KR20180086531A - A hand held appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for dispensing at least one wire (102/104) within a housing is disclosed that includes a central hub (110) and at least one arm extending from the central hub toward the housing And at least one arm receives at least one wire. The housing has a larger diameter than the central hub. The at least one arm may include a pair of arms. A pair of arms can be Y-shaped. The apparatus may be formed as a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion may provide a portion of at least one arm. The first portion 100a and the second portion 100b may provide a portion of the hub. Also disclosed is a portable appliance comprising an apparatus for dispensing at least one wire to a tube and a tube, wherein the tube forms a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet into the tube to the fluid outlet from the tube.

Description

A HAND HELD APPLIANCE

The present invention relates to a hair care appliance such as a portable appliance, particularly a hair dryer.

Generally, a motor and a fan are provided to draw fluid into the body, which is heated before leaving the body. The motor may be damaged from foreign matter, such as dirt or hair, so that a filter is conveniently provided at the fluid inlet end of the blower. Typically, such a device is provided with a nozzle which is detachably attached to the device and which changes the shape and velocity of the fluid flow out of the device. These nozzles can be used to concentrate the outflow flow of the instrument or to diffuse the outflow flow according to the user's requirements at that time.

Power is required for the fan and heater to function, which is provided through the internal wiring from the main power cable or the battery attached to the appliance.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for dispensing at least one wire within a housing, the apparatus comprising a central hub and at least one arm extending from the central hub toward the housing, One arm receives the at least one wire.

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

The at least one arm preferably includes a pair of arms. Preferably, two wires are provided, each arm of the pair of arms receiving a wire. It is preferable that an arm is provided to receive each wire, for example, if there are four wires, four arms will be provided.

Preferably, the pair of arms are symmetrical. The at least one arm preferably has a symmetrical cross-section and / or outline or silhouette. If more than one arm is provided, each arm is symmetrically spaced around the central hub. If a pair of arms are provided, preferably each of the pair of arms is radially spaced. Preferably, the pair of arms is symmetrical. It is preferable that the pair of arms form Y-shape.

Advantageously, said at least one arm surrounds and electrically isolates at least one wire.

The at least one wire is preferably delivered to the housing by a cable. Advantageously, the cable can be connected to a power source at an end remote from the housing. Alternatively, the wire may extend from an internal power source, such as a battery or a fuel cell.

Advantageously, said central hub receives a cable.

The device is preferably molded from a plastic material.

Preferably, the device is formed as a first portion and a second portion.

Preferably, both the first portion and the second portion provide a portion of the at least one arm. This simplifies assembly since the wire and the optional cable can be positioned relative to one of the first and second parts and held in place by the other part when the device is assembled.

Preferably, both the first portion and the second portion provide a portion of the hub. This also simplifies assembly since the wire and the optional cable can be positioned relative to one of the first and second portions and held in place by the other portion when the device is assembled.

The housing is preferably a handle of the mechanism.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a portable appliance comprising a device for dispensing at least one wire to a tube and a tube, the tube having a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet into the tube to the fluid outlet from the tube, The apparatus comprising a central hub and at least one arm extending from the central hub toward the tube, at least one arm receiving the at least one wire.

Advantageously, said at least one arm extends across said fluid flow path. Advantageously, said at least one arm has a symmetrical cross-section. Preferably, the at least one arm extends symmetrically with respect to the fluid flow path. Preferably, there are two arms and each arm is symmetrical. If more than one arm is provided, the arms are preferably equidistantly spaced around the central hub. In the presence of more than one arm, each arm is substantially identical in cross-section, length, and footprint exposed internally to the fluid flow. Thus, each arm has the same outer contour or silhouette. With these features, the turbulence generated inside the fluid flow path is reduced, and the pressure loss and noise generated are minimized.

In one preferred embodiment, there are two wires, at least one arm comprising two arms, each arm receiving a respective wire.

When a pair of arms are provided, the two arms are preferably spaced apart from each other in the radial direction.

The at least one arm preferably has a symmetrical cross-section. Thus, the fluid flows evenly around each side of the at least one arm. Thus, an asymmetrical flow that causes turbulence and noise is prevented from being formed around the arm.

It is preferable that the pair of arms form Y-shape. This configuration has two advantages, the path along which the wire traverses from the central hub to the tube is curved, making the wire less prone to kinks and also providing axial reinforcement for the force exerted on the cable.

The central hub is preferably located approximately in the middle of the tube.

Preferably, at least one arm extends from the central hub toward the fluid outlet of the tube. In this embodiment, at least one arm follows a fluid flow inside the fluid flow path.

The at least one arm is preferably shaped to minimize flow turbulence inside the fluid flow path. Preferably, the at least one arm has a tapered rear surface. The tapered back surface preferably has a taper of 45 DEG to 0 DEG. Alternatively, the at least one arm has a symmetrical aerofoil cross-section. Thus, the flow separation and turbulence generation at the downstream end of at least one of the arms is reduced.

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

The at least one reinforcing rib preferably extends from at least one of the arms toward the fluid inlet.

The at least one reinforcing rib increases the hoop strength of the tube and also reduces the stress transmitted to the tube when the cable is bent toward the tube.

Advantageously, said at least one reinforcing rib is curved toward the fluid inlet of the tube. The reinforcing rib has the advantage of structurally supporting the tube, but also has the side effect of clogging a portion of the fluid inlet. In order to minimize clogging or restriction of fluid entering the fluid inlet, the thickness of the rib is reduced towards the inlet. When the reinforcing rib extends from the arm, the rib is sculpted around the cable.

Advantageously, said at least one arm surrounds and electrically isolates at least one wire.

The at least one wire is preferably delivered to the housing by a cable.

Advantageously, the cable can be connected to a power source at an end remote from the housing.

Advantageously, said central hub receives a cable.

The device is preferably molded from a plastic material.

Preferably, the device is formed as a first portion and a second portion. Preferably, both the first portion and the second portion provide a portion of the at least one arm. Preferably, both the first portion and the second portion provide a portion of the hub.

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

Advantageously, the wire guide isolates at least one wire from the fluid flow path.

The at least one arm is preferably aligned with the wire guide to provide a path for at least one wire that exits the cable through the device and along the tube.

Preferably, the tube comprises a handle of the device.

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a hair care appliance comprising a device for dispensing at least one wire to a tube and a tube, the tube comprising a fluid flow from the fluid inlet into the tube to the fluid outlet from the tube The apparatus comprising at least one arm extending from the central hub and the central hub toward the tube, the at least one arm receiving the at least one wire.

Preferably, the device is a hair dryer. Preferably, the tube comprises a handle of the instrument.

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a portable appliance comprising a body, a handle having a first end connected to the body and a second end comprising a fluid inlet, A fan unit for drawing fluid along the fluid flow path and a cable extending from a second end of the handle to supply power to the fan unit, Is guided along the wall of the handle.

Preferably, the wall of the handle includes at least one recess extending longitudinally along the handle to receive at least one wire from the cable. In this embodiment, the cable has two wires, so that the wall includes two recesses extending longitudinally along the handle, each receiving two wires from the cable. Preferably, the two recesses are on opposite sides of the wall in a generally radial direction.

Preferably, the wall is formed from two half cylinders extending from the first end along the handle. The two half cylinders come together along the longitudinal edge to form the wall.

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

The first half cylinder of the two half cylinders includes a recess formed in the longitudinal edge, and at least one wire is received within the recess. Preferably, the first half cylinder of the two half cylinders includes a pair of recesses, and the recess is disposed along each longitudinal edge of the first half cylinder of the two half cylinders. Alternatively or additionally, the second half cylinder of the two half cylinders includes at least one additional recess formed in the interior of the longitudinal edge. Preferably, at least one additional recess is radially spaced from the recess. Alternatively, the at least one additional recess is adjacent the recess when the two half cylinders are in contact with each other.

Preferably the handle comprises an end wall and the cable passes through its end wall. Preferably, the cable is located approximately centrally within the end wall.

Preferably, the cable is located within the cable guide. The cable guide is additionally a device for distributing the wire inside the handle. Preferably, the cable guide surrounds the cable to isolate the cable from the fluid flow.

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

The at least one arm is shaped to minimize flow disturbances inside the fluid flow path.

Preferably, the at least one arm has a tapered rear surface. Alternatively, at least one arm has a symmetrical airfoil section.

The at least one arm preferably extends from the central cylinder to the inner wall along the fluid flow path toward the body. Preferably, the cable guide includes two arms radially spaced around the cable guide, one of which receives the active wire and the other receives the neutral wire. Preferably, the cable guide is Y-shaped. The cable guide is formed of two parts. Preferably, a portion of the cable guide is integrally formed with one of the two half cylinders. The second portion of the cable guide is preferably integrally formed with the second half cylinder of the two half cylinders.

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

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

Preferably, the fan unit is provided in the handle of the apparatus.

The fan unit preferably includes a motor and an impeller.

The at least one wire is held in the recess extending over at least a portion of the handle length and the at least one wire can be held in the recess extending over substantially the entire length of the handle. A recess, a pair of recesses, and at least one additional recess extend at least partially along the wall.

Alternatively, at least one wire is partially retained by the recess and partially retained by the passageway. The passageway is preferably radially spaced from the longitudinal edges of the two half cylinders. Thus, in embodiments in which the recess is formed in the longitudinal edge, the passage is radially spaced from the recess. The passageway is preferably provided at the center of one of the two half cylinders forming the wall of the handle and also extends along the length thereof. The passageway is preferably provided within the area of the handle that receives the fan unit. The reason for providing the passage is to facilitate assembly of the mechanism. Thus, at least one wire is disposed in the passageway, and the fan unit and the housing are positioned within the half cylinder on at least one wire to position it around the fan unit, and at least one wire follows the recess in the wall Cable.

According to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a hair care device comprising: a body; a handle having a first end connected to the body and a second end comprising a fluid inlet; A fan unit for drawing fluid along the fluid flow path and a cable extending from a second end of the handle to supply power to the fan unit, At least one wire from this cable is guided along the wall of the handle.

Preferably, the hair care appliance is a hair dryer or hot styling brush.

According to a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a portable appliance comprising a duct and a switch, the switch comprising a user operation button, an electrical contact and a push rod, the button being housed in an outer surface of the duct, The push rod physically connects the button to the electrical contact.

Preferably, the duct is generally circular and the electrical contact is received on the opposite side of the button in a generally radial direction.

The duct is preferably a handle of the apparatus.

Preferably, the duct includes an inner wall, and the electrical contact is received in the inner wall thereof. The inner wall preferably forms a fluid flow path through the handle.

Advantageously, the switch further comprises a guide rod for guiding the push rod across the duct. The guide rod defines a portion 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 partly supported by the electrical contact. Preferably, the electrical contact is at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the duct.

The guide rod preferably supports the push rod across the duct.

Preferably, the guide rods extend across the fluid flow path from the inner wall. The guide rod is shaped to reduce the occurrence of turbulence when the fluid flows along the fluid flow path. Preferably, the push rod is generally cylindrical. Preferably, the guide rod includes a hole, and the push rod passes through the hole.

Preferably, the guide rod has a downstream end and an upstream end, and the upstream end is rounded. Preferably, the guide rod has a downstream end and an upstream end, and a downstream end is pointed. The downstream end of the guide rod is airfoil or is tapered to have a tapered back surface to minimize flow separation, turbulence and noise generation within the fluid flow path.

According to a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a hair care appliance including a duct and a switch, the switch including a user operation button, an electrical contact and a push rod, the button being housed in an outer surface of the duct, Is received in the inner surface of the duct, and the push rod physically connects the button to the electrical contact.

Preferably, the hair care instrument is a hair dryer.

According to an eighth aspect, the present invention provides a portable appliance comprising a body, a handle, a fluid flow path from a fluid inlet into the handle to a fluid outlet from the body, and a baffle, Is nonlinear and the baffle guides the flow inside the fluid flow.

Preferably, the fluid flow path is in the first direction within the handle and in the second direction within the body.

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

Preferably, the handle includes a wall defining a fluid flow path within the handle.

Preferably, the baffle forms a partial continuation of the wall.

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

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

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

Preferably, the body includes an outer wall and the handle comprises a wall, each wall at least partially defining a fluid flow path extending from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. Preferably, the first portion of the device includes a first portion of the wall of the handle. Preferably, the second portion of the device includes an outer wall of the body and a second portion of the wall of the handle. Preferably, when the first portion and the second portion are assembled, a complete handle wall is formed. The handle wall is preferably located upstream of the fluid inlet. Preferably, the handle includes an outer wall surrounding the wall and including a fluid inlet.

The baffle is preferably arcuate. Preferably, the baffle is arcuate in the radial direction.

Preferably, the fluid flow path inside the body is substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow path inside the handle.

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

Preferably, the handle is located on the upstream end side of the body.

It is preferred that a PCB is provided between the handle and the upstream end of the body within the body. Preferably, the baffle reduces the interaction between the fluid flowing from the handle and the PCB.

The baffle preferably includes a slot.

Preferably, the PCB includes a flexible extension extending from the PCB to a control button on the handle.

The flexible extension preferably passes through a slot in the baffle.

According to a ninth aspect, the present invention provides a hair care appliance comprising a body, a handle, a fluid flow path from a fluid inlet into the handle to a fluid outlet from the body, and a baffle, Is nonlinear and the baffle guides the flow inside the fluid flow.

Preferably, the hair care instrument is a hair dryer.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig.

1 shows a cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention.
Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a device according to the invention.
Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 2;
Figure 4a shows a top view of the device of Figure 3;
4B shows the strain relief portion on the cable in more detail.
Figure 5 shows an isometric view of a device according to the invention.
Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the arm of the device of Figure 5;
Figure 7a shows a cross-sectional view of the handle of the instrument.
Figure 7b shows a cross-sectional view of the device inside the handle of the device.
8A and 8B show another cross-sectional view of the inner wall of the handle of the implement.
9 shows an exploded view of the on / off switch.
10A and 10B show different cross-sectional views of the on / off switch.
Figure 10C shows the parts of the on / off switch in more detail.
11A and 11B show the rear and front isometric views of the on / off switch.
Figure 12 shows an internal detail of a portion of the handle of the implement.

Figure 1 shows a hair dryer 10 having a handle 20 and a body 30. The handle has a first end 22 connected to the body 30 and a second end 24 remote from the body and including a main inlet 40. The electric power is supplied to the hair dryer 10 through the cable 50. A plug (not shown) is provided at the end of the cable 50 remote from the hair dryer 10, which may provide electrical connection, for example, to the main power or battery pack.

It is contemplated that the body 30 has a first end 32 and a second end 34 and has two portions. The first portion 36 extends from the first end 32 and is tubular and has an approximately constant diameter and the second portion 38 extends from the second end 34 to connect to the first portion 36 . The second portion 38 is conical and varies in diameter along its length from the diameter of the first portion 36 of the body 30 to the diameter at 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. An end wall 210 extends across the outer wall 200 at the distal end 24 of the handle. The cable 50 passes through the end wall 210 and enters the hair dryer. The main entrance 40 in the handle 20 has a first hole 42 extending along its outer wall around the outer wall 200 of the handle and a second hole 42 extending across the end wall 210 of the handle 20, And a second hole 46 extending therethrough. 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 perpendicular to the outer wall 200 and the inner wall 220 of the handle.

The cable 50 preferably extends from the handle 20 at the center, which means that the handle 20 is balanced regardless of how it is oriented in the user's hand. Further, when the user moves the position of his / her hand on the handle 20, there will be no pulling from the cable since the position of the cable 50 with respect to the hand does not change when the hand moves. If the cable is offset and closer to one side of the handle, the weight distribution of the hair drier will change with orientation, which will distract the user from attention.

A fan unit 70 is provided upstream of the main inlet 40. The fan unit 70 includes a fan and a motor. The fan unit 70 draws the fluid to the main body 30 through the fluid flow path 400 extending through the main inlet 40 and into the main body 30 from the main inlet 40, And the main body 30 are connected at "90 ". The fluid flow path 400 continues through the main body 30 toward the second end 34 of the body through the heater 80 to the main fluid outlet 440 and the fluid drawn by the fan unit flows through the outlet The main flow path 400 is opened. The main fluid flow path 400 is nonlinear and passes through the main body 30 in a second direction passing through the handle 20 frame in a first direction and perpendicular to the first direction.

The body 30 includes an outer wall 360 and a duct 310. The main fluid flow path 400 extends from the connecting portion 90 of the handle 20 and the main body 30 to the main fluid outlet 40 at the second end of the main body 30 along the main body between the outer wall 360 and the duct 310, (440).

Another fluid flow path is provided in the interior of the body which is not directly handled by the fan unit or heater but is drawn into the hair dryer by the action of a fan unit that generates a main flow through the hair dryer. This fluid flow is entrained into the hair dryer by the fluid flowing through the main fluid flow path 400.

The first end 32 of the body 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 formed at least in part by duct 310, which is the inner wall of body 30 and extends therethrough within the body. A fluid flow path 300 extends from fluid inlet 320 to fluid outlet 340 within the duct.

The inner duct is formed by a conical or trumpet-shaped portion 350 and a tubular portion 312. The conical portion 350 at the first end 32 of the body 30 extends between the tubular portion 312 and the outer wall 360. The conical portion 350 at least partially defines a fluid inlet 320. A gap 370 is provided between the outer wall 360 and the tubular portion 312 at the second end 34 of the body and forms a main fluid outlet 440. The main fluid outlet 440 is annular and surrounds the fluid flow path 300. The main fluid outlet 440 may be internal so that the main fluid flow path 400 is merged with the fluid flow path 300 inside the main body 30. [ Alternatively, the main fluid outlet 440 is external and exits the body 30 separately from the fluid exiting the fluid flow path 300 at the fluid outlet 340.

The duct 310 is the inner wall of a hair dryer that is accessible from outside the hair dryer. Thus, the duct 310 is the outer wall of the hair dryer. The duct 310 is inside the body 30 so that 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 75 containing a control electronics for the hair dryer is located in the body 30 near the sidewall 350 and 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 flow path 400. The PCB 75 extends around the fluid flow path 300 and is isolated from the fluid flow path 300 by the duct 310.

The PCB 75 controls parameters such as the temperature of the heater 80 and the rotational speed of the fan unit 70. An internal wiring (not shown) electrically connects the PCB 75 to the heater 80, the fan unit 70 and the cable 50. Control buttons 62 and 64 are provided and are connected to the PCB 75 to allow the user to make selections, for example, in a range of temperature settings and flow rates.

In use, air is drawn into the main fluid flow path 400 by the action of the fan unit 70, selectively heated by the heater 80, and discharged from the main fluid outlet 440. This processed flow causes fluid to flow from the fluid inlet 320 into the fluid flow path 300. The fluid is coupled to the treated flow at the second end 34 of the body. Thus, the fluid processed by the fan unit and the heater is increased by the accompanying flow.

2 to 4 and 7B, an apparatus 100 for dispensing wires 102 and 104 includes a central hub 110 for receiving a cable 50, and a plurality of wires 102 and 104, Has a pair of arms 120, 122 that receive the wires as they are guided from the body 110 to the inner wall 220 of the handle 20 of the instrument 10.

The inner wall 220 has a greater diameter than the central hub 110 so that the wires 102 and 104 together with the arms 120 and 122 extend radially outwardly from the center hub 110 toward the inner wall 220 Thereby forming a device "Y"

The inner wall 220 is formed and perforated to reduce turbulence and mitigate noise inside the fluid flow. The inner wall 220 has a downstream end 222 that is curved radially inwardly from the outer wall 200 to define a space between the outer wall 200 and the inner wall 220, (202). The lining material 202, along with the hole 422 in the inner wall 220, absorbs sound and / or vibration generated within the handle 20. [ The curved portion of the inner wall 220 at the downstream end 222 guides fluid from the fluid inlet 40 toward the narrow cross-sectional area where the lining material 202 is located.

The apparatus 100 has a central hub 110 that is positioned in the middle of fluid flow from the fluid inlet 40 to the inner wall 220. The central hub 110 is spaced from the downstream end 222 of the inner wall 200 so that the influence of the central hub 110 on the fluid flowing within the fluid flow path 400 is reduced. If the central hub 110 is closely spaced to the downstream end 222 of the inner wall 220, noise is generated due to turbulence in the flow.

In this embodiment, the apparatus 100 is formed with two portions 100a and 100b, each providing a half of the center hub 110 and a half of each of the two arms 120 and 122, respectively. Thus, the cable 50 may be disposed within one of the two portions 100a or 100b and the wires 102 and 104 may be disposed about one half of each arm 120 and 122 and then the device 100 Are attached by securing the cable 50 inside the central hub 110 and securing the wires 102 and 104 within the respective arms 120 and 122. [

In addition, the inner wall 220 is formed of two portions 220a, 220b, and advantageously the two portions 220a, 220b of the inner wall 220 are connected to the two portions 110a, And aligned with it. The first portion 100a of the device 100 is aligned with the first portion 220a of the inner wall 220 and the second portion 100b of the device 100 is aligned with the second portion 220b of the inner wall 220. [ . In this way, the assembly of parts housed inside the inner wall 220 is simplified. For example, when cable 50 and wires 102, 104 are placed into corresponding portions of two portions of apparatus 100, a component, such as fan unit 70, As shown in FIG. Once all the parts are correctly aligned, the inner wall 200 and the two parts of the device 100 are joined together to form the inner handle 26 of the hair dryer 10. [

Each of the two portions 220a and 220b of the inner wall 220 is a half cylinder that together form a central tube or inner handle 26 of the handle 10. [ The two portions 100a and 100b of the device 100 are formed in the same half portion so that the two portions 100a and 100b of the device 100 align with or correspond to the half cylinders, And are spaced apart from each other in the radial direction around the hub 110. [

The device 100 is configured such that each of the arms 120,122 is substantially similar and can be used within the hair dryer 10 in an orientation aligned with the two portions 220a, 220b of the inner wall 220. [

The wires 102 and 104 are received within the arms 120 and 122, and these arms may be hollow shells, but alternatively they may be hollow bodies having recesses adapted to receive the wire through the arms. The two recesses may be completely formed in one of the two portions 100a and 100b of the device and alternatively each of the two recesses may be divided between the two portions 100a and 100b of the device 100. [

The handle 20 has a fluid inlet 40 at one end 24 through which the cable 50 passes. The cable 50 is located approximately at the center of the handle 20 and the center hub 110 of the device 100 is located in the middle or middle of the handle 20. [ During use of the hair dryer 10, the fluid passes through the fluid inlet 40, past the device 100, and into the fluid flow path 400 formed by the inner wall 220.

The arms 120 and 122 of the device 100 extend across the fluid flow path 400. [ The arms 120 and 122 are symmetrical to minimize flow asymmetry. The arms 120 and 122 are spaced apart from the fluid inlet 40 as the arms 120 and 122 move from the center hub 110 toward the inner wall 220 to provide strength to resist pulling of the cable 50. [ . In other words, the arms 120 and 122 extend toward the fluid outlet 440 of the fluid flow path 400. In addition, arms 120 and 122 are shaped to minimize flow disturbances. The arms 120, 122 are curved to their maximum diameter from the downstream end 124 and then tapered toward the upstream end 126. The arms 120, 122 have a tapered rear surface. The arms may alternatively be formed with an airfoil section. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the object is to minimize the occurrence of flow separation and / or turbulence. In this embodiment, the apparatus 100 additionally has structural features and has four support struts 112, 114, 116, 118 spaced from one another in a radial direction. A pair of support struts 114 and 118 extend from the arms 120 and 122 toward the fluid inlet 40 and the other pair of support struts 112 and 116 extend from the center hub 110 to the outer wall of the handle 20, (Not shown). 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 of the inner wall 220 but the inner wall 220 extends beyond the fluid inlet 40 The outer wall 200 is not supported along the first set of apertures 42 extending along the outer wall 200 around the wall. The four support struts 112,114,116 and 118 extend radially outward from the central hub 110 of the apparatus 100 to contact the outer wall 200 and extend longitudinally from the distal end 222 of the inner wall 220 Extending toward the end 24 of the handle 20. [

The support struts 112, 114, 116 and 118 are plate-shaped and have rounded ends 128 so that the amount of material inside the support struts is reduced and the clogging of the first holes 42 of the fluid inlet 40 Is minimized. The support struts 112, 114, 116 and 118 increase the hoop strength of the handle 20 at and around the inlet 40 so that when the hair dryer 10 is dropped, It alleviates the damage. The support struts 112, 114, 116 and 118 further protect the handle 20 from damage when the cable 50 is bent toward the handle 20.

In this embodiment, the two portions 100a, 100b of the device 100 are secured together using screws 108 that are inserted into the screw holes 106. [ This has two main functions: first, preventing the wires 102, 104 from being misplaced and picked up between portions of the arms 120, 122 during manufacture and during use, and secondly, Thereby forming a strain relief portion.

The cable 50 has an overmold 52 which surrounds the cable 50 on the exterior of the handle 20 and also inside the handle 20. The overmold 52 is shown in Fig. The center hub 110 of the apparatus 100 includes an internal recess 54 adapted to receive the cable 50 and the overmold 52. The inner recess 54 includes a plurality of lugs 56, 58, 60 extending radially inwardly of the central hub 110 into the inner recess 54. These lugs 56, 58, 60 engage corresponding recesses 130 (see FIG. 1) in the overmold 54. The overmold 54 and the cable 50 are firmly attached to the interior of the handle 20 when the two portions 100a and 100b of the device 100 are secured with the use of a screw and the cable 50 is pulled The cable is prevented from separating from the handle 20.

The overmold 52 is formed of two parts, the first of which is a plastic overmold 52a located inside and the wires 102 and 104 are connected to a cable 50, individually projecting from the cable 50, And the second portion is a rubber overmold 52b that extends above the plastic overmould 52a along the cable 50 outside the handle 20. The second overmold 52b is located over the plastic overmold 52a. A cable tie 48 is used to secure the different portions of the overmold 52 together.

Referring to Figures 7a, 8a, 8b and 9 in particular, the inner wall 220 includes a pair of recesses 224 and 226, which in this embodiment are the same as the first portion 220a of the inner wall 220 And is positioned along each edge 228, 230. The recesses 224 and 226 receive the wires 102 and 104 extending from the cable 50 to the PCB 75. Thus, the wires 102, 104 are prevented from being torn or caught, and are safely out of the fluid flow path 400 that causes disturbance of fluid flow.

The cable 50 includes an active wire 104 and a neutral wire 102. The neutral wire 102 enters into a recess 226 from the wire distribution apparatus 100 and the active wire 104 enters the second recess 224 from the wire distribution apparatus 100. Within the two recesses 224 and 226 the wires 102 and 104 from the cable are connected to the internal active wires 104 'and internal neutral wires 102' of the instrument using spade connectors 236 and 238 .

The fan unit 70 is supported by two annular seats inside the inner wall 220 and these hold the motor longitudinally inside the inner wall 220 and the handle 20. [ The first annular seat 242 is provided adjacent 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 recesses 224 and 226 may continue past the fan unit 70 but in this embodiment the recesses 224 and 226 are disconnected where they meet the first annular seat 242. [ The inner neutral wire 102'and the inner active wire 104'are guided radially around the inner wall 220a from their respective recesses 224 and 226 to form a pair of passageways (240) in the longitudinal direction. A pair of passages 240 pass through the first annular seat 242 and along the inner wall 220a and through the second annular seat 244. A pair of passages 240 are adapted to receive the inner active wire 104 'and an inner neutral wire 102' positions the wires around the fan unit 70.

The downstream end 240b of the pair of passages 240 is open into the wire pocket 232 which extends from the second annular seat 244 to the electrical contact 252 of the on / off switch 250 . The wire pocket 232 is adapted to accommodate the loosening of the inner active wire 104'and the inner neutral wire such that the active wire 104 is connected to the inner active wire 104'through the spade connector 236. [ And the neutral wire 102 is connected to the inner neutral wire 102 'through the spade connector 238. This is due to the configuration of the mechanism.

The internal active wire 104 'is connected to the heater 80 from the electrical contact 252 of the on / off switch 250 via a safety switch and fuse (not shown) to the PCB, Is connected to the PCB 75 to complete the circuit. The motor of the fan unit is electrically connected to the PCB 75 via wires 72 and 74 (Figs. 1 and 10B).

8A-11B, the on / off switch 250 is configured to switch the button 64a, electrical contact 252, and button 64a that the user presses to turn the hair dryer 10 on or off, And a push rod 260 physically connecting to the contact 252.

The push rod 260 has a first end 256 which engages with the user manipulation button 64a and a distal end 258 which engages the electrical contact 252. [ Accordingly, when the user presses the button 64a, the push rod 260 is pressed by the electrical contact 252 to turn the hair dryer 10 on or off. The button 64a is mounted on the outer surface 248 of the outer wall 200 of the handle 20. The electrical contact 252 is mounted on the opposite side of the button 64a in the radial direction from the inner surface 246 of the inner wall 220 of the handle 20. The push rod 260 extends across the interior of the handle 20 and the fluid flow path 400 through 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. The guide rod 270 has a first end 272 attached to the inner wall 220 and a second end 274 located away from the first end 272. The push rod 260 is generally cylindrical and passes through a hole 266 extending through the guide rod 270.

The guide rod 270 surrounds or extends around the push rod 260 to support the push rod 260 and maintain the position of the push rod 260 relative to the button 64a and the electrical contact 252. [ The guide rod 270 is generally in the form of a tear having an upstream end 276 and a pointed downstream end 278 that are rounded. 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 a firm position of the button 64a indicative of the on / off position of the electrical contact 252.

The fluid flow path 400 is nonlinear and the fluid flow path 400 in the handle 20 is in the first direction and the fluid flow path 400 is in the second direction in the body 30. [ At the connection 90 of the handle 20 and the body 30 a baffle 330 (Figure 10a) is provided and the baffle 330 has two main functions. The first function is to reduce noise , The second function is to provide a path for the digital connection from the PCB 75 to the second button 64b on the handle 20. [

Fluid flows from the fluid inlet 40 into the fluid flow path 400 along the interior of the handle 20. The fluid flow path 400 is turned about 90 degrees at the connection portion 90 between the handle 20 and the main body 30. [ Because of the location of the PCB 75, the fluid flowing in the fluid pathway 400 will interact with the PCB to create turbulence and noise. A baffle 330 is provided to at least partially prevent fluid from being dispersed toward the first end 32 and directly interacting with the PCB 75.

The PCB 75 is accommodated within the space formed in the body 30 between the duct 310 and the outer wall 360 adjacent the first end 32 of the body 30. The baffle 330 additionally at least partially blocks fluid from flowing directly from the handle 20 onto the PCB 75.

The baffle 330 is arcuate and extends upwardly from the switch 250 partially into the body 30 and is curved similarly to the curvature of the inner wall 220 of the handle 20. [ The baffle 330 in this embodiment has outer edges 330a and 330b that are generally aligned with the longitudinal edges 286 and 288 of the second portion 220b of the inner wall 220. [ The baffle 330 is formed of two portions: a handle portion 322 and a body portion 362. The handle portion 332 is mounted inside the second portion 220b of the inner wall 220 and extends the second portion 220b toward the main body 30. The body portion 362 is molded inside the outer wall 360 of the body 30 and further extends the baffle into the interior space of the body 30.

The baffle 330 includes a slot 332 provided in the handle portion 332 for guiding the digital connection in the form of a flexible extension 334 between the PCB 75 and the button 64b do. The on / off button 64a is a part of the analog switch, but this switch is not necessary in the case of the button 64b, for example, for changing the control setting or providing the cool shot function. The flexible extension 334 is connected to the PCB 75 at the first end 336 and is connected to the connection portion 90 between the handle 20 and the body 30 at the fluid flow side of the baffle 330, The flexible extension 334 is within the fluid flow path 400 and then passes through the slot 332 formed in the handle portion 322 of the baffle 330 to the second end 338 side Quot; button 64b. Between the slot 332 and the second end 338 of the flexible extension 334 the flexible extension 334 is between the inner wall 220 and the outer wall 200 of the handle 20.

A connecting lip pip 328 is provided upright from the inner wall 220 to position the flexible extension 332 towards the second end 338 about the button 64b. A seal member 342 is provided between the button 64b and the flexible extension 334 to prevent fluid leakage from the fluid flow path 400 around the button 64b.

The button 64b has two parts, the first part 68 being a user pushing cap slightly protruding from the handle 20 and the second part 66 including an electrical contact 660. [ When the first portion 68 is pressed by the user the second portion 66 is pushed toward the flexible extension 334 and the electrical contact 660 extending from the second portion 66 is pushed by the flexible extension 334, respectively.

In order to provide additional support for the buttons 64a, 64b and associated parts thereof, an intermediate wall panel 160 is provided, which includes an inner wall 220b and an outer wall 200b of the handle about buttons 64a, . The middle wall panel 160 is adapted to hold the second portion 66 of the button 64b and the push rod 260 within the handle 20. [ The middle wall panel 160 includes a first aperture 162 through which the first end 256 of the push rod 260 protrudes. A flange 256a extends around the first end 256 of the push rod 260 and the flange 256a has a larger diameter than the first hole 162. [ So that the flange 256a holds the push rod 260 inside the middle wall panel 160. [

The inner wall 220b includes an aperture 218 and the distal end 258 of the push rod 260 can pass through the aperture but the first end 256 is not. When the button 64a is pressed, the first end 256 of the push rod 260 is pushed radially inward, but the range of radial movement is limited by the hole 218 of the inner wall 220b. The aperture 218 and flange 256a prevent the first end 256 from moving radially beyond a predetermined amount. Thus, protection against excessive force applied to the electrical contactor and support for the push rod 260 are provided.

The middle wall panel 160 has a second hole 164 through which the second portion 66 of the button 64b is to protrude. The second portion 66 of the button 64b has a flange 66a extending around the second portion 66 which has a larger diameter than the second hole 164 and the button 64b at a location between the middle wall panel 160 and the flexible extension 334. The second portion 66 of the first wall 64a, The inner wall 220b positions the flexible extension 334 by the positioning pawl 328.

 The arms 120, 122 and / or recesses 226, 228 of the device 100 preferably contain a respective wire contained therein to electrically isolate the wire from the fluid flow.

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 include polycarbonate, glass filled polyphthalamide (PPA), polyphenylene sulphide (PPS), liquid crystal aromatic polymer (LCAP) or polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and those skilled in the art will recognize that this list is not exclusive, It can be used with alternative 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, aluminum alloy, steel or stainless steel.

The device 100 and the inner wall 200 of the handle 20 are 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 apparatus are preferably molded as a first piece and the second portion of the inner wall 200 220b and the second portion 100b of the device 100 are preferably molded as a second piece of the device. The baffle 330 does not need to be molded into two parts, but is alternatively molded integrally with the first piece or second piece of the device.

In the above-described embodiment, the motor and the fan are located inside the handle of the apparatus, but this is not essential. The duct 300 need not provide an additional fluid flow path and the conical portion 350 can extend across the entire area defined by the outer wall 360 and the duct 300 accommodates the fan unit Lt; / RTI >

Although the present invention has been described in detail in connection with a hair drier, it can be applied to any device that draws fluid out of the device.

The mechanism can be used with or without a heater, wherein a drying effect is obtained by the action of a high velocity outflow flow of the fluid.

The fluid that is perfused through the device is typically air, but can be another combination of gases, and the additive may be added to improve the performance of the device or the effect of the device on the subject (e.g., hair) receiving the output .

The present invention is not limited to the above detailed description. Modifications to those skilled in the art are evident.

Claims (24)

A portable appliance comprising a tube and an apparatus for dispensing at least one wire to the tube, the tube forming a fluid flow path from a fluid inlet into the tube to a fluid outlet from the tube, At least one arm extending from the central hub toward the tube, the at least one arm receiving the at least one wire, the apparatus comprising at least one wire extending radially from the central hub toward the tube, Of the reinforcing ribs. The method according to claim 1,
The at least one arm extending across the fluid flow path. 3. The method of claim 2,
Said at least one arm having a symmetrical cross-section. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the cable comprises two wires and at least one arm comprises two arms for receiving respective wires. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the two arms are symmetrical. The method according to claim 4 or 5,
Wherein the two arms are spaced apart from each other in the radial direction. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the central hub is located in the middle of the tube. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the at least one arm extends from the central hub toward the fluid outlet of the tube. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the at least one arm is shaped to minimize flow disturbances inside the fluid flow path. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the at least one reinforcing rib extends axially along at least a portion of the tube. 11. The method according to claim 1 or 10,
Wherein the at least one reinforcing rib extends from the at least one arm toward the fluid inlet. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the at least one reinforcing rib is curved toward the fluid inlet of the tube. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the at least one arm surrounds and electrically isolates at least one wire. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the at least one wire is delivered to the housing by a cable. 15. The method of claim 14,
The cable being connectable to a power source at an end remote from the housing. 16. The method according to claim 14 or 15,
Said central hub receiving a cable. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the device is formed of a first portion and a second portion. 18. The method of claim 17,
Wherein both the first portion and the second portion provide a portion of the at least one arm. 18. The method of claim 17,
Wherein both the first portion and the second portion provide a portion of the hub. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the tube includes a wire guide at least partially extending along the tube toward a fluid outlet of the tube. 21. The method of claim 20,
Wherein the wire guide isolates at least one wire from the fluid flow path. 22. The method according to claim 20 or 21,
Wherein the at least one arm is aligned with the wire guide to provide a path for at least one wire from the cable through the device and along the tube. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the portable device is a hair care device. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the portable device is a hair dryer.

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