US20100269849A1

US20100269849A1 - Hair care device

Info

Publication number: US20100269849A1
Application number: US12/810,055
Authority: US
Inventors: Tomoya Ishikawa; Takahiro Kumode
Original assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp
Priority date: 2007-12-28
Filing date: 2008-12-25
Publication date: 2010-10-28
Also published as: WO2009084594A1; TW200948302A; JP4894751B2; EP2225962A4; EP2225962A1; JP2009160184A

Abstract

A hair care device comprises a housing, an ion generator, and a voltage applying means. The housing is formed with an outlet port. The ion generator is disposed within the housing. The ion generator is configured to produce the electrically charged particles when the electrically power is supplied to the ion generator, thereby discharging the electrically charged particles to an outside of the housing through the outlet port. The voltage applying means is provided with a contact electrode. The contact electrode comes into contact with a user, whereby the voltage applying means is configured to applyg a predetermined voltage to the user. The voltage applying means is a member which is separate from the housing, and which is spaced from the housing.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to hair care devices. Particularly, this invention relates a hair care device being configured to develop electrical potential difference between a human body and a device which discharges electrically charged particles.

BACKGROUND ART

Japanese patent application publication No. 2003-59622A discloses a prior hair care device. The prior hair care device is exemplified by a hair dryer, a hair brush, and hair iron. These hair care devices comprise an ion generator and a voltage applying means. The ion generator and the voltage applying means are both incorporated into a housing. The ion generator is configured to discharge electrically charged particles. Consequently, the electrically charged particles are sent to the hair. In addition, the electrically charged particles are supplied to the air which is flown by the hair dryer. Consequently, the electrically charged particles are sent to the hair. The voltage applying means is configured to keep the electrical potential of the human body such that the human body has the electrical potential which is opposite to the electrical potential of the electrically charged particle. Or, the voltage applying means is configured to keep a predetermined electrical potential of the human body such that the human body has the electrical potential which is lower than the electrical potential of the electrically charged particles. The voltage applying means is positioned such that the voltage applying means comes into contact with the hand of the user. Therefore, when the user touches the voltage applying means with the hand, the human body is kept to have the electrical potential which is opposite to the electrical potential of the electrically charged particles. Or when the user touches the voltage applying means with the hand, the human body is kept to have a predetermined electrical potential which is lower than the electrical potential of the electrically charged particles. Consequently, the ion generator supplies the electrically charged particles to the user's hair continuously.
However, the prior hair care device comprises the ion generator and the voltage applying means which is integral with the ion generator. The user holds the hair care device and sends the forced air which is supplied with electrically charged particles. However, when the hair care device is used in the hair salon, the beautician holds the hair care device by their hand, and sends the forced air with the electrically charged particles to customers. In this case, the customers have no contact with the voltage applying means. Therefore, the customer's hair is not able to receive the electrically charged particle which is carried by the forced air. In addition, the voltage applying means incorporates the voltage source. Therefore, there is a problem of the weight of the hair care device which is increased by the voltage applying means with the voltage source.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Problem to be Resolved by the Invention

This invention is achieved to solve the above problem. An object of this invention is to provide the hair care device being configured to supply the electrically charged particles sufficiently to the hair when the electrically charged particles is supplied from the hair care device held by somebody else.

Means of Solving the Problem

In order to solve the above problem, the hair care device in this invention comprises a housing, an ion generator, a voltage applying means. The housing is formed with an outlet port. The ion generator is disposed within the housing. The ion generator is configured to produce electrically charged particles when electrically power is supplied to the ion generator, thereby discharging the electrically charged particles to an outside of the housing through the outlet port. The voltage applying means is provided with a contact electrode. The contact electrode comes into contact with a user. Consequently, the voltage applying means is configured to apply a predetermined voltage to the user. The voltage applying means is a member which is separate from the housing. The voltage applying means is the member which is spaced from the housing.
In this case, it is possible to obtain the hair care device being configured to supply electrically charged particles surely even if a person who holds the hair care device is different from a person who receives the electrically charged particles to the hair. For example, in the beauty shop, when the beautician gives the hair care to the customer, it is possible to develop a predetermined potential difference between the customer and the electrically charged particles from the ion generator by connecting the voltage applying means to the customer. Furthermore, it is possible to keep the customer to a certain electrical potential by connecting the voltage applying means to the person who receives the hair care. Therefore, even if the person who receives the hair care receives the electrically charged particles generated from the ion generator, it is possible to constantly develop the predetermined electrical potential difference between the ion generator and the person who receives the hair care by keeping the person to a certain electrical potential constantly. Consequently, this configuration makes it possible for the ion generator to send the electrically charged particles to the person who receives the hair care constantly.
It is preferred that the contact electrode is shaped to have a grip which is adapted to be held by a hand of the user.
In this case, when the person who receives the hair care touches the contact electrode shaped into grip, the person who receives the hair care receives the voltage. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible for the ion generator to send the electrically charged particles to the person who receives the hair care constantly.
It is preferred that the hair care device further comprises a chair on which the user sits. The contact electrode is provided on the chair such that the contact electrode comes into contact with the user. It is more preferred that the chair comprises a backrest which is provided with the contact electrode. Or, it is more preferred that the chair comprises a seat which is provided with the contact electrode. Or, it is more preferred that the chair comprises an armrest which is provided with the contact electrode. Or, it is more preferred that the chair comprises a cushion which is provided with the contact electrode. The cushion is disposed at the seat, the backrest, or a portion between the backrest or the seat.
In this case, the electrical potential difference is developed between the ion generator and the person who receives the hair care.
It is preferred that the hair care device further comprises a footrest for supporting the feet of the user. The contact electrode is provided on the footrest.
In this case, the electrical potential difference is developed between the ion generator and the person who receives the hair care.
It is preferred that the hair care device further comprises an attaching member being detachably attached to the user. The contact electrode is electrically coupled to the attaching member.
In this case, the electrical potential difference is developed between the ion generator and the person who receives the hair care.
It is preferred that the ion generator comprises an emitter electrode and a high voltage generating circuit. The high voltage generating circuit is configured to apply a high voltage to the emitter electrode so that the emitter electrode generates the electrical discharge.
In this case, particles surrounding the emitter electrode are electrically charged, whereby the emitter electrode produces the electrically charged particles.
It is preferred that the ion generator further comprises an opposed electrode. The opposed electrode is disposed in an opposed relation to the emitter electrode such that the opposed electrode is spaced from the emitter electrode by a predetermined distance.
In this case, particles surrounding the emitter electrode are electrically charged efficiently, whereby the emitter electrode produces the electrically charged particles.
It is preferred that the emitter electrode is configured produce the electrically charged particles which is negatively charged. The voltage applying means is configured to keep the user to a positive electric potential.
In this case, it is possible to obtain the hair care device being configured to send the electrically charged particles which is negatively charged to the person who receives the hair care continuously.
These and still other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following best mode for carrying out the invention referring to the attached drawings.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the hair care device in an embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the hair care device in a first modification of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 a shows the hair care device in a second modification of the embodiment. The hair care device comprises a chair having armrests provided with a voltage applying means.

FIG. 3 b shows the hair care device in the second modification of the embodiment. The hair care device comprises a chair having a backrest provided with the voltage applying means.

FIG. 3 c shows the hair care device in a third modification of the embodiment. The hair care device comprises a chair having a seat provided with the voltage applying means.

FIG. 3 d shows the hair care device in a fourth modification of the embodiment. The hair care device comprises a chair having a cushion provided with the voltage applying means.

FIG. 4 shows the hair care device of a third modification of the embodiment. The hair care device comprises a footrest for supporting the user's feet. The footrest is provided with the voltage applying means.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of the hair care device of a fourth modification of the embodiment. The hair care device in FIG. 5 is provided with an attaching member, and comprises the voltage applying means electrically connected to the human body through the attaching member.

FIG. 6 a shows a side cross sectional view of the hair dryer which defines one example of the hair care device.

FIG. 6 b shows a side cross sectional view of an ion generator incorporated into the hair dryer.

FIG. 7 a shows a dryer with a brush which defines one example of the hair care device.

FIG. 7 b shows a side cross sectional view taken on line of 1-1 in FIG. 7 a of the dryer with the brush.

FIG. 7 c shows a side cross sectional view taken on line perpendicular to the line of 1-1 in FIG. 7 a of the dryer with brush.

FIG. 8 a shows a perspective view of a hair iron in this invention.

FIG. 8 b shows a side view of the hair iron in this invention.

FIG. 8 c shows a side cross sectional view of the hair iron in this invention.

FIG. 9 a shows a side cross sectional view of the hair brush in this invention.

FIG. 9 b shows a front view of the hair brush in this invention.

FIG. 10 a shows a perspective view of an ion generator incorporated into the hair care device in this invention.

FIG. 10 b shows a side view of an ion generator incorporated into the hair care device in this invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, explanation of the invention is made by the following with attached drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a hair care device 100 for caring the hair in embodiment. The hair care device 100 comprises a main body 110, an ion generator 200, and a voltage applying means 300. The ion generator 200 is configured to send electrically charged particles to the human body. The ion generator 200 is incorporated into the main body 110. The voltage applying means 300 is configured to keep a predetermined voltage potential of the human body such that the electrically charged particles are attracted to the human body. The voltage applying means 300 is separate from the main body 110 and is spaced from the main body 110. The voltage applying means is configured to receive an electrical power from the voltage source of an outside.
The ion generator 200 is incorporated into a device such as a hair dryer 900, a dryer with a brush 910, a hair iron 920, and a hair brush 930 shown in FIG. 6 to FIG. 9. FIG. 10 shows the ion generator 200 employed by the hair care device in this invention. The ion generator 200 comprises an emitter electrode 210, an opposed electrode 220, a base 230, a high voltage generating circuit 240. The base 230 has an electrical insulating property. The emitter electrode 210 is shaped to have a pole shape or a needle shape. The opposed electrode 220 is shaped to have semicircle shape. The opposed electrode 220 is disposed to be spaced from the emitter electrode 210 by a predetermined space. The emitter electrode 210 and the opposed electrode 220 are mounted on the base 230 such that the opposed electrode 220 is disposed in an opposed relation to the emitter electrode 210. The emitter electrode 210 has an axial line which is in alignment with a center line of the opposed electrode 220. The emitter electrode 210 and the opposed electrode 220 are connected to the high voltage generating circuit 240. The opposed electrode 220 is grounded. In contrast, the emitter electrode 210 receives the voltage from the high voltage generating circuit 240 such that the emitter electrode 210 keeps an electrical potential which is different from an electrical potential of the opposed electrode. The high voltage generating circuit 240 is configured to apply high voltage between the emitter electrode 210 and the opposed electrode 220 in order to generate a corona discharge. When the corona discharge is generated around the emitter electrode 210, the emitter electrode 210 produces the electrically charged particles in air surrounding a tip of the emitter electrode 210. In this manner, particles in the air surrounding the emitter electrode 210 are electrically charged, whereby the electrically charged particles are produced.
FIG. 6 shows the hair dryer 900. The hair dryer 900 comprises a housing 901, a fan 902, a heater 903, the ion generator 200, and an electrical power switch 904. The housing 901 is shaped to have an air flow path 907 in the housing 901. The fan 902 and the heater 903 are incorporated into the housing 901 such that the fan 902 and the heater 903 are located within the air flow path 907. The housing 901 is provided at its first end with an air inlet 905, and is provided at its second end with an air outlet 906. The air inlet 905 is shaped to have a net-like structure. The housing 901 incorporates the ion generator 200 therein. The ion generator 200 is configured to produce the electrically charged particles. The emitter electrode 210 is configured to receive the high voltage from the high voltage generating circuit 240. Consequently, the emitter electrode 210 electrically charges the particles surrounding the emitter electrode, whereby the hair dryer 900 discharges the electrically charged particles.
FIG. 7 shows a dryer with brush 910. The dryer with brush 910 comprises a housing 901, a blowing unit 911, a heater unit 912, a brush 913, an attachment 904, an ion generator 200, and a electrical power switch 914. The housing 901 is also used as a handle. The housing 901 incorporates the blowing unit 911 and the heater unit 912 therein. The blowing unit 911 comprises a fan 902 and a motor. The motor is configured to drive the fan 902. The blowing unit 911 is configured to direct the air flow generated by the fan 902, and send the air flow from the air outlet 906. The heater unit 912 is configured to heat the air sent from the blowing unit 911. The attachment 914 is attached to a tip of the housing 901 such that the brush 913 sends the air flown from the air outlet 906 to an outside of the brush 913. The housing 901 incorporates the ion generator 200 at the inside of the housing 901. The ion generator 200 is configured to generate the electrically charged particles. The emitter electrode 210 is configured to receive the high voltage from the high voltage generating circuit 240, whereby the dryer with brush 901 sends the electrically charged particles generated by the emitter electrode 210 to the outside.
FIG. 8 shows the hair iron 920. The hair iron 920 comprises a first arm 921, a second arm 922, a pair of iron plates 923, heaters 903, and an ion generator 200. The first arm 921 has a first end which is pivotally fixed to a first end of the second arm 922. The first arm 921 has one face which is opposite to the second arm 922, and is provided at its one face with the heater 903. The second arm 922 has one face which is opposite to the first arm 921, and is provided at its one face with the heater 903. The main body 110 is provided with the ion generator 200. The emitter electrode 210 is configured to receive the voltage from the high voltage generating circuit 240, whereby the hair iron 920 is configured to discharge the electrically charged particles.
FIG. 9 shows the hair brush 930. The hair brush 930 comprises a grip 931, a brush 913, and an ion generator 200. The grip 931 is shaped to incorporate the high voltage generating circuit 240 at an inside of the grip 931. The brush 913 is shaped to incorporate the ion generator 200. The emitter electrode 210 is configured to receive the high voltage from the high voltage generating circuit 240, whereby the hair brush 930 generates the electrically charged particles.
The hair care device such as the hair dryer 900, the dryer with brush 910, the hair iron 920, and the hair brush 930 comprises the ion generators 200 being configured to generate the electrically charged particles. In addition, the main body is used in combination with the voltage applying means 300 mentioned after. Consequently, the hair care device is configured to send the electrically charged particles to a target object continuously.
FIG. 1 shows the voltage applying means 300, incorporated into the housing 901, is separate from the housing and is spaced from the housing. The voltage applying means 300 is provided with a contact electrode 301. The contact electrode 301 is configured to come into contact with the human. The voltage applying means 300 is configured to apply voltage to the target object such as the human body through the contact electrode 301 such that the voltage applying means 300 gives the electrical charge having an electrical potential which is opposite to the electrical potential of the electrical charge of the electrically charged particles. For example, when the electrically charged particles has a negative electrical charge, the voltage applying means 300 is realized by a positive voltage generating circuit being configured to apply the voltage to the target object such that the target object has a positive electrical potential. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, the target object touches the contact electrode which acts as a positive electrode of the voltage applying means 300. In contrast, when the electrically charged particles has a positive electrical charge, the voltage applying means 300 is realized by a negative voltage generating circuit being configured to apply the voltage to the target object such that the target object has a negative electrical potential.
The voltage applying means 300 receives the voltage from the voltage source 310. The voltage source 310 is separate from the voltage source for the voltage applying means 300. The voltage source 310 is realized by the commercial power source or the dry battery.
The hair care device 100 in this embodiment comprises main body 110 and the voltage applying means 300 which is separate from the main body 110. The voltage applying means 300 comes into contact with the target object such as the human body through the contact electrode. Consequently, even if a person who gives the hair care is different from the person who receives the hair care, the electrical potential of the person who receives the hair care is kept lower than electrical potential of the ion generator. Consequently, the electrically charged particles generated by the ion generator 200 are sent to the target object continuously. As a result, a large amount of the electrically charged particles is attracted to the target object, thereby being absorbed the target object. Therefore, substances constituting the electrically charged particles are continuously absorbed to the hair. Consequently, it is possible to supply the water to the hair, and smoothen the hair.
FIG. 2 shows a first modification of the hair care device. The hair care device in the first modification comprises a voltage applying means 300 which is adapted to be held by the hand of the person who receives the hair care. For example, the voltage applying means 300 is shaped into a handle or a grip. The voltage applying means 300 comprises a portion to be held by the person who receives the hair care. The portion to be held by the person who receives the hair care is made by a material having an electrically conductive property. The hair care device shown in FIG. 2 comprises a grip 320. The voltage applying means 300 is provided with the grip 320 which comes into contact with the hand of the person who receives the hair care. In this embodiment, when the person who receives the hair care simply holds the voltage applying means 300 shaped into the handle or the grip, the person who receives the hair care is electrically connected to the voltage applying means 300. Consequently, the electrical potential of the person who receives the hair care is kept at a predetermined electrical potential by the voltage applying means 300. Consequently, the person who receives the hair care is able to receive the electrically charged particles emitted from the ion generator. Furthermore, the voltage applying means 300 is shaped to have the handle or the grip. Therefore, it is possible to easily carry the hair care device. Moreover, the voltage applying means 300 is electrically connected to the person who receives the hair care easily. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the hair care device having a high usability.
FIG. 3 shows a second modification of the hair care device in this embodiment. The voltage applying means 300 in the second modification is attached to the chair 330 on which the person sits. For example, the voltage applying means 300 shown in FIG. 3 a is attached to the armrest 331 such that the contact electrode 301 comes into contact with an elbow of the user. In addition, the voltage applying means 300 shown in FIG. 3 b is attached to a part of a backrest 332 such that the contact electrode 301 comes into contact with the back of the user who receives the hair care. The voltage applying means 300 shown in FIG. 3 c is provided on the seat 333 such that the contact electrode 301 comes into contact with buttocks of the user who receives the hair care. The voltage applying means 300 shown in FIG. 3 d is provided on a cushion of the seat such that the contact electrode 301 comes into contact with the person who receives the hair care. In these cases, when the person who receives the hair care sit on the chair 330, the person is electrically connected to the voltage applying means 300. Therefore, the ion generator 200 is configured to continuously send the electrically charged particles to the person who receives the hair care. In addition, the voltage applying means 300 is incorporated into the chair 330. The voltage applying means of the second modification is configured to receive the electrical power from the voltage source (not shown) at the outside, and is configured to apply the voltage to the person who receives the hair care. Therefore, it is possible to keep the electrical potential of the person who receives the hair care by simply sitting on the chair 330.
FIG. 4 shows a third modification of the hair care device in this embodiment. In the third modification, the voltage applying means is incorporated into a footrest for bearing the feet of the user who receives the hair care. The footrest 340 is made from the material having an electrically conductive property for establishing the electrical connection between the voltage applying means and the footrest 340. The voltage applying means 300 is configured to receive the voltage from the voltage source 310 disposed in the outside. Consequently, it is possible to connect the voltage applying means 300 to the person who receives the hair care by simply bearing the feet on the footrest 340. Therefore, ion generator 200 is configured to send the electrically charged particles constantly by simply putting the feet on the footrest 340.
FIG. 5 shows a fourth modification of the hair care device in the embodiment. The voltage applying means 300 in this modification further comprises a attaching member 350. The attaching member 350 is exemplified by a clip which is detachably attached to the person who receives the hair care. In this modification, the attaching member 350 is realized by the clip. The attaching member 350 is made from the material having the electrically conductive property. The attaching member 350 is electrically connected to the voltage applying means 300 through the contact electrode 301. When the attaching member 350 is attached to the person who receives the hair care, the electrical potential of the person who receives the hair care is at the same level of the electrical potential of the voltage applying means 300. Therefore, the person who receives the hair care is able to receive the electrically charged particles emitted from the ion generator 200 without direct contact with respect to the voltage applying means 300.
The above embodiment and modifications are explained in a case of supplying the electrically charged particles to the hair of the person. However, needless to say, it is possible to use the above unit for therapy and the beauty. In this case, the above device is configured to send the electrically charged particles to the skin.

Claims

1. A hair care device comprising:

a housing being formed with an outlet port;

an ion generator being disposed within said housing, being configured to produce electrically-charged particles when electrical power is supplied, thereby discharging the electrically-charged particles to an outside of said housing through said outlet port;

a voltage applying means being provided with a contact electrode, said contact electrode coming into contact with a user, whereby said voltage applying means is configured to apply a predetermined voltage to the user,

wherein

said voltage applying means is a member which is separate from said housing, and which is spaced from said housing.

2. The hair care device as set forth in claim 1, wherein

said contact electrode is shaped to have a grip which is adapted to be held by a hand of the user.

3. The hair care device as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a chair on which the user sits, and

said contact electrode being provided on said chair such that said contact electrode comes into contact with the user.

4. The hair care device as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a footrest for supporting feet of the user, and

said contact electrode being provided on said footrest.

5. The hair care device as set forth in claim 1 further comprising an attaching member being detachably attached to the user, and

said contact electrode being electrically coupled to said attaching member.