JP6526724B2 - Hand-held appliance - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to hand-held appliances and in particular to hair setting appliances such as hair dryers.

  Generally, a motor and fan are provided to draw fluid into the body, but the fluid can be heated prior to exiting the body. Since the motor is susceptible to damage from foreign objects such as dust or hair, filters are conventionally provided at the fluid intake end of the blower. Conventionally such appliances have a nozzle, which is attachable to and removable from the appliance, changing the shape and speed of fluid flow out of the appliance. Such nozzles can be used to concentrate or diffuse the effluent of the appliance, depending on the user's needs at that time.

  Power is required for the fan and heater to function, and power is supplied via internal wires from a battery attached to the main power cable or appliance.

  According to a first aspect, the invention provides a device for wiring at least one wire in a housing, the device comprising a central hub and at least one arm extending from said central hub towards the housing And at least one arm contains at least one wire.

  Preferably, the housing is a tube of larger diameter than the central hub.

  Preferably, at least one arm comprises a pair of arms. Preferably, two wires are provided, each one of a pair of arms accommodating one wire. Preferably, one arm is provided to accommodate each wire, for example, four arms if there are four wires.

  Preferably, at least one arm is symmetrical. Preferably, at least one arm is symmetrical in cross section and / or in outline or contour. Where more than one arm is provided, each of the arms is symmetrically spaced about the central hub. Where a pair of arms is provided, preferably each one of the pair of arms is diametrically spaced. Preferably, the pair of arms is symmetrical. Preferably, the pair of arms form a Y-shape.

  Preferably, at least one arm surrounds and electrically isolates at least one wire.

  Preferably, at least one wire is wired to the housing by a cable. Preferably, the cable is connectable to a power source at the distal end of the housing. Alternatively, the wire extends from an internal power source, such as a battery or fuel cell, for example.

  Preferably, the central hub houses the cable.

  The device is preferably molded from a plastic material.

  Preferably, the device is formed of a first part and a second part.

  Preferably both the first part and the second part form part of at least one arm. This allows the wire and optional cable to be positioned relative to one of the first and second portions during assembly of the device and then held in this position by the other portion, thus simplifying assembly. Become.

  Preferably, both the first part and the second part form part of a hub. This allows the wire and optional cable to be positioned relative to one of the first and second portions during assembly of the device and then held in this position by the other portion, thus simplifying assembly. Become.

  The housing is preferably a handle of the appliance.

  According to a second aspect, the invention provides a hand-held appliance, which comprises: a tube defining a fluid passage from a fluid inlet through which fluid flows into a fluid outlet through which fluid drains; and at least one wire A device for wiring the tube to a tube, the device having a central hub and at least one arm extending from the central hub towards the tube, the at least one arm receiving at least one wire Do.

  Preferably, at least one arm extends across the fluid passage. Preferably, at least one arm is symmetrical in cross section. Preferably, at least one arm extends symmetrically with respect to the fluid passage. Preferably, two arms are provided, each arm being symmetrical. If there is more than one arm, each arm is preferably equally spaced around the central hub. When there are two or more arms, each arm has substantially the same cross section, length, and footprint exposed in the fluid passage. Thus, the outer shape or contour of each arm is the same. Each of these features reduces turbulence caused by the arm in the fluid passage, thus minimizing pressure losses and noise generated.

  In a preferred embodiment, there are two wires, at least one arm having two arms, one arm accommodating each wire.

  When providing a pair of arms, the two arms are preferably diametrically spaced.

  The at least one arm is preferably symmetrical in cross section. Thus, the fluid flows uniformly around each side of the at least one arm. This prevents the formation of asymmetric flow around the arms which can generate turbulence and noise.

  Preferably, the pair of arms form a Y-shape. There are two advantages to this shape, and the curved path that the wire follows from the central hub to the tube is less likely to kink the wire, which allows axial reinforcement against any force applied to the cable .

  The central hub is preferably located approximately at the center of the tube.

  Preferably, at least one arm extends from the central hub towards the fluid outlet of the tube. In this embodiment, at least one arm follows the flow of fluid in the fluid passage.

  Preferably, the at least one arm is shaped to minimize flow disturbances and turbulence generated in the fluid passage. Preferably, at least one arm has a tapered back surface. The taper on the back side is preferably 45 ° to 0 °. Alternatively, at least one arm has a symmetrical airfoil cross section. This reduces the occurrence of flow separation and turbulence at the downstream end of the at least one arm.

  In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises at least one reinforcing rib extending radially from the central hub towards the tube. Preferably, the at least one reinforcing rib extends axially along at least a portion of the tube.

  One or more reinforcing ribs preferably extend from the at least one arm towards the fluid inlet.

  The at least one reinforcing rib improves the hoop strength of the tube and reduces the stress transferred to the tube as the cable bends towards the tube.

  Preferably, the at least one reinforcing rib is curved towards the fluid inlet of the tube. The stiffening ribs have the advantage of structurally supporting the tube, but also have the adverse effect of blocking a portion of the fluid inlet. The thickness of the ribs is decreasing towards the inlet in order to minimize or prevent the fluid from flowing into the fluid inlet. The reinforcing ribs change shape around the cable when extending from the arm.

  Preferably, at least one arm surrounds and electrically isolates at least one wire.

  Preferably, at least one wire is wired in the housing by a cable. Preferably, the cable is connectable to a power source at the distal end of the housing.

  Preferably, the central hub houses the cable.

  The device is preferably molded from a plastic material.

  Preferably, the device is formed of a first part and a second part. Preferably both the first part and the second part form part of at least one arm. Preferably, both the first part and the second part form part of a hub.

  The tube preferably has a wire guide extending at least partially along the tube towards the fluid outlet of the tube.

  Preferably, the wire guide isolates at least one wire from the fluid passage.

  Preferably, at least one arm is aligned with the wire guide to provide a path for the wire from the cable through the device and along the tube.

  Preferably, the tube has a handle of the appliance.

  According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a hair styling appliance comprising a tube defining a fluid passage from an inflow fluid inlet to a fluid outlet from which fluid flows, and a wire to tube A device for wiring, the device having a central hub and at least one arm extending from the central hub towards the tube, the at least one arm containing a wire.

  Preferably the appliance is a hair dryer. Preferably, the tube has a handle of the appliance.

  According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a hand-held appliance, said appliance comprising a body, a first end connected to the body, and a second end having a fluid inlet. And a fluid passage from the fluid inlet through the handle to the body, a fan unit for drawing fluid along the fluid passage, and extending from the second end of the handle for supplying power to the fan unit The cable and at least one wire extending from the cable are disposed in a path along the wall of the handle.

  Preferably, the wall of the handle has at least one recess extending longitudinally along the handle to accommodate at least one wire extending from the cable. In this embodiment, since the cable has two wires, the wall has two recesses extending longitudinally along the handle, one recess being able to accommodate each of the two wires from the cable preferable. Preferably, the two recesses are approximately diametrically opposite on the wall.

  Preferably, the wall is formed of two semi-cylindrical portions extending from the first end along the handle. The two half-cylinders preferably abut along the longitudinal edge to form a wall.

  Preferably, at least one wire from the cable is housed within the longitudinal edge.

  The first of the two semi-cylindrical parts preferably has a recess formed in the longitudinal edge and accommodates at least one wire in the recess. Preferably, the first of the two half-cylinders has a pair of recesses, one recess being each longitudinal edge of the first half-cylinder of the two half-cylinders Placed along the Alternatively or additionally, the second half of the two half-cylinders has at least one further recess formed in the longitudinal edge. Preferably, the at least one further recess is radially spaced from the recess. Alternatively, the at least one further recess is adjacent to the recess when the two half-cylinders abut each other.

  Preferably, the handle has an end wall and a cable extending from the end wall. The cable is preferably arranged approximately centrally in the end wall.

  Preferably, the cable is housed in a cable guide. The cable guide is an additional device for placing the wire in a path in the handle. Preferably, the cable guide surrounds the cable and isolates the cable from the fluid passage.

  The cable guide preferably has a central cylinder for receiving the cable. Preferably, the cable guide further comprises at least one arm for guiding at least one wire extending from the cable to the wall.

  Preferably, at least one arm is shaped to minimize flow disturbance in the fluid passage.

  Preferably, at least one arm has a tapered back surface. Alternatively, at least one arm has a symmetrical airfoil cross section.

  Preferably, at least one arm extends along the fluid passage from the central cylinder to the inner wall towards the body. Preferably, the cable guide comprises two arms radially spaced around the cable guide, one arm receiving the live wire (hot wire) and the other arm receiving the neutral wire (neutral wire) Do. Preferably, the cable guide is Y-shaped. The cable guide is preferably formed in two parts. Preferably, the first portion of the cable guide is integrally formed with the first of the two half-cylinders. Preferably, the second portion of the cable guide is integrally formed with the second half of the two half cylinders.

  Preferably, the wall of the handle is molded of a plastic material.

  Preferably the handle has an outer wall extending around the wall. Thus, the wall of the handle is an inner wall.

  Preferably, a fan unit is provided in the handle of the outer wall.

  The fan unit preferably includes a motor and an impeller.

  The at least one wire may be retained in the recess over the length of at least a portion of the handle, and the at least one wire may be retained in the recess over substantially the entire length of the handle. The recess, any of the pair of recesses, and the at least one other recess extend at least partially along the wall.

  Alternatively, the at least one wire is partially retained in the recess and partially in the channel. The channels are preferably radially spaced from the longitudinal edges of the two half-cylinders. Thus, in the embodiment where the recess is formed at the longitudinal edge, the channel is radially spaced from the recess. The channel is preferably centrally located in one of the two half-cylinders in which the wall of the handle is formed, and preferably extends longitudinally along it. The channels are preferably provided in the area of the handle that accommodates the fan unit. One reason for providing the channels is to facilitate assembly of the appliance. Thus, at least one wire is disposed in the channel and the fan unit and the housing are disposed on the at least one wire in the semi-cylindrical portion to hold the wires in place around the fan unit, at least one The wires are then placed in a path towards the cable along the recess in the wall.

  According to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a hair styling appliance comprising: a body; a first end coupled to the body; and a second end having a fluid inlet. A handle having a handle, a fluid passage from the fluid inlet through the handle to the body, a fan unit for drawing fluid along the fluid passage, and a cable extending from the second end of the handle for supplying power to the fan unit And at least one wire extending from the cable is disposed in a path along the wall of the handle.

  Preferably, the hair setting appliance is a hair dryer or a hot style brush.

  According to a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a hand-held appliance, the appliance comprising a duct and a switch, the switch comprising a user-operable button, an electrical contact and a push rod The button is housed on the outer surface of the duct, the electrical contact is housed on the inner surface of the duct, and the push rod physically couples the button to the electrical contact.

  Preferably, the duct is substantially circular and the electrical contacts are accommodated approximately diametrically opposite of the button.

  The duct is preferably a handle of the appliance.

  Preferably, the duct has an inner wall and the electrical contacts are accommodated on the inner wall. The inner wall preferably defines a fluid passage through the handle.

  Preferably, the switch further comprises a guide rod for traversing the duct and guiding the push rod. The guide rod preferably forms part of the inner wall of the duct and extends at least partially across the duct. Preferably, the guide rods extend radially across the duct. The guide rod is preferably at least partially supported by the electrical contacts. Preferably, the electrical contacts are at least partially incorporated into the inner wall of the duct.

  Preferably, the guide rod traverses the duct and supports the push rod.

  Preferably, the guide rod extends across the fluid passage from the inner wall. Preferably, the guide rod is shaped to reduce turbulence generated as fluid flows along the fluid passage. Preferably, the push rod is substantially cylindrical. Preferably, the guide rod has an opening and the push rod extends through the opening.

  Preferably, the guide rod has a downstream end and an upstream end, the upstream end being round. Preferably, the guide rod has a downstream end and an upstream end, and the downstream end is pointed. The downstream end of the guide rod can be airfoiled or tapered back, which minimizes flow separation, turbulence and noise generation in the fluid passage.

  According to a seventh aspect, the invention provides a hair setting appliance comprising a duct and a switch, the switch comprising a user operable button, an electrical contact and a push rod The button is housed on the outer surface of the duct, the electrical contact is housed on the inner surface of the duct, and the push rod physically couples the button to the electrical contact.

  Preferably, the hair setting appliance is a hair dryer.

  According to an eighth aspect, the present invention provides a hand-held appliance, said appliance comprising a body, a handle and a fluid extending from the fluid inlet through which fluid flows into the handle to a fluid outlet through which fluid exits the body. It has a passage and a baffle, the fluid passage is non-linear, and the baffle guides the flow into the fluid passage.

  Preferably, the fluid passage extends in a first direction in the handle and in a second direction in the body.

  Preferably, a baffle is provided to guide the flow between the handle and the body. The baffle preferably extends from the handle into the space defined in the body.

  Preferably, the handle has a wall defining a fluid passage therein.

  Preferably, the baffles form a partial continuation of the wall.

  Preferably the body and handle are shaped as a first part and a second part. Preferably, the baffle is formed of the handle portion and the body portion. The handle portion and the baffle are preferably shaped as part of the first portion. The body portion of the baffle is preferably shaped as the second portion.

  Preferably, the body portion of the baffle forms a partial continuation of the handle wall within the body.

  Preferably, the handle portion of the baffle is molded as part of the first portion. The body portion of the baffle is preferably formed as part of the second portion.

  Preferably, the body has an outer wall and the handle has a wall, each at least partially defining a fluid passage from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. Preferably the first part of the appliance comprises a first part of the wall of the handle. Preferably, the second part of the appliance comprises the outer wall of the body and the second part of the wall of the handle. Preferably, the combination of the first part and the second part completes the complete wall. The handle is preferably located upstream of the fluid inlet. Preferably, the handle has an outer wall that surrounds the wall and includes a fluid inlet.

  The baffle is preferably arcuate or arcuate. Preferably, the baffles are radially arcuate or arcuate.

  Preferably, the fluid passage in the body is substantially orthogonal to the fluid passage in the handle.

  The body preferably has an upstream end and a downstream end, and the fluid outlet is preferably located at or near the downstream end.

  Preferably, the handle is arranged towards the upstream end of the body.

  Preferably, a PCB (printed circuit board) is provided in the main body between the handle and the upstream end of the main body. Preferably, the baffle reduces the interaction between the fluid flowing from the handle and the PCB.

  Preferably the baffle comprises a slot.

  Preferably, the PCB has a flexible extension that extends from the PCB to a control button located on the handle.

  The flexible extension preferably extends through the slot of the baffle.

  According to a ninth aspect, the present invention provides a hair styling appliance comprising a body, a handle, and a fluid extending from the fluid inlet through which fluid flows into the handle to a fluid outlet through which fluid exits the body. It has a passage and a baffle, the fluid passage is non-linear, and the baffle guides the flow into the fluid passage.

  Preferably, the hair setting appliance is a hair dryer.

  The present invention is illustratively described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an appliance according to the invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the device of FIG. 3; The stress relief on the cable is shown in detail. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an arm of the device of FIG. 5; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the handle of the appliance. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the device in the handle of the appliance. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the inner wall of the handle of the appliance. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the inner wall of the handle of the appliance. It is an exploded view of an on / off switch. It is an exploded view of an on / off switch. It is sectional drawing of an on / off switch. It is sectional drawing of an on / off switch. FIG. 10 shows a rear isometric view of the on / off switch. FIG. 7 shows a front isometric view of the on / off switch. The interior details of the handle portion of the appliance are shown.

  FIG. 1 shows a hair dryer 10 having a handle 20 and a body 30. The handle 20 has a first end 22 connected to the body 30 and a second end 24 including a main fluid inlet 40 distal from the body 30. Electric power is supplied to the hair dryer 10 via the cable 50. At the end of the cable 50 remote from the dryer 10, a plug is provided (not shown), which constitutes, for example, an electrical connection to the mains power supply or the battery pack.

  The body 30 has a first end 32 and a second end 34 and is considered to have two parts. The first portion 36 extending from the first end 32 is tubular and of substantially constant diameter, and the second portion 38 extending from the second end 34 is joined to the first portion 36 Be done. The second portion 38 is conical in shape and the diameter varies along its length, decreasing from the diameter of the first portion 36 of the body 30 to the diameter of the second end 34 of the body.

  The handle 20 has an outer wall 200 extending from the body 30 to the distal end 24 of the handle. At the distal end 24 of the handle, an end wall 210 extends across the outer wall 200. The cable 50 penetrates the end wall 210 and enters the hair dryer. The main inlet 40 of the handle 20 has a first opening 42 extending along and around the outer wall 200 of the handle, and a second opening 46 extending across and through the end wall 210 of the handle 20. The cable 50 is located approximately at the center of the end wall 210 and extends from the center of the handle 20. The end wall 210 is orthogonal to the outer wall 200 and the inner wall 220 of the handle.

  The cable 50 preferably extends from the center of the handle 20, which means that the hair dryer is balanced regardless of the orientation of the handle 20 in the user's hand. In addition, even if the user moves the position of his hand on the handle 20, the position with respect to the hand when the hand moves does not change, so the cable 50 is not pulled hard. As the cable is offset and closer to one side of the handle, the weight distribution of the hair dryer will change with respect to the direction and bother the user.

  A fan unit 70 is provided downstream of the main inlet 40. The fan unit 70 includes a fan and a motor. The fan unit 70 draws fluid from the main inlet 40, and the fluid is directed to the body 30 through a fluid passage 400 extending from the main inlet 40 to the body 30, to the body 30 at the junction 90 between the handle 20 and the body 30. enter. The fluid passage 400 passes through the body 30 towards the second end 34 of the body, through the heater 80 and to the main fluid outlet 440 where the fluid drawn by the fan unit at the main fluid outlet 440 Out of the main fluid passage 400. The main fluid passage 400 is not linear and flows in the first direction in the handle 20 and in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction in the body 30.

  Body 30 includes an outer wall 360 and a duct 310. The main fluid passage 400 extends along the body from the junction 90 of the handle 20 and the body 30 between the outer wall 360 and the duct 310 towards the main fluid outlet 440 at the second end of the body 30.

  Another fluid passage is provided in the body 30 and this flow is not directly processed by the fan unit or heater but is drawn into the hair dryer by the action of the fan unit to create a primary flow through the hair dryer. This fluid flow is taken into the hair dryer by the fluid flowing through the main fluid passage 400.

  The first end 32 of the body 30 includes a fluid inlet 320 and the second end 34 of the body includes a fluid outlet 340. Fluid inlet 320 and fluid outlet 340 are both at least partially defined by duct 310, which is the inner wall of body 30 and extends within body 30 along body 30. Fluid passage 300 extends from fluid inlet 320 to fluid outlet 340 within duct 310.

  The inner duct 310 is formed from a conical or trumpet shaped portion 350 and a tubular portion 312. At the first end 32 of the body 30, the conical portion 350 extends between the tubular portion 312 and the outer wall 360. The conical portion 350 at least partially defines the fluid inlet 320. At the second end 34 of the body 30, a gap 370 is provided between the outer wall 360 and the tubular portion 312, which defines the main fluid outlet 440. The main fluid outlet 440 is annular and surrounds the fluid passage 300. The main fluid outlet 440 may be internal, in which case the main fluid passage 400 merges with the fluid passage 300 in the body 30. As a variant, the main fluid outlet 440 is external and the fluid flowing out of the body 30 flows out separately from the fluid exiting the fluid passage 300 at the fluid outlet 340.

  The duct 310 is an inner wall of the hair dryer which can be accessed from the outside of the hair dryer. Thus, the duct 310 is also the outer wall of the hair dryer. The duct 310 is disposed in a recess in the body 30 and the conical portion 350 connecting between the outer wall 360 and the tubular portion 312 of the duct 310 is angled relative to the outer wall 360.

  A PCB (printed circuit board) 75 containing control electronics for the hair dryer is located on the side wall 350 of the body 30 and near the fluid inlet 320. The PCB 75 is ring shaped and extends around the duct 310 between the duct 310 and the outer wall 360. The PCB 75 is in fluid communication with the main fluid passage 400. The PCB 75 extends around the fluid passage 300 and is isolated from the fluid passage 300 by a duct 310.

  The PCB 75 controls parameters such as the temperature of the heater 80 and the rotational speed of the fan unit 70. The PCB 75 is electrically connected to the heater 80, the fan unit 70, and the cable 50 by internal wiring (not shown). Control buttons 62, 64 are provided to connect to the PCB 75, for example, to allow the user to select various temperature settings and flow rates.

  In use, fluid is drawn into the main fluid passage 400 by the action of the fan unit 70, optionally heated by the heater 80, and out the main fluid outlet 440. This processed flow causes fluid at fluid inlet 320 to be dragged into fluid passage 300. The fluid merges with the process flow at the second end 34 of the body 30. Thus, the fluid processed by the fan unit and the heater is augmented by the towed flow.

  Referring to FIGS. 2-4 and 7b, the device 100, particularly for routing the wires 102, 104, has a central hub 110 housing the cable 50 and a pair of arms 120, 122, the arms 120, 122 being Wires 102, 104 are routed to route the wires 102, 104 from the central hub 110 towards the inner wall 220 in the handle 20 of the appliance 10.

  Because the diameter of the inner wall 220 is larger than the diameter of the central hub 110, the wires 102, 104 extend radially outwardly from the central hub 110 toward the inner wall 220 together with the arms 120, 122 and are generally "Y" shaped The device 100 is formed.

  The inner wall 220 is shaped to reduce turbulence in the fluid passage to reduce noise, and the inner wall 220 is perforated. The inner wall 220 has a downstream end 222 curved radially inward from the outer wall 200 and provides space for the lining material 202 between the outer wall 200 and the inner wall 220. The lining material 202, along with the holes 422 in the inner wall 220, absorb the noise and / or vibrations generated within the handle 20. The curvature at the downstream end 222 of the inner wall 220 guides the fluid flowing from the fluid inlet 40 to the narrow cross-sectional area where the lining material 202 is disposed.

  Device 100 has a central hub 110 located at the center of fluid flow from fluid inlet 40 to inner wall 220. The central hub 110 is spaced from the downstream end 222 of the inner wall 220 to reduce the effect of the central hub 110 on the fluid flowing in the fluid passage 400. When the central hub 110 is adjacent to the downstream end 222 of the outer wall 200, noise is generated with turbulence in the flow.

  In this example, the device 100 is formed from two parts 100a, 100b, each constituting one half of the central hub 110 and one half of each of the two arms 120,122. Thus, the cable 50 can be placed in one of the two parts 100a, 100b and the wires 102, 104 can be placed in one half of each arm 120, 122 and then the other part of the device 100 And secure the cables 50 in the central hub 110 and secure the wires 102, 104 in their respective arms 120, 122.

  Furthermore, the inner wall 220 is formed from two parts 220a, 220b, advantageously the two parts 220a, 220b correspond to and align with the two parts 100a, 100b of the device 100. Thus, the first portion 100 a of the device 100 is aligned with the first portion 220 a of the inner wall 220 and the second portion 100 b of the device is aligned with the second portion 220 b of the inner wall 220. This simplifies the assembly of the parts housed in the inner wall 220. For example, a portion such as fan unit 70 may be disposed within one of the two portions of inner wall 220, and cable 50 and wires 102, 104 may be contained within a corresponding one of the two portions of device 100. can do. The inner wall 220 and the two parts of the device 100 can be combined to form the inner handle 26 of the hair dryer 10 if all the parts are correctly aligned.

  Each of the two portions 220 a, 220 b of the inner wall 220 is a semi-cylindrical portion that together form the central tube or inner handle 26 of the handle 10. The two portions 100a, 100b are formed as the same half so that the two portions 100a, 100b of the device 100 align with or correspond to the semi-cylindrical portion, and the two arms 120, 122 Are formed diametrically spaced around the.

  The device 100 is formed such that each arm 120, 122 is substantially the same and can be used in the hair dryer 10 in either orientation aligned with the two portions 220a, 220b of the inner wall 220.

  Wires 102, 104 may be housed within arms 120, 122, which may be hollow shells, but may alternatively be solid with recesses adapted to receive wires passing through the arms. Both recesses can be formed completely inside one of the two parts 100a, 100b of the device, or alternatively, each of the two recesses can also be distributed to the two parts 100a, 100b of the device 100 .

  The handle 20 has at one end 24 a fluid inlet 40 through which the cable 50 passes. As the cable 50 is located approximately at the center of the handle 20, the central hub 110 of the device 100 is likewise located at the center or center of the handle 20. In use of the hair dryer 10, fluid passes through the fluid inlet 40 and flows through the device 100 into the fluid passage 400 defined by the inner wall 220.

  Arms 120, 122 of device 100 extend across fluid passage 400. The arms 120, 122 are symmetrical to minimize any flow asymmetry. The arms 120, 122 extend away from the fluid inlet 40 as they travel from the central hub 110 to the inner wall 220 so as to resist pulling on the cable 50. In other words, the arms 120, 122 extend towards the fluid outlet 440 of the fluid passage 400. Furthermore, the arms 120, 122 are shaped to minimize flow disturbances. The arms 120, 122 curve from the downstream end 124 to a maximum radius and then taper towards the upstream end 126. The arms 120, 122 have tapered back surfaces. Alternatively, both arms can be formed from an airfoil cross section. One skilled in the art should understand that this is intended to minimize flow separation and / or turbulence generation. In this embodiment, the device 100 additionally has four structural struts 112, 114, 116, 118, which have structural features and are radially spaced. A pair of support struts 114, 118 extend from the arms 120, 122 towards the fluid inlet 40, and the other pair of support struts 112, 116 extend from the central hub 110 towards the outer wall 200 of the handle 20. The outer wall 200 of the handle 20 is a thin sleeve supported by the inner wall 220 from the body 30 to the distal end 222, but the outer wall 200 does not extend around the outer wall 200 since the inner wall 220 does not extend to the fluid inlet 40 Are not supported along the length of the first set of apertures 42 extending along the. Four support struts 112, 114, 116, 118 extend radially outward from the central hub 110 of the device 100 to contact the outer wall 200 and from the distal end 222 of the inner wall 220 towards the end 24 of the handle 20. And extend in the longitudinal direction.

  The support struts 112, 114, 116, 118 are plate-like and have rounded ends 128 to reduce the amount of material in the support struts and minimize obstruction of the first opening 42 of the fluid inlet 40. . Because the support struts 112, 114, 116, 118 improve the hoop strength at and around the entrance 40 of the handle 20, the support struts reduce the damage that may occur if the hairdryer 10 falls. Furthermore, the support struts 112, 114, 116, 118 prevent damage to the handle 20 even if the cable 50 bends towards the handle 20.

  In the present example, the two parts 100 a, 100 b of the device 100 are secured using screws 108 which are inserted into the screw holes 106. This has two main functions: first, it prevents misplacement of the wires 102, 104 during manufacturing and subsequent use, and potentially between the parts of the arms 120, 122 And secondly, form a stress relief for the cable 50.

  The cable 50 has an overmold 52 surrounding the cable outside the handle 20 and inside the handle 20. The central hub 110 of the device 100 has an internal recess 54 configured to receive the cable 50 and the overmold 52. The inner recess 54 has a plurality of protrusions 56, 58, 60 extending radially inward from the central hub 110 to the inner recess 54. These protrusions 56, 58, 60 engage in corresponding recesses 130 (see FIG. 1) of the overmold 52. When screws are used to secure the overmold 52 to the two portions 100a, 100b of the device 100 and the cable 50 is securely attached to the handle 20, the cable 50 is prevented from being pulled off the handle 20.

  The overmold 52 is formed in two parts, one part being an internally disposed plastic overmold 52a, which is adjacent to the end of the cable 50 where the wires 102, 104 individually project from the cable 50. The other part is a rubber overmold 52b which extends along the cable 50 outside the handle 20 and to a plastic overmold 52a. Cable ties 48 are used to secure separate portions of the overmold 52.

  With particular reference to FIGS. 7a, 8a, 8b and 9, the inner wall 220 includes a pair of recesses 224, 226, and in the present example, the pair of recesses 224, 226 is a first portion 220a of the inner wall 220a. Are disposed along each edge 228, 230 of the A pair of recesses 224, 226 receive wires 102, 104 extending from the cable 50 to the PCB 75. Thus, the wires 102, 104 are protected from being pinched or pinched and are safely located outside the fluid passage 400 where they would cause some disturbance in the fluid flow.

  Cable 50 includes live wire 104 and neutral wire 102. The neutral wires 102 extend from the device wiring each wire 100 to one recess 226, and the live wires 104 extend from the device wiring each wire 100 to a second recess 224. Within both recesses 224, 226, the wires 104, 102 extending from the cable 50 are connected to the internal live wire 104 'and the internal neutral wire 102' of the appliance using spade connectors 238, 236.

  The fan unit 70 is supported within the inner wall 220 by two annular seats which hold the motor longitudinally in the inner wall 220 and consequently in the handle 20. The first annular seat 242 is provided adjacent to the upstream end of the fan unit 70, and the second annular seat 244 is provided adjacent to the downstream end of the fan unit 70. The pair of recesses 224, 226 may extend past the fan unit 70, but in the present embodiment, the pair of recesses 224, 226 are broken at the point where they meet the first annular seat 242. The inner neutral wire 102 'and the inner live wire 104' extend in the circumferential direction of the inner wall 220a from the respective recesses 224, 226 and are then arranged in a path extending longitudinally along a pair of channels 240 formed in the inner wall 220a. Be done. A pair of channels 240 extend through the first annular seat 242 along the inner wall 220 a and through the second annular seat 244. A pair of channels 240 are configured to receive the inner live wire 104 ′ and the inner neutral wire 102 ′ and to hold the inner live wire 104 ′ and the inner neutral wire 102 ′ in place around the fan unit 70. Designed.

  The downstream end 240 b of the pair of channels 240 is in communication with a wire pocket 232 extending from the second annular seat 244 to the electrical contact 252 of the on / off switch 250. The wire pocket 232 results from the construction of the appliance when connecting the live wire 104 to the internal live wire 104 'via the spade connector 236 and connecting the neutral wire 102 to the internal neutral wire 104' via the spade connector 238 It is designed to accommodate the sagging of the inner live wire 104 'and the inner neutral wire that occur.

  The internal live wire 104 'is connected to the PCB from the electrical contacts 252 of the on / off switch 250 to the heater 80 via a safety switch and fuse (not shown), the internal neutral wire 102' is directly connected to the PCB 75 Is completed. The motor of the fan unit is electrically connected to the PCB 75 via the wires 72, 74 (see FIGS. 1, 10b).

  With particular reference to FIGS. 8 a-11 b, the on / off switch 250 physically contacts the button 64 a pressed by the user to turn the dryer 10 on or off, the electrical contact 252 and the button 64 a to the electrical contact 252. And a push rod 260 coupled thereto. Push rod 260 has a first end 256 that engages a user-operable button 64 a and a distal end 258 that engages an electrical contact 252. Thus, when the user presses the button 64a, the push rod 260 is pressed against the electrical contact 252, turning the hair dryer 10 on and off. The button 64 a is attached to the outer surface 248 of the outer wall 200 of the handle 20. An electrical contact 252 is mounted on the inner surface 246 of the inner wall 220 of the handle 20 and diametrically opposite the button 64a. The push rod 260 extends across the inside of the handle 20 and extends across the fluid passage 400 flowing in the handle 20.

  In order to maintain the relative position of the push rod 260 and the electrical contact 252, a guide rod 270 is provided. Guide rod 270 has a first end 272 attached to inner wall 220 and a second end 274 distal from first end 272. The push rod 260 is generally cylindrical and extends through an opening 266 through the guide rod 270.

  Guide rod 270 surrounds or extends around push rod 260 to support push rod 260 and maintain the position of push rod 260 relative to button 64 a and electrical contact 252. Guide rod 270 has a rounded upstream end 276 and a pointed downstream end 278 and is generally tear-shaped. The resulting cross section has a circular upstream end and a triangular downstream end.

  A return spring 290 is provided between the electrical contact 252 and the push rod 260 to provide the button 64a with positive positioning which represents the on and off positions of the electrical contact 252.

  The fluid passage 400 is non-linear and extends in the first direction in the handle 20 and in the second direction in the body 30. At the junction 90 between the handle 20 and the body 30, a baffle 330 (FIG. 10a) is provided, which has two main functions. The first function is noise reduction and the second function is to provide a digital connection path from the PCB 75 to the button 64 a of the handle 20.

  Fluid flows from the fluid inlet 40 along the inside of the handle 20 into the fluid passage 400. At the junction 90 between the handle 20 and the body 30, the fluid passage 400 turns approximately 90 degrees. Due to the position of the PCB 75, the fluid flowing in the fluid passage 400 tends to interact with the PCB, causing turbulence and noise. The baffles 330 are provided to at least partially block the dispersion of fluid towards the first end 32 and direct interaction with the PCB 75.

  In addition, the PCB 75 is housed in a space formed adjacent to the first end 32 of the body 30 within the body 30 between the duct 310 and the outer wall 360. Additionally, the baffles 330 at least partially block the flow of fluid from the handle 20 directly to the PCB 75.

  The baffle 330 is arc shaped and curved to simulate the curvature of the inner wall 220 of the handle 20 and extends partially upward from the switch 250 to the body 30. In the present embodiment, the baffles 330 have outer edges 330a, 330b generally aligned with the longitudinal edges 286, 288 of the second portion 220b of the inner wall 220. Baffle 330 is formed from two parts, handle portion 322 and body portion 362. The handle portion 322 is co-shaped with the second portion 220 b of the inner wall 220 and extends the second portion 220 b towards the body 30. Body portion 362 is molded with outer wall 360 of body 30 to further extend the baffle into the space of body 30.

  The baffle 330 includes a slot 332 provided in the handle portion 322, which defines the path between the PCB 75 and the button 64b at the digital connection in the form of a flexible extension 334. The on / off button 64a is part of an analog switch, which is unnecessary, for example, for the button 64b to change control settings or provide a cool shot function. The flexible extension 334 is connected to the PCB 75 at the first end 336 and is bent on the fluid flow side of the baffle 330 and around the junction 90 between the handle 20 and the body 30, thus The flexible extension 334 is within the fluid passage 400 and then extends through the slot 332 formed in the handle portion 322 of the baffle 330 towards the second end 338 to the button 64 b. The flexible extension 334 is located between the inner wall 220 and the outer wall 200 of the handle 20 between the slot 332 and the second end 338.

  A connecting pipe 328 is provided upstanding from the inner wall 220 to position the second end 338 of the flexible extension 332 around the button 64b. A seal member 342 is provided between the button 64b and the flexible extension 334 to prevent fluid from leaking out of the fluid passage 400 around the button 64b.

  The button 64 b has two parts, a first part 68, which is a cap that slightly protrudes from the handle 20 and is pressed by the user, and a second part 66 that includes an electrical contact 660. When the user presses the first portion 68, the second portion 66 is pushed towards the flexible extension 334 and the electrical contacts 660 extending from the second portion 66 make electrical connection with the flexible extension 334. .

  In order to additionally support the buttons 64a, 64b and their related parts, an intermediate wall panel 160 is provided which is arranged between the inner wall 220b of the handle and the outer wall 200 around 64a, 64b. . The middle wall panel 160 is configured to retain the push rod 260 and the second portion 66 of the button 64 b within the handle 20. The middle wall panel 160 includes a first opening 162 through which the first end 256 of the push rod 260 protrudes. The flange 256 a extends around the first end 256 of the push rod 260, and the diameter of the flange 256 a is larger than the first opening 162. Thus, the flange 256 a holds the push rod 260 in the intermediate wall panel 160.

  The inner wall 220b includes an opening 218 through which the distal end 258 of the push rod 260 can pass but not the first end 256. Depressing the button 64a pushes the first end 256 of the push rod 260 radially inward, but the range of radial movement is limited by the opening 218 in the inner wall 220b. The openings 218 and the flanges 256a prevent the first end 256 from moving radially beyond a predetermined amount. This allows for protection against excessive forces applied to the electrical contacts and support for the push rod 260.

  The middle wall panel 160 has a second opening 164 through which the second portion 66 of the button 64b protrudes. Also, since the second portion 66 of the button 64b has a flange 66a that extends around the second portion 66 and is larger in diameter than the second opening 164, the middle wall panel 160 and the flexible extension 334 Held in place between the The inner wall 220b holds the flexible extension 334 in place by the positioning pipe 328.

  Preferably, the arms 120, 122 and / or the recesses 226, 228 of the device 100 are adapted to enclose their respective entrapped wires and to electrically isolate them from the fluid passages.

  The outer wall 360 of the body 30 and the inner wall 220 of the handle 20 are preferably molded from a plastic material. Suitable plastic materials can include polycarbonate, gas-filled PPA (polyphthalamide), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), LCAP (liquid crystal aromatic polymer), or PEEK (polyether ether ketone). Those skilled in the art should understand that this description is not exhaustive and that other materials can be used with other manufacturing methods. The outer wall 200 of the handle 20 can be made of any of a number of suitable materials, but is preferably made of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, steel, or stainless steel.

  The device 100 and the outer wall 200 of the handle 20 can be integrally molded. The outer wall 360 of the body 30, the first portion 220a of the inner wall, and the first portion 100a of the device are preferably molded as a first portion with the second portion 220b of the outer wall 200; Portion 110b is preferably shaped as the second portion of the appliance. The baffles 330 need not be molded as two parts, but can alternatively be integrally molded with the first or second part of the appliance.

  In the previous embodiments, the motor and fan are located in the handle of the appliance, but this is not required. There is no need to provide a separate fluid passage in the duct 300, the cone 350 can extend over the entire area delineating the outer wall 360, and the duct 300 may be used to house the fan unit.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to a hair dryer, the present invention is applicable to any appliance that sucks fluid and displaces the fluid effluent from the appliance.

  The appliance can be used with or without a heater and the high speed fluid effluent acts to provide a drying effect.

  The fluid flowing through the appliance is generally air, but may be a combination of different types of gases, and may include attachments that improve the performance of the appliance or the impact of the appliance on the subject, the outflow An object targets, for example, hair and styling of the hair.

  The invention is not limited to the detailed description given above. Modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

10 Hair dryer (electrical equipment)
40 Main Fluid Inlet 50 Cable 100 Device 100a, 100b Device Two Parts 102, 104 Wire 110 Central Hubs 112, 114, 116, 118 Support Struts (Reinforcing Ribs)
120, 122 Arm 220 inner wall (housing, tube)
400 fluid passage 440 main fluid outlet

Claims (23)

A hand-held appliance,
Tube and
A device for routing at least one wire to the tube;
The tube has a fluid passage from a fluid inlet through which fluid flows to a fluid outlet through which fluid flows out;
The device comprises a central hub and at least one arm extending from the central hub towards the tube, the at least one arm housing the at least one wire;
The device, the device comprising at least one reinforcing rib extending radially from the central hub towards the tube.   The appliance of claim 1, wherein the at least one arm extends across the fluid passage.   The appliance of claim 2, wherein the cross section of the at least one arm is symmetrical.   4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wire is two wires, the at least one arm is two arms, and each of the two arms accommodates one wire. Electrical appliance as described.   5. An appliance according to claim 4, wherein the two arms are symmetrical.   The appliance according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the two arms are diametrically spaced.   The appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central hub is located approximately at the center of the tube.   The appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one arm extends from the central hub towards a fluid outlet of the tube.   9. The appliance of claim 8, wherein the at least one arm is shaped to minimize flow disturbance in the fluid passage.   10. The appliance of claim 9, wherein the at least one arm has a tapered back surface.   11. An appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one reinforcing rib extends axially along at least a portion of the tube.   An appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one reinforcing rib extends from the at least one arm towards the fluid inlet.   13. An appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one reinforcing rib curves towards a fluid inlet of the tube.   14. An appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one arm surrounds and electrically isolates the at least one wire. The device is formed from a first portion and a second portion, appliance as claimed in any one of claims 1-14. The appliance of claim 15 , wherein the first portion and the second portion both comprise a portion of the at least one arm. 17. An appliance as claimed in claim 15 or 16 , wherein the first part and the second part both constitute part of the central hub. The tube is along the tube at least partially extending wire guide toward the fluid outlet of the tube, appliance as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17. 19. The appliance of claim 18 , wherein the wire guide isolates the at least one wire from the fluid passage. The at least one wire is routed by a cable to the central hub,
20. The device according to claim 18 or 19 , wherein the at least one arm is aligned with the wire guide to define a passage for the at least one wire extending from the cable through the device and into the tube. Electrical appliance as described. Wherein the at least one wire are wired by a cable to the central hub, appliance as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19.   22. An appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the appliance is a hair setting appliance.   An appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the appliance is a hair dryer.

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