Connector for hair care appliance

Abstract

A connector for a body of a hair care appliance is described. The connector is arranged to connect the body with a power cable, where the body is configured to be held by a user during use of the hair care appliance, and the power cable is used to supply power to the body. The connector includes a capacitor for reducing an amount of electrical noise generated in the body that is transmitted to the power cable. A body comprising the connector and a hair care appliance comprising such a body are also described.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Hair care appliances using an air flow to style hair are known. Such hair care appliances can be connected to a power source, e.g. a mains power supply, via a power cable. SUMMARY

[0002] According to a first aspect of the present application, there is provided a connector for a body of a hair care appliance, the connector being arranged to connect the body with a power cable, wherein the body is configured to be held by a user during use of the hair care appliance, and the power cable is for supplying power to the body (e.g. for supplying power from a mains power supply or the like), and wherein the connector comprises a capacitor for reducing an amount of electrical noise generated in the body that is transferred to the power cable. By incorporating the capacitor into the connector, electrical noise generated, e.g. by a motor, a heater, a circuit board or other electrical components in the body, can be shielded from entering the power cable. This can be particularly important if the power cable is used to supply power from a mains power supply to the body, in order to meet regulatory EMC requirements, e.g. as required by IEC CISPR 14-1. The connector can be configured to directly connect the body with the power cable. Furthermore, by incorporating the capacitor directly into the connector, the filtering effect provided by the capacitor is improved, as the capacitor is located close to the source of the noise (which can be a component within the body, for example).

[0003] Optionally, the connector can comprise a slip ring, and the capacitor can be positioned on or in the slip ring. In certain embodiments, the slip ring can be configured to allow the power cable to rotate relative to the body when the power cable is connected to the body via the slip ring. This can make the hair care appliance more ergonomic, as the user can more easily operate the device (e.g. by helping to avoid tangling of the power cable).

[0004] Optionally, the slip ring can comprise a main shaft and an outer housing, wherein the main shaft is configured to rotate within and relative to the outer housing.

[0005] In certain embodiments, the capacitor can be positioned on or in the outer housing. In other embodiments, the capacitor can be positioned on or in the main shaft. Positioning the capacitor in this way can improve the filtering effect.

[0006] Optionally, the main shaft can comprise a plurality of protruding rings, and the outer housing can comprise a plurality of contact brushes configured to electrically connect with the protruding rings of the main shaft. In particular, each contact brush of the plurality of contact brushes can be configured to electrically connect with a protruding ring of the plurality of protruding rings.

[0007] Alternatively, the capacitor can be directly connected to an AC line in the connector, which is configured to connect to an AC line in a power cable. For example, the AC line can be one of multiple AC lines in the connector. For example, the AC lines (multiple) can be used to power a heater assembly within the body.

[0008] Alternatively, the capacitor can be directly connected to the neutral line in the connector, which is configured to be connected to the neutral line in the power cable.

[0009] Alternatively, the capacitor can be directly connected to a DC line in the connector, which is configured to connect to a DC line in a power cable. For example, the DC line can be one of multiple DC lines in the connector. These multiple DC lines can be used to power a motor within the body. For example, the motor can be used to generate fluid flow.

[0010] Optionally, the capacitor can be directly connected between the DC line and the neutral line in the connector, wherein the DC line can be configured to connect to the DC line in the power cable, and the neutral line can be configured to connect to the neutral line in the power cable. For example, the DC line can be a 400V DC line. (Operation in...)

[0011] Alternatively, the capacitor can be directly connected between the neutral line and ground, wherein the neutral line can be configured to be connected to the neutral wire in the power cable.

[0012] Alternatively, the capacitor can be a Y-type capacitor. A short-circuit fault can cause permanent damage to the hair care appliance, therefore a Y-type capacitor can be selected so that, in the event of a fault, the capacitor will fail and open-circuit.

[0013] Optionally, the connector may include multiple capacitors to reduce the amount of electrical noise generated in the body and transmitted to the power cable.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the invention, a body of a hair care appliance is provided, the body comprising a connector according to a first aspect of the invention.

[0015] Optionally, the body may include a motor driven by a voltage of at least 360V. For example, the motor may be driven by a voltage of 400V (e.g., by two 400V DC lines). For example, the motor may be a three-phase motor. The motor may have a frequency greater than 50MHz, for example, approximately 100MHz.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the invention, a hair care appliance is provided, comprising a body according to a second aspect of the invention, and a power cable for supplying power to the body, wherein the power cable is connected to the body via a connector.

[0017] This invention includes combinations of the described aspects and optional features, unless such combinations are obviously not permitted or explicitly avoided. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) show perspective views of the main body of a hair care appliance in which embodiments of the present invention can be used;

[0019] Figure 2 A top view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the connector;

[0021] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 Exploded view of the connector; and

[0022] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 Wiring diagram for the connector. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) show perspective views of the body 1000 of a hair care appliance that can be used in embodiments of the present invention. The body 1000 includes an outer wall 1005 that serves as a handle for the hair care appliance, and has a fluid inlet 1015 at a first end 1010 and a fluid outlet 1025 at a second end 1020, with a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet 1015 through the body 1000 to the fluid outlet 1025. The outer wall 1005 defines an elongated tubular structure for the body 1000, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the body 1005 perpendicular to its longitudinal axis is elliptical or oval, such that the body 1000 is ergonomically designed for easy gripping by a user, and the body 1000 thereby provides a handle for the hair care appliance.

[0024] The body 1005 houses a motor configured to generate a flow of fluid (particularly air) along a fluid flow path. The fluid is optionally heated by a heater (not shown) before exiting the body 1000 at a fluid outlet 1025. The body 1000 can be connected to a power source via a power cable 1030 connected to a first end 1010 of the body 1000. In embodiments of the invention, the power cable 1030 can be, for example, referenced below. Figures 2 to 4 The connector is connected to the main body 1000. The connector may not be removable or replaceable by the user.

[0025] The body includes a user interface that may include control settings for the hair care appliance. In this embodiment, the user interface is split, with a first portion 1040a of the user interface positioned toward a first end 1010 of the body 1000, and a second portion 1040b of the user interface positioned toward a second end 1020 of the body 1000. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the user interface may typically be positioned at a single location on the body 1000.

[0026] The body 1000 is configured to allow attachments to be removably attached thereto by including at least a portion of an attachment mechanism at or near the second end 1020 of the body 1000. The attachment mechanism allows the user to create different hairstyles and adds additional functionality to the hair care appliance by allowing the attachment to be removed and replaced with an alternative attachment.

[0027] Now refer to Figures 2 to 4 A connector 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 2 A top view of connector 300 is shown. Figure 3 The connector 300 is shown along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of line AA shown, and Figure 4 An exploded view of connector 300 is shown. Connector 300 can be used in the body of a hair care appliance, such as body 1000 as described above with reference to Figures 1(a) and 1(b), to connect the body to a power cable. Specifically, in this embodiment, connector 300 includes a slip ring configured to allow the power cable to rotate relative to the body. As described herein, connector 300 is configured to reduce the amount of electrical noise generated in the body (e.g., body 1000) that is transmitted to the power cable (e.g., power cable 1030).

[0028] The connector 300 includes a spindle 302 and an outer housing 304 surrounding the spindle 302, wherein the spindle 302 is configured to rotate relative to the housing 304 within the housing 304. Specifically, within the housing 304, the connector 300 includes a first bearing 306 and a second bearing 308. The spindle 302 is positioned through each bearing 306, 308 to allow the spindle 302 to rotate relative to the housing 304 along its longitudinal axis. When used in a hair care appliance, the spindle 302 can be connected to a power cable, and the rotation of the spindle 302 relative to the housing 304 allows the power cable to rotate relative to the body, which can make the appliance easier to use by reducing tangling of the power cable when the appliance is moved to style hair.

[0029] Along a portion of the main shaft 302 located within the housing 304, the main shaft includes a plurality of protruding rings 310. These are arranged to be electrically connected to a corresponding plurality of contact brushes 312, each of the plurality of contact brushes contacting a corresponding ring among the plurality of protruding rings 310. Each protruding ring 310 and the corresponding contact brush 312 may correspond to a specific line carried by a power cable connected to the body. For example, there may be a total of six lines supplying power to components of the body, such as motors (e.g., for generating fluid flow through the body) and / or heaters (e.g., for heating fluid flow through the body). Such components may generate electrical noise, and the connector 300 is configured to filter this electrical noise so that it is not transmitted to the power cable. For example, a three-phase motor may generate noise due to chopping the DC signal used to drive the motor.

[0030] To reduce or filter electrical noise generated by the main body, thereby reducing the amount of electrical noise transmitted to the power cable, connector 300 includes capacitor 314. Capacitor 314 is located within housing 304 and is directly connected between two lines in connector 300, specifically between two of the plurality of contact brushes 312. For example, capacitor 314 can be connected between two lines by being connected to two of the plurality of contact brushes 312 in a Y-type capacitor manner. Capacitor 314 acts as a low-pass filter, reducing noise transmitted to spindle 302 and power cable. In particular, by being positioned within connector 300, specifically within housing 304 and directly connected to two of the contact brushes 312, the filtering effect provided by capacitor 314 is improved compared to known arrangements.

[0031] The connector 300 also includes an inner housing 316, which is divided into an upper portion 316a and a lower portion 316b, within which the spindle 302 is fitted. Contact brushes 312 protrude through openings in the upper portion 316a to engage corresponding protruding rings 310. Positioning the spindle 302 within the inner housing 316 in this manner helps prevent foreign objects from affecting the electrical connection and helps prevent short circuits between adjacent contact brushes 312.

[0032] To ensure the integrity of connector 300 and therefore to ensure that the body of the hair care appliance does not transmit noise into the power cable, connector 300 is not designed to be removable or replaceable by the user.

[0033] Figure 5 A wiring diagram of connector 300 is shown, illustrating that capacitor 314 is connected between wires 3 and 4. Specifically, these wires can be 400 V DC lines and 0 V AC lines, such that capacitor 314 is positioned to suppress electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise on the power supply lines. Figure 5The rotor side shown illustrates the line leading to the main shaft 302, and Figure 5 The static side shown illustrates the line leading to the contact brush 312.

[0034] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, are expressed in their particular form or according to means for performing the disclosed functions, or methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results, and may, where appropriate, be used alone or in any combination of these features to implement the invention in its various forms.

[0035] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon presentation of this disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Various changes may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0036] To avoid any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are intended to enhance the reader's understanding. The inventor does not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0037] Any chapter headings used in this article are for organizational purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0038] Throughout this specification, including the following claims, unless the context otherwise requires, the words “comprising” and “including”, as well as variations such as “comprising,” “including,” and “including,” shall be understood to imply inclusion of the said integer or step or group of steps, but not to exclude any other integer or step or group of steps.

[0039] It should be noted that, as used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. A range may be expressed herein as from “about” a particular value and / or to “about” another particular value. When expressing such a range, another embodiment includes from one particular value and / or to another particular value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation using the antecedent “about,” it should be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to numerical values ​​is optional and means, for example, + / - 10%.

Claims

1. A connector for the body of a hair care appliance, said connector being arranged to connect the body to a power cable, wherein, The body is configured to be held by a user during use of the hair care device, and the power cable is used to supply power to the body, wherein the connector includes a capacitor for reducing the amount of electrical noise generated in the body and transmitted to the power cable.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The connector includes a slip ring, and the capacitor is located on or in the slip ring.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein, The slip ring is configured to allow the power cable to rotate relative to the body when the power cable is connected to the body via the slip ring.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein, The slip ring includes a main shaft and a housing, wherein the main shaft is configured to be inside the housing and to rotate relative to the housing.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein, The capacitor is located on or inside the housing.

6. The connector according to claim 4, wherein, The capacitor is located on or in the spindle.

7. The connector according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, The spindle includes a plurality of protruding rings, and the housing includes a plurality of contact brushes configured to be electrically connected to the protruding rings of the spindle.

8. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The capacitor is directly connected to the AC line in the connector, which is configured to connect to the AC line in the power cable.

9. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The capacitor is directly connected to the neutral line in the connector, which is configured to be connected to the neutral line in the power cable.

10. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The capacitor is directly connected to the DC line in the connector, which is configured to connect to the DC line in the power cable.

11. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The capacitor is directly connected between the DC line and the neutral line in the connector, wherein the DC line is configured to be connected to the DC line in the power cable, and the neutral line is configured to be connected to the neutral line in the power cable.

12. The connector according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein, The DC line is a 400V DC line.

13. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The capacitor is directly connected between the neutral line and ground, wherein the neutral line is configured to be connected to the neutral wire in the power cable.

14. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The capacitor is a Y-type capacitor.

15. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of capacitors for reducing the amount of electrical noise generated in the body and transmitted to the power cable.

16. A body of a hair care appliance, said body comprising a connector according to any one of the preceding claims.

17. The body according to claim 16, further comprising a motor driven by a voltage of at least 360V.

18. A hair care appliance comprising a body according to claim 16 or claim 17, and a power cable for supplying power to the body, wherein, The power cable is connected to the body via the connector.

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