図４において第１ケース３は、ブラシユニット２が装着される内ケース３Ａと、内ケース３Ａの開口側面を塞ぐケース蓋３Ｂと、内ケース３Ａおよびケース蓋３Ｂに外嵌装着される透明の外ケース３Ｃと、内外両ケース３Ａ・３Ｃの間に挟み込まれる３枚の装飾シートとで構成する。
【００２７】
内ケース３Ａは、一側面が開口する木の葉形のプラスチック成形品からなり、ケース内にトランス１１、放電体１２、送風ファン１３およびモーター１４などを収容した後、その開口側面がケース蓋３Ｂで塞がれる。内ケース３Ａの一端には連結ボス１９が一体成形してあり、送風ファン１３と対向する円弧状の周壁には吸風口２０が開口してある。ケース３Ａの平坦壁には、マイナスイオンを送出するための開口２１と、ブラシユニット２を装着するための４個の装着穴とが開口している。外ケース３Ｃは、内ケース３Ａより一回り大きい弦月状のケース体からなり、先の吸風口２０と対向する壁面に吸込口２２が開口している。ケース蓋３Ｂおよび外ケース３Ｃは、それぞれ内ケース３Ａに熱溶着して固定する。
【００２８】
図５および図６において第２ケース４は、内ケース４Ａと、内ケース４Ａの開口面を塞ぐケース蓋４Ｂと、内ケース４Ａおよびケース蓋４Ｂに外嵌装着される透明の外ケース４Ｃと、電池蓋２３と、内外ケース４Ａ・４Ｃの間に挟み込まれる３枚の装飾シートとで構成されている。
【００２９】
内ケース４Ａは、図５において一側面と上面とが開口する木の葉形のプラスチック成形品からなり、ケース内に乾電池８を収容する電池室２４が区画形成されており、ケース端部に連結ボス２５が一体成形してある。乾電池８は図５においてケース上面の開口２６から出し入れされる。この開口２６は電池蓋２３を長手方向へスライド操作することにより開閉できる。外ケース４Ｃは、内ケース４Ａより一回り大きい弦月状のケース体からなる。ケース蓋４Ｂおよび外ケース４Ｃは、それぞれ内ケース４Ａに熱溶着して固定される。
【００３０】
図４においてブラシユニット２は、短冊状のブラシベース３０と、一群のブリッスル３１とを一体に成形したプラスチック成形品からなる。ブラシベース３０は第１ケース３に遊端側からスライド装着されて、ケース単に装着したストッパー片３２で抜け外れ不能にロック保持される。ブラシベース３０の中央には、マイナスイオンを送出するための吹出口３３を設けてあり、装着面にはＬ字状に折れ曲がる４個の係合爪３４を設けてある。
【００３１】
先に説明したように、第１ケース３と第２ケース４とは、それぞれの連結ボス１９・２５どうしが相対回動可能に連結される。詳しくは、図７に示すように、それぞれの連結ボス１９・２５に設けた内ボス１９ａおよび外ボス２５ａを内外に嵌合し、さらに第２ケース４の連結ボス２５にインサート固定した真鍮製の連結軸５で、連結ボス１９の内面に設けた軸受穴３６を軸支し、連結軸５の軸端に第２節動板４１を装着してビス４６で締結固定することにより、連結ボス１９・２５どうしを相対回動自在に連結する。
【００３２】
上記の連結構造を設けることによって、第１ケース３と第２ケース４とは折り畳み開閉できるが、折り畳み状態（不使用姿勢）と拡開状態（使用姿勢）とをそれぞれ維持するために、第１・第２ケース３・４の連結部に節動機構が組み込まれている。図１１・１２において節動機構は、第１ケース３側の連結ボス１９内に回転不能に組まれる第１節動板４０と、第１節動板４０の外面に被さる状態で、連結軸５にビス４６で相対回転不能に固定される第２節動板４１とからなる。第２節動板４１は連結ボス１９・２５が左右に分離するのを防ぐ抜止体を兼ねる。
【００３３】
第１節動板４０は、ばね板材を素材とするリング状のプレス成形品からなり、周縁４箇所に回り止め用の脚片４２と係合凹部４３とを９０度間隔で交互に形成し、板面中央に連結軸５用の挿通穴４８を通設してある。脚片４２を連結ボス１９内の係合溝４７に差し込み係合することにより、第１節動板４０を連結ボス１９と一体化できる。第２節動板４１は第１節動板４０と同様のプレス成形品からなり、周縁の対向２箇所に先の係合凹部４３と係合する係合突起４４を設け、板面の２箇所に連結軸５の係合溝５ａと係合する脚片４５を折り曲げ形成してある。
【００３４】
第１節動板４０は第１ケース３と同行回転し、連結軸５および第２節動板４１は第２ケース４と同行回転できる。従って、第１ケース３と第２ケース４とを拡開または折り畳み操作すると、両節動板４０・４１は相対回転して、全拡開位置と全折り畳み位置とのそれぞれにおいて、一対ずつの係合突起４４と係合凹部４３とが係合して、第１ケース３と第２ケース４とを開閉規制できる。なお、全拡開位置と全折り畳み位置との開閉角度は１８０度であり、開閉途中状態における係合突起４４は、第２節動板４１が弾性変形することで第１節動板４０の板面に乗り上がっている。符号５０は、連結ボス１９・２５の側端開口を塞ぐキャップである。
【００３５】
上記のように構成した節動構造によれば、第２節動板４１が板厚方向へ弾性変形することで、係合突起４４と係合凹部４３とを係脱できるので、構造強度に優れた節動機構とすることができる。さらに、隣接する連結ボス１９・２５を連結軸５で連結した後、両節動板４０・４１を連結軸５と連結ボス１９とに組み付ければよいので、節動機構の組み付けを少ない手間で簡便に行える。また、本実施例の場合、節動機構を仮組みした状態で両節動板４０・４１の密着圧力をビス４６の締め具合で調整変更できるので、係合突起４４と係合凹部４３との係脱力の調整作業を、少ない手間で確実に行えることになる。
【００３６】
因みに、上記の節動構造では、ビス４６を締め付け過ぎた場合に、開閉動作をスムーズに行えなくなるおそれがある。このようなビス４６の締め付け過ぎを防ぐために、連結ボス１９と第１節動板４０との間に、連結軸５に挿通される波形ワッシャーを配設し、第１節動板４０を連結軸５の軸まわりには回転規制されるが、軸方向へは移動できるように支持し、そのうえで、第２節動板４１を連結ボス１９に対して、第２節動板４１が軸方向へ移動できない状態でビス４６によって固定する。こうした節動構造によれば、波形ワッシャーは第１節動板４０を一定圧力で押圧しており、第１節動板４０と第２節動板４１とは常に一定圧で摺接することになるので、ビス４６を締め付け過ぎても第２節動板４１が過度に第１節動板４０に密着することはなく、従って両ケース３・４の開閉動作を常に円滑に行える。
【００３７】
図６において電源スイッチ１０は、一対のスイッチ端子５１を支持する端子ブロック５２と、一方のスイッチ端子５１を他方のスイッチ端子５１に接離操作するための切換えピース５３と、切換えピース５３をスイッチ端子５１に向かって揺動付勢するキックばね５４とを含み、これらのスイッチ部品をスイッチベース５５に組み付けてユニット部品化してある。切換えピース５３は、スイッチ端子５１を押し付け操作する操作腕５６と、連結ボス１９に設けた操作体６０で受け止められる接当腕５７とを一体に備えており、両腕５６・５７の中途部が軸５８で揺動自在に軸支されている。
【００３８】
図９においてスイッチベース５５は、第２ケース４内の連結ボス２５の近傍に配置されて、切換えピース５３の接当腕５７が第１ケース３の連結ボス１９に臨んでいる。この組み付け状態において、接当腕５７の先端は、外ボス２５ａの切欠き部を介して内ボス１９ａの周面で受け止められている。操作体６０は内ボス１９ａの半周面を占める受壁６１と、内ボス１９ａの周面一箇所に設けた凹部６２とからなり、両ケース３・４が折り畳み状態から１８０度拡開操作された状態においてのみ、図９および図１０に示すように接当腕５７の先端が凹部６２に落ち込み係合でき、このとき先の節動板４０・４１の係合突起４４と係合凹部４３とが係合して、第１ケース３と第２ケース４の相対回動動作を規制している。この落ち込み動作に伴って、操作腕５６が片方のスイッチ端子５１を押圧して、他方のスイッチ端子５１に接触させる。互いに係合する接当腕５７と凹部６２とは、第１ケース３と第２ケース４とを使用姿勢に位置保持することにも役立っている。
【００３９】
電源スイッチ１０は、第１・第２ケース３・４の開閉動作に連動してオン状態とオフ状態とに切り換わり、両ケース３・４が折り畳まれている状態、若しくは開放途中においてはオフ状態になっており、両ケース３・４が完全に拡開操作された状態においてのみオン状態に切り換わる。そのために先の凹部６２は、図８に示すように、折り畳み状態において接当腕５７の先端から１８０度位相がずれた位置に設けてある。電源スイッチ１０は、第１ケース３と第２ケース４とのいずれか一方のケース内部に、外部から切り換え操作不能に収容されている。つまり、本実施例においては、ユニット化された電源スイッチ１０が第２ケース４内にあり、その構成部品であるスイッチ駆動用の接当腕５７も連結ボス２５の外ボス２５ａによって、第１・第２ケース３・４がどの開閉位置にあっても、外部に露呈していないよう支持されている。これにより、使用者の意図とは無関係に電源スイッチ１０がオン状態に切り換わるのを確実に防止でき、小型電気機器を携行する際の安全性が向上する。
【００４０】
図２において放電体１２は、プラスチック成形品からなる電極ホルダー６５と、電極ホルダー６５に装着される針状の中心電極６６およびリング状の周囲電極６７と、両電極６６・６７を隔離区分する絶縁筒６８とでユニット部品化してある。電極ホルダー６５は、四角形状のフランジ６９と、フランジ６９の両面に突設された電極筒７０とを一体に備えており、フランジ６９に通気口７１を設けてある。電極筒７０の中心に中心電極６６を固定し、その外側を絶縁筒６８で囲み、電極筒７０の周面に周囲電極６７を配置してある。
【００４１】
図１３において回路基板９には、昇圧回路と、整流回路７６と、パルス発生回路７７を構成する電子部品等が実装されている。昇圧回路は、前段の発振回路７８と後段の昇圧回路部（１次トランス）７９とからなり、乾電池８から供給される３Ｖの直流電流を前段の発振回路７８によってパルス化され、続けて後段の昇圧回路部によって１００Ｖ近くに昇圧変換される。昇圧変換されたパルスは、整流回路７６により整流され、サイダックやサイリスタ等で構成されるパルス発生回路７７によって高圧のパルスに変換される。このパルスは、第１ケース３内に収容したトランス（２次トランス）１１で４ｋＶに昇圧されて、放電体１２へ供給される。イオン発生装置が作動しているのを点灯表示するために、第２ケース４の連結ボス２５寄り部位に発光ダイオード８０が配置されている。
【００４２】
上記のように構成したイオン発生装置によれば、トランス１１で昇圧した高電圧のうち、ダイオードを通過したマイナス電圧のみが中心電極６６に印加され、中心電極６６から周囲電極６７へ向かって電子が放出されるので、両電極の周辺の空気中の酸素分子が、マイナスイオン化され、空気流とともに吹出口３３から放出される。水分を含むマイナスイオンは、毛髪の内部深くまで浸透して水分を補給でき、従って髪の水分率を高めることができる。頭部周辺に浮遊するマイナスイオンは、リラックス効果を高める作用も期待でき、イオン健康装置として利用することもできる。
【００４３】
図１４は電源スイッチ１０の変形例を示す。そこでは、切換えピース５３をスライド軸７４と操作腕５６とでＴ字状に形成し、スライド軸７４をスイッチベース５５でスライド自在に案内支持し、切換えピース５３の全体を圧縮コイル形のばね５４で連結ボス１９に向かってスライド付勢した。このように切換えピース５３は、スライド変位を利用してスイッチ端子５１をオン・オフいずれかに切り換えることができる。
【００４４】
上記の実施例以外に、本発明はヘアーブロッサー、ヘアードライヤー、バイブレーターを内蔵した頭皮マッサージャー、電動歯ブラシなどの小型電気機器にも適用できる。電池８としては充電池を適用できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】ヘアーブラシの側面図である。
【図２】本体ケースを折り畳んだ状態での縦断側面図である。
【図３】本体ケースを拡開した状態での縦断側面図である。
【図４】第１ケースの分解斜視図である。
【図５】第２ケースの分解斜視図である。
【図６】第２ケースと電源スイッチの分解斜視図である。
【図７】図２におけるＡ−Ａ線断面図である。
【図８】図７におけるＣ−Ｃ線断面図である。
【図９】図３におけるＢ−Ｂ線断面図である。
【図１０】図９におけるＤ−Ｄ線断面図である。
【図１１】節動機構の分解斜視図である。
【図１２】図２におけるＥ−Ｅ線断面図である。
【図１３】回路基板の配線ブロック図を含むイオン発生装置の配線図である。
【図１４】電源スイッチの別実施例を示す図９と同等の断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１　本体ケース
３　第１ケース
４　第２ケース
５　連結軸
８　電池
９　回路基板
１０　電源スイッチ
１１　トランス
１２　放電体
１３　送風ファン
１４　モーター
１９　連結ボス
２５　連結ボス
４０　第１節動板
４１　第２節動板
４３　係合凹部
４４　係合突起
５１　スイッチ端子
５３　切換えピース
５４　ばね
５５　スイッチベース
５７　接当腕
６０　操作体
６１　受壁
６２　凹部[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable small electric device whose body case is foldable, for example, a portable hair brush incorporating an ion generator.
[0002]
[Prior art]
It is known that a hair brush is provided with an ion generator and a blower fan inside a brush body (for example, see Patent Document 1). There, a discharge electrode for generating ozone or ions, a power supply circuit for adjusting a discharge current, a blower fan, and the like are housed inside the hollow brush body. Regarding the present invention, it is known to switch using a case posture changing operation (see Patent Document 2). Here, a dryer main body is supported by a base fixed to a wall surface so as to be able to swing up and down, and a switch for detecting a change in posture of the dryer body is arranged near a hinge portion serving as a swing center.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-3-74819 (p. 6, FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-6-46921 (Item No. 0022-0023, FIG. 3)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the present invention, the main body case includes a first case and a second case that are foldably connected to each other, so that a small electric device can be carried in a compactly folded state. In such a foldable small electric device, it is necessary to reliably prevent the electric components housed in the main body case from being driven when being carried in order to avoid wasteful consumption of the battery. For example, if the switch button and the switch knob are arranged so as to face the opposite surface of the folded case in a state where the main body case is folded, it is possible to prevent the power switch from being turned on during carrying.
[0005]
However, it is hard to say that it is perfect, for example, small items such as stationery and accessories go into the gap between the switch button and the case, or the folded main body case gradually expands, and the power switch turns on. There is a risk of switching. As described above, when the power switch is accidentally turned on, the small electric device itself or the bag or bag carrying the small electric device may be damaged. In particular, when a heat-generating device is incorporated in the main body case, it is dangerous because heat is stored.
[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a small electric device in which a main body case is configured to be foldable, to reliably prevent a power switch from being turned on when being carried, thereby preventing unnecessary consumption of a battery. An object of the present invention is to eliminate various inconveniences caused by driving electric components in a case. An object of the present invention is to provide a portable hairbrush that can be folded compactly, and in particular, a portable hairbrush having an ion generating function.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The small electric device of the present invention includes a main body case 1, an electric component incorporated in the main body case 1, and a power switch 10 for switching a current path for the electric component between an on state and an off state. The body case 1 is configured such that the ends of the first case 3 and the second case 4 are connected to each other by a connection shaft 5 so that the two cases 3 and 4 are folded and the two cases 3 and 4 are fully opened. It is configured so that the posture can be changed to the posture. The power switch 10 is configured to switch between an ON state and an OFF state in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the first case 3 and the second case 4 so that the first case 3 and the second case 4 are in the use posture. It is characterized in that the power switch 10 is switched to the ON state only in the state where the expanding operation is performed.
[0008]
Specifically, the first case 3 and the second case 4 are relatively rotatably connected to each other via connection bosses 19 and 25 adjacent to the left and right and a connection shaft 5 that connects the connection bosses 19 and 25 to each other. I do. Then, the power switch 10 is arranged near one of the connection bosses 25, and the power switch 10 can be switched by the other connection boss 19.
[0009]
The power switch 10 is housed in one of the first case 3 and the second case 4 so as not to be switched externally.
[0010]
Between the first case 3 and the second case 4, there is provided an articulation mechanism for regulating the opening and closing of the two cases 3 and 4 in the non-use position and the use position. The power switch 10 includes a switching piece 53 for operating the switch terminal 51 to move toward and away from the switch terminal 51, and a spring 54 for moving and biasing the switching piece 53. An operation body 60 for switching the power switch 10 is provided on the connecting boss 19. The operating body 60 includes a receiving wall 61 that maintains the contact arm 57 of the switching piece 53 in an off state against the spring 54, and a recess 62 that holds the contact arm 57 in an on state by dropping and engaging. I do.
[0011]
The power switch 10 includes a pair of switch terminals 51 and 51, a switching piece 53 for operating one switch terminal 51 to move toward and away from the other switch terminal 51, a spring 54 for moving and biasing the switching piece 53, and these switches. It is made into a unit part by the switch base 55 that supports the part.
[0012]
The connecting shaft 5 is fixed to one of the pair of connecting bosses 19 and 25, and the other connecting boss 19 is connected to the connecting shaft 5 so as to be relatively rotatable. The articulation mechanism includes a second articulation plate 41 fixed to the connection shaft 5 and a first articulation plate 40 fixed to the other connection boss 19 and rotating relatively to the second articulation plate 41. Constitute. An engagement projection 44 and an engagement recess 43 are provided on the sliding surfaces of the two articulation plates 40 and 41 so as to engage and recess with each other, so that the first case 3 and the second case 4 so that opening and closing can be regulated.
[0013]
The first articulating plate 40 and the second articulating plate 41 are each formed in a disc shape and are closely joined so that the plate surfaces can slide with each other. An engagement protrusion 44 and an engagement recess 43 that engage with each other unevenly can be provided.
[0014]
The first case 3 and the second case 4 are each formed in a semicircular shape in a side view, and the brush unit 2 is mounted on a flat wall of the first case 3 facing the second case 4 in a folded state. Inside the first case 3, a discharge body 12 and a transformer 11 for generating negative ions, a blower fan 13 for sending negative ions out of the case, and a motor 14 for rotating the blower fan 13 are arranged. The battery 8 and the circuit board 9 are disposed inside the second case.
[0015]
Operation and Effect of the Invention
In the present invention, the main body case 1 is composed of the first case 3 and the second case 4 which are foldably and closably connected via a connecting shaft 5, and the inside of the main body case 1 is provided with a current path for electric components. In a small electric device provided with a power switch 10 that switches between an on state and an off state, the power switch 10 switches between an on state and an off state in conjunction with the opening and closing operations of the first case 3 and the second case 4. I made it. Then, the power switch 10 is turned on only when the first case 3 and the second case 4 are opened to the use posture. In other words, even if the main body case 1 may be gradually displaced from the folded position, the power switch 10 is turned on unless the first case 3 and the second case 4 are displaced to the use position. Since the switching to the state can be prevented, it is possible to reliably prevent the electric components in the main body case 1 from being driven when carrying a small electric device, and to prevent unnecessary consumption of the battery 8. Furthermore, when the electric components are driven, for example, when a heating device is incorporated in the main body case, the bag or bag carrying the small electric device may be damaged by the heat, or the small electric device may be damaged. The device itself can be reliably prevented from falling into an overheated state and failing.
[0016]
The first case 3 and the second case 4 are relatively rotatably connected to each other via connection bosses 19 and 25 adjacent to the left and right and a connection shaft 5 that connects the connection bosses 19 and 25 to each other. If the power switch 10 is arranged near the boss 25 and the power switch 10 can be switched by the other connecting boss 19, the power supply can be switched at the central axis of the opening and closing of the cases 3 and 4, that is, at a position close to the connecting shaft 5. The switch 10 can be switched between an on state and an off state. Therefore, as compared with the case where the power switch 10 and its switching tool are arranged near the free ends of the two cases 3 and 4, for example, the positional shift between the power switch 10 and the connection boss 19 when opening and closing the two cases 3 and 4 is improved. Since there is almost no switching, the ON / OFF switching of the power switch 10 can be reliably performed in a stable state, and stable switching can be performed even during long-term use.
[0017]
According to a mode in which the power switch 10 is housed inside one of the first case 3 and the second case 4 to prevent the power switch 10 from being externally switched, for example, a stationery or a dress When carrying a small electric device in a bag or bag with small items such as accessories, small items may enter the gap between the switch button and the case, or the main body case that should have been folded gradually expands As a result, the power switch 10 can be reliably prevented from switching to the ON state regardless of the user's intention, such as when the power switch is switched to the ON state, and the safety when carrying the small electric device is improved.
[0018]
If the articulation mechanism that regulates the opening and closing of the two cases 3 and 4 in the non-use position and the use position is provided between the first case 3 and the second case 4, the small electric device can be used in a bag or a bag. When carrying it in a portable device, it is possible to prevent both cases 3 and 4 in a folded state from being inadvertently expanded, or prevent both cases 3 and 4 from being bent and displaced in a use state, thereby minimizing electric equipment. Usability can be improved. Further, the power switch 10 is configured to include a switching piece 53 for operating the switch terminal 51 to contact and separate, and a spring 54 for urging the switching piece 53 to move. The operating body 60 for switching the power switch 10 to the connecting boss 19. When the power switch 10 is turned on by the operation body 60, the contact arm 57 of the switching piece 53 falls into the concave portion 62 and is engaged with the switch mechanism. In addition to the function of holding the position, the position holding action by the switching piece 53 can be added, so that the two cases 3 and 4 can be more reliably positioned and held in each of the use posture and the non-use posture.
[0019]
A pair of switch terminals 51, a switching piece 53 for operating one switch terminal 51 to and from the other switch terminal 51, a spring 54 for moving and biasing the switching piece 53, and a switch for supporting these switch parts. When the power switch 10 is formed as a unit component with the base 55, the power switch 10 can be handled as one unit component, so that the assembly of the main body case 1 can be easily performed with less trouble, and the power switch 10 can be switched. Variation in timing can be reduced.
[0020]
A second articulating plate 41 fixed to the connecting shaft 5 and a first articulating plate 40 fixed to the other connecting boss 19 and rotating relatively to the second articulating plate 41 constitute an articulating mechanism, An engagement projection 44 and an engagement recess 43 are provided on the sliding surfaces of the two articulating plates 40 and 41 so as to engage and recess with each other, so that the first case 3 and the second case 4 When the opening and closing can be regulated, the articulation mechanism can be easily assembled while improving the strength of the articulation mechanism. More specifically, the second joint plate 41 is elastically deformed in the direction along the swing center axis of the two connection bosses 19 and 25, that is, the second joint plate 41 is elastically deformed in the plate thickness direction, so that the engagement is achieved. Since the projection 44 and the engagement recess 43 can be disengaged from each other, the articulation mechanism having excellent structural strength can be obtained. Furthermore, after connecting the adjacent connecting bosses 19 and 25 with the connecting shaft 5, both the articulating plates 40 and 41 may be assembled to the connecting shaft 5 and the connecting boss 19, so that the articulating mechanism can be assembled with less labor. It can be done easily.
[0021]
A joint mechanism in which the first articulating plate 40 and the second articulating plate 41 are each formed in a disk shape, and the engaging projections 44 and the engaging concave portions 43 are provided on the peripheral edges of the articulating plates 40 and 41. According to this, since the entire plate surface of the second articulating plate 41 is elastically deformed, the engaging protrusion 44 and the engaging concave portion 43 can be disengaged, so that the space occupied by the second articulating plate 41 is reduced. Nevertheless, the internal stress during elastic deformation can be set large. Accordingly, as the engagement force between the engagement protrusion 44 and the engagement concave portion 43 is made stronger, the position holding force of the articulation mechanism is improved, and the two cases 3 and 4 are reliably maintained in the use posture and the non-use posture. it can. There is also an advantage that the articulation mechanism can be made compact as much as the space occupied by the articulation plates 40 and 42 is small, and the increase in the size of the small electric device can be prevented.
[0022]
The first case 3 and the second case 4 are each formed in a semicircular shape in a side view, and then, inside the first case 3, the discharge body 12 and the transformer 11 that generate negative ions, and the negative ions are placed outside the case. Fan 13 and a motor 14 for rotating and driving the fan 13 are arranged, a battery 8 and a circuit board 9 are arranged inside the second case 4, and the second case 4 faces the second case 4 in a folded state. According to the hair brush in which the brush unit 2 is mounted on the flat wall of the first case 3, the hair can be combed while spraying the negative ions on the hair, so that the negative ions containing moisture can be penetrated deep inside the hair. We can supply hydration. Therefore, the moisture content of the hair is increased, and the condition of the hair after brushing becomes moist.
[0023]
【Example】
FIGS. 1 to 12 show an embodiment of a portable hair brush (small electric device) according to the present invention. 1 and 3, the hairbrush has a main body case 1 that is foldable and a brush unit 2, and an ion generator is incorporated in the main body case 1.
[0024]
The main body case 1 is configured to be foldable by connecting a first case 3 and a second case 4 each formed in a semicircular shape in side view with a connection shaft 5, so that both the first and second cases are possible. The case 3 and 4 can be swingably opened and closed between a state shown in FIG. 2 in which the cases 3 and 4 are folded in a circular shape and a state shown in FIGS. The brush unit 2 is mounted on the surface of the first case 3 facing the second case 4, and the hair can be combed by expanding the two cases 3 and 4. At this time, the second case 4 functions as a grip and can be gripped with one hand.
[0025]
In FIG. 13, the negative ion generator includes two dry batteries (batteries) 8 serving as power sources, a circuit board 9 on which an ion generating circuit is mounted, a power switch 10, a transformer 11, a discharge body 12, a blower fan 13 and a motor 14 thereof. And a relay board 15. Among them, the dry battery 8, the circuit board 9, and the power switch 10 are incorporated in the second case 4, and the remaining components 11 to 15 are incorporated in the first case 3.
[0026]
In FIG. 4, the first case 3 includes an inner case 3A to which the brush unit 2 is attached, a case cover 3B for closing an opening side surface of the inner case 3A, and a transparent outer case fitted to the inner case 3A and the case cover 3B. It comprises a case 3C and three decorative sheets sandwiched between the inner and outer cases 3A and 3C.
[0027]
The inner case 3A is made of a leaf-shaped plastic molded product whose one side is open. After the transformer 11, the discharge body 12, the blower fan 13 and the motor 14 are accommodated in the case, the open side is closed by a case lid 3B. It comes off. A connecting boss 19 is integrally formed at one end of the inner case 3A, and an air inlet 20 is opened on an arc-shaped peripheral wall facing the blower fan 13. An opening 21 for sending out negative ions and four mounting holes for mounting the brush unit 2 are open in the flat wall of the case 3A. The outer case 3 C is formed of a crescent-shaped case body that is slightly larger than the inner case 3 A, and has a suction port 22 opened on a wall surface facing the air suction port 20. The case lid 3B and the outer case 3C are respectively fixed to the inner case 3A by heat welding.
[0028]
5 and 6, the second case 4 includes an inner case 4A, a case cover 4B for closing an opening surface of the inner case 4A, and a transparent outer case 4C fitted to the inner case 4A and the case cover 4B. It is composed of a battery cover 23 and three decorative sheets sandwiched between the inner and outer cases 4A and 4C.
[0029]
The inner case 4A is made of a leaf-shaped plastic molded product having one side and an upper surface opened in FIG. 5, and a battery chamber 24 for accommodating the dry battery 8 is formed in the case. Is integrally molded. The dry battery 8 is inserted into and taken out of the opening 26 on the upper surface of the case in FIG. The opening 26 can be opened and closed by sliding the battery cover 23 in the longitudinal direction. The outer case 4C is formed of a crescent-shaped case body slightly larger than the inner case 4A. The case lid 4B and the outer case 4C are each fixed by heat welding to the inner case 4A.
[0030]
In FIG. 4, the brush unit 2 is made of a plastic molded product in which a strip-shaped brush base 30 and a group of bristles 31 are integrally molded. The brush base 30 is slidably mounted on the first case 3 from the free end side, and is locked and held undetachably by the stopper piece 32 simply mounted on the case. An outlet 33 for sending out negative ions is provided at the center of the brush base 30, and four engagement claws 34 which are bent in an L shape are provided on the mounting surface.
[0031]
As described above, the first case 3 and the second case 4 are connected to each other so that the connection bosses 19 and 25 can be relatively rotated. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, an inner boss 19a and an outer boss 25a provided on each of the connection bosses 19 and 25 are fitted inside and outside, and furthermore, a brass made insert is fixed to the connection boss 25 of the second case 4. The connection shaft 5 supports a bearing hole 36 provided on the inner surface of the connection boss 19, and a second articulating plate 41 is attached to the shaft end of the connection shaft 5 and fastened and fixed with screws 46, so that the connection boss 19 is fixed. -Connect the 25 to each other so as to be relatively rotatable.
[0032]
By providing the above-described connection structure, the first case 3 and the second case 4 can be folded and opened, but the first case 3 and the second case 4 can be folded and opened in order to maintain the folded state (non-use posture) and the expanded state (use posture), respectively. -The articulation mechanism is incorporated in the connecting portion of the second cases 3 and 4. In FIGS. 11 and 12, the articulation mechanism includes a first articulation plate 40 that is non-rotatably assembled in the coupling boss 19 on the first case 3 side, and a coupling shaft 5 that covers the outer surface of the articulation plate 40. And a second articulating plate 41 fixed by a screw 46 so as not to be relatively rotatable. The second articulating plate 41 also functions as a retaining body that prevents the connecting bosses 19 and 25 from being separated from each other.
[0033]
The first articulating plate 40 is made of a ring-shaped press-formed product made of a spring plate material, and is formed by alternately forming detent leg pieces 42 and engaging recesses 43 at 90 ° intervals at four peripheral edges, An insertion hole 48 for the connecting shaft 5 is provided in the center of the plate surface. The first articulating plate 40 can be integrated with the connection boss 19 by inserting and engaging the leg piece 42 into the engagement groove 47 in the connection boss 19. The second articulating plate 41 is made of the same press-formed product as the first articulating plate 40, and is provided with engaging projections 44 for engaging with the engaging recesses 43 at two positions on the peripheral edge thereof. The leg piece 45 which engages with the engagement groove 5a of the connecting shaft 5 is formed by bending.
[0034]
The first articulating plate 40 rotates together with the first case 3, and the connecting shaft 5 and the second articulating plate 41 can rotate together with the second case 4. Therefore, when the first case 3 and the second case 4 are opened or folded, the two articulating plates 40 and 41 rotate relative to each other, and a pair of engagement members is provided at each of the fully expanded position and the fully folded position. The engagement between the mating projection 44 and the engaging recess 43 allows the first case 3 and the second case 4 to be opened and closed. The opening / closing angle between the fully expanded position and the fully folded position is 180 degrees, and the engagement projections 44 in the middle of opening and closing are formed by the elasticity of the second articulating plate 41 of the first articulating plate 40. On the surface. Reference numeral 50 denotes a cap for closing the side end openings of the connection bosses 19 and 25.
[0035]
According to the articulation structure configured as described above, since the second articulation plate 41 is elastically deformed in the plate thickness direction, the engagement protrusion 44 and the engagement recess 43 can be disengaged, so that the structural strength is excellent. Articulation mechanism. Furthermore, after connecting the adjacent connecting bosses 19 and 25 with the connecting shaft 5, both the articulating plates 40 and 41 may be assembled to the connecting shaft 5 and the connecting boss 19, so that the articulating mechanism can be assembled with less labor. It can be done easily. In the case of the present embodiment, the contact pressure between the two articulating plates 40 and 41 can be adjusted and changed by the tightening of the screw 46 in a state where the articulating mechanism is temporarily assembled. The work of adjusting the engagement / disengagement force can be reliably performed with less labor.
[0036]
Incidentally, in the above articulated structure, when the screw 46 is excessively tightened, there is a possibility that the opening and closing operation cannot be performed smoothly. In order to prevent such excessive tightening of the screw 46, a corrugated washer inserted through the connection shaft 5 is provided between the connection boss 19 and the first articulation plate 40, and the first articulation plate 40 is connected to the connection shaft. The rotation of the second articulating plate 41 is restricted about the axis 5, but is supported so that it can move in the axial direction. Then, the second articulating plate 41 moves in the axial direction with respect to the connecting boss 19. It is fixed by screws 46 in a state where it cannot be performed. According to this articulation structure, the corrugated washer presses the first articulation plate 40 at a constant pressure, and the first articulation plate 40 and the second articulation plate 41 are always in sliding contact with a constant pressure. Therefore, even if the screw 46 is excessively tightened, the second articulating plate 41 does not excessively come into close contact with the first articulating plate 40, so that the opening and closing operation of the two cases 3 and 4 can always be performed smoothly.
[0037]
In FIG. 6, a power switch 10 includes a terminal block 52 that supports a pair of switch terminals 51, a switching piece 53 for operating one of the switch terminals 51 to and away from the other switch terminal 51, and a switch piece 53 for connecting the switch piece 53 to a switch terminal. A kick spring 54 that oscillates and biases toward 51, and these switch parts are assembled to a switch base 55 to form a unit part. The switching piece 53 integrally includes an operation arm 56 for pressing the switch terminal 51 and an abutting arm 57 received by an operation body 60 provided on the connection boss 19. It is pivotally supported by a shaft 58.
[0038]
In FIG. 9, the switch base 55 is disposed near the connection boss 25 in the second case 4, and the contact arm 57 of the switching piece 53 faces the connection boss 19 of the first case 3. In this assembled state, the tip of the contact arm 57 is received on the peripheral surface of the inner boss 19a via the cutout portion of the outer boss 25a. The operating body 60 includes a receiving wall 61 occupying a half circumferential surface of the inner boss 19a, and a concave portion 62 provided at one position on the circumferential surface of the inner boss 19a, and both cases 3 and 4 are opened by 180 degrees from the folded state. Only in this state, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the tip of the contact arm 57 can fall into and engage with the concave portion 62. At this time, the engaging projections 44 and the engaging concave portions 43 of the previous articulating plates 40 and 41 are connected. By engaging, the first case 3 and the second case 4 regulate the relative rotation operation. Along with this dropping operation, the operating arm 56 presses one of the switch terminals 51 to contact the other switch terminal 51. The contact arm 57 and the concave portion 62 that engage with each other also serve to maintain the positions of the first case 3 and the second case 4 in the use posture.
[0039]
The power switch 10 is switched between an on state and an off state in conjunction with the opening and closing operations of the first and second cases 3 and 4, and is in an off state when both cases 3 and 4 are folded or in the middle of opening. And the case is switched to the ON state only when both the cases 3 and 4 are completely opened. For this purpose, the concave portion 62 is provided at a position 180 degrees out of phase from the tip of the contact arm 57 in the folded state, as shown in FIG. The power switch 10 is housed in one of the first case 3 and the second case 4 so as not to be switched externally. That is, in the present embodiment, the unitized power switch 10 is provided in the second case 4, and the switch driving contact arm 57, which is a component of the power switch 10, is also moved by the outer boss 25 a of the connection boss 25 to the first position. Regardless of the open / close position of the second case 3, 4, the second case 3 is supported so as not to be exposed to the outside. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably prevent the power switch 10 from being turned on irrespective of the user's intention, and to improve safety when carrying the small electric device.
[0040]
In FIG. 2, the discharge body 12 includes an electrode holder 65 made of a plastic molded product, a needle-shaped center electrode 66 and a ring-shaped peripheral electrode 67 mounted on the electrode holder 65, and an insulating member that separates and separates both electrodes 66 and 67. It is made into a unit part with the cylinder 68. The electrode holder 65 integrally includes a square flange 69 and electrode cylinders 70 projecting from both sides of the flange 69, and the flange 69 is provided with a vent 71. A center electrode 66 is fixed to the center of the electrode tube 70, the outside thereof is surrounded by an insulating tube 68, and a peripheral electrode 67 is arranged on the peripheral surface of the electrode tube 70.
[0041]
In FIG. 13, a circuit board 9 has mounted thereon a booster circuit, a rectifier circuit 76, and electronic components constituting a pulse generation circuit 77. The booster circuit includes a former-stage oscillator circuit 78 and a latter-stage booster circuit section (primary transformer) 79. The 3 V DC current supplied from the dry battery 8 is pulsed by the former-stage oscillator circuit 78, and subsequently the latter-stage oscillator circuit 78 is turned on. The voltage is boosted and converted to about 100 V by the boosting circuit. The stepped-up pulse is rectified by a rectifier circuit 76, and is converted into a high-voltage pulse by a pulse generation circuit 77 including a Sidac, a thyristor, and the like. This pulse is boosted to 4 kV by a transformer (secondary transformer) 11 housed in the first case 3 and supplied to the discharger 12. A light emitting diode 80 is arranged at a position near the connection boss 25 of the second case 4 in order to light up and display that the ion generator is operating.
[0042]
According to the ion generator configured as described above, of the high voltage boosted by the transformer 11, only the negative voltage passing through the diode is applied to the center electrode 66, and electrons are emitted from the center electrode 66 to the surrounding electrode 67. Since the oxygen molecules are released, oxygen molecules in the air around both electrodes are ionized negatively and released from the outlet 33 together with the air flow. Negative ions containing water can penetrate deep into the hair to replenish the water and thus increase the moisture content of the hair. Negative ions floating around the head can also be expected to enhance the relaxing effect and can be used as an ion health device.
[0043]
FIG. 14 shows a modification of the power switch 10. Here, the switching piece 53 is formed in a T-shape by a slide shaft 74 and an operation arm 56, and the slide shaft 74 is slidably guided and supported by a switch base 55, and the entire switching piece 53 is formed by a compression coil spring 54. Urged the slide toward the connecting boss 19. As described above, the switching piece 53 can switch the switch terminal 51 between ON and OFF using the slide displacement.
[0044]
In addition to the above embodiments, the present invention can be applied to small electric devices such as a hair scalp, a hair dryer, a scalp massager with a built-in vibrator, and an electric toothbrush. A rechargeable battery can be used as the battery 8.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view of a hair brush.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional side view in a state where a main body case is folded.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional side view in a state where a main body case is expanded.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the first case.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a second case.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a second case and a power switch.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 3;
FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the articulation mechanism.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 2;
FIG. 13 is a wiring diagram of the ion generator including a wiring block diagram of the circuit board.
FIG. 14 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 9, showing another embodiment of the power switch.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Body case
3 First case
4 Second case
5 Connecting shaft
8 batteries
9 Circuit board
10. Power switch
11 transformer
12 Discharge body
13 Ventilation fan
14 motor
19 Connecting boss
25 Connecting boss
40 1st articulating plate
41 2nd articulating plate
43 engagement recess
44 Engagement protrusion
51 Switch terminal
53 Switching piece
54 spring
55 switch base
57 Contact Arm
60 operation body
61 Receiving wall
62 recess

Claims

A small electric device including: a main body case, an electric component incorporated in the main body case, and a power switch for switching a current path for the electric component between an on state and an off state.
The body case 1 is configured such that the ends of the first case 3 and the second case 4 are connected to each other by a connection shaft 5 so that the two cases 3 and 4 are folded and the two cases 3 and 4 are fully opened. It is configured to be able to change posture to posture,
The power switch 10 is configured to switch between an on state and an off state in conjunction with opening and closing operations of the first case 3 and the second case 4.
A foldable small electric device characterized in that the power switch (10) is turned on only when the first case (3) and the second case (4) are operated to open to the use position.

The first case 3 and the second case 4 are relatively rotatably connected to each other via connection bosses 19 and 25 adjacent to the left and right and a connection shaft 5 that connects the connection bosses 19 and 25 to each other.
The power switch 10 is disposed near one of the connection bosses 25,
The foldable small electric device according to claim 1, wherein the power switch 10 can be switched by the other connecting boss 19.

The foldable small electric device according to claim 2, wherein the power switch (10) is housed in one of the first case (3) and the second case (4) so as not to be switched from the outside.

An articulation mechanism is provided between the first case 3 and the second case 4 for regulating the opening and closing of the two cases 3 and 4 in the non-use position and the use position, respectively.
The power switch 10 includes a switching piece 53 for operating the switch terminal 51 to contact and separate, and a spring 54 for moving and biasing the switching piece 53,
An operation body 60 for switching the power switch 10 is provided on the connection boss 19,
The operating body 60 includes a receiving wall 61 that keeps the contact arm 57 of the switching piece 53 in an off state against the spring 54, and a concave portion 62 that keeps the contact arm 57 in an on state by dropping and engaging. The foldable small electric device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the foldable small electric device is provided.

A power switch 10 includes a pair of switch terminals 51, a switch piece 53 for operating one switch terminal 51 to move toward and away from the other switch terminal 51, a spring 54 for moving and biasing the switch piece 53, and these switches. The foldable small electric device according to claim 4, wherein the foldable small electric device is formed as a unit component with a switch base 55 supporting the component.

The connecting shaft 5 is fixed to one of the pair of connecting bosses 19 and 25, and the other connecting boss 19 is connected to the connecting shaft 5 so as to be relatively rotatable.
The articulation mechanism includes a second articulation plate 41 fixed to the connection shaft 5 and a first articulation plate 40 fixed to the other connection boss 19 and rotating relatively to the second articulation plate 41. Is composed of
An engagement protrusion 44 and an engagement recess 43 are provided on the sliding surfaces of the two articulating plates 40 and 41 so as to engage and recess with each other.
The foldable small electric device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein opening and closing of the first case (3) and the second case (4) can be restricted in the non-use posture and the use posture.

The first articulating plate 40 and the second articulating plate 41 are each formed in a disk shape and are closely joined so that the plate surfaces can slide with each other.
7. The foldable small-sized electric device according to claim 6, wherein an engagement protrusion 44 and an engagement concave portion 43 are provided on the peripheral edges of both articulation plates 40 and 41 so as to engage with each other.

The first case 3 and the second case 4 are each formed in a semicircular shape in a side view,
The brush unit 2 is mounted on the base wall of the first case 3 facing the second case 4 in the folded state,
Inside the first case 3, a discharge body 12 and a transformer 11 for generating negative ions, a blower fan 13 for sending the negative ions out of the case, and a motor 14 for rotating the blower fan 13 are arranged.
The foldable small electric device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the battery (8) and the circuit board (9) are arranged inside the second case (4).