Hair care appliances

Abstract

A hair care appliance is described that includes a blower for generating an airflow, a plurality of outlets through which the airflow is discharged in one of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction, and an indicator. The indicator has a first visual state when the airflow is discharged in the clockwise direction and a second visual state when the airflow is discharged in the counterclockwise direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair care appliance. Background Art

[0002] The hair care appliance may include a barrel around which hair is wrapped to form curls. Air may be exhausted from the barrel to encourage the hair to wrap around the barrel. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides a hair care appliance comprising a blower for generating an air flow, a plurality of outlets through which the air flow is discharged in one of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction, and an indicator having a first visual state when the air flow is discharged in the clockwise direction and a second visual state when the air flow is discharged in the counterclockwise direction.

[0004] The hair care appliance may include a single accessory having a first configuration in which airflow is discharged in a clockwise direction and a second configuration in which airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction. Alternatively, the hair care appliance may include a first accessory in which airflow is discharged in a clockwise direction and a second accessory in which airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction. In either case, the indicator provides a visual indication of the direction of airflow discharge.

[0005] The hair care appliance can be used to curl hair, and the direction of the curl can be determined by the direction of the airflow. By providing an indicator with different visual states (i.e., different visual appearances) for different airflow directions, the user can quickly and reliably determine the direction of the curl formation.

[0006] The hair care appliance may include a component that is movable between a first position and a second position. When the component is in the first position, the airflow is discharged in a clockwise direction, and when the component is in the second position, the airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction. This has the advantage that the direction of the airflow can be changed relatively quickly and easily. In particular, the airflow direction can be changed without having to replace an accessory.

[0007] The outlets may include a first outlet through which airflow is discharged in a clockwise direction and a second outlet through which airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction. When in the first position, the component may block airflow to the second outlet, and when in the second position, the component may block airflow to the first outlet. This provides a relatively robust mechanism for achieving both clockwise and counterclockwise airflow.

[0008] The hair care appliance may include a sensor for sensing the position of a component, and the indicator may have a visual state that depends on the output of the sensor. In particular, the sensor may generate an electrical signal that is then used to determine the visual state of the indicator. For example, the sensor may include a mechanical sensor (e.g., a switch), an optical sensor, or a magnetic sensor.

[0009] A hair care appliance may include a switch, wherein an indicator may have a first visual state when the switch is one of open and closed, and a second visual state when the switch is the other of open and closed. Movement of a component between the first and second positions may then cause the switch to change between open and closed. For example, when the component is in one of the first and second positions, the component may act on and close the switch. By providing a switch that is open or closed depending on the position of the component, an electrical signal may be generated to determine the visual state of the indicator.

[0010] The hair care appliance may comprise a user-actuated selector for moving the component between the first position and the second position. Thus, the user is able to change the direction of the airflow via the selector.

[0011] The selector may include a dial that rotates to move the component between the first position and the second position. Thus, a user can intuitively select a particular airflow direction by rotating the selector clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0012] The selector may be provided at the end of the hair care appliance. This has the advantage that the selector is less likely to be inadvertently moved during use of the hair care appliance. Furthermore, where the airflow exiting the outlet is hot (e.g., the appliance includes a heater for heating the airflow), the risk of a user contacting a hot part of the hair care appliance when moving the selector can be reduced.

[0013] When using the hair care appliance, the user can see the hair care appliance in the mirror. Thus, the image of the hair care appliance is inverted. Furthermore, the hair care appliance can be used in any number of positions, from upright to inverted. The indicator can produce static lighting in each visual state. However, due to the various positions in which the hair care appliance can be used and the inversion created by the mirror, it can be difficult for the user to quickly identify the direction of the airflow, and therefore the direction in which the hair care appliance is being operated. Accordingly, the indicator can produce moving lighting in each of the first and second visual states. Furthermore, the movement can occur in a first direction in the first visual state and in a second, opposite direction in the second visual state. With the moving lighting, the user can more quickly and / or reliably identify the direction of the airflow, and therefore the direction in which the hair care appliance is being operated.

[0014] The indicator may comprise a series of LEDs. This provides an economical solution for providing a visual indication of the direction of airflow.

[0015] The indicator may comprise a circle of LEDs that illuminate in a clockwise sequence in a first visual state and in a counter-clockwise sequence in a second visual state. Thus, the indicator provides moving illumination that corresponds directly to the direction of airflow.

[0016] The hair care appliance may include a handle unit and an accessory attached to the handle unit. The handle unit includes the blower and indicator, while the accessory includes the outlet. This arrangement has the advantage that the indicator is less likely to be obscured by hair during use. In contrast, if the indicator were located on the accessory, hair could become tangled around the accessory and obscure the indicator.

[0017] The attachment can be detachably attached to the handle unit. This has the advantage that the handle unit can be used with other types of attachments, such as a styling brush or a hairdryer nozzle. Furthermore, by providing an indicator on the handle unit, the indicator can be used in conjunction with other attachments.

[0018] The accessory may include a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data to the handle unit, which may include a receiver for receiving the data. The indicator may have a visual state dependent on the data. This has the advantage that the direction of the airflow can be determined at the handle unit without requiring electrical contacts or terminals between the handle unit and the accessory, which could pose a safety issue, particularly when the hair care appliance may be used with wet hair. It is conceivable that the handle unit could include a switch or other mechanical component that is closed or moved by the accessory depending on the direction of the airflow. However, the hair care appliance may be used with hair care products such as hair spray, mousse, or lotion. These hair care products, as well as more general dirt, may coat electrical contacts or stick to mechanical switches or other moving components. By wirelessly transmitting data to the handle unit, a more reliable and robust mechanism for communicating the direction of the airflow to the handle unit is achieved.

[0019] The accessory may include an RFID tag, and the handle unit may include an RFID reader. The RFID reader may transmit an interrogation signal to the RFID tag, and the RFID tag may, in response, transmit data to the RFID reader. The indicator may have a visual state that depends on the data. This then provides a relatively economical method for wirelessly transmitting data from the accessory to the handle unit. In particular, the RFID tag may be passive (i.e., without a power source), and the interrogation signal may be used to energize the RFID tag.

[0020] The RFID tag can include an antenna and an integrated circuit. The antenna can be located at a first end of the accessory, and the integrated circuit can be located at a second, opposite end of the accessory. This has the advantage that the antenna can be located at the end of the accessory that is attached to the handle unit. This allows for a relatively short distance between the RFID tag's antenna and the antenna of the RFID reader, allowing the RFID tag to be excited with relatively low power. In contrast, the integrated circuit can be located at the other end of the accessory, enabling a relatively compact arrangement. Furthermore, improved thermal isolation can be achieved between the integrated circuit and potentially hot air currents.

[0021] The present invention also provides a handle unit for a hair care appliance, the handle unit being detachably attachable to an attachment of the hair care appliance, wherein the handle unit includes a blower for generating an air flow and an indicator, the attachment includes a plurality of outlets through which the air flow is discharged in one of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction, the indicator having a first visual state when the air flow is discharged in the clockwise direction and a second visual state when the air flow is discharged in the counterclockwise direction.

[0022] The handle unit may include a receiver for receiving data from the accessory, and the indicator may have a visual state depending on the data. For example, the handle unit may include an RFID reader, and the accessory may include an RFID tag that transmits data indicating the direction of the airflow.

[0023] The present invention also provides an accessory for a hair care appliance, which is detachably attachable to a handle unit of the hair care appliance, wherein the accessory includes an inlet for receiving an airflow from the handle unit and a plurality of outlets, the airflow is discharged through the plurality of outlets in one of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction, and the accessory provides an indication of the airflow discharge direction to the handle unit.

[0024] The accessory may include a component movable between a first position and a second position. When the component is in the first position, airflow is discharged in a clockwise direction, and when the component is in the second position, airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction. Furthermore, the outlet may include a first outlet through which airflow is discharged in a clockwise direction and a second outlet through which airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction. When in the first position, the component may block airflow to the second outlet, and when in the second position, the component may block airflow to the first outlet.

[0025] The accessory may include a sensor for sensing the position of the component, and the output of the sensor may be provided to the handle unit.

[0026] The accessory may provide the indication wirelessly. For example, the accessory may include an RFID tag that transmits data indicating the direction of the airflow to the handle unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 A hair care appliance is illustrated;

[0029] Figure 2 is a simplified cross-section through a handle unit of a hair care appliance;

[0030] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the electrical components of a hair care appliance;

[0031] Figure 4It is an exploded view of the attachments of the hair care appliance;

[0032] Figure 5 is a side view of the attachment;

[0033] Figure 6 is a vertical section through the attachment;

[0034] Figure 7 is a horizontal cross-section through an accessory, wherein the accessory is configured to discharge airflow in a (a) clockwise direction or a (b) counterclockwise direction;

[0035] Figure 8 Shows the configuration for user-replaced accessories;

[0036] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the optional accessories;

[0037] Figure 10 is an exploded view of the optional accessories; and

[0038] Figure 11 is a horizontal cross-section through an optional accessory, wherein the optional accessory is configured to exhaust airflow in either (a) a clockwise direction or (b) a counterclockwise direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figures 1 to 3 The hair care appliance 10 includes a handle unit 20 and an accessory 100 detachably attached to the handle unit 20 .

[0040] The handle unit 20 includes a housing 30 , a blower 40 , a heater 50 , an indicator 60 , and a control unit 70 .

[0041] The housing 30 is tubular and includes an inlet 31 and an outlet 32. Airflow is drawn into the housing 30 by the blower 40 through the inlet 31 and exhausted from the housing 30 through the outlet 32. The blower 40 is housed within the housing 30 and includes a fan 41 driven by a motor 42. The heater 50 is also housed within the housing 30 and includes a heating element 51 for selectively heating the airflow. The indicator 60 includes an array of LEDs 61 arranged in a ring around the exterior of the housing 30.

[0042] The control unit 70 includes a user controller 71 , an RFID reader 72 , and a control module 73 .

[0043] User controls 71 are provided on a surface of the housing 30 and are used to turn the hair care appliance 10 on and off, select a flow rate (e.g., high, medium, low), and select an air temperature (e.g., hot, warm, cold). In this example, each user control 71 comprises a slide switch. However, other forms of user controls, such as buttons, dials, or touch screens, may also be used.

[0044] The RFID reader 72 includes an antenna 75 and a reader module 76. The RFID reader 72 interrogates an RFID tag 130 that forms part of the accessory 100. As described below, the accessory 100 expel airflow in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and the data returned by the RFID tag 130 indicates the direction of the airflow. Therefore, the RFID reader 72 outputs data to the control module 73 indicating whether the accessory 100 is attached to the handle unit 20 and, if so, whether the airflow expelled from the accessory 100 moves in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0045] The control module 73 is responsible for controlling the blower 40, the heater 50, and the indicator 60 in response to input from the user controller 71 and the RFID reader 72. For example, in response to input from the user controller, the control module 73 can control the power or speed of the blower 40 to adjust the flow rate of the airflow, and control the power of the heater 50 to adjust the temperature of the airflow.

[0046] The control module 73 responds to input from the RFID reader 72 to control the indicator 60. As described above, the RFID reader outputs data indicating the direction of the airflow exhausted from the accessory 100. The control module 73 uses this data to illuminate the LED of the indicator 60 to reflect the direction of the airflow.

[0047] Indicator 60 has multiple visual states, with LED 61 being illuminated differently in each visual state. More specifically, indicator 60 has a first visual state in which LEDs 61 are illuminated sequentially in a clockwise direction around housing 30, and a second visual state in which LEDs 61 are illuminated sequentially in a counterclockwise direction. Control module 73 controls the visual state of indicator 60 based on the direction of airflow being exhausted from accessory 100, as indicated by data received by RFID reader 72. Specifically, indicator 60 has the first visual state when airflow is being exhausted from the accessory in a clockwise direction, and the second visual state when airflow is being exhausted in a counterclockwise direction. Thus, indicator 60 provides a visual indication of the direction of airflow being exhausted from accessory 100.

[0048] Now refer to Figures 4 to 8 The accessory 100 includes a barrel 110 , a dial 120 and an RFID tag 130 .

[0049] The barrel 110 is cylindrical, open at one end and closed at the other. The open end serves as an entrance 111 to the interior 112 of the barrel 110. A plurality of outlets 113 are formed around the barrel. Each outlet 113 comprises a slot extending along the length of the barrel 110, and the outlets 113 are evenly spaced about the longitudinal axis 114 of the barrel 110.

[0050] The barrel 110 includes an inner sleeve 140, an outer sleeve 150, and a plurality of slats 160. The inner sleeve 140 and the outer sleeve 150 are both cylindrical. The inner sleeve 140 is located within the outer sleeve 150 and includes a plurality of slots 141 extending along the length of the inner sleeve 140. In the particular example shown in the figures, the inner sleeve 140 includes five slots 141.

[0051] The outer sleeve 150 includes a plurality of openings 151 arranged in columns extending along the length of the outer sleeve 150. More specifically, the openings 151 are arranged in pairs of columns 152, 153 that are evenly spaced about the outer sleeve 150. Again, in the particular example shown in the figures, the outer sleeve 150 includes five pairs of columns 152, 153. Each pair of columns 152, 153 is separated by a ridge 154.

[0052] Each slat 160 is attached to one of the ridges 154 of the outer sleeve 150 by, for example, a snap fit. Each slat 160 extends on either side of the ridge 154 and overlies each column of openings 152, 153. The edges of the slats 160 are radially spaced from the outer sleeve 150 to form two slots 113a, 113b extending along the length of the barrel 110 between the slats 160 and the outer sleeve 150. Each slot 113a, 113b defines an outlet 113 of the barrel 110.

[0053] The inner sleeve 140 is movable relative to the outer sleeve 150. More specifically, the inner sleeve 140 rotates relative to the outer sleeve 150 about the longitudinal axis 114 of the barrel 110. The inner sleeve 140 is movable between a first position and a second position. Figure 7 In the first position shown in (a), each slot 141 in the inner sleeve 140 is aligned with the first row of openings 152 in the outer sleeve 150. Figure 7 In the second position shown in (b), each slot 141 in the inner sleeve 140 is aligned with the second row of openings 153 in the outer sleeve 150.

[0054] During use, when the accessory 100 is attached to the handle unit 20, the airflow generated by the handle unit 20 enters the interior 112 of the barrel 110 through the inlet 111. From there, the airflow moves radially outward through the slots 141 in the inner sleeve 140. The airflow then passes through the openings 151 in the outer sleeve 150. More specifically, the airflow passes through the first row of openings 152 or the second row of openings 153 in the outer sleeve 150, depending on the position of the inner sleeve 140. When the inner sleeve 140 is in the first position ( Figure 7 (a)), the airflow passes through each of the first row of openings 152. The airflow is then diverted in a clockwise direction by the slats 160. Therefore, the airflow is discharged from the barrel 110 in a clockwise direction. When the inner sleeve 140 is in the second position ( Figure 7(b)), the airflow passes through each second row of openings 153. The airflow is then turned counterclockwise by the slats 160 and discharged from the barrel 110 in a counterclockwise direction. Accordingly, by changing the position of the inner sleeve 140, the direction of the airflow discharged from the barrel 110 can be changed from clockwise to counterclockwise.

[0055] The dial 120 is disposed on top of the barrel 110 and is attached to the inner sleeve 140 (in this example, by screws 170). The dial 120 can be used to move the inner sleeve 140 between the first and second positions. For example, Figure 8 As shown, the user can grasp and twist or rotate the dial 120 to move the inner sleeve between the two positions. Thus, the user can change the direction of the airflow discharged from the barrel 110. More specifically, the user can select whether the airflow is discharged in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0056] RFID tag 130 includes an antenna 131 and an integrated circuit 132. Antenna 131 is located at the bottom of barrel 110 within a recess in outer sleeve 150. In contrast, integrated circuit 132 is located at the top of barrel 110 between outer sleeve 150 and dial 120. Antenna 131 and integrated circuit 132 are connected via conductive tracks (not shown) arranged along the inner surface of outer sleeve 150. Integrated circuit 132 includes components typical of RFID tags, such as a rectifier, a microcontroller, and a load modulator. Integrated circuit 132 also includes switch 133, such as a surface-mounted momentary switch, which is activated by movement of dial 120. When dial 120 and inner sleeve 140 are in one position (e.g., the first position), switch 133 is open. When dial 120 and inner sleeve 140 are moved to another position (e.g., the second position), dial 120 acts on switch 133 (e.g., presses the switch), causing switch 133 to close.

[0057] RFID tag 130 is activated by the interrogation signal transmitted by RFID reader 72. When activated, RFID tag 130 transmits data to RFID reader 72. The data returned by RFID tag 130 depends on the state of switch 133. Specifically, RFID tag 130 returns first data when switch 133 is open, and returns second data when switch 133 is closed. RFID tag 130 thus transmits data indicating the direction of airflow discharged from barrel 110.

[0058] With the hair care appliance 10 described above, the indicator 60 provides a visual indication of the direction of the airflow. The hair care appliance 10 can be used to curl hair, where the direction of the curl can be determined by the direction of the airflow. By providing the indicator 60 with different visual states for different airflow directions, the user can quickly and reliably determine the direction of the curl being formed.

[0059] The direction of the airflow can be changed using the dial 120 on the top of the accessory 100. This provides a relatively quick and convenient way to change the direction of the airflow. The change in airflow direction is caused by the movement of the inner sleeve 140 relative to the outer sleeve 150. However, the change in airflow direction can be caused by other means. As an example, Figures 9 to 11 Optional accessories are shown including optional features for achieving airflow direction changes.

[0060] Figures 9 to 11 Attachment 200, with Figures 4 to 7 The accessories are similar, including a barrel 210 , a dial 220 and an RFID tag 230 .

[0061] The barrel 210 is generally cylindrical, with one end open and the other end closed. The open end serves as an entrance 211 to the interior 212 of the barrel 210, and a plurality of outlets 213 are formed along the barrel 210. Each outlet 213 comprises a slot, and the outlets 213 are evenly spaced around the longitudinal axis of the barrel 210.

[0062] The barrel body 210 includes an inner sleeve 240 , a plurality of shutters 250 , and a knob 260 .

[0063] The inner sleeve 240 is generally cylindrical in shape, open at the bottom and closed at the top. A plurality of slots 241 extend along the length of the sleeve 240. The slots 241 are relatively wide, so the inner sleeve 240 can be considered to have columns 242 extending upward from the bottom to the top of the sleeve 240. In the particular example shown in the figures, the inner sleeve includes five slots 241 and five columns 242.

[0064] Each shutter 250 covers a respective slot 241 in the inner sleeve 240. The top end of each shutter 250 is pivotally attached to the top of the inner sleeve 240. The bottom end of each shutter includes a pin or leg 251 that is received in a slot 221 in the dial 220. Each shutter 250 pivots between a first position and a second position. The pivot point of each shutter 250 is offset from the longitudinal axis 214 of the barrel 210. This may be Figure 10 This is best understood in the FIGURES where it can be seen that each shutter 250 is pivotally connected to the inner sleeve 240 at a location 243 offset from the center. Figure 11 In the first position shown in (a), each louver 250 contacts the first column 242a of the sleeve 240 along a first edge of the louver 250. A gap or slot 213a is then formed between the louver 250 and the inner sleeve 240 along a second edge of the louver 250. Figure 11In the second position shown in (b), each louver 250 contacts the second column 242b of the sleeve 240 along the second edge of the louver 250, and a gap or slot 213b is formed between the louver 250 and the inner sleeve 240 along the first edge. Each slot 213a, 213b defines the outlet 213 of the barrel 210. Figure 11 It can be seen that when the shutter 250 is in the first position ( Figure 11 (a)), the airflow is discharged from the barrel 210 in a clockwise direction, and when the shutter 250 is in the second position ( Figure 11 (b)), the airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction.

[0065] Each louver 250 includes blades 252 extending circumferentially around the inner surface of the louver 250. As the airflow moves from the inlet 211 of the barrel 210 to each outlet 213, the blades 252 redirect the airflow from a generally vertical direction (i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrel) to a generally horizontal direction (i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the barrel). As a result, the airflow is discharged from the outlet 213 in a generally circumferential direction, thereby better causing the airflow to wrap around the barrel 210.

[0066] The dial 220 resembles a star-shaped wheel and surrounds the bottom of the inner sleeve 240. The dial 220 includes slots 221 into which the legs 251 of the louvers 250 are received. The dial 220 is rotatable relative to the inner sleeve 240. More specifically, the dial 220 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the barrel 210. Rotating the dial 220 clockwise and counterclockwise causes each louver 250 to pivot between a first position and a second position. Thus, the dial 220 can be used to change the direction of airflow exiting the barrel 210.

[0067] The knob 260 is attached to the top of the inner sleeve 240 and is isolated from the air flow moving within the barrel 210. The knob 260 thus provides a relatively cool area of the barrel 210 that the user can grip when operating the hair care appliance 10.

[0068] RFID tag 230 and the above Figures 4 to 7 . Specifically, the RFID tag 230 includes an antenna 231 located at the bottom of the barrel 210 and an integrated circuit 232 located at the top of the barrel 210. More specifically, the integrated circuit 232 is located between the inner sleeve 240 and the knob 260 and includes a switch (not shown) that is closed by a shutter 250 when moving between the first position and the second position. The RFID tag 230 thus transmits data indicating the direction of the airflow to the handle unit 20.

[0069] The above-mentioned accessories 100, 200 change the direction of the airflow in different ways. However, what is common is the presence of one (or more) components (e.g., Figures 4 to 7 Inner sleeve 140 or Figures 9 to 11 When the component is in the first position, airflow is discharged from the accessory in a clockwise direction, and when the component is in the second position, airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction. In addition, each accessory 100, 200 can be said to have a first outlet 113a, 213a through which airflow is discharged in a clockwise direction and a second outlet 113b, 213b through which airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction. When in the first position, the component 140, 250 blocks airflow to the second outlet 113b, 213b, and when in the second position, the component 140, 250 blocks airflow to the first outlet 113a, 213a. For example, for Figures 4 to 7 The accessory 100, the barrel 110 can be said to have a first outlet 113a and a second outlet 113b formed between the slats 160 and the outer sleeve 150. The air flow is discharged in a clockwise direction ( Figure 7 (a)), discharged in a counterclockwise direction through the second outlet 113b ( Figure 7 (b)). The inner sleeve 140 (i.e., component) can be moved from a first position ( Figure 7 (a)) moves to the second position ( Figure 7 (b)), in the first position, the sleeve 140 blocks the path of the airflow to the second outlet 113b, and in the second position, the sleeve 140 blocks the path of the airflow to the first outlet 113a.

[0070] Each accessory 100, 200 includes a switch that senses the position of a movable part (e.g., an inner sleeve or a shutter), and thereby senses the direction of the airflow. The switch may sense the position of the movable part directly or indirectly. For example, the switch 133 of the first accessory 100 senses the position of the inner sleeve 140 indirectly via the dial 120, while the switch of the second accessory senses the position of the shutter directly. The position of the movable part, and thereby the direction of the airflow, may be sensed in other ways. For example, the accessory may include an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor (such as a Hall effect sensor), instead of a switch, and the movable part or dial may include an optical marker or a magnetic element that the sensor then senses.

[0071] Each accessory 100, 200 utilizes RFID to transmit data from the accessory to the handle unit 20. The data is defined by the output of the sensor and thus provides an indication of the direction of airflow. While the aforementioned accessories utilize RFID, other forms of wireless protocols, such as NFC or Bluetooth, may alternatively be used. Specifically, passive RFID tags powered by an RFID reader offer a relatively economical solution, as the accessory does not require batteries or other energy sources to transmit data.

[0072] The data need not be transmitted wirelessly from the accessory 100, 200 to the handle unit 20. For example, the accessory and the handle unit may both include electrical contacts that make contact when the accessory is attached to the handle unit. The output of the sensor may be directly transmitted to the control module. Furthermore, the sensor need not be provided on the accessory, but may be provided on the handle unit. By way of example only, the handle unit 20 may include a Figures 4 to 7 As a further example, the handle unit 20 may include an optical sensor, Figures 9 to 11 The dial 220 of the attachment 200 may include markings on the underside of the dial 220. Accordingly, in a more general sense, the hair care appliance 10 may be said to include a sensor for directly or indirectly sensing the position of the movable component and thereby the direction of the airflow, which sensor may be provided on the attachment or the handle unit.

[0073] However, there are advantages to locating the sensor on the attachment and wirelessly transmitting data from the attachment to the handle unit. For example, exposed electrical contacts between the handle unit and the attachment can present safety issues, particularly when the hair care appliance may be used with wet hair. Furthermore, hair care products, such as hair spray, mousse, or lotion, as well as more general dirt, can coat the electrical contacts and render them ineffective. Similarly, if the handle unit includes a sensor, dirt, debris, and / or hair care products can coat or stick to the sensor. By wirelessly transmitting data to the handle unit, a more reliable and robust mechanism for determining the direction of airflow can be achieved.

[0074] Each of the aforementioned accessories includes a dial for selecting clockwise or counterclockwise airflow. The dial, which rotates about the longitudinal axis of the barrel, provides a relatively intuitive way for the user to change the direction of the airflow. Specifically, the user can rotate the dial clockwise and counterclockwise to select clockwise and counterclockwise airflow, respectively. Despite the aforementioned advantages, the hair care appliance may include an alternative type of selector that is user-activated to select clockwise or counterclockwise airflow.

[0075] Each accessory is detachably attached to the handle unit. This has the advantage that the handle unit can be used with other types of accessories, such as a styling brush or a hairdryer nozzle. However, it is conceivable that the hair care appliance includes accessories that are permanently attached to the handle unit.

[0076] The aforementioned accessories are all capable of delivering both clockwise and counterclockwise airflow. This has the advantage that both clockwise and counterclockwise airflow can be achieved with a single accessory. Nevertheless, it is contemplated that a hair care appliance may include a first accessory that delivers airflow in a clockwise direction, and a second accessory that delivers airflow in a counterclockwise direction. Regardless of whether the hair care appliance includes a single accessory or a pair of accessories, the indicator provides a visual indication of the direction of airflow discharge. Where the hair care appliance includes different accessories for clockwise and counterclockwise airflow, each accessory may include a unique identifier (e.g., an RFID tag, an optical marker, a magnetic element, or a physical feature) that is sensed by the handle unit to determine the direction of airflow.

[0077] The indicator includes a circle of LEDs and has a first visual state in which the LEDs illuminate sequentially in a clockwise direction, and a second visual state in which the LEDs illuminate sequentially in a counterclockwise direction. It is contemplated that the indicator may include alternative means for indicating the direction of the accessory's airflow, such as an alternative arrangement of LEDs or a display screen. Regardless, the indicator has a first visual state when the airflow is discharged in a clockwise direction, and a different second visual state when the airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction. The indicator may produce static lighting in each visual state. However, it has been observed that using static lighting may make it more difficult for users to quickly identify the direction of the airflow, and therefore which direction to operate the hair care appliance. This behavior is believed to occur for several reasons. First, when using the hair care appliance, the user may see the hair care appliance in a mirror. As a result, the image of the hair care appliance appears upside down. Furthermore, the hair care appliance can be used in any number of positions, from upright to inverted. Due to the various positions in which the hair care appliance can be used, and the inversion created by the mirror, it is believed that it may be more difficult for users to identify the direction of the airflow based solely on static lighting. The indicator can thus produce a moving illumination in each of the first and second visual states. Furthermore, the movement can occur in a first direction in the first visual state and in a second, opposite direction in the second visual state. Due to the moving illumination, the user can more quickly and / or reliably identify the direction of the airflow, and therefore the direction in which the hair care appliance is to be operated.

Claims

1. A hair care appliance comprising a blower for generating an airflow; a plurality of outlets through which the airflow is discharged in one of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction; and an indicator having a first visual state when the airflow is discharged in the clockwise direction and a second visual state when the airflow is discharged in the counterclockwise direction. wherein the device comprises a component movable between a first position and a second position, when the component is in the first position, the airflow is discharged in a clockwise direction, and when the component is in the second position, the airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction, Wherein the appliance comprises a sensor for sensing a position of the component, the indicator has a visual state dependent on an output of the sensor.

2. The hair care appliance according to claim 1 , wherein the outlet comprises a first outlet and a second outlet, the airflow is discharged in a clockwise direction through the first outlet, and the airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction through the second outlet, and the component blocks the airflow to the second outlet when in the first position, and blocks the airflow to the first outlet when in the second position.

3. The hair care appliance of claim 1 , wherein the appliance includes a switch, movement of the component between the first position and the second position causes the switch to change from open to closed, the indicator having a first visual state when the switch is one of open and closed, and the visual indicator having a second visual state when the switch is the other of open and closed.

4. A hair care appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the appliance comprises a user-actuated selector for moving the member between the first position and the second position.

5. The hair care appliance of claim 4, wherein the selector comprises a dial that is rotated to move the component between the first position and the second position.

6. The hair care appliance of claim 4, wherein the selector is disposed at an end of the hair care appliance.

7. The hair care appliance of claim 1 or 2, wherein the indicator produces moving illumination in each of a first visual state and a second visual state, moving in a first direction in the first visual state and in an opposite second direction in the second visual state.

8. The hair care appliance of claim 1 or 2, wherein the indicator comprises a circle of LEDs that illuminate in a clockwise sequence in the first visual state and in a counterclockwise sequence in the second visual state.

9. The hair care appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the appliance comprises a handle unit and an accessory attached to the handle unit, the handle unit comprising the blower and the indicator, the accessory comprising the outlet.

10. The hair care appliance of claim 9, wherein the accessory comprises a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data to the handle unit, the handle unit comprising a receiver for receiving the data, the indicator having a visual state dependent on the data.

11. The hair care appliance of claim 9, wherein the attachment includes an RFID tag, the handle unit includes an RFID reader, the RFID reader transmits an interrogation signal to the RFID tag, the RFID tag transmits data to the RFID reader in response, the indicator having a visual state dependent on the data.

12. The hair care appliance of claim 11, wherein the RFID tag comprises an antenna and an integrated circuit, the antenna being disposed at a first end of the attachment and the integrated circuit being disposed at an opposite second end of the attachment.

13. A handle unit for a hair care appliance, the handle unit being detachably attachable to an attachment of the hair care appliance, wherein the handle unit comprises a blower and an indicator, the blower being configured to generate an airflow, the attachment comprising a plurality of outlets through which the airflow is discharged in one of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction, the indicator having a first visual state when the airflow is discharged in the clockwise direction and a second visual state when the airflow is discharged in the counterclockwise direction.

14. An attachment for a hair care appliance, the attachment being detachably attachable to a handle unit of the hair care appliance, wherein the attachment comprises an inlet and a plurality of outlets, the inlet being configured to receive an airflow from the handle unit, the airflow being discharged through the plurality of outlets in one of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction, the attachment providing an indication of the discharge direction of the airflow to the handle unit. wherein the accessory comprises a component movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the component is in the first position, the airflow is discharged in a clockwise direction, and when the component is in the second position, the airflow is discharged in a counterclockwise direction, The accessory includes a sensor for sensing the position of the component.

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