An accessory for a hair care appliance

Abstract

An accessory for a hair care appliance is disclosed, the accessory comprising an air inlet end for receiving an airflow from the appliance, an air outlet end for discharging the airflow from the accessory, a wall defining an airflow path between the air inlet end and the air outlet end and extending around the airflow path, a plate located in the airflow path and configured to direct the airflow towards the air outlet end. The plate extends substantially in the direction of the airflow from the air inlet end towards the air outlet end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an accessory for a hair care appliance, a hair care appliance such as a hair dryer or a hot styling brush, and an appliance including such an accessory. Background Technology

[0002] Blowers, especially hot air blowers, are used in a variety of applications, such as drying substances like paint or hair, and cleaning or peeling surface layers. Additionally, hot hair dryers, such as hot styling brushes, are used to style hair from wet or dry states.

[0003] Traditionally, such appliances have attachments that can be attached to and detached from the appliance, and that can alter the shape and velocity of the fluid flow leaving the appliance. These attachments can be used to concentrate or disperse the flow from the appliance.

[0004] It is well known that in traditional appliances, increased and more concentrated airflow velocity results in significantly undesirable noise levels, which reduces user comfort. This represents a trade-off between acceptable noise levels and drying performance.

[0005] This invention alleviates this problem by introducing a plate into the flow path without changing the shape of the outlet of the appliance or blocking the outlet. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an accessory for a hair care appliance is provided, the accessory comprising:

[0007] The air inlet end is used to receive airflow from the appliance.

[0008] The air outlet end is used to discharge airflow from the accessory.

[0009] A wall defines and extends around an airflow path between an air inlet and an air outlet. A plate is located within the airflow path and configured to guide the airflow toward the air outlet.

[0010] The plate extends from the air inlet end to the air outlet end, basically along the airflow direction.

[0011] The plate is configured to increase airflow mixing and reduce turbulent mixing noise caused by eddies formed due to airflow mixing on opposite sides of the plate. To enable airflow mixing on opposite sides of the plate, the plate is configured such that it orthogonally passes through the cross-section of the wall and extends from near the air outlet of the accessory along the airflow path to at least a portion of the length of the wall. Furthermore, the plate is configured to provide a base for devices handling the accessory when the accessory heats up due to normal use.

[0012] Preferably, the plate includes a nonlinear edge near the air outlet end. The nonlinear edge can be at either the air inlet or air outlet end of the plate, but preferably, it is located at the air outlet end. Therefore, the nonlinear edge increases the number of counter-rotating vortices at the air outlet end and reduces turbulent mixing noise caused by vortices formed due to airflow mixing on opposite sides of the plate.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the nonlinear edge of the plate is close to the airflow outlet and includes a waveform profile that forms crests and troughs. The nonlinear edge of the plate is the final contact point between the airflow and the accessory. Therefore, the maximum noise expected due to vortex formation is likely to occur near the nonlinear edge of the plate. Thus, the waveform profile located at the nonlinear edge of the plate provides improved noise reduction.

[0014] The waveform profile can take various forms, including but not limited to sine waves, square waves, triangle waves, and sawtooth waves. In a preferred embodiment, the waveform profile is curved and is in the form of a sine wave. The curved profile with non-linear edges further improves the noise reduction efficiency of the attachment.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the plate is substantially planar, with its nonlinear edges extending substantially orthogonally to the central longitudinal axis of the attachment. Airflow forms a boundary layer on both sides of the plate, starting from the inlet edge near the airflow inlet and extending towards the nonlinear edge. This boundary layer is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the attachment, and the airflow exiting the air outlet begins to form vortices as it leaves the plate surface. The crests and troughs formed along the nonlinear edge of the plate induce stream-wise vortices in a shear layer closer to the plate surface, leading to increased airflow mixing. Therefore, the air pressure difference on opposite sides of the plate can be significantly reduced, and the noise level resulting from this pressure difference is correspondingly reduced.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the non-linear edge has a curved profile when viewed in a plane orthogonal to the plate. Hair dryer accessories are common household items, and therefore safety measures must be considered. The curved profile of the non-linear edge provides safe operation of the accessory while also increasing airflow mixing.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the nonlinear edge is formed as part of the plate. The absence of assembled sections improves manufacturing capabilities and reduces vortex-induced surface features that could lead to undesirable disturbances in the boundary layer and increase noise levels.

[0018] Preferably, the plate is configured to divide the airflow path into at least two parts. The plate is configured to guide an upper airflow path on a first surface and a lower airflow path on a second surface. Therefore, the plate separates the airflow near the airflow inlet and reintroduces the separated upper and lower airflow paths near the airflow outlet, reducing turbulence and noise levels.

[0019] Preferably, the plate divides the cross-section of the airflow path into two equal parts. The equal cross-sectional area minimizes the pressure difference between the upper and lower airflow paths. Therefore, the noise reduction efficiency of the teeth at the first edge of the plate is improved.

[0020] Preferably, the wall is positioned around the longitudinal axis of the attachment. The position of the plate can improve the assembly, achieving the desired result of dividing the airflow path into equal cross-sectional areas, thereby improving noise reduction efficiency.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the attachment, the wall comprises an annular wall extending about the longitudinal axis of the attachment, preferably positioned such that the center of the annular wall lies on the longitudinal axis of the attachment. For ease of manufacture and assembly, alignment of the center of the annular wall with the longitudinal axis of the attachment is desirable.

[0022] Preferably, at least a portion of the wall is tapered. The wall defines the outer boundary of the airflow path. Accordingly, depending on the end-use requirements, the tapering can be oriented towards or away from the longitudinal axis of the accessory.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the wall gradually narrows inward along the longitudinal axis from the air inlet end toward the air outlet end toward the accessory. The wall and plate guide the airflow toward the air outlet end, thus the tapering of the wall allows control over the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path, which directly affects the airflow velocity.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the cone angle of the wall varies between the inlet and outlet ends. This wall tapering increases the airflow velocity, thereby improving the drying capability of the accessory. From the air inlet end towards the air outlet end, the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path decreases to increase the airflow rate to the desired level. However, this also increases the risk of turbulence, thus increasing the noise level. Changing the wall tapering allows for a smooth transition from the first cross-sectional area at the air inlet end to the second cross-sectional area at the air outlet end with minimal disturbance to the airflow. Therefore, the airflow remains substantially laminar along the airflow path, and the noise level can be kept under control.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the accessory includes an outer wall surrounding the wall of the accessory. The outer wall provides a surface for the user to hold the accessory. The air gap between the outer wall and the wall defining an airflow path also provides a barrier between the heating element of the accessory and the user. Therefore, the outer wall, as a cool wall, improves the end-user experience.

[0026] As previously described, in order to enable airflow mixing at opposite sides of the plates located within the airflow path, the plates are configured such that they orthogonally pass through the cross-section of the wall and extend from near the air outlet of the attachment along the airflow path to at least a portion of the length of the wall. Accordingly, the plates also orthogonally pass through the cross-section of the outer wall and extend from near the air outlet of the attachment along the airflow path to at least a portion of the length of the outer wall.

[0027] Furthermore, the plate can orthogonally pass through the cross-section of the outer wall and can extend further outside the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer wall. Therefore, the portion of the plate extending outside the outer wall can provide a device for holding the attachment.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, both the wall and the outer wall include a plurality of retaining members configured to retain the wall within the outer wall. The retaining members may be snap-fit ​​elements and are removably attachable.

[0029] Preferably, the plate includes a pair of members located at opposite ends of a non-linear edge, which a user can grip when the attachment is attached to the hair care appliance. The pair of members are configured to increase the surface area of ​​the plate in contact with the surrounding environment and provide a cool surface for the user's grip. The retaining member allows for comfortable manipulation of the attachment, especially after use when the attachment is hot. The retaining member is preferably a hollow profile formed as part of the plate. Furthermore, the retaining member is configured not to obstruct airflow paths. Preferably, the retaining member is a hollow cylinder, providing increased structural resilience in the event of an accidental drop of the attachment.

[0030] Preferably, the accessory includes a holder configured to receive RFID tags. In a preferred embodiment, the holder is located on the outer wall. Furthermore, an RFID cap can be used to cover the RFID tags and prevent them from becoming misaligned during use.

[0031] Preferably, the air inlet end is adapted to be part of the receiving device. Therefore, the user can align the inlet end of the accessory with the outlet end of the device for easy assembly and use.

[0032] Preferably, the accessory includes a magnet attached to the wall for securing the accessory to the appliance. The use of a magnetic accessory increases the efficiency of assembly between the accessory and the appliance, thereby improving end-user comfort.

[0033] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an accessory for a hair care appliance is provided, the accessory comprising:

[0034] The air inlet end is used to receive airflow from the appliance.

[0035] The air outlet end is used to discharge airflow from the accessory.

[0036] The wall defines the airflow path between the air inlet and the air outlet and extends around the airflow path.

[0037] The plate is located in the airflow path and is configured to guide the airflow toward the air outlet end.

[0038] Preferably, the plate is configured to divide the airflow path into two parts. The plate may include a plurality of through holes extending between the two parts of the airflow path.

[0039] The perforations formed on the surface of the plate provide noise reduction by minimizing downstream vortices on the surface of the plate, and thus reduce noise caused by turbulence.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the through-hole is chamfered. Holes with chamfered edges enable the use of simple manufacturing methods and improve manufacturing efficiency. Preferably, the through-hole is cylindrical or truncated conical, thus achieving the desired machining and manufacturing capabilities.

[0041] The through-holes ensure that the pressure difference between opposite sides of the plate is essentially equal and improve airflow mixing. Therefore, the improved mixing reduces noise caused by turbulence.

[0042] The diameter of the multiple through holes ranges from 1 to 3 mm. However, in a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the multiple through holes ranges from 1.2 to 2.6 mm. This preferred diameter range enables optimal noise reduction while maintaining a substantially undisturbed boundary layer between the plate and the airflow.

[0043] Preferably, the through holes are arranged in multiple rows, and the multiple rows extend orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the attachment. This arrangement balances the pressure between the two opposite sides of the plate.

[0044] The through-holes can be staggered in various ways. However, in a preferred embodiment, each row of through-holes extending orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the attachment is staggered relative to its adjacent row. This arrangement improves the pressure balance performance between the two opposite sides of the plate while minimizing disturbance to the boundary layer between the plate and the airflow.

[0045] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the features described above in conjunction with the first aspect of the invention are equally applicable to the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Preferred features of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0047] Figure 1 This is a left front perspective view of the attachment as seen from above;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a right-side rear perspective view of the attachment, viewed from above;

[0049] Figure 3 This is a top view of the attachment;

[0050] Figure 4 This is a side view of the attachment;

[0051] Figure 5 This is a bottom view of the attachment;

[0052] Figure 6 This is the left-side exploded view of the attachment;

[0053] Figure 7 This is the right-side exploded view of the attachment;

[0054] Figure 8a It is along Figure 3 A side cross-section view taken from line AA in the middle;

[0055] Figure 8b It is along Figure 3 A side cross-section view taken from line BB in the middle;

[0056] Figure 9 This is a top-down front left perspective view of an example hair dryer, showing attachments and optional accessories that can be attached to the hair dryer. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Figures 1 to 5 This is an external view of Annex 10. The annex includes an air inlet 12 for receiving airflow from the airflow outlet end of the blower and an air outlet 14 for allowing airflow to exit the annex. See also... Figure 6 and 7 The air inlet 12 is generally annular and takes the form of an opening at the air inlet end 16 of the wall 18. The wall 18 has an air outlet end 20 that is narrower than the air inlet end 16, and the tapered wall 18 extends between the air inlet end 16 and the air outlet end 20. The wall 18 may gradually narrow inward, outward, or a combination of both along the airflow path 22 defined by the wall 18. However, in this embodiment, the wall 18 gradually narrows inward toward the longitudinal axis C of the attachment 10 along at least a portion of the airflow path 22 from the air inlet end 16 to the air outlet end 20.

[0058] like Figure 8a and 8b As shown, the conical wall 18 defines an airflow path 22 through which airflow moves within the attachment 10. The conical wall 18 is arranged to guide airflow from the air inlet 12 to the air outlet 14 of the attachment 10 along the airflow direction D, as... Figure 4 As shown, it faces directly toward air outlet 14.

[0059] Reference Figure 7The wall 18 includes an annular inlet channel 24 for receiving airflow from the air inlet 12, and the airflow is guided from the air inlet along the airflow path 22 toward the air outlet end 20.

[0060] Reference Figure 1 and 2 Plate 26 is disposed along airflow path 22 and parallel to the longitudinal axis C of attachment 10. Plate 26 is configured to guide airflow toward air outlet 14 and has a generally flat surface. Furthermore, the end of the boundary layer between the airflow passing through airflow path 22 and plate 26 is along the first edge 32 of plate 26.

[0061] Especially Figure 1 and 8a As shown, plate 26 includes multiple undulations in the form of crests 28 and troughs 30 along its first edge 32. The first edge 32 of plate 26 is close to the airflow outlet 14 of attachment 10. Accordingly, these undulations can improve the mixing of the airflow passing through the airflow path 22 and exiting from the air outlet 14. Compared to a straight edge, the undulations increase the length of the first edge 32 of plate 26. This also increases the number of points where the airflow meets on opposite sides of plate 26. Thus, the number of counter-rotating vortices increases with the increase in the interaction between the airflows on opposite sides of plate 26. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that introducing counter-rotating vortices into the airflow through internal undulations allows for a significant reduction in noise while simultaneously enhancing thrust or minimizing airflow rate loss.

[0062] The crests 28 and troughs 30 of the corrugations at the first edge 32 of plate 26 can be arranged such that the number, position, and size of the crests 28 and troughs 30 can vary, and the number of crests 28 may not be equal to the number of troughs 30. In this embodiment, the crests 28 and troughs 30 are laterally equidistant along the first edge 32 of plate 26. Furthermore, the crests 28 and troughs 30 form a regular shape similar to a sine wave along the first edge 32 of plate 26. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the corrugations can extend in various directions. In this embodiment, the teeth 28 of the corrugations extend parallel to the longitudinal axis C of attachment 10, thereby minimizing disturbance to the boundary layer on the opposite side of plate 26.

[0063] refer to Figure 1 The crests 28 and troughs 30 of plate 26 can be formed as cuts. In this embodiment, referring to... Figure 8b The cut edge along the first edge 32 is rounded, thereby providing a curved connection between opposite sides of the plate 26.

[0064] Reference Figure 1 and 4The plate 26 includes a plurality of perforations 34. Those skilled in the art will understand that the type, size, and arrangement of the perforations 34 can vary depending on technical requirements and manufacturing capabilities. Furthermore, the perforations 34 may include a plurality of blind holes. In this embodiment, the perforations 34 include a plurality of through holes, allowing airflow communication between opposite sides of the plate 34. Additionally, in this embodiment, the perforations 34 are through holes with a diameter of 2 mm and include rounded edges.

[0065] Reference Figure 8a The perforations 34 can be arranged in an equidistant array. The perforations 34 can also be aligned in two directions, parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C. In this embodiment, the perforations are aligned in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C. However, in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, the perforations 34 are offset while maintaining the equidistant array configuration. The perforations 34 can be distributed across the entire planar surface of the plate 26. In this embodiment, the perforations 34 are distributed on at least a portion of the planar surface of the plate 26. Accordingly, the plate 26 includes a solid plate portion 36 without the perforations 34.

[0066] refer to Figure 1 and 8a The perforation 34 can extend in multiple directions. In this embodiment, the perforation extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C of attachment 10 and the planar surface of plate 26.

[0067] Reference Figure 3 and 8b Plate 26 divides the airflow path into at least two parts. In this embodiment, plate 26 divides the airflow path into two equal parts.

[0068] As the airflow passes through attachment 10, the airflow guided by plate 26 forms a boundary layer on the opposite sides of plate 26. Multiple perforations 34 allow airflow between the opposite sides of plate 26, thereby minimizing the pressure difference between the opposite sides of plate 26. Consequently, noise caused by turbulence due to the pressure difference is minimized when the airflow is discharged from attachment 10.

[0069] Reference Figure 1 The plate 26 includes at least one retaining member 38 configured to provide a retaining surface. In use, the retaining member 38 is configured to remain relatively cool compared to the rest of the plate 26. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the retaining member 38 can be of various shapes and sizes. Furthermore, the retaining member 38 can extend in various directions relative to the plate 26. In this embodiment, the plate 26 includes a pair of retaining members 38 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis C of the attachment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the retaining member 38 is in the form of a hollow cylinder.

[0070] Reference Figure 6 and 7Annex 10 also includes an outer wall 40 that surrounds the wall 18 of Annex 10. During normal use, the air passing through Annex 10 increases the temperature of the wall 18. For example... Figure 8b As shown, an air gap 42 is provided between wall 18 and outer wall 40 for isolation purposes, and to improve the comfort of the end user.

[0071] Reference Figure 7 , 8a In 8b, wall 18 includes at least one support member 44 located within airflow path 22. Support member 44 also includes at least one support rib 46 extending across airflow path 22 within inlet channel 24. Support member 44 is secured to wall 18 by support rib 46 and provides a contact point between wall 18 and plate 26. In this embodiment, a single support member 44 is present and located near longitudinal axis C of attachment 10.

[0072] Reference Figure 7 and 8a The outer wall 40 also includes an RFID slot 48 located on the outer surface of the air inlet channel 24, adapted to receive the RFID tag 50. The purpose of the RFID tag 50 is to alert the control circuitry of the blower 200 regarding the type of accessory, i.e., the smooth nozzle accessory 10 or other suitable accessory in use. The control circuitry of the blower 200 can then adjust relevant settings accordingly, such as air temperature and airflow rate. The RFID tag 50 also includes an RFID strip 52, with the RFID tag 50 located in the RFID slot and the RFID strip 52 positioned therebetween. An RFID cap 54 is provided to complete the RFID tag housing.

[0073] Various combinations of the features defined above can be applied to Annex 10. Components of Annex 10 may include various materials, including but not limited to metals, plastics, carbon fibers, or any combination thereof. Each component of Annex 10 is made of a plastic material. In this embodiment, the component is formed of glass-filled nylon.

[0074] To assemble accessory 10, plate 26 is first positioned along the central axis C within the airflow path 22 defined by wall 18, such that plate 26 rests on support member 44. Support member 44 includes assembly hole 56. Plate 26 also includes fastening screw receiver 58 and is configured to receive fastening screws 60. When plate 26 rests on support member 44, fastening screw receiver 58 is aligned with longitudinal axis C and assembly hole 56. Fastening screws 60 pass through assembly hole 56 and secure plate 26 via fastening screw receiver 58.

[0075] The outer wall 40 has an inner surface including at least one assembly guide 62 and at least one retention member 64. In this embodiment, there are a plurality of assembly guides 62 spaced at equal angles around the longitudinal axis C of the attachment 10 and a plurality of retention members 64 spaced at equal angles around the longitudinal axis C of the attachment 10. The wall 18 has an outer surface including at least one additional assembly guide 66 and at least one additional retention member 68. In this embodiment, there are a plurality of additional assembly guides 66 spaced at equal angles around the longitudinal axis C of the attachment 10, and a plurality of retention members 68 spaced at equal angles around the longitudinal axis C of the attachment 10.

[0076] The angular position of the additional assembly guide 66 corresponds to the angular position of the assembly guide 62, and during assembly, when assembled with the outer wall 40, the wall 18 is pushed to the appropriate angular position. Similarly, the angular positions of a plurality of additional retaining members 68 correspond to the angular positions of a plurality of retaining members 64. The retaining members 64 and the additional retaining members 68 form mating connections, such as, but not limited to, snap-fit, interference fit, screw and bolt fastening, ultrasonic welding, thermal welding, solvent bonding, or a combination of one or more different methods.

[0077] Annex 10 also includes a coupling device 70 located at the air inlet end 16 of the wall 18. The coupling device 70 can be configured to enable various coupling methods, such as, but not limited to, interference fit, threaded connection, magnetized connection, etc. In this embodiment, the coupling device 70 is a magnet and is configured to magnetize the Annex 10 to the blower 200, more specifically, to the airflow outlet end 202 of the blower 200.

[0078] While specific examples and embodiments have been described, it should be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An accessory for a hair care appliance, comprising: The air inlet end is used to receive airflow from the appliance. The air outlet end is used to discharge airflow from the accessory. A wall defines and extends around the airflow path between the air inlet and the air outlet. A plate, located in the airflow path, is configured to guide the airflow toward the air outlet end, wherein... The plate extends substantially along the airflow direction from the air inlet end toward the air outlet end.

2. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the plate includes a non-linear edge near the air outlet end.

3. The appendix according to claim 2, wherein the nonlinear edge includes a waveform profile.

4. The appendix according to claim 3, wherein the waveform profile is curved.

5. The attachment according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the plate is substantially planar and the non-linear edges of the plate extend substantially orthogonally to the central longitudinal axis of the attachment.

6. The appendix according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the nonlinear edge has a curved profile when viewed in a plane orthogonal to the plate.

7. The appendix according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plate is configured to divide the airflow path into two equal portions.

8. The attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wall is disposed around the longitudinal axis of the attachment.

9. The accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wall comprises an annular wall extending about a longitudinal axis of the accessory, the annular wall preferably being positioned such that the center of the annular wall is located on the longitudinal axis of the accessory.

10. The appendix according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least a portion of the wall is tapered.

11. The appendix according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wall gradually narrows inward toward the air outlet end.

12. The attachment of claim 10, wherein the cone angle of the wall varies between the inlet end and the outlet end.

13. The accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the accessory includes an outer wall surrounding the wall of the accessory.

14. The appendix according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wall and the outer wall each include a plurality of retaining members configured to retain the wall within the outer wall.

15. The accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the accessory includes a holder configured to receive an RFID tag.

16. The appendix according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inlet end is adapted to receive a portion of the appliance.

17. The accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a magnet attached to the wall for securing the accessory to the appliance.

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