Hair care appliance

Abstract

An accessory for a hair care appliance includes an air inlet, an air outlet, a hollow body defining a flow path between the air inlet and the air outlet, and a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet, the curved surface extending outward from the hollow body. The hair care appliance has an air inlet, an air outlet, and an airflow generator for generating airflow from the air outlet to the air outlet. The hair care appliance has a hollow body and a curved surface, the hollow body defining a flow path between the air inlet and the air outlet, the curved surface being adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet. The curved surface extends outward from the hollow body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a hair care appliance and accessories for the hair care appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Hair care tools are typically used to dry and style hair. If hair care tools are used to style hair to create a smooth look, the presence of shorter or broken hairs (sometimes called flyaways) can affect the desired smoothness. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the invention, an accessory for a hair care appliance is provided, the accessory comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, a hollow body defining a flow path between the air inlet and the air outlet, and a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet, the curved surface extending outward from the hollow body.

[0004] The attachment according to the first aspect of the invention may be advantageous because it includes a hollow body defining a flow path between an air inlet and an air outlet, and a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet, the curved surface extending outward from the hollow body.

[0005] Specifically, the inventors of this application have determined that a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet can generate a negative pressure area near the curved surface, which attracts long hair towards the curved surface, while the airflow interacting with the hair pushes short hair away from the curved surface. This may cause shorter hair to pass through longer hair, for example, through the side of the longer hair facing the user's head, thus providing a smooth hair finish. As the curved surface extends outward from the hollow body, the remainder of the hollow body and / or accessories can be removed during use from the area of ​​hair wrapped around the curved surface, thus preventing disruption of the styling process performed in the area of ​​the curved surface.

[0006] The central axis of curvature of the curved surface can be shifted from the central axis of the hollow body, for example, parallel to and from the central axis of the hollow body, or orthogonal to and from the central axis of the hollow body.

[0007] The curved surface may include a first end attached to the hollow body and a second free end opposite the first end, for example, the second free end not attached to the hollow body. The first end may be attached to the hollow body in the region of the air outlet, for example, such that the curved surface extends outward toward the air outlet. The curved surface may be generally arc-shaped.

[0008] The curved surface can be essentially smooth and uninterrupted in form. This allows hair to wrap around the curved surface during use.

[0009] The curved surface can be integrally formed with the hollow body, for example, such that the curved surface and the hollow body are formed as a single component. The air outlet may include a groove formed in the hollow body.

[0010] The accessory may include an end wall located at the end of the curved surface. This may prevent airflow from reaching the hand of the user holding the accessory during use.

[0011] The accessory may include a pair of guide walls for guiding airflow along a curved surface, the guide walls being upright on the curved surface. By providing a pair of guide walls extending outward from the curved surface, the influence of ambient air on the negative pressure area created by the airflow flowing along the curved surface can be suppressed during use, and can result in an increased attraction of hair to the curved surface compared to a similar arrangement, for example, without guide walls.

[0012] Each guide wall can be curved in form, for example, having a curvature that follows the curvature of the curved surface. The guide walls of a pair of guide walls can be opposite each other, for example, such that a channel is defined therebetween, with the curved surface forming the base of the channel. The pair of guide walls can be spaced apart from each other along the curved surface, for example, spaced apart at opposite edges of the curved surface. The spacing between the guide walls can substantially correspond to the length of the air outlet. The curved surface can be substantially smooth and uninterrupted between the pair of guide walls. This allows hair to wrap around the curved surface between the pair of guide walls during use.

[0013] The guide wall can protrude outward from the curved surface, for example, the guide wall and the curved surface can be integrally formed as a single component.

[0014] The pair of guide walls can extend along essentially the entire length of the curved surface. This ensures that a negative pressure zone is maintained essentially along the entire length of the curved surface.

[0015] The guide walls may include a height substantially equal to the height of the air outlet. This ensures that a negative pressure zone is maintained substantially along the entire height of the air jet exiting the air outlet during use.

[0016] The pair of guide walls may be included in a region adjacent to the air outlet at a height substantially equal to the height of the air outlet. The inventors of this application have discovered that maintaining a negative pressure region in the area adjacent to the air outlet is beneficial for generating an airflow along the curved surface, which generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hairs toward the first surface, while also generating a second force to push relatively short hairs away from the curved surface.

[0017] The pair of guide walls may include a radius of curvature larger than that of the curved surface. This ensures that the pair of guide walls functions correctly in the area near the air outlet during use.

[0018] The pair of guide walls may include a height that varies along the length of the guide walls. The inventors of this application have discovered that guide walls provide the greatest influence in certain areas of a curved surface, such as in the region adjacent to the air outlet. The pair of guide walls may include a height that decreases in the direction away from the air outlet. By decreasing the height of the guide walls in the direction away from the air outlet, less material may be required to form the guide walls compared to, for example, a guide wall of constant height. The pair of guide walls may include a gradually decreasing height in the direction away from the air outlet, for example, so that the height does not change abruptly. The guide walls of the pair may each include the same height and may be substantially symmetrical about an axis bisecting the space between the guide walls.

[0019] The pair of guide walls may include a constant height. This provides determinism, meaning that the negative pressure zone generated by the adjacent curved surface will not be affected along the length of the curved surface.

[0020] The attachment can be configured to generate a first force that attracts hair toward the curved surface and a second force that pushes hair away from the curved surface by the airflow exiting the air outlet. By attracting long hair toward the curved surface in the manner described above, while simultaneously pushing short hair away from the curved surface and through the long hair, a smooth hairpiece can be achieved. The attachment can also be configured to create a negative pressure area near the curved surface during use.

[0021] Curved surfaces can include Coanda surfaces, such as convex surfaces that are adhered to by airflow during use due to the Coanda effect.

[0022] The cross-sectional area of ​​the air outlet opening can be 140 mm. 2 Up to 540mm 2 Within a range, for example, within 280mm 2 Up to 350mm 2 Within the range. The applicant has discovered that such an opening cross-sectional area can generate airflow along a curved surface in a particularly effective manner, which generates a first force that attracts hair toward the curved surface and a second force that pushes hair away from the curved surface.

[0023] The width of the air outlet can be in the range of 70mm to 90mm, for example, in the range of 75mm to 85mm. The height of the air outlet can be in the range of 2mm to 5mm, for example, in the range of 3.0mm to 4.5mm. The shape of the air outlet can be generally rectangular, for example, so that the airflow leaving the air outlet has a generally laminar flow pattern.

[0024] The curved surface may include a radius of curvature ranging from 16 mm to 60 mm. The applicant has discovered that such a radius of curvature can particularly effectively generate airflow along the curved surface, which generates a first force attracting hair towards the curved surface and a second force pushing the hair away from the curved surface. The curved surface may include a substantially constant radius of curvature.

[0025] The curved surface may include an arc angle of at least 95 degrees from the air outlet. The applicant has discovered that such an arc angle can generate airflow along the curved surface in a particularly effective manner, which generates a first force that attracts hair toward the curved surface and a second force that pushes hair away from the curved surface.

[0026] The ratio of the airflow velocity generated by the airflow generator to the cross-sectional area of ​​the air outlet opening can be in the range of 0.01 to 0.10. The applicant has discovered that this ratio can generate airflow along a curved surface in a particularly effective manner, which generates a first force that attracts hair toward the curved surface and a second force that pushes hair away from the curved surface.

[0027] The ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface to the airflow velocity at the air outlet can be in the range of 0.33 to 2.00, for example, in the range of 0.5 to 1.5. The applicant has discovered that this ratio can generate airflow along the curved surface in a particularly effective manner, which generates a first force that attracts the hair toward the curved surface and a second force that pushes the hair away from the curved surface.

[0028] The ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface to the arc angle of the curved surface can be in the range of 0.04 to 0.63. The applicant has discovered that this ratio can generate airflow along the curved surface in a particularly effective manner, which generates a first force that attracts hair to the curved surface and a second force that pushes hair away from the curved surface.

[0029] The ratio of the airflow velocity at the air outlet to the airflow velocity generated by the airflow generator can be in the range of 2.14 to 5.63, for example, in the range of 2.6 to 3.6. The applicant has discovered that this ratio can generate airflow along a curved surface in a particularly effective manner, which generates a first force that attracts hair toward the curved surface and a second force that pushes hair away from the curved surface.

[0030] The attachment may include a flat surface adjacent to and extending rearward from the air outlet. When a non-flat surface is provided extending rearward from the air outlet, the smooth hair finish may be disturbed when the attachment moves relative to the hair during use, as is often the case during styling operations. When a rough surface (e.g., a surface including protrusions such as bristles) is provided extending rearward from the air outlet, this rough surface may disrupt hair that has already been smoothed by the airflow from the air outlet when the attachment moves relative to the hair during use. By providing a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet, and a flat surface adjacent to and extending rearward from the air outlet, a smooth hair finish can be created and maintained when the attachment is moved relative to the hair by the user during use.

[0031] A flat surface can also be used as a guide surface to ensure that the accessory is correctly positioned relative to the user's head, so that the airflow leaving the air outlet can provide the aforementioned functions.

[0032] A flat surface can be substantially smooth and uninterrupted in form. Flat surfaces can include heights ranging from 5 mm to 20 mm.

[0033] The attachment can be configured such that when the attachment moves relative to the hair during use, for example when the attachment moves in a straight line from the root of the hair to the end of the hair along the direction of the hair, the flat surface contacts the hair extending backward from the air outlet.

[0034] A flat surface can include a generally flat surface. This helps maintain a smooth hair surface when the accessory moves relative to the hair during use and ensures that the hair extending backward from the air vent is supported by the surface.

[0035] The flat surface can be angled relative to the plane of the air outlet. This ensures that hair extending backward from the air outlet contacts the flat surface, while hair downstream of the air outlet is drawn towards the curved surface during use. The flat surface can also be angled relative to a plane tangent to the curved surface at a point immediately adjacent to the air outlet.

[0036] The air outlet may include a fixed air outlet, such as an air outlet with a fixed cross-sectional area, length, and / or width. This ensures that the airflow characteristics of the accessory are constant for a given flow rate of the airflow generated by the airflow generator, thereby ensuring that airflow is generated along the curved surface, resulting in a first force that attracts the hair toward the curved surface and a second force that pushes the hair away from the curved surface. This also provides a simpler accessory with fewer moving parts compared to accessories with variable air outlets, thus reducing the risk of failure.

[0037] The accessory may include a single air outlet. This ensures that there is no additional air outlet to disrupt the smoothing process using the hair care appliance, and ensures that the airflow leaving the air outlet has the desired characteristics to generate a first force that draws the hair toward the curved surface and a second force that pushes the hair away from the curved surface.

[0038] The curved surface can be displaced relative to the edge of the air outlet, for example, so that the curved surface does not extend directly from the edge of the air outlet. The curved surface can be displaced from the edge of the air outlet by 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. The curved surface can also be displaced relative to the edge of the air outlet in a direction perpendicular to the edge of the air outlet, for example, orthogonal to the longitudinally extending edge of the air outlet.

[0039] The accessories may include an internal baffle for redirecting airflow from the airflow generator toward the air outlet, for example, by rotating the airflow about 90 degrees toward the air outlet.

[0040] According to a second aspect of the invention, a hair care appliance is provided, comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air outlet to the air outlet, a hollow body defining a flow path between the air inlet and the air outlet, and a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet, the curved surface extending outward from the hollow body.

[0041] Hair care appliances may include a handle unit and accessories. An airflow generator is housed within the handle unit, and the accessories are releasably connected to the handle unit. The accessories include an air outlet and a curved surface. Providing an air outlet and a curved surface as part of a detachable accessory allows the user to selectively access the functions described herein.

[0042] Hair care appliances may include heaters for heating airflow. This can provide increased styling flexibility and, for example, enable the airflow to provide a drying function.

[0043] Hair care appliances can be configured such that the airflow at the air outlet includes a velocity in the range of 30 m / s to 45 m / s. The applicant has discovered that this velocity can particularly effectively generate an airflow along a curved surface, which generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair towards the first surface, while simultaneously generating a second force pushing relatively short hair away from the curved surface. The shape and size of the air outlet can allow the airflow at the air outlet to include a velocity in the range of 30 m / s to 45 m / s. The airflow generator can be configured to generate airflow at a certain velocity such that the airflow at the air outlet includes a velocity in the range of 30 m / s to 45 m / s.

[0044] The airflow generator can be configured to produce airflow at a velocity in the range of 8 L / s to 14 L / s. The applicant has discovered that such a velocity can generate airflow along a curved surface in a particularly effective manner, which generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the first surface, while also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface.

[0045] When the accessory includes an internal baffle for redirecting airflow from the airflow generator toward the air outlet, for example, by rotating the airflow approximately 90 degrees toward the air outlet, this allows the main portion of the hair care appliance that houses the airflow generator to extend orthogonally relative to the air outlet. This provides greater design flexibility and better ergonomics compared to hair care appliances where, for example, the air outlet is aligned with the main portion of the hair care appliance that houses the airflow generator.

[0046] Optional features of various aspects of the invention may be applied equivalently to other aspects of the invention where appropriate. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a hair care appliance according to the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2 Is it through Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the handle unit of a hair care device;

[0049] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of an accessory for a hair care appliance;

[0050] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the geometry of the attachment;

[0051] Figure 5 It shows the passage during use. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the forces generated by the airflow in the accessory;

[0052] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of the modified version of the appendix;

[0053] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of an accessory for a hair care appliance;

[0054] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 First side view of the attachment;

[0055] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 The second side view of the attachment;

[0056] Figure 10 This shows the configuration in the first setting. Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the attachment;

[0057] Figure 11 This shows the configuration in the second setting. Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the attachment;

[0058] Figure 12 This is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the hair care appliance according to the present invention;

[0059] Figure 13 Is it through Figure 12 A schematic cross-sectional view of the handle unit of a hair care device;

[0060] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A schematic perspective view of accessories for hair care appliances;

[0061] Figure 15 Is it through Figure 13 A schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment. Detailed Implementation

[0062] Figure 1 The image schematically illustrates a hair care appliance according to the invention, generally labeled 10.

[0063] The hair care appliance 10 includes a handle unit 12 and an accessory 100 detachably attached to the handle unit 12.

[0064] Handle unit 12 includes housing 14, airflow generator 16, heater 18, and control unit 20, such as Figure 2 As shown in the example.

[0065] 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 31 by the airflow generator 16 and exits the housing 14 through the air outlet 32. The airflow generator 16 is housed within the housing 14 and includes an impeller 26 driven by a motor 28. The airflow generator is configured to generate airflow at a flow rate in the range of 8 to 14 L / s, for example, in the range of 10 to 13 L / s. A Dyson V9 digital motor manufactured by Dyson Technology, Inc. is a suitable airflow generator. A heater 18 is also housed within the housing 14 and includes a heating element 30 to optionally heat the airflow.

[0066] 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 are also envisioned, such as buttons, dials, or touchscreens.

[0067] 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.

[0068] Annex 100 Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram is shown schematically.

[0069] Annex 100 includes a hollow body 102, a curved surface 104, and a pair of guide walls 106. The hollow body 102 includes an air inlet 108, an air outlet 110, a flat surface 112, and a plurality of internal baffles 114.

[0070] Air inlet 108 includes a generally circular opening formed in hollow body 102, and air inlet 108 is configured to receive airflow from air outlet 24 of handle unit 12 when accessory 100 is attached to handle unit 12 in use. The periphery of air inlet 108 includes attachment features for releasably attaching accessory 100 to handle unit 12. Attachment features may take various forms and are not relevant to this invention; therefore, for brevity, they will not be described.

[0071] Air outlet 110 includes a generally rectangular slot formed longitudinally along one side of the hollow body 110. The width of air outlet 110 is in the range of 70 mm to 90 mm, for example, in the range of 75 mm to 85 mm, and the height is in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm, for example, in the range of 3.0 mm to 4.5 mm. This gives air outlet 110 a height of 140 mm. 2 Up to 450mm 2 The range, for example, at 225.0mm 2 up to 382.5mm 2 The overall open cross-sectional area within the range.

[0072] In the current preferred embodiment, the width of the air outlet 110 is in the range of 77 mm, and the height of the air outlet 110 is in the range of 4.5 mm. The cross-sectional area of ​​the air outlet 110 opening is 346.5 mm². 2 Within the range. The inventors of this application have discovered that this size for the air outlet 110 can provide advantageous effects, as described below.

[0073] Multiple internal baffles 114 are curved in form and extend in the direction from air inlet 108 to air outlet 110. The multiple internal baffles 114 are configured to redirect airflow from the direction of air inlet 108 toward air outlet 110, such that the airflow is rotated approximately 90 degrees from air inlet 108 to air outlet 110. This allows the handle unit 12 to extend orthogonally relative to air outlet 110, which provides greater design flexibility and better ergonomics compared to hair care appliances, for example, where the air outlet is aligned with the handle unit of the hair care appliance.

[0074] A flat surface 112 is positioned adjacent to and extends rearward from the air outlet 110, such that the flat surface 112 extends rearward from the edge of the air outlet 110. The flat surface 112 is inclined at an angle relative to the plane in which the air outlet 110 is disposed, for example, at an angle in the range of 3-10 degrees. The flat surface 112 is generally planar in form and is substantially smooth and uninterrupted, for example, without any protrusions, depressions or holes formed therein. The flat surface 112 has a height in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm. The function of the flat surface 112 will be described below.

[0075] Curved surface 104 in Figure 4 The diagram schematically illustrates that, extending outward from the hollow body 102 in the region of air outlet 110, for example, a first edge 116 of a curved surface 104 is attached to the hollow body 102 adjacent to air outlet 110. Thus, the curved surface 104 is positioned adjacent to and downstream of air outlet 110. A second edge 118 of the curved surface 104 is a free edge, such that the curved surface 104 is overhanging relative to the hollow body 102. The first edge 116 of the curved surface 104 is slightly displaced from air outlet 110, for example, by a distance in the range of 0.5-1.5 mm, resulting in a slight step drop from air outlet 110 to the curved surface 104. It should be understood that in some embodiments, there may be no step drop from air outlet 110 to the curved surface 104.

[0076] The curved surface 104 is substantially smooth and uninterrupted in form, so that no protrusions, depressions, or holes are formed thereon. This enhances the functionality of the accessory 100, which will be described below. The curved surface 104 has a radius of curvature in the range of 16 mm to 60 mm, for example, a radius of curvature in the range of 20 mm to 40 mm, and an arc angle in the range of 95 degrees to 360 degrees, for example, an arc angle in the range of 95 degrees to 120 degrees. In the currently preferred embodiment, the curved surface 104 has a radius of curvature in the range of 20 mm and an arc angle in the range of 110 degrees. The inventors of this application have discovered that this geometry of the curved surface 104 can provide advantageous effects, as described below.

[0077] A pair of guide walls 106 are disposed on opposite edges of the curved surface 104, these edges being orthogonal to the first edge 116 and the second edge 118 of the curved surface 104 mentioned above. The guide walls 106 stand upright from the curved surface 104 and extend along the entire arc of the curved surface 104. The guide walls 106 have a height substantially corresponding to the height of the air outlet 110, and have a constant height along the length of the guide walls 106.

[0078] In use, accessory 100 is attached to handle unit 12. Airflow generator 16 generates airflow from air inlet 22 to air outlet 24 of handle unit 12, causing the airflow to flow from air outlet 24 of handle unit to air inlet 108 of accessory 100. The airflow flows from air inlet 108 of accessory through hollow body 102 and is deflected by a plurality of internal baffles 114 toward air outlet 110 of accessory 100. The airflow leaves hollow body 102 via air outlet 110 and crosses curved surface 104.

[0079] The inventors of this application have discovered that airflow adheres to the curved surface 104 via the Coanda effect. When a bundle of hair is brought near the attachment 100, the longer hairs of the bundle are attracted to the curved surface 104 by a force F_PULL due to the negative pressure area created by the airflow on the curved surface 104 and at least partially wrapped around it. However, the pressure gradient across the hair bundle also generates a force F_PUSH, which causes some airflow to pass directly through the hair bundle. Due to the position of this force relative to the curved surface 104 and the rest of the hair bundle, the shorter hair is only loosely held at this point compared to the longer hair that remains in place on the curved surface 104. The shorter hair is blown through the hair bundle toward the user's head, while the longer hair remains on the outside of the hair bundle, i.e., the portion of the hair bundle facing away from the user's head. This provides a smooth hair finish to the hair after interacting with the hair care appliance 10 and the associated attachment 100.

[0080] The interaction of the above forces Figure 5 It is shown schematically in the diagram.

[0081] This effect can be optimized by appropriately modifying the geometry and parameters described herein. One such parameter that can provide an enhanced effect is the airflow velocity at the air outlet 110 of Annex 100. In particular, too high a velocity may cause shorter hairs to adhere to the curved surface 104 and thus not push them away through the longer hairs, while too low a velocity may not be sufficient to attract longer hairs to the curved surface 104 in the first case. The applicant has determined that velocities in the range of 30 m / s to 45 m / s can particularly effectively generate an airflow along the curved surface 104 that produces a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hairs toward the curved surface 104, while also generating a second force to push relatively short hairs away from the curved surface 104. In the presently preferred embodiment, the airflow velocity at the air outlet 110 is in the range of 35 m / s.

[0082] Another parameter that can enhance the hair-smoothing effect described above is the ratio of the airflow velocity at air outlet 110 to the airflow velocity generated by air generator 16. Figures 3 to 4 In some embodiments, the ratio is in the range of 2.14 to 5.63, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 2.89. The applicant has found that this ratio can generate airflow along the curved surface 104 in a particularly effective manner, which generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 104, while also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface 104.

[0083] Another parameter that can provide enhanced effectiveness in smoothing hair in the manner described above is the ratio of the airflow velocity generated by the airflow generator 16 to the cross-sectional area of ​​the air outlet 110. Figures 3 to 4 In some embodiments, the ratio is in the range of 0.01 to 0.10, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 0.04. The applicant has found that such a ratio can generate an airflow along the curved surface 104 in a particularly effective manner, which generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 104, while also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface 104.

[0084] Another parameter that can enhance the hair-smoothing effect described above is the ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface 104 to the airflow velocity at the air outlet 110. Figures 3 to 4 In some embodiments, the ratio is in the range of 0.33 to 2.00, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 0.57. The applicant has found that such a ratio can generate airflow along the curved surface 104 in a particularly effective manner, which generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 104, while also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface 104.

[0085] Another parameter that can enhance the effect of smoothing hair in the above manner is the ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface 104 to the arc angle of the curved surface 104. Figures 3 to 4 In some embodiments, the ratio is in the range of 0.04 to 0.63, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 0.18. The applicant has found that such a ratio can generate an airflow along the curved surface 104 in a particularly effective manner, which generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 104, while also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface 104.

[0086] In use, the accessory 100 can move along the length of a strand of hair, for example, in a direction from the root to the tip of the hair. The flat surface 112 is positioned relative to the curved surface 104 such that the flat surface 112 contacts the hair extending rearward from the air outlet 110, while the hair downstream of the air outlet 110 contacts the curved surface 104. As previously described, the flat surface 112 is substantially smooth and uninterrupted in form, without any protrusions, depressions, or holes formed therein. When the hair care appliance 10 moves along the length of a strand of hair in use, the flat surface 112 passes over hair that has already been smoothed through interaction with the curved surface 104. Given the smooth and uninterrupted nature of the flat surface 112, it does not disrupt the already smoothed hair, thus producing a better hair finish compared to corresponding hair care appliances, such as those with bristles and / or other air outlets located behind the air outlet 110.

[0087] As described above, a pair of guide walls 106 extend along the opposite edges of the curved surface 104. This effectively creates an airflow channel, wherein the pair of guide walls 106 act as the walls of the channel, while the curved surface 104 acts as the base of the channel. In use, the guide walls 106 suppress the interaction between ambient air and the airflow flowing along the curved surface 104, which can maintain the negative pressure area generated by the airflow flowing along the curved surface 104.

[0088] Although Figures 3 to 4 The original design is depicted as having a guide wall 106 with a constant height along the curved surface 104, but it has been found that the guide wall 106 may be most effective in the region of the air outlet 110. In alternative embodiments, such as Figure 6 As schematically shown, accessory 100 has a guide wall 120 whose height decreases in the direction away from air outlet 110. Therefore, less material may be required to form the guide wall 120 compared to, for example, a guide wall 106 of constant height.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the accessory has a single fixed air outlet 110, which is actually a slot formed in the hollow body 104.

[0090] An alternative embodiment of the annex 200 having multiple air outlets is in Figures 7 to 11 It is shown schematically in the diagram.

[0091] Attachment 200 includes an inlet cylinder 202, an outlet body 204, and a flow guide 206. The inlet cylinder 202 is substantially cylindrical and includes an air inlet 208 configured to receive airflow from the air outlet 24 of the handle unit 12 when the attachment 200 is attached to the handle unit 12 in use. The periphery of the air inlet 208 includes attachment features for releasably attaching the attachment 200 to the handle unit 12. These attachment features can take various forms and are not relevant to the present invention; therefore, for brevity, they will not be described.

[0092] The inlet cylinder 202 defines a curved surface 210. The curved surface 210 is substantially smooth and uninterrupted in form, such that no protrusions, depressions, or holes are formed thereon. This enhances the functionality of the accessory 200, which will be described below. The curved surface 210 has a radius of curvature in the range of 16 mm to 60 mm, for example, in the range of 20 mm to 40 mm, and an arc angle in the range of 95 degrees to 360 degrees. In the currently preferred embodiment, the curved surface 210 has a radius of curvature in the range of 20 mm and an arc angle in the range of 296 degrees. The inventors of this application have discovered that this geometry of the curved surface 210 can provide advantageous effects, as described below.

[0093] The inlet cylinder 202 includes a central pivot axis 212, around which the flow guide 206 can pivot, as described below.

[0094] The outlet body 204 includes a first end 214, a second end 216, and a connecting portion 218 extending between the first end 214 and the second end 216. The first end 214 is generally teardrop-shaped and includes an opening (not shown) through which the inlet tube 202 extends, such that at least a portion of the first end 214 extends circumferentially around the inlet tube 202.

[0095] The second end 216 has a teardrop shape that is substantially the same as that of the first end 214, but is essentially solid and defines a cap for the inlet tube 202.

[0096] The connecting portion 218 extends along the curved surface 210 of the inlet cylinder 202 between the apexes of the first end 214 and the second end 216. The connecting portion 218 has an overall triangular prism shape.

[0097] The connecting portion 218 has a first air outlet 220, a second air outlet 222, a first flat surface 224, and a second flat surface 226. The first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222 are located on opposite sides of the connecting portion 218, such that they are located on opposite sides of the inlet cylinder 202, and therefore on opposite sides of the accessory 200. A curved surface 210 of the inlet cylinder 202 is positioned adjacent to and downstream of each of the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222, such that the curved surface 210 extends continuously between the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222. The dimensions of the first end 214 and the second end 216 are slightly larger than the dimensions of the inlet cylinder 202, such that a guide wall 227 is formed around the periphery of the curved surface 210.

[0098] Each of the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222 is generally rectangular in overall form. The width of each of the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222 is in the range of 70 mm to 90 mm, for example, in the range of 75 mm to 85 mm, and their respective heights are in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm, for example, in the range of 3 mm to 4.5 mm. This gives the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222 a height of 140 mm. 2 Up to 450mm 2 Within the range, for example, at 225mm 2 up to 382.5mm 2 The overall open cross-sectional area within the range.

[0099] In the current preferred embodiment, the width of each of the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222 is in the range of 77 mm, and the height of each of the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222 is in the range of 4.5 mm. The opening cross-sectional area of ​​each of the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222 is 346.5 mm². 2 Within the range. The inventors of this application have discovered that such dimensions for each of the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222 can provide advantageous effects, as described below. Figures 7 to 11 In the embodiments, each of the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222 is divided into smaller sub-outlets, but the overall dimensions of the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222 are as given above.

[0100] A first flat surface 224 is positioned adjacent to and extends rearward from the first air outlet 220, while a second flat surface 226 is positioned adjacent to and extends rearward from the second air outlet 222. The first flat surface 224 and the second flat surface 226 are located on either side of the apex of the connector, such that they are on opposite sides of the attachment 200. The first flat surface 224 and the second flat surface 226 are generally planar in form and are substantially smooth and uninterrupted, for example, without any protrusions, depressions, or holes formed thereon. The first flat surface 224 and the second flat surface 226 are angled relative to the plane on which the corresponding first air outlet 220 and second air outlet 222 are formed.

[0101] The connecting part 218 also includes a first airflow channel 228 and a second airflow channel 230, as described below, the first airflow channel 228 and the second airflow channel 230 can be selectively arranged to be in fluid communication with the inside of the inlet cylinder 202.

[0102] The flow guide 206 includes a first blocking surface 232, a second blocking surface 234, a flow channel 236, a connecting arm 238, and a plurality of counterweights 240.

[0103] The first blocking surface 232 and the second blocking surface 234 are substantially solid in form and selectively block the corresponding first airflow passage 228 and second airflow passage 230. A flow channel 236 is formed between the first blocking surface 232 and the second blocking surface 234 and selectively provides fluid communication between the first airflow passage 228 and the second airflow passage 230 and the interior of the inlet cylinder 202. A connecting arm 238 is located in the upper and lower regions of the guide member 206 and pivotally connects the guide member 206 to the central pivot axis 212 of the inlet cylinder 202. The first blocking surface 232 and the second blocking surface 234 are slidably received within a channel 242 formed in the wall of the inlet cylinder 202 to allow pivotal movement of the guide member 206 relative to the inlet cylinder 202. A plurality of counterweights 240 are embedded in the first blocking surface 232 and the second blocking surface 234. The guide member 206 also has a plurality of internal baffles 244 that deflect airflow from the air inlet 208 toward the flow channel 236.

[0104] The flow guide 206 can be inside the attachment 200 Figure 10 The first configuration shown and Figure 11 Move between the second configurations shown.

[0105] In the first configuration, where the accessory 200 is positioned to the left of the user's head, a first flat surface 224 contacts the hair, multiple counterweights 240 ensure that the flow channel 236 is aligned with the first airflow channel 228, and a second blocking surface 234 is aligned with the second airflow channel 230. Therefore, in this first configuration, airflow can escape from the first air outlet 220 but cannot escape from the second air outlet 222.

[0106] In the second configuration, where the accessory 200 is positioned on the right side of the user's head, the second flat surface 226 contacts the hair, multiple counterweights 240 ensure that the flow channel 236 is aligned with the second airflow channel 230, and the first blocking surface 232 is aligned with the first airflow channel 228. Therefore, in this second configuration, airflow can escape from the second air outlet 222 but cannot escape from the first air outlet 220.

[0107] Therefore, the accessory 200 can be easily used on either side of the user's head, wherein the multiple weights 240 provide a switching mechanism that can automatically switch the guide 206 between a first configuration and a second configuration without user interaction.

[0108] and Figure 3 and Figure 4 Similar to accessory 100, accessory 200 is attached to handle unit 12 during use. Airflow generator 16 generates airflow from air inlet 22 to air outlet 24 of handle unit 12, such that airflow flows from air outlet 24 of handle unit to air inlet 208 of accessory 200. Airflow flows from air inlet 208 of accessory through inlet cylinder 202 and is deflected by a plurality of internal baffles 244 toward flow channel 236. Airflow exits accessory via first air outlet 220 or second air outlet 222, depending on which of the first and second configurations accessory is in, and crosses curved surface 210.

[0109] The inventors of this application have discovered that airflow adheres to the curved surface 210 via the Coanda effect. When a bundle of hair is brought near the attachment 200, the longer hairs of the bundle are attracted to the curved surface 210 and at least partially wrapped around it due to the negative pressure area created by the airflow on the curved surface 210. However, the pressure gradient across the hair bundle also generates a force, which causes some airflow to pass directly through the hair bundle. Due to the position of this force relative to the curved surface 210 and the rest of the hair bundle, the shorter hair is only loosely held at this point compared to the longer hair that remains in place on the curved surface 210. The shorter hair is blown across the hair bundle toward the user's head, while the longer hair remains on the outside of the hair bundle, i.e., the portion of the hair bundle facing away from the user's head. This provides a smooth hair finish to the hair after interacting with the hair care appliance 10 and the associated attachment 100.

[0110] This effect can be optimized by appropriately modifying the geometry and parameters described herein. One such parameter that can provide an enhanced effect is the airflow velocity at the air outlets 220, 222 of Annex 200. In particular, too high a velocity may cause shorter hairs to adhere to the curved surface 210 and thus not push them away from the longer hairs, while too low a velocity may not be sufficient to attract longer hairs to the curved surface 210 in the first case. The applicant has determined that velocities in the range of 30 m / s to 45 m / s can particularly effectively generate an airflow along the curved surface 210 that produces a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hairs toward the curved surface 210, while also generating a second force to push relatively short hairs away from the curved surface 210. In the presently preferred embodiment, the airflow velocity at the air outlets 220, 222 is in the range of 35 m / s.

[0111] Another parameter that can enhance the hair-smoothing effect described above is the ratio of the airflow velocity at air outlets 220 and 222 to the airflow velocity generated by air generator 16. Figures 7 to 11 In some embodiments, the ratio is in the range of 2.14 to 5.63, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 2.89. The applicant has found that this ratio can generate airflow along the curved surface 210 in a particularly effective manner, which generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 210, while also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface 210.

[0112] Another parameter that can provide enhanced effectiveness in smoothing hair in the manner described above is the ratio of the airflow velocity generated by the airflow generator 16 to the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening of one of the air outlets 220 and 222. Figures 7 to 11 In some embodiments, the ratio is in the range of 0.01 to 0.10, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 0.04. The applicant has found that such a ratio can generate an airflow along the curved surface 210 that generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 210, while also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface 210.

[0113] Another parameter that can enhance the hair-smoothing effect described above is the ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface 210 to the airflow velocity at the air outlets 220 and 222. Figures 7 to 11In some embodiments, the ratio is in the range of 0.33 to 2.00, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 0.57. The applicant has found that such a ratio can generate airflow along the curved surface 210 in a particularly effective manner, which generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 210, while also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface 210.

[0114] Another parameter that can enhance the effect of smoothing hair in the above manner is the ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface 210 to the arc angle of the curved surface 210. Figures 7 to 11 In some embodiments, the ratio is in the range of 0.04 to 0.63, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 0.07. The applicant has found that such a ratio can generate an airflow along the curved surface 210 that generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 210, while also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface 210.

[0115] In use, the attachment 200 can move along the length of a strand of hair, for example, in a direction from the root to the tip of the hair. The first flat surface 224 and the second flat surface 226 are positioned relative to the curved surface 210 such that the flat surfaces 224, 226 contact the hair extending rearward from the air outlets 220, 222, while the hair downstream of the air outlets 220, 222 contacts the curved surface 210. As previously described, the flat surfaces 224, 226 are substantially smooth and uninterrupted in form, without any protrusions, depressions, or holes formed therein. When the hair care appliance 10 and the associated attachment 100 move along the length of a strand of hair in use, the flat surfaces 224, 226 pass over hair that has already been smoothed by interaction with the curved surface 210. Given the smooth and uninterrupted nature of the flat surfaces 224 and 226, the flat surfaces 224 and 226 will not damage the already smoothed hair, thus producing a better hair finish compared to corresponding hair care appliances, such as those with bristles and / or other air outlets located behind air outlets 220 and 222.

[0116] Guide walls 227 extend along the opposite edges of curved surfaces 210. This effectively creates an airflow channel, where guide walls 227 act as the walls of the channel, while curved surfaces 210 act as the base of the channel. Guide walls 227 suppress the interaction between ambient air and the airflow flowing along curved surfaces 210 during use, which can maintain the negative pressure area generated by the airflow flowing along curved surfaces 210.

[0117] Figures 12 to 15 An alternative embodiment of the hair care appliance 300 is schematically shown in the figure.

[0118] Hair care appliance 300 includes a handle unit 302 and an accessory 304. The handle unit 302 includes a handle portion 308, a head 310, an airflow generator 312, and a heater 314.

[0119] The handle portion 308 is generally cylindrical and hollow, and houses the airflow generator 312. The handle portion 308 has an air inlet 316 in the form of multiple perforations at its first end 318.

[0120] The head 310 is generally cylindrical and hollow, and is located at the second end 320 of the handle portion 308. The central axis of the head 310 is orthogonal to the central axis of the handle portion 308, making the handle unit 302 generally T-shaped. The head 310 houses the heater 314. The head 310 includes an orifice 322 and an air outlet 324 through which air is entrained. The air outlet 324 is generally annular around the periphery of the orifice 322.

[0121] Annex 304 Figure 14 and Figure 15 It is shown schematically in the diagram.

[0122] Annex 304 includes an inlet body 326, a curved surface 328, a guide wall 330, and an end wall 332. The inlet body 326 is generally hollow in form and includes a rearwardly extending protrusion 334 for an insertion orifice 322 and an annular inlet 336 extending around the rearwardly extending protrusion 334. The inlet body 326 acts as an air chamber for receiving airflow from the air outlet 324 of the handle unit 302. The inlet body 306 includes an air outlet 338 in the form of a slot with a height varying along its width, having a height peak at the center point of the width. The width of the air outlet 338 ranges from 81 mm, and the height varies from a minimum of 3 mm to a maximum of 4 mm. The air outlet 338 has a height of 292.7 mm. 2 The overall open cross-sectional area within the range.

[0123] A curved surface 328 extends outward from the inlet body 326 in the region of the air outlet 338. Therefore, the curved surface 328 is positioned adjacent to the air outlet 338 and downstream of the air outlet 110. The curved surface 328 is substantially smooth and uninterrupted in form, such that no protrusions, depressions, or holes are formed thereon. This enhances the functionality of the accessory 100, which will be described below. The curved surface 328 has a radius of curvature in the range of 20 mm and an arc angle in the range of 110 degrees. The inventors of this application have discovered that this geometry of the curved surface 328 can provide advantageous effects, as described below.

[0124] Guide walls 330 are disposed on opposite edges of the curved surface 328. Guide walls 330 stand upright from the curved surface 328 and extend along the entire arc of the curved surface 328. Guide walls 328 have a height substantially corresponding to the height of the air outlet 338 and a constant height along the length of guide walls 106. End walls 332 are located at one end of the curved surface 328 away from the air outlet 338 and extend between the guide walls 330. When the accessory 304 is attached to the handle unit 302 in use, the end walls 332 prevent airflow from moving toward the handle portion 308 of the handle unit 302.

[0125] In use, accessory 304 is attached to handle unit 302. Airflow generator 312 generates airflow from air inlet 316 of handle unit 302 to air outlet 324 of handle unit 302, such that airflow flows from air outlet 324 of handle unit 302 to air inlet 336 of accessory 304. Airflow flows from air inlet 336 of accessory through inlet body 326 to air outlet 338. Airflow exits accessory 304 via air outlet 338 and crosses curved surface 328.

[0126] The inventors of this application have discovered that airflow adheres to the curved surface 328 via the Coanda effect. When a strand of hair is brought near the attachment 304, long hair is attracted to the curved surface 328 and at least partially wrapped around it due to the negative pressure area created by the airflow on the curved surface 328. However, the pressure gradient across the hair strand also generates a force, which causes some airflow to pass directly through the hair strand. Due to the position of this force relative to the curved surface 328 and the rest of the hair strand, shorter hair is only loosely held at this point compared to longer hair that remains in place on the curved surface 328. The shorter hair is blown across the hair strand toward the user's head, while the longer hair remains on the outside of the hair strand, i.e., the portion of the hair strand facing away from the user's head. This provides a smooth hair finish to the hair after interacting with the hair care appliance 300 and the associated attachment 100.

[0127] This effect can be optimized by appropriately modifying the geometry and parameters described herein. One such parameter that can provide an enhanced effect is the airflow velocity at the air outlet 338 of Annex 304. In particular, too high a velocity may cause shorter hairs to adhere to the curved surface 328 and thus not push them away from the longer hairs, while too low a velocity may not be sufficient to attract longer hairs to the curved surface 328 in the first case. The applicant has determined that velocities in the range of 30 m / s to 45 m / s can particularly effectively generate an airflow along the curved surface 328 that produces a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hairs toward the curved surface 328, while also generating a second force to push relatively short hairs away from the curved surface 328. In the presently preferred embodiment, the airflow velocity at the air outlet 338 is in the range of 43 m / s.

[0128] Another parameter that can enhance the hair-smoothing effect described above is the ratio of the airflow velocity at air outlet 338 to the airflow velocity generated by air generator 312. Figures 12 to 15 In one embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 2.14-5.63, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 3.14. The applicant has found that this ratio can generate an airflow along the curved surface 328 in a particularly effective manner, which generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 328, while also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface 328.

[0129] Another parameter that can enhance the hair-smoothing effect described above is the ratio of the airflow velocity generated by the airflow generator 312 to the cross-sectional area of ​​the air outlet 338. Figures 12 to 15 In some embodiments, the ratio is in the range of 0.01 to 0.10, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 0.04. The applicant has found that such a ratio can generate an airflow along the curved surface 328 in a particularly effective manner, which generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 328, while also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface 328.

[0130] Another parameter that can enhance the hair-smoothing effect described above is the ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface 328 to the airflow velocity at the air outlet 338. Figures 13 to 15 In some embodiments, the ratio is in the range of 0.33 to 2.00, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 0.47. The applicant has found that this ratio can generate airflow along the curved surface 328 in a particularly effective manner, which generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 328, while also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface 328.

[0131] Another parameter that can enhance the effect of smoothing hair in the above manner is the ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface 328 to the arc angle of the curved surface 328. Figures 12 to 15 In some embodiments, the ratio is in the range of 0.04 to 0.63, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 0.18. The applicant has found that such a ratio can generate airflow along the curved surface 328 in a particularly effective manner, which generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 328, while also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface 328.

[0132] The guide wall 330 extends along the opposite edges of the curved surface 328. This effectively creates an airflow channel, where the guide wall 330 acts as the wall of the channel, while the curved surface 210 acts as the base of the channel. In use, the guide wall 330 suppresses the interaction between ambient air and the airflow flowing along the curved surface 328, which can maintain the negative pressure region generated by the airflow flowing along the curved surface 328.

[0133] Although the embodiments described herein are those with releasable attachments, embodiments are also conceivable in which the hair care appliance is not a hair care appliance comprising a handle unit and attachments, but a single unit, for example, in the form of a combination of the aforementioned handle unit and attachments.

Claims

1. An accessory for a hair care appliance, the accessory comprising: Air inlet; Air outlet; A hollow body defines the flow path between the air inlet and the air outlet; The accessory also includes a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet, the curved surface extending outward from the hollow body, wherein the accessory further includes a flat surface adjacent to and extending rearward from the air outlet, and wherein the curved surface and the flat surface are capable of contacting the user's hair when the accessory is in use. The curved surface is a Coanda surface.

2. The appendix according to claim 1, wherein, The curved surface has a first end attached to the hollow body and a second free end opposite to the first end.

3. The appendix according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The curved surface is substantially smooth and uninterrupted in form.

4. The appendix according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The accessory includes a pair of guide walls located at the edge of the curved surface.

5. The appendix according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The accessory is configured such that the airflow leaving the air outlet generates a first force that attracts longer hair toward the curved surface and a second force that pushes shorter hair away from the curved surface.

6. The appendix according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The air outlet includes a 140mm... 2 Up to 450mm 2 The cross-sectional area of ​​the opening within the range.

7. The appendix according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The air outlet has a width ranging from 70 mm to 90 mm.

8. The appendix according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The air outlet has a height ranging from 2 mm to 5 mm.

9. The appendix according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The curved surface includes a radius of curvature ranging from 16 mm to 60 mm.

10. The appendix according to claim 9, wherein, The curved surface includes an arc angle of at least 95 degrees from the air outlet.

11. The appendix according to claim 10, wherein, The ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface to the arc angle of the curved surface is in the range of 0.04 to 0.

63.

12. The appendix according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The air outlet includes a fixed air outlet.

13. The appendix according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The accessory includes a single air outlet.

14. A hair care appliance, comprising: Air inlet; Air outlet; An airflow generator is used to generate airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; A hollow body defines the flow path between the air inlet and the air outlet; The hair care appliance also includes a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet, the curved surface extending outward from the hollow body, wherein the hair care appliance further includes a flat surface adjacent to and extending rearward from the air outlet, and wherein the curved surface and the flat surface are capable of contacting the user's hair when the accessory is in use. The curved surface is a Coanda surface.

15. The hair care appliance according to claim 14, wherein, The hair care device includes a handle unit and an accessory, the airflow generator being housed within the handle unit, and the accessory being releasably attached to the handle unit, the accessory including the air outlet and the curved surface.

16. The hair care appliance according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The hair care device is configured such that the airflow at the air outlet has a speed in the range of 30 m / s to 45 m / s.

17. The hair care appliance according to claim 16, wherein, The airflow generator is configured to generate airflow at a rate ranging from 8 L / s to 14 L / s.

18. The hair care appliance according to claim 17, wherein, The air outlet includes a 140mm... 2 Up to 450mm 2 The cross-sectional area of ​​the opening is within the range of 0.01 to 0.10, and the ratio of the velocity of the airflow generated by the airflow generator to the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening of the air outlet is within the range of 0.01 to 0.

10.

19. The hair care appliance according to claim 17, wherein, The ratio of the airflow velocity at the air outlet to the airflow velocity generated by the airflow generator is in the range of 2.14 to 5.63.

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