TWM494533U - A hairdryer - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a hairdryer comprising a primary fluid flow path extending from a primary fluid inlet to a primary fluid outlet, a fan unit for drawing primary fluid into the primary fluid flow path, a heater for heating primary fluid in the primary fluid flow path wherein primary fluid flowing through the heater has a lower velocity than primary fluid flowing through the fan unit. The heater may be downstream of the fan unit. The cross sectional area of the primary fluid flow path may vary along the primary fluid flow path. The cross sectional area of the primary fluid flow path may be greater around the heater than around the fan unit. The hairdryer may comprise a handle and the primary fluid inlet is in the handle. The hairdryer may comprise a body and the primary fluid outlet is in the body and the primary fluid flow path extends within the handle from the primary fluid inlet to the body.

Description

hair dryer

The present invention relates to a handheld device, and more particularly to a hair care device such as a hairdryer or a hot styling brush.

Blowers, and more particularly hot air blowers, are used in a variety of applications, such as drying materials such as paint or hair and cleaning or peeling surface layers. In addition, hot air blowers such as thermal styling brushes are used to comb the hair from a damp or dry condition.

Typically, a motor and a fan are provided that draw fluid into a body; this fluid can be heated prior to exiting the body. Motors are susceptible to damage such as dirt or objects other than hair, so conventionally a filter is placed at the fluid introduction end of the blower. Traditionally, such devices have a nozzle that can be mounted and separated from the apparatus and that changes the shape and velocity of the fluid stream exiting the apparatus. Such nozzles can be used according to the needs of the user at the time to concentrate the flow of the device or to diverge out.

According to a first embodiment, the present invention provides a hair dryer.

In a preferred embodiment, the blower includes: a primary fluid flow path extending from a primary fluid inlet to a primary fluid outlet; a fan unit for drawing primary fluid into the primary fluid flow path; The primary fluid in the main fluid flow path is heated, wherein the primary fluid flowing through the heater has a lower velocity than the primary fluid flowing through the fan unit.

Preferably, the heater is located downstream of the fan unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the primary fluid flow path varies along the primary fluid flow path.

Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the primary fluid flow path is greater around the heater than around the fan unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the blower includes a handle with a primary fluid inlet attached to the handle.

Preferably, the blower includes a body and the primary fluid outlet is in the body, wherein the primary fluid flow path extends from the primary fluid inlet to the body within the handle.

In a preferred embodiment, the fan unit is disposed in the handle.

Preferably, the handle is substantially perpendicular to the body.

In a preferred embodiment, the primary fluid flow path flows toward a first direction within the handle and toward a second direction within the body.

Preferably, the first direction is substantially perpendicular to the second direction.

In a preferred embodiment, the primary fluid flowing through the primary fluid outlet has a higher velocity than the primary fluid flowing through the heater.

Preferably, the primary fluid flowing into the primary fluid inlet has a velocity similar to that of the primary fluid flowing through the heater.

In a preferred embodiment, the velocity of the primary fluid is increased from the primary fluid inlet to the fan unit.

Preferably, the velocity of the primary fluid is reduced from the fan unit toward the body.

In a preferred embodiment, the blower includes a fluid flow path extending from a fluid inlet into the body to a fluid outlet exiting the body.

Preferably, within the body, the primary fluid flow path encloses the fluid flow path.

In a preferred embodiment, the body includes a conduit separating the primary fluid flow path from the fluid flow path.

Preferably, the heater surrounds the inner conduit.

In a preferred embodiment, the heater extends along the inner conduit.

The blower preferably includes a high speed motor. The blower includes a fan unit for establishing an air current, the fan unit includes an air inlet, an air outlet, an impeller, and a motor for rotating the impeller to establish an air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet. Wherein the motor has a rotor that is capable of rotating at a speed of at least 50,000 rpm in use. Preferably, the rotor is capable of rotating at a speed of at least 80,000 rpm. The rotor is preferably capable of rotating at a speed of up to 110,000 rpm. Preferably, the blower is an amplified blower so that the fan unit does not handle all of the flow leaving the blower, i.e., some of the flow through the blower is carried away by the fluid drawn into the blower by the action of the motor. Preferably, the fan unit is stored in the handle of a blower.

The present invention provides a hair dryer comprising a fan unit, the fan unit comprising a high voltage motor. Preferably, the pressure generated by the motor is between 1400 and 2250 Pa. For a motor that falls within a cross-sectional area of 25 mm ² , this corresponds to a flow rate of 9.4 to 12 l/s and a motor speed of 84,000 to 105,000 rpm. Thus, the motor resides within a grippable handle, preferably having a diameter of 35 to 42 mm.

According to the present invention, the thickness of the outer wall is preferably less than 2 mm, and more preferably less than 1 mm thick. The ideal thickness is around 0.7 mm.

In another embodiment, the handle diameter is between 20 and 60 mm and preferably between 30 and 50 mm. Preferably, the handle diameter is between 35 and 42 mm.

According to the present invention, a hair dryer has a handle including a motor, and the wall of the handle is lined with the gasket material. In general, the gasket material is between 4 and 6 mm thick.

According to the present invention, a hair dryer includes a handle for storing a fan unit, and the handle is lined with a cushion material. Preferably, the cushioning material comprises at least one of an inlet silencer and an outlet silencer. The length of the outlet muffler S _O from the downstream end of a fan unit to the downstream end of a handle 20 is preferably up to 100 mm long. The inlet muffler S _I is preferably from 10 to 200 mm long from the upstream end of a fan unit to the downstream end of an inlet. The ratio between the inlet silencer S _I and the outlet silencer S _O is preferably greater than 1.2. In a hair dryer 10 having a fixed diameter handle 20, the ratio is preferably greater than 0.1.

According to the present invention, the length Lx of the body from the fluid inlet to the upstream edge of a handle has a relationship with the length Lz of the body from the downstream edge of the handle to the fluid outlet at the downstream end of the body. Ideally Lz 40mm and Lx 20mm. Preferably, 2Lx = Lz.

According to the creation, _a hair dryer diameter d of the inner diameter of the outer wall of the catheter in the body have a relationship between d _b. A handle having a fixed diameter of the blowers, d _b: d _a ratio of preferably between 0.49 and 0.6.

According to the present invention, in a hair dryer having a non-fixed or altered diameter handle, the ratio of d _b :d _a is preferably between 0.4 and 0.9.

According to the present creation, the hair dryer has a relationship between the length l _{2 of the} body and the diameter d _{h of the} handle. In a hair dryer having a fixed diameter handle, the ratio of l ₂ :d _h is preferably between 1.9 and 2.5. In a hair dryer having a non-fixed or altered diameter handle, the ratio of l ₂ :d _h is preferably between 1.9 and 2.5.

According to the present invention, the hair dryer has a relationship between the diameter d _a of the outer wall of the body and the diameter d _{h of the} handle. In a hair dryer having a fixed diameter handle, the ratio of d _a :d _h is preferably between 1.6 and 3.4.

According to the present creation, the hair dryer has a relationship between the length l ₂ of the body and the diameter d _{a of the} body. In a hair dryer having a fan unit in the handle, the ratio of l ₂ :d _a is preferably between 1.1 and 1.6. For a hair dryer in which the heater is attached to the body and the fan unit is in the handle, the ratio of l ₂ :d _a is preferably between 0.8 and 1.6.

According to the present invention, the hair dryer has a relationship between the length l _{2 of the} body and the diameter d _{b of the} inner catheter. The ratio of l ₂ :d _b is preferably between 1.8 and 3.4. For a hair dryer in which the heater is attached to the body and the fan unit is in the handle, the ratio of l ₂ :d _a is preferably between 1 and 3.4.

According to the present invention, the hair dryer has an inner conduit connected to an outer wall via a side wall. In one embodiment, the side walls are perpendicular to the outer wall.

According to the present invention, the hair dryer includes a handle and a body, wherein the flow in the main fluid flow path of the body is clamped at 90° to the flow in the main fluid flow path of the handle. Preferably, the primary fluid flow within the body is parallel to the fluid flowing through a fluid flow path.

According to the present invention, the hair dryer comprises a body having an inner conduit comprising a conical member and a tubular member, wherein a radius r between the conical member and the tubular member of the inner conduit is between 0.5 and 50 mm.

According to the present invention, a hair dryer includes a body having an inner conduit including a conical member and a tubular member, wherein the conical member at least partially defines a fluid inlet, and the tubular member at least partially defines a fluid outlet, wherein the inner conduit The diameter increases from the conical member toward the fluid outlet.

According to the present invention, the hair dryer comprises a body, the body comprises an outer wall, an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein a chamfer is arranged at the outlet end, wherein in the chamfer, the diameter of the outer wall decreases toward the center AA of the outer wall, and wherein The horn is between 30° and 60°. Ideally the chamfer is between 30° and 60°. Preferably, a chamfer is provided before 35 to 55° and more preferably, a chamfer before 45°.

According to the present invention, a hair dryer has a body, and the body includes a main fluid outlet defined by a first surface and a second surface of the body, wherein the first surface and the second surface The faces are substantially parallel surfaces that define one of the outer annular outlets and one inner annular limit, respectively. Preferably, the body includes an inner conduit and the first surface and the second surface are additionally substantially parallel to the inner conduit.

According to the present invention, a hair dryer has a body, and the body includes a main fluid outlet defined by a first surface and a second surface of the body, wherein the first surface and the second surface are substantially parallel surfaces, respectively One of the primary fluid outlets defines an outer annular restriction and an inner annular restriction. Preferably, the body includes an inner conduit and the first surface and the second surface are additionally inclined toward the inner conduit adjacent the primary fluid outlet.

According to the present invention, a hair dryer has a body, and the body includes a main fluid outlet defined by a first surface and a second surface of the body, wherein the first surface and the second surface are substantially parallel surfaces, respectively One of the primary fluid outlets defines an outer annular restriction and an inner annular restriction. Preferably, the body includes an inner conduit and the first surface and the second surface are additionally inclined away from the inner conduit adjacent the primary fluid outlet.

According to the present invention, a hair dryer includes a body having a tubular outer wall and a handle substantially perpendicular to the body, the body having a fluid inlet defined at least in part by a side wall extending from the tubular outer wall toward a center of a tubular outer wall Wherein the side walls are bent to between the 1 and 90° to the tubular outer wall. Preferably, this angle is between 30 and 60 degrees. More preferably, this angle is 45°.

A ₁ ‧ ‧ area

A ₂ ‧‧‧ cross-sectional area

A-A‧‧‧ Centre/Centerline

d _a ‧‧‧diameter

d _b ‧‧‧diameter

d _h ‧‧‧diameter

l ₂ ‧‧‧ length

l _h ‧‧‧established handle length

Lx‧‧‧ length

Lz‧‧‧ length

R‧‧‧ Radius

S _I ‧‧‧ muffler inlet / inlet liner

S _O ‧‧‧Export silencer

‧‧‧‧ angle

Γ‧‧‧ angle

10‧‧‧hair dryer

20‧‧‧Hands

22‧‧‧ downstream/first end

24‧‧‧Remote/second end

30‧‧‧Ontology

32‧‧‧ first end

34‧‧‧ second end

36‧‧‧First part

38‧‧‧Second part/front part

40‧‧‧ main fluid inlet

40b‧‧‧ downstream end

42‧‧‧First perforation

46‧‧‧Second perforation

50‧‧‧ cable

62, 64‧‧‧ control buttons

70‧‧‧Fan unit/motor

70a‧‧‧ upstream end

70b‧‧‧ downstream end

75‧‧‧PCB

80‧‧‧heater

90‧‧‧ Engagement

130‧‧‧hair dryer

132‧‧‧Handle/hair dryer

134‧‧‧hair dryer

136, 138‧‧‧ hair dryer

140, 142, 144, 146, 148‧‧ ‧ hair dryer

150, 152‧‧‧ hair dryer

160, 162‧‧‧ hair dryer

164‧‧‧Handle

200‧‧‧ outer/outer wall

202‧‧‧ upstream edge

204‧‧‧ downstream edge

210‧‧‧End wall

220‧‧‧ inner wall

250‧‧‧ inner wall

254‧‧‧ downstream end

256‧‧‧through holes

270‧‧‧ cushioning material

280‧‧‧ entrance

282‧‧‧Export noise level

284‧‧‧Combined noise output/compressor value

286‧‧‧Amplifier value

288‧‧‧ total noise output

300‧‧‧ fluid flow path

310‧‧‧Inner catheter

312‧‧‧Tubular parts

314‧‧‧Conical parts

320‧‧‧ fluid inlet

340‧‧‧ fluid outlet

350‧‧‧ Sidewall/inner conduit

352‧‧‧ side wall

354, 354a, 354b‧ ‧ inner catheter

354c‧‧‧ horn hole/internal catheter

354d‧‧‧Expanded inner catheter/internal catheter

358‧‧‧Cone parts

360‧‧‧Outer body/outer wall

362‧‧‧Conical parts

364‧‧‧ transition point

366‧‧‧ side wall

372, 374, 376‧ ‧ front chamfer

390‧‧‧ Ontology

400‧‧‧Main fluid flow path

400a‧‧‧Main fluid flow path/circulating flow/circular cross section

400b‧‧‧Main fluid flow path/cross section/annular flow

402‧‧‧ speed

404‧‧‧ speed

406‧‧‧Fan unit speed

408‧‧‧ speed

410‧‧‧Minimum speed

412‧‧‧heater speed

414‧‧‧Max speed

440‧‧‧Main export/main fluid outlet

440a‧‧‧Main fluid outlet

440b‧‧‧Main fluid outlet

442‧‧‧ first surface

444‧‧‧ second surface

446‧‧‧ first surface

448‧‧‧ second surface

450‧‧‧ first surface

452‧‧‧ second surface

490‧‧‧External entrainment/external entrainment flow/external entrainment fluid

492‧‧‧Internal entrained fluid

494‧‧‧ Fluid

496‧‧‧ fluid

500‧‧‧Hands

502‧‧‧ index finger

504‧‧‧ thumb

The present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a hair dryer according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a cross section through the hair dryer of Figure 1; Figure 3a shows a side view of the inner wall of a hair dryer; Figure 3b Displaying a cross section through a conduit within a blower; Figure 4 shows a side view of a hair dryer; Figure 5 shows a rear end view of a hair dryer; Figure 6 shows another side view of a hair dryer; Figure 7 shows a front end view of a hair dryer; Figure 8 shows a bottom view of a hair dryer; Figure 9 shows a bottom view of a hair dryer; Figure 10 shows the length of the silencer in one of the handles of the hair dryer; Figures 11a to 11d show an end view of the hair dryer in accordance with the present invention; Figure 12 shows a side view of the hair dryer according to the present invention; 13a and 13b show side views of a hair dryer according to the present invention; Figures 13c and 13d show side views of a hair dryer according to the present invention without a fixed diameter handle; Figures 14a and 14b show end views of some other hair dryers according to the present creation Figures 15a, 15b and 15c show side views of certain hair dryers in accordance with the present teaching; Figures 16a, 16b, 16d and 16e show side views of an alternative hair dryer in accordance with the present teaching; Figures 16c and 16f show Figures 16a, 16b, 16d and 16e alternative end view of the hair dryer; Figure 17a shows a side view of a hair dryer according to the present creation; Figures 17b and 17c show the hair dryer according to the present creation Figure 18a to 18d show side views through other hair dryers according to the present invention; Figs. 19a and 19b show an alternative front chamfer for a hair dryer according to the present invention; Figs. 20a to 20c show a hair dryer according to the present invention. Alternative to the outlet configuration; Figure 21 shows a side view of the hair dryer through use; Figure 22a shows a velocity profile through a hair dryer in accordance with the present creation; Figure 22b schematically shows the cross-sectional area of the primary fluid flow path.

1 and 2 show a hair dryer 10 having a handle 20 and a body 30. The handle has a first end 22 that is coupled to the body 30 and a second end 24 that is remote from the body 30 and that includes a primary fluid inlet 40. The power is supplied to the blower 10 through a cable 50.

The body 30 has a first end 32 and a second end 34 and can be considered to have two components. A generally tubular first member 36 extends from the first end 32 and a second member 38 extends from the second end 34 to engage the first member 36. The second member 38 is tapered and has a diameter that varies from the diameter of the first member 36 of the body 30 to a smaller diameter of one of the second ends 34 of the body along its length. In this example, the second member 38 has a fixed inclination, and in this example, the angle a that is facing from the outer wall 360 of the first member 36 of the body 30 is about 40°.

The handle 20 has an outer wall 200 that extends from the body 30 to a distal end 24 of a handle. At the distal end 24 of the handle, a distal wall 210 extends across the outer wall 200. Cable 50 enters the blower via this end wall 210. The primary fluid inlet 40 in the handle 20 includes a first perforation 42 that extends around and along the outer wall 200 of the handle, and a second perforation 46 that extends across and through the end wall 210 of the handle 20. The cable 50 is disposed approximately midway between the end walls 210 so as to extend from the center of the handle 20. The end wall 210 is perpendicular to the outer wall 200 of the handle and an inner wall 220.

A fan unit 70 is disposed upstream of the primary fluid inlet 40. The fan unit 70 includes a fan and a motor. The fan unit 70 draws fluid through the primary fluid inlet 40 toward the body 30 via a primary fluid flow path 400 extending from the primary fluid inlet 40 and into the body 30 where the handle 20 and body 30 are engaged 90. The primary fluid flow path 400 continues through the body 30 toward the second end 34 of the body, around a heater 80 and to a primary fluid outlet 440 where fluid drawn by the fan unit exits the primary fluid flow path 400. Main fluid flow path The bore 400 is non-linear and flows through the handle 20 in a first direction and through the body 30 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

The body 30 includes an outer wall 360 and an inner conduit 310. The primary fluid flow path 400 extends along the body from the engagement 90 of the handle 20 to the body 30 between the outer wall 360 and the conduit 310 toward the primary fluid outlet 440 at the second end 34 of the body 30.

Another fluid flow path is disposed within the body; this flow is not only directly processed by the fan unit or heater, but is also drawn into the blower by the action of the fan unit that produces the primary fluid via the blower. This fluid flow is entrained into the blower by fluid flowing through the primary 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. Both the fluid inlet 320 and the fluid outlet 340 are at least partially defined by a conduit 310 that is the inner wall of a body 30 and extends within the body and along the body. A fluid flow path 300 extends within a conduit from fluid inlet 320 to fluid outlet 340. At a first end 32 of the body 30, a side wall 350 extends between the outer wall 360 and the conduit 310. This sidewall 350 at least partially defines the fluid inlet 320. At the second end 34 of the body, a gap is disposed between the outer wall 360 and the conduit, the gap defining a primary fluid outlet 440. The primary fluid outlet 440 is annular and encloses the fluid flow path. The primary fluid outlet 440 can be internal such that the primary fluid flow path 400 and the fluid flow path 300 are incorporated within the body 30. Alternatively, the primary fluid outlet 440 is external and the fluid from the fluid flow path 300 at the fluid outlet 340 is separately withdrawn from the body 30.

The outer wall 360 of the body tapers toward the centerline A-A of the conduit 310 and a body 30. Having a tapered outer wall 360 toward the conduit 310 has the advantage that the primary flow system exiting the primary fluid outlet 440 is directed toward the centerline A-A of the body 30. As fluid moves from the main outlet 440, fluid exiting the primary fluid outlet 440 will cause an external clamp from some fluid outside the blower. Belt 490. This effect is increased by tapering the outer wall 360 toward the catheter 310. This is partly because the primary flow system is concentrated rather than divergent, and in part because the slope of the outer wall 360 of the body 30 is toward the second end 34 of the blower.

The conduit 310 is the inner wall of a blower that can be accessed from outside the blower. Thus, the conduit 310 is the outer wall of a blower. The conduit 310 is placed in a recess within the body 30 such that the sidewall 350 connected between the outer wall 360 and the conduit 310 is curved relative to the outer wall 360.

A PCB 75 containing control electronics for the blower is disposed in the body 30 adjacent the sidewalls 350 and the fluid inlet 320. The PCB 75 is annular and extends around the conduit 310 between the conduit 310 and the outer wall 360. The PCB 75 is in fluid communication with the primary fluid flow path 400. The PCB 75 extends around the fluid flow path 300 and is isolated from the fluid flow path 300 by a conduit 310.

The PCB 75 controls this parameter as the temperature of the heater 80 and the rotational speed of the fan unit 70. Internal wiring (not shown) electrically connects the PCB 75 to the heater 80 and the fan unit 70 and the cable 50. Control buttons 62, 64 are provided and connected to PCB 75 to allow a user to select, for example, from a range of temperature settings and flow rates.

In use, the flow system is drawn into the primary fluid flow path 400 by the action of the fan unit 70, optionally heated by the heater 80, and exits from the primary fluid outlet 440. This treated flow causes fluid to be entrained into the fluid flow path 300 at the fluid inlet 320. Fluid is combined with the treated flow at the second end 34 of the body. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the process flows out of the main fluid outlet 440 and the blower as an annular flow that encloses the entrained flow exiting the blower through the fluid outlet 340. Therefore, the flow system processed by the fan unit and the heater is increased by the entrained flow.

The handle 20 has an outer wall 200 and an inner wall 250 that at least partially define a primary fluid flow path 400 through the handle 20. The inner wall 250 extends from the body 30 to a downstream end 254 toward the handle The second end 24 of the hand 20. The handle 20 is tubular and the outer wall 200 of the handle 20 is cylindrically formed of any suitable material (e.g., molded plastic) or a rolled sheet metal (e.g., aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or a steel). Sleeve. The handle is coupled to the body 30 at a first end 22 and a primary fluid inlet 40 is disposed at a second end 24 of the distal end. The primary fluid inlet 40 is a first mechanism that filters fluid entering the primary fluid flow path 400.

Referring now to Figure 3a, a gasket material 270 is disposed between the inner wall 250 and the outer wall 200. The cushioning material 270 is a foam or a felt that at least attenuates the noise (having a silencing effect) generated when the flow system is drawn into the handle 20 by the fan unit 70. For the sake of clarity, the gasket material 270 has been shown to be only around one portion of the inner wall 250. In order to allow contact between the gasket material 270 and the fluid flowing in the primary fluid flow path 400 to attenuate the noise, the inner wall 250 is provided with a through bore 256 that extends around and at least partially along the length of the inner wall 250. .

A gasket material 270 is provided to reduce the noise generated when the flow system is drawn into the primary fluid inlet 40 by the action of the fan unit 70.

The through holes 256 of the inner wall 220 are of a diameter selected to most effectively attenuate noise. A diameter of 1 mm to 10 mm is suitable; a smaller diameter is better for obtaining a good sound power (reducing sound beyond the main human sound range), and a larger diameter is good for high frequency attenuation. These through holes are preferably at least 40% of the surface area forming the inner walls 220,250.

By having the gasket material 270 disposed behind the inner wall 250, the crucible can use a liner material that is greater than if the gasket material 270 is directly exposed to the primary fluid flow path. This is because the diameter of the primary fluid flow path 400 is determined by the inner wall 250 which presses the gasket material 270 into the gap between the inner wall 250 and the outer wall 200 of the handle 20. In general, the gasket material is between 4 and 6 mm thick, but will be compressed between the outer wall 200 and the inner wall 250.

An important feature of having a multi-layer handle 20 is that material properties can be used to improve the reduction in noise produced by the product. Flowing by the fan unit 70 and flowing into the main fluid The airborne noise generated by the fluid of path 400 is attenuated by the gasket material 270; however, some of the noise is transmitted via the gasket material 270.

An additional feature required by the handle 20 is that it should be sufficiently rigid to provide a graspable handle that will not be easily bent, which introduces a restriction into the primary fluid flow path. Thus, a fiber reinforced composite material such as aluminum or carbon is desirable because they provide a lightweight and rigid tube. In addition, the outer wall is produced by a plastic material. The skilled person will be aware of other materials that will provide similar benefits.

In order that the diameter of the handle 20 is not very large for a user, the thickness of the outer wall 200 is preferably less than 2 mm and more preferably less than 1 mm thick. Ideally, the thickness is about 0.7 mm. The outer wall 200 having a relatively thin handle 20 also reduces the weight of the product.

When you have a high-speed motor, the noise is at a high frequency, and some noise can be stimulated to the human ear. However, this has an advantage because it is possible to attenuate higher frequencies more efficiently.

The handle diameter is desirably between 20 and 60 mm, and preferably between 30 and 50 mm. Preferably, the handle diameter is between 35 and 42 mm. In order to maximize the reduction in noise and provide a grippable grip, the creator has used a combination of materials of the handle 20. First, the outer layer 200 is rigid but thin, and the sound that is attenuated by the muffling medium (i.e., the cushioning material 270) within the handle 20 can be attenuated by maximizing the thickness of the cushioning material 270 in the handle 20. And is maximized. Ideally, at least 6 mm of pad material 270 or muffling media is required to attenuate the higher frequency noise (typically around 1.8 to 2 Khz) produced by a high speed motor.

Referring now to Figure 7, the length of the gasket material 270 is also important. Ideally, gasket material 270 is present both upstream and downstream of motor 70; this is because the motor produces noise when fluid enters the motor and when fluid exits the motor.

Referring now to Figure 10, a graph of the noise generated by the high speed motor within a handle 20 relative to the distance of the fan unit 70 from the inlet 40 is shown. In general, the longer the length of the pad silencing material, the more the sound is attenuated, but there is still a limit to how long the product can be and still be practical. Thus, for a hair dryer having a motor in the handle 20, there is an optimum position for the motor within the length of a handle from a noise standpoint. The longer the entrance silencer, the more noise is seen as seen on the graph, and the noise at the inlet 280 is reduced as the motor moves away from the inlet along the x-axis. However, for a given handle length l _h , the longer the entrance silencer S _I , the shorter the exit silencer S _O must be.

For an exit silencer S _O if the motor is placed at the inlet (zero value of the x-axis), the exit noise level 282 with respect to the outlet silencer S _O is minimized for a given handle length l _h When the motor moves along the handle, the length of the exit muffler S _O decreases and the noise attenuation decreases, so the sound level rises. Therefore, there is an optimum distance between the motor and the inlet. In the magnifying blower in which the primary fluid flow path 400 flows from the handle 20 into the body 30, there is a change in the shape and size of the primary fluid flow path from a circular cross-section 400a in the handle to a ring in the body. Shape or donut-shaped cross section 400b. For this reason, the inlet and outlet mufflers in the handle are not equal from a sound point of view because some of the noise caused by the fluid exiting the motor is attenuated by the fluid entering the body 30.

The combined noise output 284 from both the inlet muffler S _I and the outlet muffler S _O is the compressor value on the graph, which is first reduced as the motor is moved away from the inlet to reach a sweet point, At this sweet spot, the noise level of the inlet silencer S _I and the exit silencer S _O intersect before rising.

The total noise output 288 of the blower is the sum of the compressor value 284 and the amplifier value 286, which is the noise generated within the body 30 of the blower, and this value is not affected by the position of the motor within the handle 20. For this particular blower 10, the optimum inlet silencer S _I is 70 to 100 mm. However, this value will change if, for example, any of the motor speed, handle diameter or entry characteristics are changed.

The length of the outlet muffler S _O from the downstream end 70b of the fan unit 70 to the downstream end 22 of the handle 20 is preferably up to 100 mm long. The inlet silencer S _I is preferably from 10 to 200 mm long from the upstream end 70a of the fan unit to the downstream end 40b of the inlet 40. The ratio between the inlet silencer S _I and the outlet silencer S _O is preferably greater than 1.2. In a hair dryer 10 having a fixed diameter handle 20, the ratio is preferably greater than 0.1.

Referring now to FIGS 5,11a 11d, blower 10 has a relationship between the outer diameter d _a of the body 30 and the inner diameter d _b 310 of the conduit 360. FIG. 11c and 11d shown, a handle having a fixed diameter 20 of the blower 10, d _b: da ratio of preferably between 0.49 and 0.6. Figure 11a and 11b as shown, having a non-fixed or a change in diameter of the handle of the hair dryer 130 132, d _b: da ratio of preferably between 0.4 and 0.9.

Referring now more particularly to Figure 12, between the length Lx of the body 30 from the fluid inlet 320 to the upstream edge 202 of the handle 20 and the length Lz of the body 30 from the downstream edge 204 of the handle 20 to the fluid outlet 340 at the downstream end of the body 30. The relationship has a relationship. Ideally, Lz 40mm and Lx 20mm. Preferably, 2Lx = Lz.

Referring now to Figures 13a and 13b, the blowers 132, 134 have a relationship between the length l _{2 of the} body 30 and the diameter d _{h of the} handle 20. In a hair dryer 10 having a fixed diameter handle 20, the ratio of l ₂ :d _h is preferably between 1.9 and 2.5. As shown in Figures 13c and 13d, in a blower 160, 162 having a non-fixed or altered diameter handle 164, the ratio of l ₂ :d _h is preferably between 1.9 and 2.5.

Referring now to Figures 14a and 14b, the blowers 136, 138 have a relationship between the diameter d _a of the outer wall 360 of the body 30 and the diameter d _{h of the} handle 20. In a hair dryer 10 having a fixed diameter handle 20, the ratio of d _a :d _h is preferably between 1.6 and 3.4.

Referring now to FIGS. 15a to 15c, blower 140 and 142 have a relationship between the length of the body 30 of the body l ₂ of the diameter d _a 30. In a hair dryer 10 having a fan unit 70 in the handle 20, the ratio of l ₂ :d _a is preferably between 1.1 and 1.6. As shown in Fig. 15c, for a blower 144 in which the heater 80 is attached to the body 30 and the fan unit 70 is in the handle 20, the ratio of l ₂ :d _a is preferably between 0.8 and 1.6.

Referring now to Figures 16a through 16c, the blowers 146, 148 have a relationship between the length l _{2 of the} body 30 and the diameter d _{b of the} inner conduit 310. The ratio of l ₂ :d _b is preferably between 1.8 and 3.4. Referring now to Figures 16d through 16f, for a blower 150, 152 in which the heater 80 is attached to the body 30 and the fan unit 70 is in the handle 20, the ratio of l ₂ : d _a is preferably between 1 and 3.4.

Another feature of the present invention is that the flow in the primary fluid flow path 400b of the body 30 is clamped at 90° to the flow in the primary fluid flow path 400a of the handle 20. The primary fluid flow within the body 30 is parallel to the fluid flowing through the fluid flow path 300.

Referring now to Figures 2, 3b and 9, the inner conduit 310 has a generally tubular member 312 and a generally conical member 314 that extends from the fluid outlet 340 to the fluid inlet 320, while the conical member 314 forms a connection in a generally tubular shape. The side wall 350 between the component 312 and the outer wall 360 of the body 30.

Side wall 352 can be perpendicular to outer wall 360, as shown in Figure 17a. Indeed, a separate side wall 350, 352 can be dispensed with and the inner conduit 354 can extend from the fluid inlet 320 to serve as a cylinder having a diameter that tapers toward the fluid outlet 340 in the form of a frustoconical shape.

Referring to Fig. 18a, inner conduit 354a extends from outer wall 360 at first end 32 and is bent toward a second end 34 to form a tube of circular conduit. The form produced by the inner conduit 354a is flared. Figure 18b shows an inner conduit 354b similar to conduit 354a in Figure 18a, however the cone member 358 of inner conduit 354b is shorter to provide a steeper slope to fluid inlet 320.

The gradually curved inner conduit has the benefit of noise reduction, which is due to the presence There is less turbulence caused by fluid entering the fluid flow path at fluid inlet 320. Having a curved sidewall is audibly advantageous because the flow entrained into the fluid flow path 300 does not encounter any acute angles that would introduce vortices and increase noise. This sidewall is modulated into a tubular portion of the inner catheter 310.

Figure 18c shows a combination of a conduit 354a and a horn 354c in Figure 18a. The inner conduit extends (362) from the first end 32 to a transition point 364 where a cylindrical change with a decreasing diameter is added to increase slightly in diameter toward the second end 34. This flare of the inner conduit increases the entrainment of fluid entering the fluid inlet 320.

Figure 18d shows a combination of the cone member 358 of Figure 18b and a flared inner conduit 354d. The flared shape can be longer by having a shorter cone region with an inner conduit 354d.

In fact, any angle between 1 and 90 can be selected for the angle β between the outer wall 360 and the inner conduits 350, 354a, 354b, 354c and 354d.

Referring to Figures 18c and 18d, and more particularly, the radius r between the conical members 358, 362 and the tubular member 312 of the inner conduits 354d, 354c can be varied. The radius is preferably between 0.5 and 50 mm.

Alternatively, the diameter of the inner conduit 310 increases from the side wall 366 toward the fluid outlet 340, as shown in Figures 17b and 17c. This is advantageous because it increases the entrained flow through the fluid flow path 300. Thus, whether the total emissions of fluid from fluid outlet 340 and primary fluid outlet 440 increase, or the fan unit can operate at a slower speed to produce an equivalent total output, thereby reducing product noise. The increase in diameter of the inner catheter 310 is more pronounced in Figure 17c, which results in more entrainment via the inner catheter 310.

Referring now to Figure 7, the length of the gasket material within the handle 20 can be varied. The length of the inlet liner S _I from the downstream end 40b of the inlet 40 to the upstream end 70a of the fan unit 70 is preferably between 10 and 200 mm.

As shown in Figures 1, 2, 6, 19a and 19b, the blower front member 38 (Fig. 2) can have various chamfers 372, 374, 376, and the front chamfers 372, 374, 376 are one external wall 360 of the body 30. The change in diameter. The diameter decreases toward the center A-A of the outer wall 360. The front chamfers 372, 374, 376 affect the outer entrainment 490 from the outside of the blower due to the movement of fluid from the main outlet 440. The blunt front of a body 30 will limit the flow of both the outer entrainment 490 and the flow through the fluid flow path 300. Ideally, a front chamfer between 30° as shown in Figure 19a and 60° as shown in Figure 19b is selected. Preferably, a chamfer of 35 to 55 degrees is provided, and more preferably a 45° chamfer is provided, as this provides a reasonable amount of outer entrainment 490.

The direction of flow exiting the main fluid outlet may vary depending on the desired outcome. Figures 20a, 20b and 20c show different air withdrawals for the primary fluid. Referring first to Figure 20a, primary fluid outlet 440 has first and second substantially parallel surfaces 442 and 444 that define an outer annular restriction and an inner annular restriction, respectively, of primary fluid outlet 440. The first and second substantially parallel surfaces 442 and 444 are further substantially parallel to the inner conduit 310. This configuration provides a balance between the outer entrainment flow 490 and the inner entrained fluid 492, i.e., it is drawn into the fluid flow path 300.

In Figure 20b, the primary fluid outlet 440a is directed toward the center of the outer wall 360 of the body 30. In this example, both the first surface 446 and the second surface 448 defining the primary fluid outlet 440a are substantially parallel to each other, but are inclined to the inner conduit 310. The primary fluid outlet 440a is directed toward the center of the inner conduit 310 and the outer body 360. Fluid 494 exiting primary fluid outlet 440a is directed to fluid emanating from fluid outlet 340 as external entrained fluid 490. This provides a more concentrated output from the blower when the fluid is all directed toward the entrained fluid flowing through the inner conduit 310, so that when the fluid jet from the blower is concentrated into a smaller cross-sectional area, the blower will feel More powerful. This configuration will be provided to the inner catheter 310 as compared to the non-tilted example illustrated with reference to Figure 20a. There is relatively more external entrainment flow 490 and less internal entrainment flow.

In Figure 20c, the primary fluid outlet 440b is directed away from the center of the outer wall 360 of the body 30. In this example, both the first surface 450 and the second surface 452 defining the primary fluid outlet 440a are substantially parallel to each other, but are inclined away from the inner conduit 310. The primary fluid outlet 440b is directed toward the outer wall 360. Fluid 496 exiting primary fluid outlet 440b is directed away from fluid emanating from fluid outlet 340 and entraining fluid 490 toward the exterior. This provides a more dispersed output from the blower when the fluid is all pointing outward, so that the blower will feel less powerful when the fluid jet from the blower diverges into a larger cross-sectional area. This configuration, compared to the non-tilted example illustrated with reference to Figure 20a, will provide relatively less external entrained flow 490 along the inner conduit 310 and relatively more internal entrained flow.

Figure 21 shows the simple access capability of the control button of the blower 10 and the ergonomic benefit of positioning the control button 64 (see Figure 2) on the curved surface of the body of the blower. When a hair dryer is normally gripped by a hand 500, conventionally the thumb will be positioned around the handle to form a full or partial circle with the index finger 502. In the present hair dryer 10, the thumb 504 is conventionally grippable, but the thumb is also operable to change settings by a control button 64 disposed on the side wall 350 (which forms part of the fluid inlet 320 behind the product), such as by The temperature and / or flow of the hair dryer. Therefore, in addition to the possibility of radially moving the thumb from the handle 20 to the side wall 350, the user can change the setting of the blower 10 without adjusting the grip. Side wall 350 is preferably curved to outer wall 360 of body 390. This angle γ is desirably between 1 and 90 and preferably between 30 and 60. An angle γ of 45° is optimal.

Figure 22a shows a velocity profile through the blower 10. At fluid inlet 40, the fluid entering fluid inlet 40 is at a relatively low velocity 402, and as fluid passes through the inlet silencer, velocity 404 increases as the cross-sectional area within handle 20 decreases. Also, when fluid enters the fan unit, speed 406 is due to fluid flow path 400 via the impeller of the motor and fan unit 70 (fan unit) Further limitations of the upstream of 70 increase again, as the fluid flow path again becomes less restrictive, the velocity 408 is reduced via the exit muffler. A minimum speed 410 is reached as fluid is delivered from the handle 20 into the body 30 of the blower 10. This is because the body 30 has a larger cross-sectional area than the handle and acts as a plenum filled with fluid to reduce the velocity of the fluid. Within the body, speed 410 is similar to the speed of inlet 402. As the fluid passes through the heater 80, the velocity 412 increases slightly as the heater element provides a small limit to the flow of the fluid. As the fluid approaches the primary fluid outlet 440, the cross-sectional area within the body 30 is reduced to a ring aperture defining the primary fluid outlet 440, and the velocity within the body is increased to a maximum velocity 414 at the primary fluid outlet 440.

Reducing the speed as the fluid moves from the fan unit 70 to the heater 80 has some advantages: the body 30 acts like a plenum where it flows from a circulating flow 400a within the handle 20 to a body This flow is stabilized by the annular flow 400b within 30, which reduces the velocity of the fluid, allows for a more uniform flow through the heater 80, thereby reducing speed and turbulence; reducing the noise generated by the blower; forming a primary fluid outlet There is a more uniform load around the ring hole of 440.

The primary reason for the speed to decrease from a fan unit speed 406 to a heater speed 412 is that the cross-sectional area of the fluid flow path changes from an area A ₁ in the circulating flow 400a in the handle to a ring in the body 30. The cross-sectional area A _{2 of} stream 400b is schematically shown in Figure 22b, A ₂ > A ₁ .

Although the outer wall 200 of the handle 20 has been described as being made of a metal of a rolled sheet, alternative methods of manufacture and materials may be used; these include but are not limited to a squeeze tube and a plastic extrusion/molding Tube or a composite tube, such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

This creation has been described in detail with respect to a hair dryer, however, it is suitable for any device that draws in a fluid and directs the flow of that fluid from the device.

Enabling the device to be used with or without a heater; The high speed outflow action has a drying effect.

The fluid flowing through the device is typically air, but can be a single or multiple gases in a different combination and can include additives to improve the performance of the device or the effect of the device on an object that is directed to, for example, the hair and The shape of the hair.

This creation is not limited by the detailed description provided above. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the variations.

402‧‧‧ speed

404‧‧‧ speed

406‧‧‧Fan unit speed

408‧‧‧ speed

410‧‧‧Minimum speed

412‧‧‧heater speed

414‧‧‧Max speed

Claims (43)

A hair dryer comprising: a primary fluid flow path extending from a primary fluid inlet to a primary fluid outlet; a fan unit for introducing a primary fluid into the primary fluid flow path; and a heater for heating the primary fluid The primary fluid in the flow path wherein the primary fluid flowing through the heater has a lower velocity than the primary fluid flowing through the fan unit. The hair dryer of claim 1, wherein the heater is located downstream of the fan unit. The hair dryer of claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross-sectional area of the primary fluid flow path varies along the primary fluid flow path. The hair dryer of claim 3, wherein the cross-sectional area of the primary fluid flow path is greater around the heater than around the fan unit. The hair dryer of claim 1 or 2, comprising a handle, wherein the main fluid inlet is in the handle. The hair dryer of claim 5, comprising a body, and the primary fluid outlet is in the body, wherein the primary fluid flow path extends within the handle from the primary fluid inlet to the body. The hair dryer of claim 5, wherein the fan unit is disposed in the handle. The hair dryer of claim 5, wherein the handle is substantially perpendicular to a body. The hair dryer of claim 8, wherein the primary fluid flow path flows in a first direction within the handle and in a second direction within the body. The hair dryer of claim 9, wherein the first direction is substantially perpendicular to the second direction. The hair dryer of claim 1 or 2, wherein the primary fluid flowing through the primary fluid outlet has a higher velocity than the primary fluid flowing through the heater. The hair dryer of claim 6, wherein the primary fluid flowing into the primary fluid inlet has a velocity similar to that of the primary fluid flowing through the heater. The hair dryer of claim 12, wherein the speed of the primary fluid is increased from the primary fluid inlet to the fan unit. The hair dryer of claim 12, wherein the speed of the primary fluid is reduced from the fan unit toward the body. A hair dryer as described in claim 6 includes a fluid flow path extending from a fluid inlet into the body to a fluid outlet exiting the body. The hair dryer of claim 15 wherein the primary fluid flow path encloses the fluid flow path within the body. The hair dryer of claim 15 wherein the body comprises an inner conduit separating the primary fluid flow path from the fluid flow path. The hair dryer of claim 17, wherein the heater surrounds the inner conduit. The hair dryer of claim 17, wherein the heater extends along the inner conduit. The hair dryer of claim 1 or 2, wherein the fan unit comprises a high speed motor. The hair dryer of claim 1 or 2, comprising a handle for storing the fan unit, the handle being lined with a gasket material. The hair dryer of claim 21, wherein the gasket material is 4 to 6 mm thick. The hair dryer of claim 22, wherein the gasket material comprises at least one of an inlet muffler and an outlet muffler. The hair dryer of claim 23, wherein the outlet muffler S _O is up to 100 mm long. The hair dryer of claim 23, wherein the inlet silencer S _I is 10-200 mm long. The hair dryer of claim 16, wherein the body has a length Lx from the fluid inlet to an upstream edge of the handle and the body from the downstream edge of the handle to the fluid at a downstream end of the body The length Lz of the exit has a relationship of 2Lx = Lz. The hair dryer of claim 17, wherein in a hair dryer having a fixed diameter handle, a ratio of _a diameter d _a of the outer wall of the body to _a diameter d _b of the inner conduit is 0.49 and 0.6 between. A hair dryer as claimed in claim 27, wherein in a hair dryer having a non-fixed or altered diameter handle, the ratio d _b :d _a is between 0.4 and 0.9. The hair dryer of claim 17, wherein in a hair dryer having a fixed diameter handle, a ratio between the length l _{2 of} the body and the diameter d _{h of} the handle is 1.9 Between 2.5. A hair dryer according to claim 29, wherein in a hair dryer having a non-fixed or altered diameter handle, the ratio of l ₂ :d _h is preferably between 1.9 and 2.5. The hair dryer of claim 17, wherein the body has an outer wall, and in a hair dryer having a fixed diameter handle, the diameter d _a of the outer wall of the body and the diameter d _h of the handle The ratio between the two is between 1.6 and 3.4. The hair dryer of claim 6, wherein in a hair dryer having a fan unit in the handle, a ratio between the length l ₂ of the body and the diameter d _{a of} the body is Between 1.1 and 1.6. A hair dryer according to claim 32, in a hair dryer having the heater in the body, wherein the ratio of l ₂ :d _a is between 0.8 and 1.6. The hair dryer of claim 6, wherein in a hair dryer having a fan unit in the handle, a ratio between the length l ₂ of the body and the diameter d _{a of} the body is Between 1.1 and 1.6. A hair dryer according to claim 34, wherein in a hair dryer having the heater in the body, the ratio of l ₂ :d _a is preferably between 0.8 and 1.6. A hair dryer according to claim 17, wherein a ratio between the length l _{2 of} the body and the diameter d _{b of} the inner conduit is between 1.8 and 3.4. The hair dryer of claim 36, wherein in a hair dryer having the heater in the body, the ratio of l ₂ :d _a is preferably between 1 and 3.4. The hair dryer of claim 17 wherein the inner conduit comprises a conical member and a tubular member, wherein the conical member at least partially defines a fluid inlet and the tubular member at least partially defines a fluid outlet, wherein The diameter of the inner conduit increases from the conical member toward the fluid outlet. The hair dryer of claim 6, wherein the body comprises an outer wall, an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein a chamfer is disposed at the outlet end, wherein the chamfer, the outer wall The diameter decreases toward the center AA of the outer wall, and wherein the chamfer is between 30 and 60 degrees. The hair dryer of claim 6, wherein the body comprises a main fluid outlet defined by a first surface and a second surface of the body, wherein the first surface and the first surface The two surfaces are substantially parallel surfaces that define an outer annular limit and an inner annular limit, respectively, of the primary fluid outlet. The hair dryer of claim 40, wherein the body comprises an inner conduit, and the first surface and the second surface are additionally substantially parallel to the inner conduit. The hair dryer of claim 40, wherein the body comprises an inner conduit, and the first surface and the second surface are additionally inclined toward the inner conduit adjacent the primary fluid outlet. The hair dryer of claim 40, wherein the body comprises an inner conduit, and the first surface and the second surface are additionally inclined away from the inner conduit adjacent the primary fluid outlet.