Patent Description:
A hair care device is required to appropriately spray a cosmetic component. A hair care device described in PTL <NUM> detects an inclination in a vertical direction of the hair care device and controls a pump that sends out a cosmetic component based on the inclination to appropriately spray the cosmetic component.

PTL <NUM>: Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. <CIT> <CIT> relates to an electrostatic sprayer that is provided with an air pump for transporting a liquid in a tank to a flowing end of a nozzle, by supplying air into the tank and increasing the pressure of the liquid. <CIT> relates to a mist hair drier by which a wave set can be executed without becoming sticky in accordance with a state of water quantity of the hair of the head.

Cosmetic components used in hair care devices have various properties. The hair care device described in PTL <NUM> does not perform control according to the properties of the cosmetic component, and there is a possibility that the cosmetic component is not suitably output to a user.

The present disclosure addresses the foregoing problem, and an object thereof is to provide a hair care device that suitably sprays a cosmetic component.

This is achieved by the features of the independent claim.

According to the hair care device of the present disclosure, the cosmetic component can be suitably sprayed.

A hair care device according to the present disclosure is a hair care device according to claim <NUM>.

According to the hair care device, because the output of the pump is controlled based on the detection value, the cosmetic component can be suitably sprayed.

According to an example of the hair care device, the detector detects a maximum value of the torque of the liquid feed pump, and the controller adjusts the output of the liquid feed pump based on the maximum value of the torque.

According to the hair care device, the output of the pump can be controlled using the maximum value of the torque of the liquid feed pump.

According to an example of the hair care device, the controller identifies a type of the liquid from the maximum value of the torque and adjusts the output of the liquid feed pump based on the type of the liquid.

According to the hair care device, because the control is executed based on the type of the liquid, the liquid can be appropriately output.

According to an example of the hair care device, the hair care device further includes an air blower pump that outputs gas, in which the controller adjusts an output of the air blower pump based on the detection value of the detector.

According to the hair care device, because the output of a motor of the air blower pump is controlled based on the detection value, the control can be suitably executed.

According to an example of the hair care device, the detector detects the maximum value of the torque, and the controller adjusts the output of the air blower pump based on the maximum value of the torque.

According to the hair care device, because the output of the air blower pump is controlled based on the maximum value of the torque, the control can be suitably executed.

Hereinafter, hair care device <NUM> of a first exemplary embodiment is described with reference to <FIG>. Hair care device <NUM> supplies at least one of a cosmetic component and air to the hair or the like of a user. Hair care device <NUM> is, for example, a dryer. Hair care device <NUM> includes housing <NUM> that constitutes the appearance of hair care device <NUM> and houses at least one of the other elements that constitute hair care device <NUM>, and grip <NUM> that is gripped by the user in use. Housing <NUM> and grip <NUM> are preferably connected to each other by a connector configured to be able to change a position of housing <NUM> with respect to grip <NUM>. Housing <NUM> and grip <NUM> are made of any material having excellent heat resistance. In one example, the material constituting housing <NUM> and grip <NUM> is polycarbonate. Housing <NUM> includes suction port 11A through which the external air flows in and discharge port 11B through which the cosmetic component or the air is discharged to the outside. Suction port 11A preferably includes a filter that prevents dust or the like in the outside air from entering housing <NUM>. Suction port 11A and discharge port 11B each have, for example, an elliptical shape.

Housing <NUM> includes flow path <NUM> in which a fluid flow is formed. Flow path <NUM> connects suction port 11A and discharge port 11B. Flow path <NUM> includes first flow path 13A through which mainly gas passes and second flow path 13B through which mainly cosmetic components pass. In one example, the length of each of first flow path 13A and second flow path 13B is half the length of the entire length of flow path <NUM>.

Hair care device <NUM> further includes controller <NUM>, storage <NUM>, operation unit <NUM>, detector <NUM>, power supply unit <NUM>, air blower <NUM>, heating unit <NUM>, and mist generator <NUM>. At least one of controller <NUM>, storage <NUM>, operation unit <NUM>, detector <NUM>, power supply unit <NUM>, air blower <NUM>, heating unit <NUM>, and mist generator <NUM> is held inside housing <NUM>.

Controller <NUM> is constituted of an arithmetic processing unit that executes a control program. The arithmetic processing unit is constituted of, for example, at least one or both of a central processing unit (CPU) and a micro processing unit (MPU). Controller <NUM> is configured to be able to communicate with storage <NUM>, operation unit <NUM>, detector <NUM>, air blower <NUM>, heating unit <NUM>, and mist generator <NUM> in a wireless or wired manner. Controller <NUM> starts control when, for example, power is supplied from power supply unit <NUM> and an operation signal is input from operation unit <NUM>. Preferably, controller <NUM> is provided at a position away from heating unit <NUM> as a heat generation source. In one example, controller <NUM> is provided at a location corresponding to grip <NUM>.

Storage <NUM> stores program information and table information for executing various controls executed by controller <NUM>. The table information is information in which a detection value detected by detector <NUM> is associated with appropriate amounts of output of air blower <NUM> and mist generator <NUM>. Storage <NUM> includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. Storage <NUM> is provided in the same control circuit as, for example, controller <NUM>.

Operation unit <NUM> outputs an operation signal by, for example, an operation from the user to controller <NUM>. The operation signal includes a signal for switching on and off of controller <NUM> or a signal for changing the output of at least one of air blower <NUM>, heating unit <NUM>, and mist generator <NUM> by controller <NUM>. A part of operation unit <NUM> is configured to protrude toward the outside of housing <NUM> to allow the user to operate easily. Operation unit <NUM> is constituted of, for example, a button, a switch, and a dial. Operation unit <NUM> may be constituted of a touch panel. Operation unit <NUM> is mounted on, for example, grip <NUM>.

Detector <NUM> detects various pieces of information on hair care device <NUM>. The detection value detected by detector <NUM> is output to controller <NUM>. In a first example, detector <NUM> is constituted of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor, and detects movement of hair care device <NUM> in three axial directions. Specifically, detector <NUM> detects acceleration or angular velocity. In the case of the first example, detector <NUM> is preferably disposed in second flow path 13B. In a second example, detector <NUM> detects torque of motors provided in air blower <NUM> and mist generator <NUM>. Specifically, detector <NUM> is constituted of a torque sensor. Specifically, detector <NUM> may be configured to detect counter electromotive force. In one example, detector <NUM> is a microcomputer that controls a motor. Controller <NUM> calculates the rotation speed and the load torque of the motor from the counter electromotive force. In a third example, detector <NUM> detects the number of times used and a usage time period of hair care device <NUM>. Detector <NUM> includes a configuration of at least one of the first example and the second example. More preferably, detector <NUM> includes all the configurations of detector <NUM> from the first to third examples.

Power supply unit <NUM> supplies power to controller <NUM>, storage <NUM>, operation unit <NUM>, detector <NUM>, air blower <NUM>, heating unit <NUM>, and mist generator <NUM>. In the illustrated example, power supply unit <NUM> is an external power supply such as a commercial power supply. Power supply unit <NUM> may have a configuration of a secondary battery provided inside housing <NUM>. When power supply unit <NUM> is the external power supply, hair care device <NUM> and power supply unit <NUM> are connected by power line <NUM>.

Air blower <NUM> forms a flow that sucks the air from suction port 11A and discharges the air from discharge port 11B. Air blower <NUM> includes motor <NUM> and fan <NUM>. When motor <NUM> is driven to rotate fan <NUM>, an air flow is generated in flow path <NUM>. Motor <NUM> is controlled by controller <NUM>. Air blower <NUM> is located upstream of first flow path 13A and second flow path 13B in flow path <NUM>, and supplies the air to both first flow path 13A and second flow path 13B.

Heating unit <NUM> heats the air in housing <NUM> to produce hot air. The hot air is, for example, the air within a range of <NUM> to <NUM> inclusive. Heating unit <NUM> includes heater <NUM>. An example of heater <NUM> includes a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater or an infrared heater. Heating unit <NUM> is provided, for example, in first flow path 13A. Controller <NUM> controls the output of heater <NUM>.

Mist generator <NUM> forms the cosmetic component in a mist form. The cosmetic component is a liquid or a component contained in a liquid. Mist generator <NUM> includes pump <NUM>, tank <NUM>, and nozzle <NUM>. Pump <NUM> is a liquid pump that supplies the cosmetic component stored in tank <NUM> to nozzle <NUM> by driving a motor (not shown). The liquid pump is, for example, a gear pump. Tank <NUM> stores the liquid containing the cosmetic component in the inside of hair care device <NUM>. Tank <NUM> is made of any material suitable for holding the liquid containing the cosmetic component. Examples include at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, and aluminum. Nozzle <NUM> forms the cosmetic component, which is a liquid, in a mist form. Nozzle <NUM> is made of resin or metal. Nozzle <NUM> includes a plurality of minute holes. When the cosmetic component of the liquid supplied by pump <NUM> passes through the minute holes, the cosmetic component is generated in a mist form. Alternatively, the cosmetic component and the gas are mixed inside nozzle <NUM> to generate the cosmetic component in a mist form by shearing force. In this case, pump <NUM> further includes a gas pump. The gas pump is, for example, a diaphragm pump.

The cosmetic component contains at least one of: amino acids such as glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, proline, hydroxyproline, threonine, serine, tyrosine, methionine, tryptophan, cystine, cysteic acid, arginine, histidine, lysine, hydroxylysine, and glutamic acid; higher fatty acids such as capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, oleic acid, coconut oil fatty acid, isostearic acid, isopalmitic acid, and α-linolenic acid; hydrocarbon oils such as liquid paraffin, liquid isoparaffin, vaseline, squalene, and squalane; natural oils such as camellia oil, macadamia oil, corn oil, olive oil, avocado oil, castor oil, safflower oil, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, and meadow foam oil; organic acids such as malic acid, tannic acid, citric acid; lipids such as cholesterol, ceramide <NUM>, ceramide <NUM>, ceramide <NUM>, ceramide 1A, ceramide 6II, <NUM>-methyleicosanoic acid, cholesterol sulfate, triglyceride, and lysolecithin; higher alcohols such as stearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol; esters such as beeswax, candelilla wax, carnarba wax, isopropyl palmitate, myristyl lactate, <NUM>-ethylhexyl stearate, wax esters, isopropyl myristate, myristyl myristate, octyl palmitate, stearyl stearate, isocetyl stearate, isononyl isononanoate, isotridecyl isononanoate, hydrogenated castor oil stearate, hydroxystearate hydrogenated castor oil, glyceryl tri(<NUM>-ethylhexanoate), pentaerythritol tetra(<NUM>-ethylhexanoate), neopentyl glycol dicaprate, diglyceryl diisostearate, dipentaerythritol, and esters with mixed fatty acids such as hydroxystearic acid/stearic acid/rosin acid; silicones such as dimethylpolysiloxane, amino-modified silicone, polyether modified, and cationized silicone; antioxidants such as polyphenols, vitamins and fullerenes; polysaccharides such as D-galactose, D-glucuronic acid, L-fucose, D-mannose, chitosan, and cationized polysaccharides; humectants such as glycerin, water, xanthan gum, panthenol, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol, diglycerin, triglycerin, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, <NUM>,<NUM>-butylene glycol, <NUM>,<NUM>-butylene glycol, <NUM>,<NUM>-pentanediol, hexylene glycol, erythritol, polyoxyethylene methyl glucoside, and polyvinyl alcohol; sphingosines such as dihydrosphingosine, phytosphingosine, and hydroxy caproyl phytosphingosine; peptides such as collagen PPT, keratin PPT, silk PPT, pearl PPT, milk PPT, soybean PPT, cationized PPT derivatives of the above PPT, acylated PPT derivatives, silylated PPT derivatives, and ethyl esterified PPT derivatives; proteins such as sesame protein, protein obtained from seeds of leguminous plants, rice protein, protein obtained from shells having pearl layers or pearls, and protein obtained from silk; extracts such as ginseng extract, rice germ extract, fucales extract, camellia extract, aloe extract; shell ginger extract, and chlorella extract; metals such as zinc, magnesium, and calcium; polymer compounds such as cationized cellulose, hydroxylated cellulose, highly polymerized polyethylene oxide, and cationized synthetic polymer; anti-dandruff agents such as zinc pyrithione and benzalkonium chloride; and antibacterial agents such as dipotassium glycyrrhizinate.

First control executed by controller <NUM> is described with reference to <FIG>.

The first control is control executed by controller <NUM> at predetermined intervals when the user uses hair care device <NUM>. Detector <NUM> includes a configuration of detector <NUM> of at least the first example.

In step S11, controller <NUM> acquires angular velocity information including the angular velocity of hair care device <NUM> from detector <NUM>. In step S12, controller <NUM> compares the angular velocity information with table information stored in storage <NUM>. The table information stores outputs of air blower <NUM> and mist generator <NUM> appropriate for the angular velocity of hair care device <NUM> in association with experimentally obtained results. Specifically, when the angular velocity is large, controller <NUM> reduces the output of the motor of mist generator <NUM> and supply capability of pump <NUM>, and controls an amount of mist output from second flow path 13B to be small. When the angular velocity is large, controller <NUM> increases the output of motor <NUM> of air blower <NUM> to increase the air volume output from first flow path 13A.

In step S13, controller <NUM> determines a first output value of pump <NUM> of mist generator <NUM> and a second output value of motor <NUM> of air blower <NUM> from the table information. In step S14, controller <NUM> controls to make the output of pump <NUM> of mist generator <NUM> become the first output value and the output of motor <NUM> of air blower <NUM> become the second output value. After completion of step S14, controller <NUM> ends the control.

An operation of hair care device <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment is described.

When the user operates operation unit <NUM>, power is supplied to hair care device <NUM>. The user performs hair care by directing discharge port 11B of hair care device <NUM> toward the hair. Controller <NUM> controls the output of pump <NUM> of mist generator <NUM> and the output of motor <NUM> of air blower <NUM> in accordance with the operation of hair care device <NUM> by the user.

Hair care device <NUM> of a second exemplary embodiment is different from hair care device <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment in that detector <NUM> includes the configuration of the second example, and controller <NUM> performs control based on a detection value of detector <NUM> of the second example. A part or all of the description of the configuration similar to that of hair care device <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment may be omitted.

Controller <NUM> executes control based on a value of a torque sensor configured as detector <NUM>. The torque sensor detects torque of a motor provided in hair care device <NUM>. In one example, detector <NUM> detects the torque of a motor constituting pump <NUM> of mist generator <NUM>. Pump <NUM> includes liquid feed pump <NUM> that supplies the cosmetic component from tank <NUM> to nozzle <NUM> and air blower pump <NUM> that supplies gas to nozzle <NUM>. Liquid feed pump <NUM> is, for example, a gear pump. Air blower pump <NUM> is, for example, a diaphragm pump.

Second control executed by controller <NUM> is described with reference to <FIG>.

The second control is control for determining a first output value of liquid feed pump <NUM> and a second output value of air blower pump <NUM> constituting pump <NUM> of mist generator <NUM> during a predetermined period from the start of use of hair care device <NUM>. Controller <NUM> executes the process of step S21 when pump <NUM> operates.

In step S21, controller <NUM> acquires torque value information from detector <NUM>. Specifically, the torque value information of the motor of liquid feed pump <NUM> is detected. In the case where the torque value information is acquired over time and the torque exceeds the first maximum value, controller <NUM> proceeds to the process of step S22.

In step S22, controller <NUM> compares the torque value information with table information stored in storage <NUM>. The table information is information in which the torque value information experimentally obtained in advance is associated with the type of the cosmetic component. Specifically, the higher the viscosity of the cosmetic component, the higher the torque value, and the lower the viscosity of the cosmetic component, the lower the torque value. Controller <NUM> estimates the cosmetic component stored in tank <NUM> of hair care device <NUM> from the table information, and determines the type of the cosmetic component.

In step S23, controller <NUM> determines the first output value and the second output value of pump <NUM> based on the determined type of the cosmetic component. Specifically, controller <NUM> determines the first output value that is the torque of the motor of liquid feed pump <NUM> and the second output value that is the torque of the motor of air blower pump <NUM>. In step S24, controller <NUM> controls to make the outputs of the motor of pump <NUM> of mist generator <NUM> become the first output value and the second output value. After completion of step S24, controller <NUM> ends the control.

An operation of hair care device <NUM> of the second exemplary embodiment is described.

When the user operates operation unit <NUM>, power is supplied to hair care device <NUM>. The user performs hair care by directing discharge port 11B of hair care device <NUM> toward the hair. Controller <NUM> determines the type of the cosmetic component, and controls the output of pump <NUM> of mist generator <NUM> according to the type of the cosmetic component used by the user.

As described above, in the hair care device of the present exemplary embodiment, the detector may detect the maximum value of torque of the liquid feed pump, and the controller may adjust the output of the liquid feed pump based on the maximum value of torque of the liquid feed pump.

In addition, the controller may specify the type of liquid stored in the tank from the maximum value of torque of the liquid feed pump and adjust the output of the liquid feed pump based on the type of liquid.

According to the hair care device of the present exemplary embodiment, the hair care device includes the air blower pump that outputs gas, and the controller may adjust the output of the air blower pump based on the detection value of the detector.

In addition, the detector may detect the maximum value of torque of the air blower pump, and the controller may adjust the output of the air blower pump based on the maximum value of torque of the air blower pump.

Hair care device <NUM> according to a third exemplary embodiment is different from hair care device <NUM> according to the second exemplary embodiment in that table information stored in storage <NUM> does not include types of cosmetic components. A part or all of the description of the configuration similar to that of hair care device <NUM> of the first exemplary embodiment and the second exemplary embodiment may be omitted.

Controller <NUM> detects torque of a motor of liquid feed pump <NUM> and torque of a motor of air blower pump <NUM> from detector <NUM> of the second example, and executes third control for determining a first output value and a second output value of pump <NUM> based on the detected torque value information.

The third control is described. Controller <NUM> acquires the torque and the rotation speed of the motor of liquid feed pump <NUM> from detector <NUM> simultaneously with the start of liquid feed pump <NUM>. Controller <NUM> increases the output of liquid feed pump <NUM> until the rotation speed of liquid feeding pump <NUM> reaches a predetermined rotation speed. An optional rotation speed is set as the predetermined rotation speed. For example, the rotation speed is set to the rotation speed in the case of supplying pure water to nozzle <NUM> by liquid feed pump <NUM>.

Controller <NUM> starts the motor of air blower pump <NUM> and estimates the load torque of the motor of air blower pump <NUM>. The load torque is estimated based on the counter electromotive force detected by detector <NUM>. Controller <NUM> sets an input voltage of the motor of air blower pump <NUM> in which a fluctuation range of the load torque is less than or equal to a certain value. When the size of the mist of the cosmetic component is not appropriate, the fluctuation range of the load torque increases. Because the rotation speed of the motor of liquid feed pump <NUM> increases by the output of air blower pump <NUM>, controller <NUM> decreases the output of liquid feed pump <NUM> until the rotation speed of the motor of liquid feed pump <NUM> reaches a predetermined rotation speed. Controller <NUM> respectively drives the motor of liquid feed pump <NUM> and the motor of air blower pump <NUM> at suitable rotation speeds. Controller <NUM> repeatedly executes the third control while hair care device <NUM> is in operation.

According to hair care device <NUM> of the third exemplary embodiment, the following effect can be obtained.

Controller <NUM> can execute appropriate output based on the detection values of the motors of liquid feed pump <NUM> and air blower pump <NUM>. Therefore, even when the type of cosmetic component cannot be identified, the output of pump <NUM> can be suitably controlled.

The descriptions relating to the exemplary embodiments are merely examples of modes that the hair care device of the present invention can take, and do not intend to limit such modes, as long as they fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present invention can include, in addition to the exemplary embodiments, for example, following modifications of the exemplary embodiments, and any configurations acquired by combining at least two modifications which do not contradict with each other, as long as it falls within the scope of the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A hair care device comprising:
a tank (<NUM>) that stores a fluid;
a rotatable liquid feed pump (<NUM>) that outputs the liquid stored in the tank; and
a controller (<NUM>) that controls an output of the liquid feed pump (<NUM>);
characterized by
a detector (<NUM>) that detects torque of the rotatable liquid feed pump (<NUM>),
wherein the controller (<NUM>) adjusts the output of the liquid feed pump (<NUM>) based on a detection value of the detector (<NUM>).