WO2024209620A1 - Discharge device and hair care device - Google Patents

Abstract

This discharge device (100) is provided with a discharge electrode (110), a counter electrode (120) that faces the discharge electrode (110), a voltage application unit (130) with which a voltage is applied between the discharge electrode (110) and the counter electrode (120) to generate a discharge between the discharge electrode (110) and the counter electrode (120), and a dew condensation device (140) with which liquid is condensed on the discharge electrode (110), wherein: at least one component selected from the group consisting of metal particles, ions, and mist is generated by the discharge between the discharge electrode (110) and the counter electrode (120); and the discharge distance between the discharge electrode (110) and the counter electrode (120) is changed with the liquid condensed on the discharge electrode (110) by the dew condensation device (140) so that a generation region, in which the component is generated, is changed.

Description

Discharge device and hair care device

This disclosure relates to a discharge device and a hair care device.

　Conventionally, a hair care device is known that includes a mist generating section, multiple negative ion generating sections, a mist outlet through which the mist passes, and multiple ion outlets through which the negative ions pass (see Patent Document 1). The negative ion generating section is, for example, a metal microparticle generating section, and can generate metal microparticles and negative ions. The mist outlet is partitioned into a first region and a second region, and the multiple ion outlets include an ion outlet formed in the first region and an ion outlet formed in the second region.

The hair care device described in Patent Document 1 prevents the negatively charged mist from scattering due to the charge of the negative ions blown out from the ion outlet. As a result, the mist moves more directly, making it easier for the mist to reach the hair, further enhancing the hair care effect.

JP 2013-081645 A

As described above, the hair care device described in Patent Document 1 improves the way metal microparticles, ions, and mist mix to enhance the hair care effect. However, there is a demand for a hair care device that can further enhance the hair care effect.

This disclosure has been made in consideration of the problems inherent in the prior art. The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a discharge device and a hair care device that can improve the hair care effect.

The discharge device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a discharge electrode, a counter electrode facing the discharge electrode, a voltage application unit that applies a voltage between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode to generate a discharge between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode, and a condensation device that condenses a liquid on the discharge electrode. At least one component selected from the group consisting of metal particles, ions, and mist is generated by the discharge between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode. By changing the discharge distance between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode in the liquid condensed on the discharge electrode by the condensation device, the generation region in which the component is generated changes.

The hair care device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes a discharge device and an airflow generating device that generates an airflow for the discharge device.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a hair dryer according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a discharge device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a discharge device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a discharge electrode and a counter electrode of a discharge device according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing how metal particles, ions, and mist are generated when the amount of liquid condensing on the discharge electrode is small. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing how metal particles, ions, and mist are generated when a medium amount of liquid condenses on the discharge electrode. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing how metal particles, ions, and mist are generated when a large amount of liquid condenses on the discharge electrode. FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the output of the condensation device and the amount of metal particles, ions, and mist generated.

Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or duplicate description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted.
It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

As described above, conventional hair care devices improve the way the metal particles, ions and mist mix to enhance the hair care effect. However, the hair care effect varies depending on the mixing ratio of each component of the metal particles, ions and mist. With the discharge technology and hair care device according to this embodiment, it has been discovered that the hair care effect can be further enhanced by using discharge technology that adjusts the mixing ratio of each component of the metal particles, ions and mist. The discharge device and hair care device according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a hair dryer 1 as a hair care device according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the hair dryer 1 includes a main body 10 that blows warm air toward the user, a gripping portion 20 that the user holds in their hand when using the device, an airflow generating device 30, a heating portion 40, and a discharge device 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 10 and the grip part 20 are connected by the connecting part 10a so that they can rotate about the connecting shaft 10b. For example, when the hair dryer 1 is not in use, the grip part 20 is folded relative to the main body 10 so that it is roughly parallel to the axial direction of the main body 10 that extends in the air blowing direction. The power cord 2 is pulled out from the end of the grip part 20 opposite the connecting part 10a.

The main body 10 has a housing 3 that forms an outer wall made by joining together a number of divided bodies. Inside the housing 3, an air flow path 4 is formed, which runs from an intake port 10c at one end in the air blowing direction to an exhaust port 10d at the other end. Inside the housing 3 of the main body 10, a partition plate 3a is installed that forms a branch path 5 that extends parallel to the air flow path 4. An exhaust port 10e is provided at one end of the branch path 5 opposite the intake port 10c. The air flow path 4 circulates air that passes through the heating section 40, whereas the branch path 5 circulates air that does not pass through the heating section 40.

The airflow generating device 30 generates an airflow. The airflow generating device 30 includes, for example, a fan 31 and a motor 32. The fan 31 is disposed upstream in the airflow path 4, and rotates when the motor 32 is driven. When the fan 31 rotates, an airflow is formed that flows from the outside into the airflow path 4 through the suction port 10c, passes through the airflow path 4, and is discharged to the outside from the discharge port 10d. When the fan 31 rotates, an airflow is formed that flows from the outside into the branch path 5 through the suction port 10c, passes through the branch path 5, and is discharged to the outside from the discharge port 10e. The airflow generating device 30 can generate an airflow for at least one of the heating unit 40 and the discharge device 100.

The heating unit 40 is disposed downstream of the fan 31 and heats the airflow sent from the fan 31. When the heating unit 40 is activated, the airflow formed by the fan 31 is heated and hot air is blown out from the outlet 10d. The heating unit 40 may be, for example, a heater formed of a band-shaped, corrugated electrical resistor wound around the inner circumference of the housing 3.

The discharge device 100 is installed in the branch path 5, and as described below, can generate metal particles, ions, and mist components. When the airflow generating device 30 generates an airflow toward the discharge device 100, these components are discharged to the outside from the discharge port 10e, and can be applied to the user's hair.

The hair dryer 1 also includes a power switch 21. The power switch 21 is installed, for example, on the housing 3 of the grip part 20. When the user operates the power switch 21 to turn the power ON, power is supplied to each part of the hair dryer 1 via the power cord 2 extending from the end of the grip part 20. The power switch 21 can also be used to switch between hot and cold air from the airflow generating device 30, as well as to change the air volume.

The basic operation of the hair dryer 1 is when a user holds the grip part 20 and operates the power switch 21 to turn the power ON, which activates the airflow generating device 30. Specifically, power is supplied to drive the motor 32, which rotates the fan 31, and air is drawn into the air flow path 4 from the suction port 10c. At the same time, the discharge device 100 is driven, which generates components such as metal particles, ions, and mist, which are then discharged from the discharge port 10e. The heating part 40 generates heat, which heats the air sent from the fan 31. The heated air becomes warm air and is discharged from the discharge port 10d.

2 is a schematic diagram of the discharge device 100. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a discharge device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a discharge electrode 110 and a counter electrode 120 of a discharge device according to an embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the discharge device 100 includes a discharge electrode 110, a counter electrode 120, a voltage application unit 130, and a condensation device 140. The voltage application unit 130 applies a voltage between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120, and generates a discharge between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120. The condensation device 140 condenses a liquid on the discharge electrode 110. At least one component selected from the group consisting of metal particles, ions, and mist is generated by the discharge between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120. As described below, the generation area in which the above components are generated changes when the discharge distance between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120 is changed by the liquid condensed onto the discharge electrode 110 by the condensation device 140.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the discharge electrode 110 is a columnar electrode. Specifically, the discharge electrode 110 has a base 111 that extends in one direction (hereinafter also referred to as the longitudinal direction), which is the air blowing direction of the hair dryer 1, and a tip 112 provided at one longitudinal end of the base 111. The base 111 includes a cylindrical large diameter portion, the end of which opposite the tip 112 is connected to the condensation device 140, and a cylindrical small diameter portion to which the tip 112 is connected and which has a smaller diameter than the large diameter portion. The tip 112 is semispherical and is disposed so as to face the counter electrode 120.

The discharge electrode 110 may be, for example, a simple transition metal such as gold, silver, copper, platinum, zinc, titanium, rhodium, palladium, iridium, ruthenium, or osmium, an alloy containing these transition metals, or a member plated with these transition metals. Metal particles are generated by colliding ions generated by the discharge with the discharge electrode 110. If the metal particles generated by the discharge device 100 contain zinc, titanium, or the like, the metal particles can provide the hair with an ultraviolet ray blocking effect.

The counter electrode 120 faces the discharge electrode 110. The counter electrode 120 is disposed at a distance from the tip end 112 of the discharge electrode 110. As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the counter electrode 120 is formed of a plate-shaped member. The counter electrode 120 includes a planar portion 121, a cylindrical portion 122, and two protruding electrodes 123.

The flat portion 121 is formed in a flat plate shape. The cylindrical portion 122 is provided at a position surrounded by the flat portion 121 and protrudes from the flat portion 121 in the longitudinal direction toward the opposite side of the discharge electrode 110.

The cylindrical portion 122 has a cylindrical shape, and the tip 112 of the discharge electrode 110 is disposed on the central axis of the cylindrical portion 122. With this configuration, the distance between the tip 112 of the discharge electrode 110 and the cylindrical portion 122 of the counter electrode 120 is uniform in the radial direction. Therefore, when a voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120, a uniform discharge that is distributed circumferentially can be generated between the tip 112 of the discharge electrode 110 and the cylindrical portion 122 of the counter electrode 120. Then, a composite electric field is formed in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 122, so mist and the like can be efficiently emitted.

The cylindrical portion 122 forms the end of the counter electrode 120. The cylindrical portion 122 has a circular opening in the center when viewed from the longitudinal direction, and is positioned so that the center of the opening of the counter electrode 120 coincides with the central axis of the discharge electrode 110.

The protruding electrode 123 has at least one protruding portion. This configuration makes it easier for the electric field to concentrate between the discharge electrode 110 and the protruding electrode 123 of the counter electrode 120, and a high-energy discharge can be generated between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120.

The protruding electrodes 123 form the ends of the opposing electrode 120. The protruding electrodes 123 protrude in a triangular shape from the edge of the opening of the cylindrical portion 122 toward the center in the radial direction at the end where the cylindrical portion 122 protrudes in the longitudinal direction. That is, in this embodiment, the opposing electrode 120 has a pair of protruding electrodes 123 that protrude toward the center of the opening.

The counter electrode 120 may be, for example, a simple transition metal such as gold, silver, copper, platinum, zinc, titanium, rhodium, palladium, iridium, ruthenium, or osmium, an alloy containing these transition metals, or a member plated with these transition metals. Metal particles are generated by colliding ions generated by the discharge with the counter electrode 120. If the metal particles generated by the discharge device 100 contain zinc, titanium, or the like, the metal particles can provide the hair with an ultraviolet ray blocking effect.

The voltage application unit 130 applies a voltage between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120, causing a discharge between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120. By applying a high voltage between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120, a discharge such as a corona discharge can be generated.

The voltage application unit 130 may include, for example, a step-up DC/DC converter. The voltage application unit 130 can apply a high voltage between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120 by outputting a voltage higher than the input voltage.

In this embodiment, the discharge electrode 110 is at a negative potential, and the counter electrode 120 is at ground. This configuration can promote the generation of negative ions. The negative ions cancel out the positive ions on the hair surface, suppressing static electricity on the hair surface. As a result, hair can be left smooth and fluffy.

As shown in FIG. 2, the discharge device 100 may include a limiting resistor R connected between the voltage application unit 130 and the counter electrode 120. With this configuration, the current flowing due to the discharge between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120 can be suppressed by the limiting resistor R. Therefore, the occurrence of an overcurrent can be suppressed.

The discharge device 100 may further include a capacitor C electrically connected in parallel to the limiting resistor R. With this configuration, when a discharge occurs between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120, the current passing through the capacitor C increases and the proportion of the current passing through the limiting resistor R decreases. Therefore, the voltage drop caused by the limiting resistor R can be kept relatively small.

The condensation device 140 condenses liquid on the discharge electrode 110. The condensation device 140 can, for example, cool the discharge electrode 110 and condense moisture in the air on the surface of the discharge electrode 110. By condensing moisture in the air on the surface of the discharge electrode 110, moisture can be supplied from the air to the discharge electrode 110 and moisture can be retained on the surface of the discharge electrode 110. The condensation device 140 is, for example, a cooling device, and can condense moisture in the air on the surface of the discharge electrode 110 by cooling the discharge electrode 110. The condensation device 140 includes a plurality of Peltier elements 141, a cooling plate 142, a heat sink 143, and heat sink fins 144.

The Peltier element 141 adjusts the amount of liquid that condenses on the discharge electrode 110 by changing the output. The Peltier element 141 can transfer heat from one side to the other by passing a current through it. The Peltier element 141 has a heat absorption surface disposed on one side and a heat generation surface disposed on the other side. A cooling plate 142 is connected to the heat absorption surface of the Peltier element 141, and a heat sink 143 is provided on the heat generation surface of the Peltier element 141.

In this embodiment, the cooling plate 142 is a plate-shaped member, with the Peltier element 141 connected to one side and the base 111 of the discharge electrode 110 connected to the other side. The cooling plate 142 can efficiently remove heat from the discharge electrode 110 by passing electricity through the Peltier element 141.

In this embodiment, the heat sink 143 is a plate-shaped member, with the Peltier element 141 connected to one side and the heat sink fins 144 connected to the other side. The heat sink 143 can improve the cooling efficiency of the Peltier element 141 by removing heat from the Peltier element 141.

The heat dissipation fins 144 include multiple fins, and can dissipate heat from the multiple fins by air cooling. Therefore, the heat dissipation fins 144 can remove heat from the Peltier element 141 via the heat sink 143. This can further improve the cooling efficiency of the Peltier element 141.

In the condensation device 140, heat can be transferred from the heat absorption surface to the heat generation surface by passing an electric current through the Peltier element 141. Therefore, the Peltier element 141 can cool the discharge electrode 110 via the cooling plate 142 that contacts the heat absorption surface, and can dissipate heat via the heat dissipation plate 143 that contacts the heat generation surface.

Next, the operation of the discharge device 100 according to this embodiment will be described. In the discharge device 100 according to this embodiment, first, liquid is condensed on the discharge electrode 110 by the condensation device 140. The liquid condensed by the condensation device 140 is held so as to cover the discharge electrode 110. In this state, a voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120 by the voltage application unit 130, and a discharge occurs between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120.

The liquid held by the discharge electrode 110 advances due to the discharge. That is, when a voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120, the liquid held on the surface of the discharge electrode 110 is subjected to the force of the electric field and deforms into a cone shape, forming a Taylor cone. Then, as the electric field concentrates at the tip of the Taylor cone, a discharge such as a corona discharge occurs between the tip of the Taylor cone and the discharge electrode 110. The liquid held by the discharge electrode 110 is then electrostatically atomized by the discharge.

The condensed liquid breaks down into fine particles due to the discharge action, generating an extremely fine mist of nanometer size. This discharge action also generates ions of atoms and molecules present in the air. Metal particles (metal fine particles) are generated by colliding the ions generated by the discharge with the discharge electrode 110, the counter electrode 120, or other members containing metal components. In this way, at least one component selected from the group consisting of metal particles, ions, and mist is generated by the discharge between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120.

On the other hand, the condensation device 140 according to this embodiment can adjust the amount of liquid condensed on the discharge electrode 110. When the amount of liquid condensed on the discharge electrode 110 increases or decreases, the shape of the Taylor cone changes. That is, the generation area of the above-mentioned components increases or decreases due to the progress caused by the discharge. For example, when the amount of liquid condensed by the condensation device 140 increases, the height of the Taylor cone increases and the distance between the tip of the Taylor cone and the opposing electrode 120 decreases. As a result, the generation area of the above-mentioned components decreases. On the other hand, when no liquid is condensed by the condensation device 140, the height of the Taylor cone decreases and the generation area of the above-mentioned components becomes the largest. These relationships will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 to 8.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing how metal particles 151 and ions 152 are generated when the amount of liquid 150 condensed on the discharge electrode 110 is small. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing how metal particles 151, ions 152, and mist 153 are generated when the amount of liquid 150 condensed on the discharge electrode 110 is medium. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing how metal particles 151, ions 152, and mist 153 are generated when the amount of liquid 150 condensed on the discharge electrode 110 is large. FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the output of the condensation device 140 and the amount of the above components generated. In FIG. 8, A corresponds to the output in FIG. 5, B corresponds to the output in FIG. 6, and C corresponds to the output in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the amount of liquid 150 condensing on the discharge electrode 110 is small, a Taylor cone is not substantially generated, and the discharge distance between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120 becomes large. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 8, when the amount of liquid 150 condensing on the discharge electrode 110 is small, almost no mist 153 is generated, and metal particles 151 and ions 152 are generated. In this case, the mist 153 prevents the hair from becoming too soft, and the ions 152 suppress static electricity on the hair surface. As a result, a smooth and fluffy finish can be expected.

As shown in FIG. 6, when a medium amount of liquid 150 condenses on the discharge electrode 110, a Taylor cone is generated, the height of the Taylor cone is higher than in the case of FIG. 5, and the discharge distance between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120 is smaller. As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, when a medium amount of liquid 150 condenses on the discharge electrode 110, a large amount of mist 153 is generated, and ions 152 and metal particles 151 are also generated. In this case, the mist 153 can transport a large amount of moisture into the inside of the hair. This can be expected to result in moist, manageable hair.

As shown in FIG. 7, when a large amount of liquid 150 condenses on the discharge electrode 110, the height of the Taylor cone is even higher and the discharge distance between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120 is even smaller than in the case of FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, when a large amount of liquid 150 condenses on the discharge electrode 110, a large amount of metal particles 151 is generated, and ions 152 and mist 153 are also generated. In this case, a large amount of metal particles 151 can be attached between the cuticles. As a result, a shiny, smooth finish can be expected.

As shown in FIG. 8, it can be seen that the amount of at least one component selected from the group consisting of metal particles, ions, and mist that is generated changes depending on the magnitude of the output of the condensation device 140. In this way, in the discharge device 100 according to this embodiment, the generation area in which the above-mentioned component is generated can be changed by changing the discharge distance between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120 in the liquid condensed onto the discharge electrode 110 by the condensation device 140.

The condensation device 140 may adjust the amount of liquid condensed onto the discharge electrode 110 by changing the output. For example, the condensation device 140 can increase the amount of liquid condensed onto the discharge electrode 110 by increasing the amount of current flowing through the Peltier element 141. The condensation device 140 can also decrease the amount of liquid condensed onto the discharge electrode 110 by decreasing the amount of current flowing through the Peltier element 141. Therefore, the generation area in which the above components are generated can be changed by the condensation device 140 depending on the output of the condensation device 140. This configuration can achieve the desired hair care effect.

(Additional Note)
The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

(Technology 1) A discharge device 100 comprising a discharge electrode 110, a counter electrode 120 opposed to the discharge electrode 110, a voltage application unit 130 that applies a voltage between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120 to generate a discharge between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120, and a condensation device 140 that condenses a liquid on the discharge electrode 110, in which at least one component selected from the group consisting of metal particles, ions, and mist is generated by the discharge between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120, and the generation region in which the component is generated in the liquid condensed on the discharge electrode 110 by the condensation device 140 is changed by changing the discharge distance between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120.

This configuration makes it possible to control the mixing ratio of each component of the metal particles, ions, and mist. This allows the ratio of components that act on the hair to be changed, and the hair finish to be altered. Therefore, the discharge device 100 according to this embodiment can enhance the hair care effect.

(Technology 2) The liquid condensed by the condensation device 140 is held so as to cover the discharge electrode 110, and the liquid held by the discharge electrode 110 advances due to discharge, and the area where the components are generated increases or decreases due to the advancement. Discharge device 100 described in Technology 1.

This configuration makes it easy to change the discharge distance between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120. This makes it possible to improve the hair care effect with a simple device.

(Technology 3) A discharge device 100 as described in Technology 1 or 2, in which the generation area is largest when the liquid is not condensed by the condensation device 140.

This configuration increases the discharge distance between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120, and generates almost no mist 153, but rather metal particles 151 and ions 152. In this case, the mist 153 prevents the hair from becoming too soft, and the ions 152 suppress static electricity on the hair surface.

(Technology 4) A discharge device 100 described in any one of Technology 1 to 3, in which the opposing electrode 120 includes a protruding electrode 123 having at least one protrusion.

This configuration allows the electric field to be concentrated between the discharge electrode 110 and the protruding electrode 123 of the counter electrode 120. As a result, a discharge with high energy can be generated between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120.

(Technology 5) The discharge device 100 according to any one of Technologies 1 to 4, in which the counter electrode 120 includes a cylindrical portion 122 having a cylindrical shape, and the tip 112 of the discharge electrode 110 is disposed on the central axis of the cylindrical portion 122. With this configuration, the distance between the tip 112 of the discharge electrode 110 and the cylindrical portion 122 of the counter electrode 120 is uniform in the radial direction. Therefore, when a voltage is applied between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120, a uniform discharge distributed circumferentially can be generated between the tip 112 of the discharge electrode 110 and the cylindrical portion 122 of the counter electrode 120.

(Technology 6) The discharge electrode 110 is at a negative potential, and the counter electrode 120 is at ground, in a discharge device 100 described in any one of Technologies 1 to 5. This configuration can promote the generation of negative ions. The negative ions cancel out the positive ions on the hair surface, suppressing static electricity on the hair surface.

(Technology 7) The discharge device 100 according to any one of Technologies 1 to 6, in which the condensation device 140 adjusts the amount of liquid condensed on the discharge electrode 110 by changing the output, and the generation area in which the components are generated changes according to the output of the condensation device 140. With this configuration, the mixing ratio of the metal particles, ions, and mist components can be easily controlled by the electrical operation of changing the output. Therefore, the desired hair care effect can be easily achieved.

(Technology 8) The discharge device 100 described in Technology 7, in which the condensation device 140 includes a Peltier element 141, and the Peltier element 141 adjusts the amount of liquid condensed on the discharge electrode 110 by changing the output. With this configuration, the mixing ratio of the metal particles, ions, and mist components can be controlled electrically with a simple configuration. Therefore, the desired hair care effect can be achieved even more easily.

(Technology 9) A hair care device 1 comprising the discharge device 100 described in any one of Technologies 1 to 8, and an airflow generating device 30 that generates an airflow for the discharge device 100. With this configuration, the metal particles, ions, and mist can be sprayed onto the hair by the airflow. Therefore, the metal particles, ions, and mist can be applied to the hair with the mixture ratio adjusted.

The above description of the embodiments also discloses the following technologies:

(Technology 10) A discharge device 100 characterized by having a discharge electrode 110 for discharging, an opposing electrode 120 facing the discharge electrode 110, a voltage application unit 130 for applying a voltage for generating a discharge between the discharge electrode 110 and the opposing electrode 120, and a condensation unit (condensation device 140) for condensing a liquid on the discharge electrode 110 so as to change the discharge distance between the discharge electrode 110 and the opposing electrode 120.

(Technology 11) A discharge device 100 according to technology 10, characterized in that it generates one or more of the following components by discharging between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120: metal particles, mist, ions, nanoparticles, liquid metal particles, functional particles, and ceramic particles.

(Technology 12) A discharge device 100 according to technologies 10 and 11, characterized in that the condensation unit has a condensation control unit that controls one or more of the condensation amount, condensation shape, condensation position, condensation size, condensation range, and condensation height of the liquid condensed on the discharge electrode 110 in order to change the discharge distance between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120.

(Technology 13) A discharge device 100 according to technologies 10 to 12, characterized in that the condensation section controls the discharge distance to change depending on the mixture ratio of the components of the fine particles generated.

(Technology 14) A discharge device 100 according to technologies 10 to 13, characterized in that the condensation section is controlled to change the area where fine particles are generated depending on the mixing ratio of the components of the fine particles generated.

(Technology 15) A discharge device 100 according to any of techniques 10 to 14, characterized in that the condensation section has a hair condition detection section that detects the condition of the hair.

(Technology 16) The condensation section of the discharge device 100 described in Technology 15 changes the discharge distance between the discharge electrode 110 and the counter electrode 120 depending on the hair condition detected by the hair condition detection section, thereby changing the finish of the hair.

(Technology 17) A discharge device 100 according to technologies 15 and 16, characterized in that the condensation unit changes the mixing ratio of the components of the generated fine particles depending on the hair condition detected by the hair condition detection unit.

In this embodiment, the planar portion 121, the cylindrical portion 122, and the two protruding electrodes 123 are formed from plate-like members, and are formed continuously and integrally. However, the counter electrode 120 is not limited to this form, and the planar portion 121, the cylindrical portion 122, and the two protruding electrodes 123 may be formed by assembling separate individual members.

In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the opposing electrode 120 has two protruding electrodes 123, but the opposing electrode 120 does not have to have a protruding electrode 123. The opposing electrode 120 may also have at least one protruding electrode 123. That is, the opposing electrode 120 may have only one protruding electrode 123, or may have multiple protruding electrodes 123. The multiple protruding electrodes 123 may have the same shape, or may each have a different shape. The protruding electrode 123 may also be rod-shaped instead of triangular.

In addition, in this embodiment, the discharge electrode 110 is at a negative potential, and the counter electrode 120 is at a ground. However, this is not limited to this configuration, and the discharge electrode 110 may be at a positive potential. Also, the discharge electrode 110 may be at a ground, and the counter electrode 120 may be at a positive or negative potential. For example, by setting the discharge electrode 110 at a positive potential and the counter electrode 120 at a ground, it is possible to promote the generation of positive ions and increase the amount of positive ions on the hair surface. As a result, the positive ions repel each other, making it possible to create voluminous hair. Also, since artificial hair such as wigs is easily charged negatively, supplying positive ions can suppress the generation of static electricity.

In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the limiting resistor R is connected between the voltage application unit 130 and the counter electrode 120. However, the limiting resistor R may be connected between the voltage application unit 130 and the discharge electrode 110. That is, the discharge device 100 may include a limiting resistor R connected between the voltage application unit 130 and the discharge electrode 110 or the counter electrode 120. Furthermore, it is sufficient that the limiting resistor R is connected between the output terminal of the voltage application unit 130 and the discharge electrode 110 or the counter electrode 120. That is, the limiting resistor R may be connected to either the high potential side or the low potential side.

In addition, in this embodiment, the liquid that the condensation device 140 condenses on the discharge electrode 110 is moisture in the air, but the liquid may be a drug containing a cosmetic ingredient.

In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the condensation device 140 includes multiple Peltier elements 141, a cooling plate 142, a heat sink 143, and heat dissipation fins 144. However, the condensation device 140 may include at least one Peltier element 141, or may include a single Peltier element 141. In addition, since the discharge electrode 110 can be cooled by the Peltier element 141, the condensation device 140 does not have to include the cooling plate 142, the heat sink 143, and the heat dissipation fins 144.

The above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology disclosed herein, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

This disclosure is applicable to discharge devices that can change the ratio of ingredients that act on hair to change the finish of the hair and enhance the hair care effect. Specifically, this disclosure is applicable to household or commercial hair care devices such as hair dryers and hair brushes.

1. Hair dryer (hair care device)
2 Power cord 3 Housing 3a Partition plate 4 Air flow path 5 Branch path 10 Main body 10a Connection portion 10b Connection shaft 10c Suction port 10d Discharge port 10e Discharge port 20 Grip portion 20a Housing 21 Power switch 30 Airflow generating device 31 Fan 32 Motor 40 Heating portion 100 Discharge device 110 Discharge electrode 111 Base portion 112 Tip portion 120 Counter electrode 121 Planar portion 122 Cylindrical portion 123 Protruding electrode 130 Voltage application portion 140 Condensation device 141 Peltier element 142 Cooling plate 143 Heat sink 144 Heat sink fin 150 Liquid 151 Metal particles 152 Ions 153 Mist C Capacitor R Limiting Resistor

Claims (9)

A discharge electrode;
A counter electrode facing the discharge electrode;
A voltage application unit that applies a voltage between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode to generate a discharge between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode;
a condensation device for condensing a liquid on the discharge electrode;
At least one component selected from the group consisting of metal particles, ions, and mist is generated by discharge between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode,
A discharge device in which a generation region in which the components are generated is changed by changing a discharge distance between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode in the liquid condensed onto the discharge electrode by the condensation device. The liquid condensed by the condensation device is held so as to cover the discharge electrode,
The liquid held by the discharge electrode advances due to the discharge,
The discharge device according to claim 1 , wherein the development increases or decreases a production area of the component. The discharge device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the generation area is largest when the liquid is not condensed by the condensation device. The discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opposing electrode includes a protruding electrode having at least one protrusion. The discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the opposing electrode includes a cylindrical portion having a cylindrical shape, and the tip of the discharge electrode is disposed on the central axis of the cylindrical portion. The discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the discharge electrode is at a negative potential and the counter electrode is at ground. The discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the condensation device adjusts the amount of liquid condensed on the discharge electrode by changing the output, and the generation area in which the components are generated changes according to the output of the condensation device. The discharge device according to claim 7, which includes a Peltier element, and the Peltier element adjusts the amount of liquid that condenses on the discharge electrode by changing the output. A discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 8;
an airflow generating device that generates an airflow for the discharge device;
A hair care device comprising:

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