Haircare appliance

Abstract

A haircare appliance has an air inlet, an air outlet and an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet. The air outlet has a first aperture having a first cross-sectional area and a second aperture having a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area. The haircare appliance has a first configuration in which the airflow through the second aperture is inhibited and a second configuration in which the airflow through the second aperture is not inhibited.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a hair care tool and an accessory for the hair care tool. Background Technology

[0002] Hair styling tools are typically used to treat or style hair, and some tools use airflow to do so. To provide versatility for treating and styling hair, some tools offer airflow at variable speeds. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a hair care appliance is provided, comprising: an air inlet; an air outlet; and an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; wherein the air outlet includes a first hole having a first cross-sectional area and a second hole having a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area, and the hair care appliance includes a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration, airflow through the second hole is suppressed, and in the second configuration, airflow through the second hole is not suppressed.

[0004] The hair care appliance according to the first aspect of the invention can be advantageous because it includes a first configuration in which airflow through the second hole is suppressed, for example, such that airflow through the hole with a larger cross-sectional area is suppressed, and a second configuration in which airflow through the second hole is not suppressed, for example, such that airflow through the hole with a larger cross-sectional area is not suppressed. In particular, this can allow the hair care appliance to provide different airflow characteristics when in the first and second configurations, wherein the airflow characteristics depend on the relative size of the first and second holes.

[0005] In the first configuration, airflow through the first orifice can be unrestricted. This allows for relatively diffused airflow in the first configuration. In the second configuration, airflow through the first orifice can be suppressed. This ensures that all airflow in the second configuration passes through the second orifice.

[0006] The second orifice may include a generally rectangular cross-sectional area. The first orifice may include a generally circular cross-sectional area. The first orifice may include a diameter no greater than 1 / 10 of the length of the second orifice, for example, no greater than 1 / 20 of the length of the second orifice. Airflow through the second orifice may be completely suppressed in the first configuration, for example, the second orifice may be completely blocked in the first configuration.

[0007] A hair styling appliance can be configured to move from a first configuration to a second configuration in response to contact with hair, such as in response to a force applied to the hair during use. This can provide automatic switching from the first configuration to the second configuration during use when the hair contacts the hair styling appliance, for example, when the hair contacts the hair styling appliance and there is relative movement between the hair and the hair styling appliance. This can provide increased ease of use and an enhanced user experience compared to devices that, for example, require user input to switch between the first and second configurations. The hair styling appliance may include a plurality of bristles for contacting the hair, and the hair styling appliance can be configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to contact between the hair and the bristles, such as in response to contact between the hair and the bristles and the force applied to the bristles by contact with the hair.

[0008] The air outlet may include a plurality of first holes, each having a first cross-sectional area. In a first configuration, airflow through each of the plurality of first holes may be unsuppressed, while in a second configuration, airflow through each of the plurality of first holes may be suppressed. By utilizing a plurality of first holes having a relatively smaller cross-sectional area than the second holes, a relatively diffused airflow can be provided when the hair care device is in the first configuration.

[0009] Multiple first holes can be arranged in a row, for example, on a movable member. Each row of first holes can be positioned adjacent to a row of bristles, for example, the row of first holes is in the middle of the bristles. Multiple first holes can be formed in the movable member, for example, in the solid body of the movable member.

[0010] The hair care appliance may include a movable member capable of moving from a first position corresponding to a first configuration to a second position corresponding to a second configuration. In the first position, airflow through a second hole can be suppressed by the movable member, and in the second position, airflow through the second hole can be unsuppressed by the movable member. Such a movable member can provide a simple and inexpensive mechanism for switching the hair care appliance between the first and second configurations.

[0011] The movable component may include a solid body, in which a first hole is formed, and in which the solid body is misaligned with the channel in a first position and aligned with the channel in a second position. Therefore, in the second position, the solid body may block the channel.

[0012] Hair care appliances may include a fixed body, and movable components may be pivotally or rotatably mounted to the fixed body. Pivotual or rotatable mounting can provide a simple mounting mechanism for the movable components.

[0013] The first hole can be formed in the movable member. The hair care device can include a main airflow path and a channel leading from the main airflow path to the movable member. In a first position, the channel is aligned with the first hole, and in a second position, the channel is blocked by the movable member. Using a movable member that can allow or inhibit airflow through both the first and second holes can reduce the number of components required compared to an arrangement that, for example, requires a separate movable member for each of the first and second holes.

[0014] The solid body of the movable member can block the second hole in a first position and can be misaligned with the second hole in a second position. The second hole can include a length substantially corresponding to the length of the movable member, for example, a length in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of the hair styling device. The second hole can include a groove formed in the fixed body, for example, a groove that exposes the main airflow path to the outside of the hair styling device. The first hole can include a diameter not greater than 1 / 10 of the length of the movable member, for example, not greater than 1 / 20 of the length of the movable member. The first hole can include a diameter not greater than 1 / 10 of the length of the second hole diameter, for example, not greater than 1 / 20 of the length of the second hole diameter.

[0015] The hair care device may include a fixed body on which a movable component is mounted, multiple rows of first holes formed in the movable component, and multiple channels formed in the fixed body, each channel leading from a main airflow path to the movable component, in a first position each channel being aligned with a corresponding row of first holes, and in a second position each channel being blocked by the movable component.

[0016] A second hole can be formed in the fixed body and can extend parallel to one of the channels. The second hole and multiple channels can define a slat structure on the fixed body.

[0017] The fixed body may include an inner body and an outer body, forming a main airflow path between the inner and outer bodies, with a channel and a second hole formed in the outer body. The outer body may include multiple parallel walls spaced apart to define the channel and the second hole.

[0018] The movable component can be elastically biased to a first position. Elastically biasing the movable component to the first position ensures that the default configuration of the hair styling tool, such as when the tool is not in contact with the hair, is the first configuration, where airflow through the second hole (e.g., a hole with a larger cross-sectional area) is suppressed. For example, this can ensure, for instance, that a relatively diffused airflow is provided through the first hole with a smaller cross-sectional area when the hair is not in contact with the tool. In use, this can be beneficial when the tool is close to but not in contact with the hair, as a more concentrated airflow may interact more intensely with the hair, potentially leading to uncontrolled styling.

[0019] The movable member may include a plurality of bristles for contacting the hair. This can provide an engagement mechanism for engaging the movable member with the hair and causing the movable member to move from a first position to a second position. When the hair engages with the bristles, the relative movement between the bristles and the hair can cause the movable member to move from the first position to the second position. The movable member may include a bristle pad, such as a pad having a plurality of bristles extending outwardly from the pad, the pad being pivotally or rotatably mounted, and the pad being defined by a solid body.

[0020] The hair care device may include a pair of second holes spaced apart around the periphery of the hair care device. A movable member is movable in a first direction from a first position corresponding to a first configuration to a second position corresponding to a second configuration, and in a second direction from the first position to a third position corresponding to the second configuration, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. When the movable member is in the first position, airflow through each of the pair of second holes is suppressed by the movable member; when the movable member is in the second position, airflow through the first of the pair of second holes is not suppressed, while airflow through the second of the pair of second holes is suppressed; and when the movable member is in the third position, airflow through the first of the pair of second holes is suppressed, while airflow through the second of the pair of second holes is not suppressed.

[0021] In this way, when the movable component moves in either of two opposite directions, the second hole, for example, a hole with a relatively large cross-sectional area, can be opened to provide airflow. This can provide greater flexibility when styling hair, for example by ensuring that the second hole with a relatively large cross-sectional area is opened when the hair styling tool is dragged through the hair in an upward or downward direction.

[0022] The airflow through the first hole can be unsuppressed at the first position, but is suppressed at the second and third positions.

[0023] When the movable member is in the second position, the first of the pair of second holes can be configured to provide airflow in a second direction, and when the movable member is in the third position, the second of the pair of second holes is configured to provide airflow in a first direction. Therefore, the pair of second holes can be used to provide airflow in opposite directions, wherein the direction of the airflow provided by the second holes is opposite to the direction in which the movable member has moved to open the second holes.

[0024] The hair care device may include a plurality of first holes, a plurality of movable members, each movable member including at least one first hole and a plurality of channels, each channel leading from a main airflow path to the corresponding movable member, and wherein each movable member is movable from a first position corresponding to a first configuration to a second position corresponding to a second configuration, the corresponding channel being aligned with the first hole in the movable member in the first position, and the corresponding channel being blocked by the movable member in the second position.

[0025] This can provide an arrangement with multiple first holes, each having a relatively small cross-sectional area, spaced apart around the periphery of the hair styling device, which allows for relatively diffused airflow around the periphery of the hair styling device. Each of the multiple movable components can comprise multiple bristles.

[0026] The hair care device may include a plurality of second holes spaced apart around the periphery of the hair care device, wherein airflow through each second hole may be suppressed by a movable member in a first position, and airflow through each second hole may not be suppressed by the movable member in a second position.

[0027] This can provide an arrangement with multiple second holes, each with a relatively large cross-sectional area, spaced apart around the periphery of the hair care device, which can allow for a relatively large air jet regardless of the point of contact between the hair and the hair care device.

[0028] The hair care device may include multiple pairs of second holes spaced apart around its periphery. Each movable member corresponds to a corresponding pair of second holes. Each movable member is movable in a first direction from a first position corresponding to a first configuration to a second position corresponding to a second configuration, and in a second direction from the first position to a third position corresponding to the second configuration, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. When the corresponding movable member is in the first position, airflow through each of the pairs of second holes can be suppressed. When the corresponding movable member is in the second position, airflow through the first hole in each pair of second holes can be unsuppressed, and airflow through the second hole in each pair of second holes can be suppressed. And when the corresponding movable member is in the third position, airflow through the first hole in each pair of second holes can be suppressed, and airflow through the second hole in each pair of second holes can be unsuppressed.

[0029] This can provide multiple pairs of second holes spaced apart around the periphery of the hair care device, which allows the opening of holes with relatively large cross-sectional areas, regardless of the contact point between the hair and the hair care device, or the direction of movement of the movable components.

[0030] Hair care appliances may include a handle unit and an accessory defining an air outlet. The handle unit contains an airflow generator, and the accessory is detachably attached to the handle unit. Providing the aforementioned air outlet as part of the detachable accessory allows the user to selectively access the functions described herein.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the invention, an accessory for a hair care device is provided, the hair care device including an airflow generator disposed in a handle unit, the accessory including an air inlet for receiving airflow from the airflow generator and an air outlet for ejecting airflow, wherein the air outlet includes a first hole having a first cross-sectional area and a second hole having a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area, and the accessory includes a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration, airflow through the second hole is suppressed, and in the second configuration, airflow through the second hole is not suppressed.

[0032] The attachment can be configured to move from a first configuration to a second configuration in response to contact with hair.

[0033] The accessory may include a movable member capable of moving from a first position corresponding to a first configuration to a second position corresponding to a second configuration. In the first position, airflow through the second hole may be suppressed by the movable member, and in the second position, airflow through the second hole may not be suppressed by the movable member.

[0034] The first hole may be formed in the movable member. The hair care device may include a main airflow path and a channel leading from the main airflow path to the movable member. In a first position, the channel may be aligned with the first hole, and in a second position, the channel is blocked by the movable member.

[0035] The accessory may include a pair of second holes spaced apart around the periphery of the hair care device. A movable member is movable in a first direction from a first position corresponding to a first configuration to a second position corresponding to a second configuration, and in a second direction from the first position to a third position corresponding to the second configuration, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. When the movable member is in the first position, airflow through each of the pair of second holes is suppressed by the movable member; when the movable member is in the second position, airflow through the first of the pair of second holes is not suppressed, while airflow through the second of the pair of second holes is suppressed; and when the movable member is in the third position, airflow through the first of the pair of second holes is suppressed, while airflow through the second of the pair of second holes is not suppressed.

[0036] The accessory may include a plurality of first holes, a plurality of movable members, each movable member including at least one first hole and a plurality of channels, each channel leading from the main airflow path to the corresponding movable member, and wherein each movable member is movable from a first position corresponding to a first configuration to a second position corresponding to a second configuration, wherein the corresponding channel in the first position may be aligned with the first hole in the movable member, and the corresponding channel in the second position may be blocked by the movable member.

[0037] The accessory may include a plurality of second holes spaced apart around the periphery of the hair care device, wherein airflow through each second hole may be suppressed by a movable member in a first position, and airflow through each second hole may not be suppressed by a movable member in a second position.

[0038] The accessory may include multiple pairs of second holes spaced apart around the periphery of the hair care device, each movable member corresponding to a corresponding pair of second holes. Each movable member is movable in a first direction from a first position corresponding to a first configuration to a second position corresponding to a second configuration, and is movable in a second direction from the first position to a third position corresponding to the second configuration, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. When the corresponding movable member is in the first position, airflow through each of the pairs of second holes can be suppressed; when the corresponding movable member is in the second position, airflow through the first hole in each pair of second holes can be unsuppressed, while airflow through the second hole in each pair of second holes can be suppressed; and when the corresponding movable member is in the third position, airflow through the first hole in each pair of second holes can be suppressed, while airflow through the second hole in each pair of second holes can be unsuppressed.

[0039] Where appropriate, optional features of one aspect of the invention may be applied equivalently to other aspects of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram based on an example hair care tool;

[0041] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a hair care tool;

[0042] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the accessories for hair care tools;

[0043] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the fixed body of the attachment;

[0044] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the fixed main body;

[0045] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the brush bed attached to the accessory, showing the brush bristles;

[0046] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A diagram showing the brush bed after the bristles have been removed;

[0047] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the static configuration of the accessories;

[0048] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the first shift configuration of the attachment; and

[0049] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the second shift configuration in the appendix. Detailed Implementation

[0050] exist Figure 1 The image schematically illustrates a hair care device according to the invention, typically designated 10.

[0051] The hair care device 10 includes a handle unit 12 and an accessory 100 removably attached to the handle unit 12.

[0052] like Figure 2 As schematically shown, the handle unit 12 includes a housing 14, an airflow generator 16, a heater 18, and a control unit 20.

[0053] The housing 14 is tubular and includes an air inlet 22 and an air outlet 24. Airflow is drawn into the housing 14 through the air inlet 22 by the airflow generator 16 and exits the housing 14 through the air outlet 24. The airflow generator 16 is housed within the housing 14 and includes an impeller 26 driven by an electric motor 28. A heater 18 is also housed within the housing 14 and includes a heating element 30 to optionally heat the airflow.

[0054] The control unit 20 includes electronic circuitry for a user interface 32 and a control module 34. The user interface 32 is located on the outer surface of the housing 14 and is used to turn the hair care appliance 10 on and off, select the flow rate (e.g., high, medium, and low), and select the airflow temperature (e.g., hot, medium, or cold). Figure 1 In the example, the user interface includes multiple sliding switches, but other forms of user interface 32 can also be envisioned, such as buttons, dials, or touch screens.

[0055] The control module 34 is responsible for controlling the airflow generator 16 and the heater 18 in response to input from the user interface 32. For example, in response to input from the user interface 32, the control module 34 can control the power or speed of the airflow generator 16 to regulate the airflow rate, and control the power of the heater 18 to regulate the airflow temperature.

[0056] Annex 100 Figures 3 to 5 As shown, and typically cylindrical, it is open at one end and closed at the other. The open end serves as an inlet 102 for accessing the attachment 100, wherein when attached in use, the air inlet 102 receives airflow from the air outlet 24 of the handle unit 12.

[0057] Annex 100 includes a fixed body 104 and a plurality of movable components in the form of a brush bed 106 rotatably mounted to the fixed body 104.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the fixing body 104 is generally cylindrical in shape, and the interior of the fixing body 104 serves as the main airflow path 118 through the accessory 100. The fixing body 104 has a connection portion 110 for connecting to the handle unit 12, the connection portion 110 having a plurality of protrusions 112 that can be received in corresponding recesses 116 formed on the handle unit 12 to ensure proper connection and alignment.

[0059] Multiple slots formed in the main body 104 define the channel 124 and the airflow slot 126. Although in Figure 4 The fixing body 104 shown has a plurality of channels 124 and airflow slots 126 spaced longitudinally along the length of the attachment. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the channels 124 and airflow slots 126 may extend uninterruptedly along the length of the fixing body 104, and therefore, the set of channels 124 or the set of airflow slots 126 along the length of the fixing body may be properly considered as a single channel 124 or a single airflow slot 126.

[0060] Channel 124 has generally linear edges, making it roughly rectangular in form, such as... Figure 5 As shown. The airflow slot 126 has generally linear edges, making the airflow slot 126 generally trapezoidal in form, and this can be used to guide airflow, which will be described in more detail below.

[0061] Airflow slots 126 are arranged in pairs, with each airflow slot 126 in a pair circumferentially spaced from the other airflow slot 126 in the same pair. Multiple channels 124 are located between airflow slots 126 in the same pair, while two different pairs of airflow slots 126 are adjacent to each other. In this way, a repeating pattern of paired airflow slots 126 with intermediate channels 124 is circumferentially defined around the fixed body 104, wherein each pair of airflow slots 126 and the associated intermediate channel 124 are referred to herein as airflow portions 128.

[0062] Brushing bed 106 Figure 6 and 7 Each brush bed 106 is shown independently. Each brush bed 106 includes a solid body 130, which is generally cuboid in shape, although it is curved to match the curvature of the fixing body 104. Upper and lower pivot arms 132 extend radially inward from their center positions on the upper and lower edges of the solid body 130. Each pivot arm 132 includes a through-hole 134 that allows the pivot arms 132 to stack on pins attached to the fixing body 104 of the accessory 100. The portions of the pivot arms 132 including the through-holes 134 are located at different heights on the different brush beds 106 to achieve stacking. In this way, the brush beds 106 can rotate relative to the fixing body 104, which will be described in more detail below. Each upper pivot arm 132 also includes a circumferential protrusion 133, which can be received within an elastic member 135, such as a spring, to ensure the proper spacing of the brush bed 106 around the fixed body 104 and to hold the brush bed 106 in a stationary configuration. The upper mounting mechanism is concealed by a cap 114 on the accessory 100, and as... Figure 4 As shown, the mounting pin 108 for the brush bed 106 extends downward from the cap 114.

[0063] Each bristle bed 106 has multiple bristles 134 arranged in rows extending longitudinally along the length of the bristle bed 106. The bristles 134 are elastically deformable and designed to contact the hair during use. Each individual bristle 134 may be located within a recess or through-hole 137 in the solid body 130, but may fill the recess or through-hole so that airflow cannot escape through it during use.

[0064] Located between adjacent rows of bristles 134 is a row of holes 136. The holes 136 serve as part of the air outlet of the accessory 100, which will be described in more detail below. Each hole 136 has a relatively small first cross-sectional area, allowing the airflow from each hole 136 to diffuse relatively. Figure 6 and 7 In the example, the bristles 134 and holes 136 are arranged in alternating rows, although it will be appreciated that other row patterns can also be envisioned, such as two rows of holes 136 in the middle of adjacent rows of bristles 134.

[0065] When the brush bed 106 is mounted on the fixed body 104, each brush bed 106 covers the corresponding airflow portion 128, and each brush bed 106 is elastically biased to a stationary configuration by the engagement of the circumferential protrusion 133 with the elastic member 135.

[0066] Figure 8 A static configuration is schematically shown. In this static configuration, each brush bed 106 is positioned relative to the fixed body 104 such that the solid body 130 of the brush bed 106 covers and closes a pair of airflow channels 126, while the row of holes 136 of the brush bed 106 covers and aligns with the channels 124 of the fixed body 104. Therefore, in the static configuration of the brush beds 106, airflow through the airflow channels 126 is suppressed by the solid body 130 of the brush bed 106, while airflow through the holes 136 is not suppressed because the holes 136 are aligned with the channels 124 of the fixed body 104, which provide a path from the main airflow path 118 to the holes 136. It should be understood that each airflow channel 126 has a much larger cross-sectional area than any of the holes 136 of the brush bed 106, so in a static configuration, airflow through holes with larger cross-sectional areas (e.g., airflow channel 126) is suppressed, while airflow through holes with smaller cross-sectional areas (e.g., any of the holes 136 of the brush bed 106) is not suppressed.

[0067] For example, when the attachment is not engaged with the hair during use, such a static configuration can provide a relatively diffused airflow through the holes 136 of the brush bed 106. This avoids providing a concentrated airflow until the attachment 100 comes into contact with the hair, as will be referred to below. Figure 9 and 10 As described.

[0068] exist Figure 9 The first displaced configuration of the brush bed 106 relative to the fixed body 104 is schematically shown. Here, the brush bed is already positioned relative to... Figure 8 The stationary configuration shifts to the right, for example, by moving counterclockwise around the attachment 100. This shifting configuration occurs during the use of the hair care appliance 10 when the bristles 134 of the brush bed 106 contact the hair and the attachment 100 is dragged through the hair during use. In particular, the engagement force between the hair and the bristles 134 overcomes the force of the associated elastic member 135, thereby causing the brush bed 106 to move relative to the fixed body 104.

[0069] exist Figure 9In the first shift configuration, the solid body 130 of the brush bed 106 no longer blocks the left airflow channel 126a, and the row of holes 136 is misaligned with the channel 124 of the fixed body 104, causing the channel 124 to be blocked by the solid body 130 of the brush bed 106. The right airflow channel 126b remains blocked by the solid body 130 of the brush bed 106. Therefore, in Figure 9 In the first shift configuration, airflow through the left airflow slot 126a is not suppressed because the solid body 130 of the brush bed 106 no longer covers the left airflow slot 126a. Airflow through the hole 136 is suppressed due to the misalignment of the hole 136 with the channel 124, and the channel 124 is blocked by the solid body 130 of the brush bed 106. Airflow through the right airflow slot 126b is still suppressed by the solid body 130 of the brush bed 106. In general, the airflow slots 126 and the hole 136 can be considered to define the air outlet of the accessory 100.

[0070] It should be understood that each airflow channel 126 has a much larger cross-sectional area than any one of the holes 136 in the brush bed 106, therefore in Figure 9 In the first shift configuration, airflow through holes with a larger cross-sectional area (e.g., left airflow channel 126a) is not suppressed, while airflow through holes with a smaller cross-sectional area (e.g., any of the holes 136 in the brush bed 106) is suppressed. In this way, when the brush bed 106 is engaged with hair during use, a relatively concentrated airflow can be ejected through the left airflow channel 126. This provides automatic switching from diffused airflow to concentrated airflow, provides enhanced control over styling, for example by preventing concentrated airflow until the attachment 100 comes into contact with the hair during use, and can reduce hair drying time.

[0071] exist Figure 9 In the example, the wall of the left airflow channel 126a is shaped such that the airflow through the left airflow channel 126a follows the path shown in the example. Figure 9 The spray is directed to the left, which can be clockwise, and the spray direction is generally opposite to the direction in which the brush bed 106 has moved.

[0072] When not in contact with hair, the brush bed 106, under the action of the relevant elastic member 135, moves from... Figure 9 The first shift configuration returns to Figure 8 The static configuration.

[0073] exist Figure 10 The diagram schematically illustrates a second displaced configuration of the brush bed 106 relative to the fixed body 104. Here, the brush bed is already positioned relative to... Figure 8The stationary configuration shifts to the left, for example, by moving clockwise around the attachment 100. This shifting configuration occurs during the use of the hair care appliance 10 when the bristles 134 of the brush bed 106 contact the hair and the attachment 100 is dragged through the hair during use. In particular, the engagement force between the hair and the bristles 134 overcomes the force of the associated elastic member 135, thereby causing the brush bed 106 to move relative to the fixed body 104.

[0074] exist Figure 10 In the second shift configuration, the solid body 130 of the brush bed 106 no longer blocks the right airflow channel 126b, and the row of holes 136 is misaligned with the channel 124 of the fixed body 104, causing the channel 124 to be blocked by the solid body 130 of the brush bed 106. The left airflow channel 126a remains blocked by the solid body 130 of the brush bed 106. Therefore, in Figure 10 In the second shift configuration, the airflow through the right airflow groove 126b is not suppressed because the solid body 130 of the brush bed 106 no longer covers the right airflow groove 126b. However, the airflow through the hole 136 is suppressed due to the misalignment of the hole 136 with the channel 124, and the channel 124 is blocked by the solid body 130 of the brush bed 106. The airflow through the left airflow groove 126a is still suppressed by the solid body 130 of the brush bed 106.

[0075] It should be understood that each airflow channel 126 has a much larger cross-sectional area than any one of the holes 136 in the brush bed 106, therefore in Figure 10 In the second shift configuration, airflow through holes with a larger cross-sectional area (e.g., right airflow channel 126b) is not suppressed, while airflow through holes with a smaller cross-sectional area (e.g., any of the holes 136 in the brush bed 106) is suppressed. In this way, when the brush bed 106 is engaged with hair during use, a relatively concentrated airflow can be ejected through the right airflow channel 126b. This provides automatic switching from diffused airflow to concentrated airflow and can provide enhanced control over styling, for example, by preventing concentrated airflow until the attachment 100 comes into contact with the hair during use.

[0076] exist Figure 10 In the example, the wall of the right airflow channel 126b is shaped such that the airflow through the right airflow channel 126b is as follows: Figure 10 The spray is directed to the right, which can be counterclockwise, and the spray direction is generally opposite to the direction in which the brush bed 106 has moved.

[0077] When not in contact with hair, the brush bed 106 moves under the action of the elastic member 135. Figure 10 The second shift configuration returns to Figure 8 The static configuration.

[0078] By providing Figure 9 First shift configuration and Figure 10 The second shift configuration allows for switching of airflow from through a hole with a smaller cross-sectional area to through a hole with a larger cross-sectional area, regardless of the direction in which the accessory 100 passes through the hair during use.

[0079] Each bristle bed 106 of the attachment can be moved in a similar manner to that described above, such that each bristle bed 106 has a stationary configuration and a first and second displaced configuration. In this way, when engaged with hair in use, for example when the attachment 100 is rotated while being dragged through the hair, the airflow channels 126 can be selectively opened around the circumference of the attachment.

[0080] Although airflow slot 126 is in Figure 8 The diagram shows the airflow completely blocked in a stationary configuration, such that airflow is completely suppressed through the airflow channels 126. However, alternative embodiments are contemplated, in which the solid body 130 of the brush bed 106 partially covers and partially blocks the pair of airflow channels 126 in a stationary configuration. In such an embodiment, airflow is still prohibited through the airflow channels 126 in a stationary configuration, although some airflow can now pass through the airflow channels 126 in a stationary configuration.

[0081] As previously described, the airflow channel 126 has an edge designed to give directionality to the airflow passing through the channel 126 around the attachment 100 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In other embodiments, the airflow channel 126 may be shaped such that the airflow through the airflow channel 126 is in a direction generally perpendicular to the surface of the brush bed 106.

[0082] Some embodiments are also envisioned in which the hair care device 10 does not include a handle unit 12 and an accessory 100, but is a single unit, for example, in the form of a combined handle unit 12 and accessory 100 as described above.

Claims

1. A hair care tool, comprising: Air inlet; Air outlet; as well as An airflow generator is used to generate airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; The air outlet includes a first hole having a first cross-sectional area and a second hole having a second cross-sectional area larger than the first cross-sectional area. The hair care device includes a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, airflow through the second hole is suppressed, while airflow through the first hole is not suppressed. In the second configuration, airflow through the second hole is not suppressed, but airflow through the second hole is suppressed. The hair care device is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to contact with the hair.

2. The hair care tool according to claim 1, wherein, The air outlet includes a plurality of first holes, each having a first cross-sectional area. In the first configuration, airflow through each of the plurality of first holes is not suppressed, and in the second configuration, airflow through each of the plurality of first holes is suppressed.

3. The hair care appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The hair care device includes a movable member that can move from a first position corresponding to the first configuration to a second position corresponding to the second configuration. Airflow through the second hole is suppressed by the movable member in the first position, and airflow through the second hole is not suppressed by the movable member in the second position.

4. The hair care device according to claim 3, wherein, A first hole is formed in the movable member, the hair care device includes a main airflow path and a channel leading from the main airflow path to the movable member, in a first position the channel is aligned with the first hole, and in a second position the channel is blocked by the movable member.

5. The hair care device according to claim 4, wherein, The hair care device includes a fixed body on which the movable member is mounted, multiple rows of first holes formed in the movable member, and multiple channels formed in the fixed body, each channel leading from the main airflow path to the movable member. In a first position, each channel is aligned with a corresponding row of first holes, and in a second position, each channel is blocked by the movable member.

6. The hair care device according to claim 3, wherein, The movable member is elastically biased to the first position.

7. The hair care appliance according to claim 3, wherein, The movable component includes multiple bristles for contacting the hair.

8. The hair care appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The hair care device includes a handle unit, in which an airflow generator is disposed; and an accessory defining the air outlet, the accessory being detachably attached to the handle unit.

9. An accessory for a hair care device, comprising an air inlet and an air outlet, wherein, The air outlet includes a first hole having a first cross-sectional area and a second hole having a second cross-sectional area larger than the first cross-sectional area, and the accessory includes a first configuration and a second configuration, in which airflow through the second hole is suppressed and airflow through the first hole is not suppressed, and in the second configuration, airflow through the second hole is not suppressed and airflow through the first hole is suppressed. The accessory is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to contact with hair.

10. The appendix according to claim 9, wherein, The air outlet includes a plurality of first holes, each having a first cross-sectional area. In the first configuration, airflow through each of the plurality of first holes is not suppressed, and in the second configuration, airflow through each of the plurality of first holes is suppressed.

11. The appendix according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein, The accessory includes a movable member capable of moving from a first position corresponding to the first configuration to a second position corresponding to the second configuration. Airflow through the second hole is suppressed by the movable member in the first position, and airflow through the second hole is not suppressed by the movable member in the second position.

12. The appendix according to claim 11, wherein, The hair care device includes a fixed body on which the movable member is mounted, multiple rows of first holes formed in the movable member, and multiple channels formed in the fixed body, each channel leading from the main airflow path of the hair care device to the movable member. In a first position, each channel is aligned with a corresponding row of first holes, and in a second position, each channel is blocked by the movable member.

13. The appendix according to claim 12, wherein, The second hole is formed in the fixed body and extends parallel to one of the channels.

14. The appendix according to claim 12, wherein, The movable member is elastically biased to the first position.

15. The appendix according to claim 12, wherein, The movable component includes multiple bristles for contacting the hair.

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