Hair care appliance

Abstract

A hair care appliance (10) is disclosed comprising: an air inlet (101); a movable member (102) comprising an air outlet (104); an air flow generator (16) for generating an air flow from the air inlet (101) to the air outlet (104); a heater (18) for heating the air flow; and a hair treatment chamber (103) for receiving hair, the hair treatment chamber (103) comprising an opening (105) through which hair can be inserted into the hair treatment chamber (103), the opening (105) being defined by an edge (110) of the hair treatment chamber (103); wherein the movable member (102) is movable between an extended position, in which the movable member (102) extends from the edge (110) by a first extent, and a retracted position, in which the movable member (102) extends from the edge (110) by a second extent, the second extent being less than the first extent.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Hair care tools are typically used to treat or style hair, and some hair care tools can use airflow to treat or style hair. 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, a movable member including an air outlet for emitting airflow, and a hair processing chamber for receiving hair, the hair processing chamber including an opening through which hair can be inserted, the opening being defined by an edge of the hair processing chamber; wherein the movable member is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, in the extended position extending from the edge to a first extent, and in the retracted position extending from the edge to a second extent, the second extent being less than the first extent.

[0004] The appendix according to the first aspect of the invention can be advantageous because it provides a movable air outlet that can be positioned according to the user's needs and requirements, providing the user with greater flexibility and enhancing the user experience.

[0005] In the extended position, the movable component can extend from the edge away from the hair treatment chamber, and this can, for example, allow the movable component to extend away from the hair treatment chamber and toward the user's head during use. This allows heated airflow to be directed to the roots of the user's hair during use, while a section of hair is located within the hair treatment chamber, enabling targeted drying of the hair roots during use.

[0006] In the extended position, the movable component can extend away from the edge in a direction parallel to the central axis of the hair processing chamber.

[0007] The movable member can move within an opening formed in the edge between an extended position and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the second degree can be zero, for example, causing the movable member to be completely retracted relative to the edge. In the retracted position, the movable member can be located inside the edge, for example, a portion of the movable member is flush with the outer surface of the edge.

[0008] The movable component can be biased to a retracted position. This allows the attachment to be more compact when not in use, as the movable component does not extend.

[0009] In use, the movable component can move between a retracted position and an extended position in response to airflow from an airflow generator. For example, a force applied to the movable component by the airflow can cause it to move to the extended position. This means that no other mechanical devices are needed to move the movable component from the retracted position to the extended position, reducing the complexity of the accessory and providing automatic movement between the retracted and extended positions without user interaction.

[0010] When the airflow from the airflow generator exceeds a predetermined flow rate, the movable member can move between a retracted position and an extended position. When the airflow exceeds the predetermined flow rate, the movable member can move from the retracted position to the extended position; when the airflow is below the predetermined flow rate, the movable member can move from the extended position to the retracted position. The airflow generator can be configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode, in which a flow rate greater than or equal to the predetermined flow rate is provided, and in the second mode, a flow rate less than the predetermined flow rate is provided. The user can select the operating mode of the airflow generator depending on whether they wish the movable member to be in the extended or retracted position. When the airflow generator is not providing airflow, the movable member can be in the retracted position.

[0011] The attachment may include a switching arrangement configured to move the movable component between an extended position and a retracted position. This provides the user with a convenient way to move the movable component between the extended and retracted positions. The movable component can be configured to lock in the extended or retracted position, or locked in a discrete position between the retracted and extended positions. This allows the user to select the most comfortable and / or most efficient position for the movable component.

[0012] The switching arrangement may include a rotating mechanism configured to move a movable member between an extended position and a retracted position. A user can rotate the rotating mechanism to move the movable member between the extended and retracted positions. The rotating mechanism may allow for user-friendly operation, for example, by providing first and second components that can rotate relative to each other under a torsional force applied by the user.

[0013] The switching arrangement may include a first part and a second part. One of the first and second parts may be configured to slide along the surface of the other of the second and first parts. The first part may include a movable member. The movable member may be configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position when the first and second parts slide along the surface of the other of the second and first parts. The surface of one of the first and second parts may be inclined, such that when the second and first parts slide along the inclined surface, the corresponding portion has a motion component perpendicular to the inclined surface. This allows the movable member to move between the retracted and extended positions.

[0014] When the movable component is in the extended position, airflow through the air outlet is unrestricted. When the movable component is in the retracted position, airflow through the air outlet is restricted. When the movable component is in the retracted position, airflow through the air outlet can be blocked. This allows users to turn off airflow through the air outlet as desired, for example, if their head becomes too hot, thus increasing the user experience and the comfort of accessories and hair care appliances.

[0015] The movable component may include a generally hollow component that defines at least a portion of the flow path between an air inlet and an air outlet.

[0016] The movable component can be configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position in response to a force applied by the user. For example, when the movable component is in the extended position, the user can apply a force to one end of the movable component in a direction substantially towards the edge to move the movable component to the retracted position. In use, airflow from an airflow generator can move the movable component from the retracted position to the extended position. The user can place the attachment against their head to apply force to the extended movable component. This can cause the movable component to move toward the retracted position. This allows the user to easily move the movable component to the retracted position without having to use the hand not holding the attachment or hair care appliance. When the movable component moves to the retracted position, the airflow leaving the air outlet can be reduced or restricted. Thus, when the user wishes to reduce the airflow or heat applied to their hair, the user can move the movable component to the retracted position. This can improve the comfort of using the attachment or hair care appliance and help prevent damage to the user's hair due to excessive dryness and / or heat.

[0017] In the extended position, the air outlet can be configured to direct airflow toward the opening. This allows the air outlet to be configured to direct airflow substantially away from the user's head during use. This reduces heat applied directly to the user's head, helping to prevent the head from becoming too hot and improving comfort when using the accessory or hair care device.

[0018] The air outlet can be configured to direct airflow away from the opening during use. For example, the air outlet can be configured to direct airflow toward the user's head during use. The airflow from the air outlet can have a motion component that is substantially parallel to the central axis of the hair treatment chamber away from the opening. This allows the airflow to be directed to the roots of the user's hair to increase the heat applied to the roots, which can provide targeted drying to the roots of the hair during use.

[0019] The attachment may include multiple movable components. For example, the attachment may include two, three, four, five, ten, or twenty movable components. The movable components may be evenly distributed around the edge. Providing multiple movable components can increase the stability of the attachment when the movable components extend during use.

[0020] Multiple movable components may each include their own air outlet. Alternatively, any other number of multiple movable components may include their own air outlets. Providing additional air outlets can help increase the airflow that can be applied to the user's hair, which can increase the efficiency of drying the user's hair.

[0021] The hair processing chamber may include a wall, an opening formed in the wall, and another air outlet configured to direct airflow away from the opening and toward the opening during use. In this way, during use, the airflow from the other air outlet can initially be directed away from the user's head. This reduces direct heat applied to the user's head, which can increase comfort when using the accessory or hair care appliance, especially after prolonged use. During use, the opening allows airflow to escape from the interior of the hair processing chamber without having to pass through the opening through which hair is inserted into the hair processing chamber.

[0022] Another air outlet can be configured to direct airflow in a different direction than the air outlet. For example, another air outlet can be configured to direct airflow in the opposite direction to the air outlet. This allows different sections of a user's hair to be dried simultaneously with the attachment.

[0023] When the movable component is in the extended and retracted positions, airflow can pass through the other air outlet. This allows airflow to be restricted through the movable component's air outlet if the user does not wish for any heat or airflow to be applied through it, for example, if their head becomes too hot, but still continues to flow through the other outlet to continue drying the user's hair.

[0024] The edge can be substantially hollow and can at least partially define the flow path from the air inlet to another air outlet. The movable member can at least partially define the flow path from the interior of the edge to the air outlet. In the extended position, the air outlet can be located outside the edge, and in the retracted position, the air outlet can be located inside the edge. Therefore, when the movable member is in the retracted position, the airflow can be contained inside the edge, and when the movable member is in the retracted position, the airflow can be discharged into the hair processing chamber through the other air outlet.

[0025] Another air outlet may extend around at least a portion of the periphery of the hair processing chamber. Another air outlet may extend around the entire periphery of the hair processing chamber. Another air outlet may include an annular slot disposed around at least a portion of the periphery of the hair processing chamber. Another air outlet may be located on an edge such that airflow is directed away from the periphery of the opening during use. The edge may be formed by a protrusion on the wall of the hair processing chamber, and the other air outlet may be formed in the protrusion.

[0026] The width of the other air outlet can vary around the perimeter of the hair processing chamber. Advantageously, this allows the airflow rate to remain consistent throughout the other air outlet, regardless of distance from the airflow generator.

[0027] The hair treatment chamber can hold the user's hair in place during use, making it less likely to be disturbed by the airflow entering the chamber. This allows for the use of relatively high airflow rates without significantly disturbing the user's hair, increasing the efficiency and / or speed of drying the hair. The airflow generator can be configured to generate airflow at a rate of at least 6 liters per second, at least 10 liters per second, or at least 13 liters per second.

[0028] Another air outlet can be configured to guide airflow substantially along the surface of the wall during use. The wall of the hair treatment chamber can be shaped to further guide airflow from the other air outlet during use. For example, the wall can be curved, and the airflow can be guided to follow the curvature of the wall. This can cause the airflow to remain in contact with the wall and be further guided away from the opening. During use, airflow can flow from the other air outlet into the interior of the hair treatment chamber.

[0029] The hair processing chamber, such as its walls, can be shaped to define a hemispherical interior. This helps to maximize the available space within the hair processing chamber for receiving the user's hair.

[0030] The walls may include a porous material. The porous material may define pores. The porous material may be, for example, a mesh. The porous material may be breathable, allowing air to flow through it. The porous material can help keep the user's hair within the hair treatment chamber while also confining air within the treatment chamber. This allows the air in the treatment chamber to be heated to a higher temperature, increasing the efficiency and / or speed of drying the user's hair.

[0031] The walls of the accessory may include multiple holes. For example, there may be two, four, six, eight, ten, one hundred, one thousand, or ten thousand holes. The multiple holes may be spaced apart around the perimeter of the hair treatment chamber. In a first configuration, airflow through the multiple holes can be unrestricted, while in a second configuration, airflow through the multiple holes can be restricted. Providing multiple holes allows for greater diffused airflow from the hair treatment chamber during use.

[0032] The accessory may include a sensor configured to output a signal indicating the characteristics of the hair within the hair processing chamber. This signal may indicate that the user's hair is sufficiently dry; for example, the signal may be used to instruct the user to stop using the accessory. For instance, a visual indicator, such as a light, may be provided to the user when the signal indicates that their hair is sufficiently dry. An airflow generator may be configured to modify the airflow when the signal indicates that the user's hair is sufficiently dry. For example, the airflow generator may be configured to reduce the flow rate or stop generating the airflow in response to the signal. Alternatively or additionally, a heater may be configured to modify the heat supplied to the airflow in response to the signal. For example, the heater may be configured to reduce the heat supplied to the airflow or stop heating the airflow in response to the signal. This helps prevent damage to the user's hair caused by over-drying and / or unnecessary heating.

[0033] The sensors can be located in or near the hair processing room. Multiple sensors can be provided to offer redundancy in case of sensor failure.

[0034] The sensor may include any of the following: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a sensor capable of spectral analysis, or a sensor capable of capacitively sensing moisture.

[0035] According to a second aspect of the invention, a hair care appliance is provided, comprising: an air inlet; a movable member including an air outlet; an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; and a hair treatment chamber for receiving hair, the hair treatment chamber including an opening through which hair can be inserted, the opening being defined by an edge of the hair treatment chamber; wherein the movable member is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, in the extended position extending from the edge to a first extent, and in the retracted position extending from the edge to a second extent, the second extent being less than the first extent.

[0036] Hair care appliances may include a handle unit and an accessory. An airflow generator is disposed within the handle unit. The accessory includes an air inlet, a movable component including an air outlet, and a hair treatment chamber, and is detachably attached to the handle unit. Providing the aforementioned air outlet as part of the detachable accessory allows the user to selectively access the functions described herein.

[0037] Hair care appliances may also include heaters for heating airflow.

[0038] The accessory can be used with a hair care appliance, which includes an airflow generator disposed within a housing. The accessory can communicate with the handle unit or other components of the hair care appliance to modify its operation. For example, the accessory can communicate with the airflow generator to modify the airflow supplied to the accessory. The accessory can communicate with the hair care appliance to transmit information indicating a desired airflow rate. The airflow generator can operate based on this information to provide the desired airflow rate. The accessory may include an RFID tag containing information indicating the desired airflow rate of the accessory. This information can be read from the RFID tag and transmitted to the airflow generator, causing the airflow generator to generate an airflow with the desired rate. Optionally or additionally, the accessory can be connected via Bluetooth. TM Or other suitable wireless communication standards and / or wired connections to communicate with hair care appliances.

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

[0040] Figure 1 Hair care appliances are shown according to examples;

[0041] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the handle unit of a hair care device;

[0042] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the accessories for hair care products;

[0043] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment;

[0044] Figure 5a It shows Figure 3 A schematic side view of the attachment;

[0045] Figure 5b It shows Figure 3 Further schematic side view of the attachment;

[0046] Figure 6a A schematic side view of the movable component in its retracted position is shown.

[0047] Figure 6b It is shown in the extended position. Figure 6a A schematic side view of the movable component;

[0048] Figure 7a A schematic cross-sectional view of an example switching arrangement is shown; and

[0049] Figure 7bIt shows Figure 6a A further schematic diagram of the switching arrangement. Detailed Implementation

[0050] exist Figure 1 The image schematically illustrates a hair care appliance according to the invention, generally labeled 10.

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

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

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

[0054] The control unit 20 includes electronic circuitry for a user interface 32, a control module 34, and an RFID reader. 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 slide switches, but other forms of user interface 32 are also conceivable, such as buttons, dials, or touchscreens. The RFID reader queries the RFID tag that forms part of accessory 100.

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

[0056] The example in Annex 100 is Figure 3 and 4 The diagram is shown schematically. Attachment 100 includes an air inlet 101, a movable member 102, and a hair processing chamber 103. The movable member 102 includes an air outlet 104. The hair processing chamber 103 is used to receive hair and includes an opening 105 through which hair can be inserted.

[0057] The hair processing chamber 103 also includes a wall 106 and a plurality of holes 107 formed in the wall 106. In use, the holes 107 allow airflow to escape from the interior of the hair processing chamber 103 without having to pass through the opening 105 through which hair is inserted into the hair processing chamber 103.

[0058] The hair treatment chamber 103 defines a confined space in which the user's hair is placed. As hot air enters the confined space, the ambient temperature within the hair treatment chamber 103 rises, which helps to dry the user's hair. Furthermore, because the hair treatment chamber 103 holds the user's hair in place during use, the user's hair is less likely to be disturbed by the airflow entering the hair treatment chamber 103. Thus, relatively high airflow rates can be used without significantly disturbing the user's hair, which can increase the efficiency and / or speed of drying the user's hair. The flow rate can be at least 6 liters per second, at least 10 liters per second, or at least 13 liters per second.

[0059] The wall 106 of the hair processing chamber 103 comprises a porous material 108. Figure 3 In the example shown, porous material 108 is disposed in the pore 107 such that the non-porous wall 106 and the porous material 108 together define the boundary wall of the hair processing chamber 103. Figure 3 In this design, porous material 108 is shown in a single pore 107. In some examples, porous material 108 is disposed in all pores 107. Alternatively, porous material 108 is disposed in a selected number of pores 107. The pores of the porous material 108 define additional pores in the wall. Figure 3 In the example, the porous material 108 is a mesh. Alternatively, any other suitable porous material 108 can be used.

[0060] The porous material 108 helps to keep the user's hair within the hair treatment chamber 103, while also confining air within the hair treatment chamber 103. This allows the air in the hair treatment chamber 103 to be heated to a higher temperature, increasing the efficiency and / or speed of drying the user's hair.

[0061] In combination Figure 1 of Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example, the air inlet 101 and air outlet 104 of accessory 100 are located at the first end of housing 14. The air inlet 101 is therefore positioned in the airflow path between the airflow generator 16 and the air outlet 104. Figure 1 As shown, the handle unit 12 also has its own air inlet 22 entering the housing 14. The airflow generator 16 is configured to generate, in use, an airflow from the air inlet 22 of the handle unit 12 through the air inlet 101 of the accessory 100 and to the air outlet 104.

[0062] Figure 3 The opening 105 shown is typically circular; however, other forms and shapes of opening 105 are also contemplated. For example, opening 105 could be substantially elliptical or semi-circular. Figure 3 and 4 In the example shown, the hair processing chamber 103 is shaped to define a hemispherical interior. In other examples, the hair processing chamber 103 is shaped to define any other suitable hollow interior in which hair can be received.

[0063] Attachment 100 includes a sensor 109 configured to output a signal indicating the characteristics of hair within the hair processing chamber 103 during use. Figure 4 The sensor 109 shown is a moisture sensor. In other examples, sensor 109 may be a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor. The signal output by sensor 109 is received by control module 34, which is configured to control hair care appliance 10 in response to the signal from sensor 109. In some examples, sensor 109 includes an RFID tag for transmitting information to an RFID reader via RFID. In some examples, it is envisioned that other forms of communication may be utilized, including, for example, Bluetooth. TM Or Near Field Communication (NFC).

[0064] Similarly, although wireless communication methods between sensor 109 and control module 34 have been discussed so far, it should be understood that examples utilizing physical communication connections are also envisioned. For example, handle unit 12 and accessory 100 may include corresponding contacts that define a communication path when accessory 100 is connected to handle unit 12.

[0065] In some examples, a signal from sensor 109 indicates that the user's hair is sufficiently dry, and based on this signal, the user is given an instruction to stop using hair care appliance 10. For example, a visual indicator, such as a light, is provided to the user when the signal indicates that their hair is sufficiently dry. In some examples, airflow generator 16 is configured to modify airflow when the signal indicates that the user's hair is sufficiently dry. For example, airflow generator 16 is configured to reduce the flow rate or stop generating airflow in response to the signal. In some examples, heater 18 is configured to modify the heat supplied to the airflow in response to the signal. For example, heater 18 may be configured to reduce the heat supplied to the airflow or stop heating the airflow in response to the signal. This helps prevent damage to the user's hair caused by excessive or unnecessary drying and / or heating.

[0066] The hair treatment chamber 103 includes an edge 110 defining an opening 105 and another air outlet 111 that directs airflow in a different direction from the air outlet 104 of the movable member 102. This allows different sections of a user's hair to be dried simultaneously with the hair care appliance 10.

[0067] Another air outlet 111 is configured to direct airflow away from opening 105 and toward hole 107 during use. When hair is inserted through opening 105 and airflow is directed away from opening 105, airflow can be directed away from the roots of the hair located within hair processing chamber 103 during use. This reduces direct heat applied to the user's head, which can increase comfort when using hair care appliance 10, especially after prolonged use.

[0068] Figure 3 and 4 The movable member 102 shown is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the movable member 102 extends from the edge 110 to a first degree (e.g., Figure 3 and 4 As shown), in the retracted position, the movable member 102 extends from the edge 110 at a second extent, which is smaller than the first extent. The movable air outlet 104 allows the user to position it more flexibly according to their needs and requirements.

[0069] exist Figure 3 and 4 In the example, when the movable member 102 is in the extended and retracted positions during use, airflow flows through another air outlet 111 of the hair treatment chamber 103. Thus, if the user does not wish to apply any heat or airflow through air outlet 104, for example if their head becomes too hot, airflow can be restricted through air outlet 104 of the movable member 102, but still continues to flow through the other outlet 111 to continue drying the user's hair.

[0070] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, in the extended position, the movable member 102 extends away from the edge 110 in a direction parallel to the central axis of the hair treatment chamber 103. Thus, in use, the movable member 102 extends away from the hair treatment chamber 103 and toward the user's head. This allows heated airflow to be directed to the roots of the user's hair during use, while a section of hair is located within the hair treatment chamber 103, enabling targeted drying of the hair roots during use.

[0071] Annex 100 includes a plurality of movable components 102. Figure 3 and 4In one example, each movable component 102 includes a respective air outlet 104. This can help increase the airflow directed toward the roots of the user's hair, thereby increasing drying efficiency. In other examples, some of the multiple movable components 102 do not include a respective air outlet 104.

[0072] Figure 5a It shows Figure 3 and 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of part of Annex 100, with the movable member 102 in the extended position. Figure 5b It shows Figure 3 and 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of Annex 100, showing the movable member 102 in the retracted position. In the extended position, the movable member 102 extends from edge 110 to a first extent. In the retracted position, the movable member 102 extends from edge 110 to a second extent, the second extent being less than the first extent. Figure 5b In one example, in the retracted position, no part of the movable member 102 extends from the edge 110. In other examples, in the retracted position, a portion of the movable member 102 extends from the edge 110.

[0073] When the movable member 102 is in the extended position, airflow through the air outlet 104 is unrestricted. When the movable member 102 is in the retracted position, airflow through the air outlet 104 is restricted. Figure 5b In the example, when the movable member 102 is in the retracted position, airflow through the air outlet 104 is blocked. In other words, when the movable member 102 is in the retracted position, no airflow can pass through the air outlet 104.

[0074] Figure 6a The movable member 102 in the retracted position is schematically shown. Figure 6b The movable member 102 in its extended position is schematically shown. Figure 6a and 6b As shown, the movable member 102 defines a flow path 201 from the interior of edge 110 to air outlet 104. When the movable member 102 is in the retracted position, air outlet 104 is located inside edge 110, and when the movable member 102 is in the extended position, air outlet 104 is located outside edge 110. Thus, when the movable member 102 is in the retracted position, the airflow is contained within edge 110, and the airflow exits through another air outlet 111. When the movable member 102 is in the extended position, the airflow can also exit through another air outlet 111.

[0075] exist Figure 6a and 6bIn one example, the movable member 102 is biased toward the retracted position. This can help save space because the movable member 102 does not extend completely from the edge 110 when not in use, and it can also help prevent damage to the movable member 102 when the attachment 100 is moved. In other examples, the movable member 102 is biased toward the extended position. This biasing can be achieved by using an elastically deformable member, such as a spring.

[0076] Although the above discussion of the biasing of the movable member 102 with reference to a spring has been conducted, in some examples, the biasing is achieved using airflow without a spring or other elastically deformable member. Figure 6a and 6b In one example, the airflow supplied to accessory 100 by airflow generator 16 moves movable member 102 from a retracted position to an extended position. Thus, movable member 102 can remain in the extended position during use and move to the retracted position when the airflow supply stops. In some examples, movable member 102 is configured to move to the extended position when a predetermined airflow velocity is reached. When the airflow velocity falls below the predetermined velocity, movable member 102 remains in or returns to the retracted position. Thus, airflow generator 16 can be configured to provide different flow rates depending on user input to user interface 32. A lower flow rate can be selected when the user does not want to use the air outlet of movable member 102, or a higher flow rate can be selected when the user wants to move movable member 102 to the extended position.

[0077] like Figure 6b As shown, when the movable member 102 is held in the extended position by the airflow, the user can move the movable member 102 to the retracted position by applying force to one end of the movable member 102. For example, the user can press the movable member 102 against their head 202 to move the movable member 102 to the retracted position. This allows the user to easily control how much airflow is applied directly to or near the roots of their hair. This can improve the comfort of using the hair care appliance 10 and help prevent the user's hair from being damaged due to excessive dryness and / or heat.

[0078] Figure 7a and 7b An alternative example switching arrangement 300 is shown, configured to switch the movable member 102 between an extended position and a retracted position. The switching mechanism 300 includes a first portion 301 and a second portion 302. Figure 7a and 7bIn one example, the first portion 301 is configured to slide along the surface of the second portion 302. In other examples, the second portion 302 is configured to slide along the surface of the first portion 301. The first portion 301 includes a movable member 102, and when the first portion 301 slides along the surface of the second portion 302, the movable member 102 moves from a retracted position to an extended position.

[0079] Figure 7a The movable member 102 in its retracted position is shown. The corresponding surfaces of the first portion 301 and the second portion 302 are shaped to be inclined. Thus, when the first portion 301 and the second portion 302 slide relative to each other, the upper surface 303 of the first portion 301 moves away from the lower surface 304 of the second portion 302. Although in Figure 7a and 7b The surfaces of the first part 301 and the second part 302 are both inclined, but in some examples, only one of the first part 301 and the second part 302 is inclined.

[0080] like Figure 7b As shown, as the first portion 301 moves relative to the second portion 302 in a first direction 305, the movable members 102 have a motion component in a second direction 306, such that they extend from the edge 110. Figure 7a and 7b In one example, the first portion 301 slides linearly along the surface of the second portion 302. In other examples, the first portion 301 and the second portion 302 rotate relative to each other. To cause the first portion 301 and the second portion 302 to rotate relative to each other, a user can twist or rotate a portion of the attachment 100. For example, the outer surface of the attachment 100 can be operatively attached to one of the first portion 301 and the second portion 302 such that when the outer surface is twisted or rotated, the first portion 301 slides along the surface of the second portion 302.

[0081] Examples are also envisioned in which the hair care appliance 10 is not comprised of a handle unit 12 and an accessory 100, but rather is a single unit, for example, taking the form of a combined handle unit 12 and accessory 100 as described above.

Claims

1. An accessory for a hair care appliance, the accessory comprising an air inlet, a movable member, and a hair processing chamber, the movable member including an air outlet for emitting an airflow, the hair processing chamber for receiving hair, the hair processing chamber including an opening through which hair can be inserted, the opening being defined by an edge of the hair processing chamber; wherein the movable member is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, in the extended position extending from the edge by a first degree, and in the retracted position extending from the edge by a second degree less than the first degree, wherein in use the movable member moves between the retracted position and the extended position in response to an airflow from an airflow generator of the hair care appliance. The hair processing chamber includes a wall, an opening formed in the wall, and another air outlet configured to direct airflow away from the opening and toward the hole during use.

2. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the movable member is biased to the retracted position.

3. The attachment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the attachment includes a switching arrangement configured to move the movable member between the extended position and the retracted position.

4. The attachment of claim 3, wherein the switching arrangement includes a rotating mechanism configured to move the movable member between the extended position and the retracted position.

5. The attachment of claim 3, wherein the switching arrangement includes a first portion and a second portion, one of the first portion and the second portion being configured to slide along the surface of the other of the second portion and the first portion, wherein the first portion includes the movable member, and the movable member is configured to move between the retracted position and the extended position when one of the first portion and the second portion slides along the surface of the other of the second portion and the first portion.

6. The accessory according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movable member is configured to move between the extended position and the retracted position in response to a force applied to the movable member by a user.

7. The accessory according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the movable member is in the extended position, the airflow through the air outlet is unrestricted.

8. The accessory according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the movable member is in the retracted position, airflow through the air outlet is restricted.

9. The accessory according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air outlet is configured to direct airflow toward the opening at the extended position.

10. The accessory according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air outlet is configured to direct airflow away from the opening at the extended position.

11. The accessory according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the accessory comprises a plurality of movable components.

12. The appendix according to claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of movable components includes a respective air outlet.

13. The appendix of claim 1, wherein the other air outlet is configured to direct airflow in a direction different from that of the air outlet.

14. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein when the movable member is in use in the extended position and the retracted position, the airflow passes through the other air outlet.

15. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the wall comprises a porous material.

16. The appendix of claim 15, wherein the porous material defines the pores.

17. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the accessory includes a plurality of holes formed in the wall.

18. The accessory according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the accessory includes a sensor configured to output a signal indicating the characteristics of hair in the hair processing chamber during use.

19. A hair care appliance, comprising: Air inlet; Movable components, including air outlets; An airflow generator is used to generate an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; and A hair processing chamber for receiving hair, the hair processing chamber including an opening through which hair can be inserted into the hair processing chamber, the opening being defined by an edge of the hair processing chamber; The movable member is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, in the extended position extending from the edge to a first extent, and in the retracted position extending from the edge to a second extent, the second extent being less than the first extent, wherein in use the movable member moves between the retracted position and the extended position in response to an airflow from an airflow generator of the hair care device. The hair processing chamber includes a wall, an opening formed in the wall, and another air outlet configured to direct airflow away from the opening and toward the opening during use.

20. The hair care appliance of claim 19, wherein the hair care appliance comprises a handle unit and an accessory, the airflow generator being disposed within the handle unit, the accessory comprising the air inlet, a movable member including the air outlet, and the hair treatment chamber, the accessory being detachably attached to the handle unit.

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