Attachment for hair care appliance

Abstract

An attachment for a hair care appliance includes an air inlet, an air outlet, a curved surface adjacent and downstream of the air outlet, and a plurality of bristles. The attachment is configured such that, in use, airflow exiting the air outlet creates a first force that draws hair toward the curved surface and a second force that pushes hair away from the curved surface. The plurality of bristles is movable between a first position relative to the air outlet and a second position relative to the air outlet, the second position being different from the first position. Movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position increases exposure of the plurality of bristles to airflow from the air outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an accessory for a hair care appliance and a hair care appliance. Background Art

[0002] Hair care appliances are commonly used for drying and styling hair. Where hair care appliances are used to style hair to create a smooth look, the presence of short or broken hair (sometimes referred to as flyaway hair) may interfere with the desired smooth look. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an attachment for a hair care appliance, the attachment comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet, and a plurality of bristles, wherein the attachment is configured such that during use an airflow leaving the air outlet generates a first force that attracts hair toward the curved surface and a second force that pushes hair away from the curved surface, the plurality of bristles being movable between a first position relative to the air outlet and a second position relative to the air outlet, the second position being different from the first position, and movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position increases exposure of the plurality of bristles to the airflow from the air outlet.

[0004] Providing a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet can create a negative pressure area near the curved surface that draws the long hair toward the curved surface, and the interaction of the airflow with the hair also pushes the shorter hair away from the curved surface. This can result in the shorter hair being pushed past the longer hair, for example through the longer hair toward the side of the hair facing the user's head, thereby providing a smooth finish.

[0005] However, it may also be desirable to provide increased flexibility in styling. By providing a plurality of bristles movable between first and second positions relative to the air outlet, wherein movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position increases exposure of the plurality of bristles to the airflow from the air outlet, the accessory may be provided with increased flexibility in styling compared to, for example, an arrangement in which the bristles are omitted.

[0006] For example, when the plurality of bristles are in a first position relative to the air outlet, i.e., when the plurality of bristles are less exposed to the airflow from the air outlet, the attachment, particularly the curved surface, can be used to reduce the occurrence of flyaways by pushing shorter hair over longer hair toward the side of the hair facing the user's head, thereby providing a smooth finish.

[0007] When the plurality of bristles is in the second position relative to the air outlet, i.e. when the plurality of bristles is more exposed to the airflow from the air outlet, the attachment can be used, for example, to comb the user's hair. This can allow dual functionality in a single attachment without the user having to switch between attachments to achieve a desired styling process, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0008] In use, for example when the plurality of bristles are in the first position, the airflow exiting the air outlet may flow over the curved surface. The hair care appliance may be configured to create a negative pressure region near the curved surface when in use. The curved surface may include a Coanda surface, such as a convex surface, along which the airflow attaches due to the Coanda effect in use.

[0009] Moving the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position can reduce the extent of the curved surface over which the airflow flows prior to engaging the plurality of bristles.

[0010] A plurality of bristles may be embedded in the bristle bed, and movement of the bristle bed between the first and second positions may cause the plurality of bristles to move between the first and second positions. This may ensure consistency in the movement of the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions, for example relative to an arrangement in which each of the plurality of bristles is individually movable between the first and second positions.

[0011] The movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position can increase the number of the plurality of bristles exposed to the airflow from the air outlet. This can, for example, enable a greater number of bristles to contact the hair while still in the airflow from the air outlet, which can provide different styling functions between the first and second positions.

[0012] At least one of the plurality of bristles is exposed to the airflow from the air outlet in the first position. For example, this can provide a desired interaction with the airflow from the air outlet when at least one of the plurality of bristles is in the first position.

[0013] At least some of the plurality of bristles, such as at least one of the plurality of bristles, are configured to separate the airflow from the curved surface in the first position. For example, when the plurality of bristles are in the first position, this can inhibit the airflow from the air outlet from contacting the hand of a user holding the hair care appliance. This may be particularly beneficial, for example, where the accessory is configured to receive a heated airflow from the hair care appliance during use, and may provide enhanced user safety and / or comfort, for example relative to an arrangement where the airflow is not separated from the curved surface during use.

[0014] The plurality of bristles may be positioned relative to the air outlet in a first position so that the airflow separates from the curved surface when in use contacting at least some of the plurality of bristles. The plurality of bristles, such as a first row of the plurality of bristles, may be no more than 180 degrees from the air outlet in the first position.

[0015] When the plurality of bristles are in the first position, none of the plurality of bristles may be exposed to the airflow from the air outlet. For example, this may increase the degree to which the airflow adheres to the curved surface when the plurality of bristles are in the first position. The curved surface may include a protrusion for separating the airflow from the curved surface before the airflow reaches the plurality of bristles when the plurality of bristles are in the first position.

[0016] The plurality of bristles may be detachable from the attachment, such as as a single modular unit, such that the plurality of bristles are detachable from the attachment in a first position and attached to the attachment in a second position. The plurality of bristles and the curved surface may include corresponding attachment features, such as embedded magnets, etc., to enable the plurality of bristles to be releasably attached to the curved surface.

[0017] The plurality of bristles may be retracted relative to the curved surface, for example such that tips of the plurality of bristles are flush with or below the curved surface in a first position and protrude relative to the curved surface in a second position.

[0018] The plurality of bristles may be closer to the air outlet in the second position than in the first position. This may increase exposure of the plurality of bristles to the airflow from the air outlet in the second position compared to the first position.

[0019] The plurality of bristles may be moved from the first position to the second position so that the plurality of bristles are closer to the air outlet. The plurality of bristles may be spaced apart from the air outlet in the second position, for example so that the airflow flows over the curved surface before reaching the plurality of bristles in the second position. This may reduce noise compared to, for example, an arrangement in which the plurality of bristles are directly at the air outlet in the second position.

[0020] The plurality of bristles may rotate about a common rotation point to move between the first and second positions. This may ensure consistency in the rotation of the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions, for example relative to an arrangement in which each of the plurality of bristles may individually rotate about a different rotation point between the first and second positions. The common rotation point may include a center of curvature of the curved surface.

[0021] The attachment may include a user-actuable mechanism to rotate the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions. This may provide enhanced user control over the styling condition compared to, for example, an arrangement in which the plurality of bristles automatically move between the first and second conditions without user input based on satisfying certain criteria.

[0022] The user actuatable mechanism may include a handle graspable by a user, the user rotating the handle to move the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions. In use, the handle may be substantially located outside of the airflow from the air outlet. This may be particularly beneficial, for example, where the accessory receives a heated airflow from a hair care appliance in use, and may provide enhanced safety and / or user comfort relative to an accessory where the handle is located within the airflow in use.

[0023] The attachment may include a retaining mechanism for retaining the plurality of bristles in one of the first and second positions. This may reduce the risk of the plurality of bristles accidentally moving between the first and second positions during use without user input, which would otherwise interrupt the styling process being performed by the user.

[0024] The holding mechanism can hold multiple positions only in the first and second positions, for example, any position between the first and second positions is not held. This can ensure that the multiple bristles are correctly only located in the first or second position for the styling process in use.

[0025] The curved surface may comprise an annular surface, the plurality of bristles may be arranged on the curved surface, and rotation of the curved surface relative to the air outlet may move the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions. This may provide a simple mechanism for moving the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions.

[0026] The bristle bed may define at least a portion of a curved surface.The bristle bed may be overmolded onto the curved surface.

[0027] The bristle bed may be located below the curved surface, with a plurality of bristles extending from the bristle bed through holes in the curved surface. This can ensure that when the plurality of bristles are in the second position, the airflow can still attach to the curved surface between the bristles to pull the hair radially inward toward the curved surface through the bristles.

[0028] When the plurality of bristles are in the first position, the curved surface may be substantially smooth between the air outlet and the plurality of bristles. This may help to create a negative pressure region near the curved surface, which attracts long hair toward the curved surface, and the airflow interacting with the hair also pushes short hair away from the curved surface in the manner described above.

[0029] The plurality of bristles may be arranged on the curved surface so that the radial distance of the bristles closest to the air outlet in the second position is less than the radial distance of the bristles farthest from the air outlet in the second position. This may help the airflow adhere to the curved surface when the plurality of bristles are in the second position.

[0030] The accessory may include a contact member configured to contact the hair care appliance when the accessory is attached to the hair care appliance, thereby inhibiting the accessory from rotating relative to the hair care appliance about an axis in the plane of the air inlet. This may inhibit the accessory from separating from the hair care appliance, for example, when a force is applied to the accessory that would normally result in pivoting about the axis in the plane of the air inlet. For example, when the plurality of bristles are in the second position and engage the hair when moved relative to the hair, the resultant force may include a pivoting force about the axis in the plane of the air inlet, which in the absence of the contact member may result in the accessory separating from the hair care appliance.

[0031] The contact member may be configured to contact the hair care appliance when the accessory is attached to the hair care appliance, thereby enabling the accessory to rotate relative to the hair care appliance about another axis orthogonal to the plane of the air inlet. This may provide flexibility in the rotational orientation of the accessory relative to the hair care appliance, while also inhibiting the accessory from being separated from the hair care appliance in the manner described above.

[0032] The contact member may comprise a plug which extends into the aperture of the hair care appliance when the accessory is attached to the hair care appliance in use. This may provide a simple form of the contact member whilst still providing the functionality described above. The contact member may engage with the wall of the aperture to inhibit rotation of the accessory relative to the hair care appliance about an axis in the plane of the air inlet whilst enabling rotation of the accessory relative to the hair care appliance about another axis orthogonal to the plane of the air inlet.

[0033] The accessory may include a fixing member for fixing the accessory relative to the hair care appliance so that the accessory can rotate relative to the hair care appliance about another axis. The fixing member may include a magnetic member for engaging a corresponding magnetic member of the accessory. The fixing member may include a plurality of magnetic members arranged in an annular manner around the air inlet.

[0034] The accessory may be releasably attachable to the hair care appliance, for example via a securing member.

[0035] When in the second position, the first airflow path can be defined along the first side of the plurality of bristles, and the second airflow path can be defined along the second side of the plurality of bristles. For example, the second airflow path can include a discharge port along the second side of the plurality of bristles. Providing the first and second airflow paths can promote the airflow to adhere to the curved surface along the first airflow path, thereby helping to create a negative pressure area near the curved surface, which attracts long hair toward the curved surface, and the interaction of the airflow with the hair also pushes short hair away from the curved surface in the manner described above. The first and second airflow paths can reunite downstream of the plurality of bristles.

[0036] The air outlet may be defined by a radial inner wall and an outer wall, and the radial outer wall may include a radius of curvature that decreases toward the air outlet. For example, compared to an arrangement in which the radial outer wall includes a constant radius of curvature, this may result in an increased angle of attack of the airflow leaving the air outlet toward the curved surface, which may result in improved adhesion of the airflow to the curved surface, particularly when the plurality of bristles are in the second position relative to the air outlet.

[0037] The air outlet may be configured to direct the airflow at the curved surface at an angle in the range of 50° to 80° relative to the air inlet, for example relative to the plane of the air inlet. The air outlet may be configured to direct the airflow at the curved surface at an angle of about 70°.

[0038] The air outlet may include a flow guide for distributing the airflow along the air outlet. This may result in a more even distribution of the airflow along the width of the air outlet compared to, for example, an arrangement without a flow guide. The flow guide may include a plurality of ribs spaced apart along the width of the air outlet, for example such that a plurality of channels are defined within the interior of the air outlet.

[0039] The plurality of bristles may be positioned in a first row and a second row, and at least some of the bristles in the first row may be connected to at least some of the bristles in the second row by a connecting member. This may provide a coordinated movement of at least some of the bristles in the first row and at least some of the bristles in the second row, which may reduce noise relative to an arrangement that provides non-coordinated bristles.

[0040] The air inlet may be substantially annular. The air inlet may include a further flow guide. The attachment may include a further flow guide located downstream of the air inlet, the further flow guide being shaped to guide the airflow from the annular air inlet into a single airflow column. The further flow guide may taper in a downstream direction of the air inlet.

[0041] Air outlet can be included at 140mm 2 Up to 450mm 2 Open cross-sectional area within the range, for example 280mm 2 Up to 350mm 2 Such an open cross-sectional area may be particularly effective in generating an airflow along a curved surface that 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.

[0042] The air outlet may comprise a width in the range of 70 mm to 90 mm, for example in the range of 75 mm to 85 mm. The air outlet may comprise a height in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm. The air outlet may be substantially rectangular, for example so that the airflow leaving the air outlet has a substantially laminar form.

[0043] The curved surface may include a radius of curvature in the range of 16 mm to 60 mm. Such a radius of curvature may be particularly effective in generating an airflow along the curved surface that 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. The curved surface may include a substantially constant radius of curvature.

[0044] The air outlet may comprise a fixed air outlet, for example an air outlet of fixed cross-sectional area, length and / or width. This may ensure that for a given air flow rate, the air flow characteristics of the attachment are constant, thereby ensuring that an air flow is generated along the curved surface, which air flow generates a first force that attracts the hair towards the curved surface and a second force that pushes the hair away from the curved surface. This may also provide a simpler attachment with fewer moving parts compared to an attachment with a variable air outlet, thereby reducing the risk of failure.

[0045] The accessory may include a switching member for directing an airflow away from the air outlet, the switching member being switchable relative to the air outlet between a first switching position in which the airflow leaving the air outlet passes between a first side of the switching member and the curved surface and adheres to the curved surface, and a second switching position in which the airflow leaving the air outlet passes through an opposite second side of the switching member and is directed away from the curved surface. This may enable the airflow to selectively flow over the curved surface, which may, for example, provide an alternative operating mode in which the airflow is directed away from the curved surface, such as providing a so-called "rough dry" mode in which the airflow is simply used to dry the user's hair in use.

[0046] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a hair care appliance comprising an accessory according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0047] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a hair care device is provided, which includes an air inlet, an air outlet, an air flow generator for generating an air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet, a curved surface adjacent to the air outlet and located downstream of the air outlet, and a plurality of bristles, wherein the hair care device is configured so that the air flow leaving the air outlet during use generates a first force to attract the hair toward the curved surface, and a second force to push the hair away from the curved surface, the plurality of bristles can be moved between a first position relative to the air outlet and a second position relative to the air outlet, the second position is different from the first position, and the movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position increases the exposure of the plurality of bristles to the air flow from the air outlet.

[0048] The hair care appliance may include a heater for heating the airflow. This may provide increased styling flexibility and may, for example, enable the airflow to provide a drying function.

[0049] The hair care appliance may include a handle unit, an airflow generator housed within the handle unit, and an attachment releasably attached to the handle unit, the attachment including an air outlet, a curved surface, and a plurality of bristles. Providing the air outlet, the curved surface, and the plurality of bristles as part of a removable attachment may allow a user to selectively provide the functionality described herein.

[0050] The handle unit may comprise an aperture for receiving a contact member of the accessory, for example such that engagement of the contact member with a wall of the aperture inhibits rotation of the accessory relative to the hair care appliance about an axis in the air inlet plane of the accessory.

[0051] The hair care appliance may be configured such that the airflow at the air outlet includes a velocity in the range of 30 m / s to 45 m / s. Such a velocity may be particularly effective in generating an airflow along a curved surface that generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the first surface while also generating a second force that pushes relatively short hair away from the curved surface. The shape and size of the air outlet may 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 airflow generator may be configured to generate the airflow at a certain flow rate such that the airflow at the air outlet includes a velocity in the range of 30 m / s to 45 m / s.

[0052] The airflow generator may be configured to generate airflow at a flow rate in the range of 8 L / s to 14 L / s. Applicants have found that such airflow rates may be particularly effective in generating an airflow along a curved surface that generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the first surface while also generating a second force that pushes relatively short hair away from the curved surface.

[0053] Where appropriate, optional features of various aspects of the invention may be equally applicable to other aspects of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a hair care appliance according to the present invention;

[0055] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a handle unit of a hair care appliance;

[0056] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic exploded view of an attachment of a hair care appliance;

[0057] Figure 4 Is alone Figure 3 a first perspective view of an inlet body of the attachment;

[0058] Figure 5 Is alone Figure 3 a first perspective view of an inlet body of the attachment;

[0059] Figure 6 Is alone Figure 3 a perspective view of the upper wall of the annex;

[0060] Figure 7 Is alone Figure 3 a perspective view of the barrel of the accessory;

[0061] Figure 8 Is alone Figure 3 a perspective view of the end cap of the attachment;

[0062] Fig. 9 Is alone Figure 3 a perspective view of the plug of the accessory;

[0063] Fig.10 The bristles are in the first position Figure 3 A perspective view of the attachment;

[0064] Fig.11 The bristles are in the first position Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of an attachment of;

[0065] Fig.12 The bristles are in the second position Figure 3 A perspective view of the attachment;

[0066] Fig.13 The bristles are in the second position Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of an attachment of;

[0067] Fig.14 is shown in use by Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the force generated by the airflow of the attachment;

[0068] Fig.15 is shown by moving relative to a strand of hair Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the forces generated by the attachment of the brush, where the bristles are Fig.12 and 13 2nd position;

[0069] Fig.16 is used for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a first alternative cartridge of an accessory;

[0070] Fig.17 is used for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a second alternative cartridge of the accessory;

[0071] Fig.18 It is shown for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of multiple rows of connected bristles of an attachment;

[0072] Fig.19 is used for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a third alternative cartridge of the accessory;

[0073] Fig. 20 is used for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a fourth alternative cartridge of the accessory;

[0074] Fig.21 is with Figure 1 Schematic diagram of another embodiment of an accessory for use with a hair care appliance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] Figure 1 A hair care appliance 10 according to the invention is schematically shown.

[0076] The hair care appliance 10 includes a handle unit 12 and an attachment 14 .

[0077] The handle unit 12 is Figure 2 The invention is schematically shown separately in FIG. 1 and includes a handle portion 16 , a head portion 18 , an airflow generator 20 and a heater 22 .

[0078] The handle portion 16 is generally cylindrical and hollow in form and houses the air flow generator 20. The handle portion 16 has a plurality of air inlets 24 in the form of perforations at a first end 26 of the handle portion 16.

[0079] The head portion 18 is generally cylindrical and hollow in form and is disposed at the second end 27 of the handle portion 16, with the central axis of the head portion 18 being orthogonal to the central axis of the handle portion 16, so that the handle unit 12 is generally T-shaped. The head portion 18 accommodates the heater 22. The head portion 18 includes a hole 28 through which air is entrained and an air outlet 30. The air outlet 30 is generally annular around the periphery of the hole 28. The head portion 18 also includes an annular magnet (not shown) for releasably connecting the handle unit 12 to the attachment 14. The annular magnet extends annularly around the air outlet 30.

[0080] Annex 14 is Figure 3 The accessory 14 includes an inlet body 32 , an upper wall 34 , a barrel 36 , first and second end caps 38 , 40 , and a plug 42 .

[0081] The inlet body 32 is Figure 4 and 5 The inlet body 32 includes a conical body 44 and a first annular member 50 and a second annular member 52 .

[0082] The cone 44 is generally conical, hollow, and open at the downstream end. The cone 44 serves as a plenum to receive airflow from the handle unit 12 in use. A lower wall 56 and an upper wall 58 extend forward from the open end of the cone 44. The lower wall 56 of the cone 44 extends further forward than the upper wall 58 of the cone 44, and the lower wall 56 defines the radial inner wall of the air outlet 54 of the attachment 14. The air outlet 54 is located at Fig.11 and 13The upstream end of the cone 44, i.e., the end closer to the handle unit 12 when the accessory 14 is attached to the handle unit 12 in use, is generally open. Collectively, the open upstream end of the cone 44 and the plug 42 define an air inlet 60 of the accessory, which is generally annular. A plurality of magnets (not shown) are arranged in an annular shape around the air inlet 60.

[0083] The first and second annular members 50, 52 are disposed on either side of the lower and upper walls 56, 58 and include a generally annular body 62 defining a through hole 64. The through hole 64 is shaped and sized to receive the radially inner annular protrusion 86 of the respective first and second end caps 38, 40. Each of the first and second annular members 50, 52 includes a respective ball plug 66 that may function as a plug of a retaining mechanism, as will be described in more detail below.

[0084] Upper wall 34 Figure 6 4. The upper wall 34 is shaped and dimensioned to be located at the top of the inlet body 32, and in particular at the top of the cone 44 and the associated upper wall 58 of the cone 44. The upper wall 34 defines the radially outer wall of the air outlet 54 of the attachment 14. The curvature of the upper wall 34 is such that the curvature increases towards the air outlet 54. The shapes of the upper wall 34 and the lower wall 56 of the cone 44 together give the air outlet 54 a generally trough-like shape. The air outlet 54 includes a 140 mm 2 Up to 450mm 2 Open cross-sectional area within the range, for example 280mm 2 Up to 350mm 2 The air outlet comprises a width in the range of 70 mm to 90 mm, for example in the range of 75 mm to 85 mm. The air outlet comprises a height in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm.

[0085] The lower surface of the upper wall 34 includes a plurality of protrusions 70 which extend into the flow path in the area of ​​the air outlet 54 when the upper wall 34 is mounted to the inlet body 32. Such protrusions 70 act as flow guides in the area of ​​the air outlet 54. Figure 6 Only one protrusion 70 is visible.

[0086] Tube 36 Figure 7 7, includes a cylindrical body 72, a bristle bed 74, a ramp 76, and a snap-fit ​​recess 78. The cylindrical body 72 is generally cylindrical and defines a substantially smooth and uninterrupted surface over most of its circumference. When the accessory 14 is assembled, the cylindrical body 72 defines a curved surface downstream of the air outlet 54 of the accessory 14. The diameter of the cylindrical body 72 substantially corresponds to the diameter of the through-hole 64 of the first annular member 50 and the second annular member 52.

[0087] The bristle bed 74 is overmolded onto the cylindrical body 72 and includes a plurality of upright bristles 80. The ramp 76 is positioned adjacent to the bristle bed 76 so that when the accessory is assembled, the ramp 76 is located upstream of the plurality of bristles 80. The ramp 76 is generally triangular in cross-sectional shape and is positioned so as to present a flat surface in the upstream direction (i.e., the direction facing the air outlet 54 of the accessory 14 when the accessory 14 is assembled). The ramp 76 may be integrally formed with the cylindrical body 72 or may be a separate component attached to the cylindrical body 72. The width of the ramp 76 substantially corresponds to the width of the bristle bed 74.

[0088] The snap fit recesses 78 are disposed toward the outer edge of the cylindrical body 72 and are spaced apart around the circumference of the cylindrical body 78. The snap fit recesses 78 are shaped and sized to receive corresponding snap fit protrusions 88 of the first and second end caps 38, 40. The snap fit recesses 78 are positioned so that they are not located within the airflow from the accessory 14 when the accessory 14 is in use.

[0089] The first end cap 38 is Figure 8 It will be appreciated that the second end cap 40 comprises substantially the same form as the first end cap 38 and therefore will not be described herein for the sake of brevity.

[0090] The first end cap 38 includes a circular base 82, and a radially outer annular protrusion 84 and a radially inner annular protrusion 86 extending from the circular base 82. The spacing between the radially outer annular protrusion 84 and the radially inner annular protrusion 86 and the depth of the radially outer annular protrusion 84 and the radially inner annular protrusion 86 enable the first end cap 38 to cover the first annular member 50, wherein the radially inner annular protrusion 86 extends through the through hole 64 of the first annular member 50, and the first end cap 38 is rotatable relative to the first annular member 50.

[0091] The radially inner annular projection 86 includes a plurality of snap-fit ​​projections 88 that are shaped and dimensioned to engage corresponding snap-fit ​​recesses 78 of the barrel 36 .

[0092] The inner facing surface of the circular base 82 includes a first pair of inclined protrusions 92 and a second pair of inclined protrusions (not shown), each pair of inclined protrusions including a notch 96 located between the respective inclined protrusions. The notch 96 is shaped and sized to receive the ball plunger 66 of the first annular member 50 so that the first end cap 38 can be maintained in one of two rotational positions relative to the first annular member 50. The outer surface 98 of the radially outer protrusion defines a grippable surface by which a user can grip the first end cap 38 and rotate the first end cap 38 relative to the first annular member 50 between the two rotational positions.

[0093] Plug 42 in Fig. 91 and includes a first plug portion 102 and a second plug portion 104. The first plug portion 102 is duckbill-shaped and is sized to be substantially located within the conical body 44 of the inlet body 32. The first plug portion 102 and the conical body 44 together define the air inlet 60 of the accessory, as previously described. The first plug portion 102, and in particular the duckbill region of the first plug portion 102, serves as a flow guide for the air entering the air inlet 60. The second plug portion 104 is generally cylindrical, although having an annular channel 106 for accommodating an O-ring (not shown). When the accessory is assembled, the second plug portion 104 extends rearwardly from the accessory 14 in an upstream direction. When the accessory 14 is attached to the handle unit 12, the shape and size of the second plug portion 104 are suitable for fitting within the hole 28 of the head portion 18 of the handle unit 12. The second plug portion 104 has a length of about 38 mm, although a length of at least 20 mm is contemplated.

[0094] To assemble the accessory 14, the upper wall 34 is ultrasonically welded to the inlet body 32. The first plug portion 102 and the second plug portion 104 are secured together via screws and attached to the inlet body 32 via two screws received in screw bosses formed on the inlet body 32. The cartridge 36 is located between the first and second annular members 50, 52 of the inlet body 32, and the first and second end caps 38, 40 are aligned with the cartridge 36 and the respective first and second annular members 50, 52 before the snap-fit ​​protrusions 88 of the first and second end caps 38, 40 engage with the respective snap-fit ​​recesses 78 of the cartridge 36. Thus, the cartridge 36 is retained between the first and second annular members 50, 52, with the cartridge 36 being located downstream of the air outlet 54 of the accessory 14. The recesses 96 of the first and second end caps 38, 40 receive the ball plungers 66 of the respective first and second annular members 50, 52, so that the first and second end caps 38, 40, and therefore the cartridge 36, can be maintained in one of two rotational positions relative to the first and second annular members 50, 52.

[0095] In particular, users of Annex 14 may Fig.10 and 11 The schematic diagram shows the first position and Fig.12 and 13 The second position is schematically shown with the drum 36 rotating.

[0096] exist Fig.10 and 11 In the first position, the substantially smooth and uninterrupted surface of the cylindrical body 72 is located near and downstream of the air outlet 54 of the attachment 14. The plurality of bristles 80 are located more than 90° from the air outlet 54, and the ramp 76 is located upstream of the plurality of bristles. It is also contemplated that the angular position of the bristles 80 relative to the air outlet 54 is between 30° and 120°.

[0097] exist Fig.12 and 13 In the second position, the ramp 76 engages the lower wall 56 of the inlet body 32 and the plurality of bristles 80 are located near the air outlet 54, although spaced apart from the air outlet 54. In other words, the plurality of bristles 80 are located near the air outlet 54. Fig.12 and 13 The second position is higher than their Fig.10 and 11 The first position is closer to the air outlet 54.

[0098] In use, the accessory 14 is attached to the handle unit 12 via corresponding magnets, and as previously described, the second plug portion 104 extends into the aperture 28 of the head portion 18 of the handle unit 12. The airflow generator 20 generates an airflow from the air inlet 24 to the air outlet 30 of the handle unit, and the heater 22 is optionally used to heat the generated airflow.

[0099] The airflow enters the accessory via the air inlet 60 and is directed to the air outlet 54 by the first plug part 102. The plurality of protrusions 70 of the upper wall 34 extend into the flow path in the area of ​​the air outlet 54 and act as flow guides in the area of ​​the air outlet 54 to distribute the airflow over the width of the air outlet 54. The airflow generator 20 is configured to generate an airflow in the range of 8 L / s to 14 L / s, and this, combined with the form of the air outlet 54, results in an airflow at the air outlet having a velocity in the range of 30 m / s to 45 m / s.

[0100] When the barrel 36 and therefore the plurality of bristles 80 are in Fig.10 and 11 In the first position of the attachment 14, the substantially smooth and uninterrupted surface of the cylindrical body 72 defines a curved surface located near and downstream of the air outlet 54. The airflow exiting the air outlet 54 flows over the curved surface and adheres to the curved surface via the Coanda effect. When a tress of hair is brought near the attachment 14, the long hairs in the tress are attracted to the curved surface and at least partially entangled thereon due to the negative pressure area generated by the airflow on the curved surface. However, the pressure gradient across the tress also generates a force that causes some of the airflow to pass directly through the tress. Due to the position of the force relative to the curved surface and the rest of the tress, the shorter hairs are only loosely held at this point compared to the longer hairs that are held in place on the curved surface. The shorter hairs are blown through the tress toward the user's head, while the longer hairs are held in place outside the tress, i.e., the portion of the tress facing away from the user's head. This provides a smooth finish to the hair after interaction with the hair care device 10.

[0101] Fig.14 The above-mentioned forces are shown schematically.

[0102] The ramp 76 causes the airflow to separate from the curved surface before it reaches the bristles 80, although it will be appreciated that in practice some of the airflow may contact at least the initial row of bristles. Other embodiments that omit the ramp 76 are also contemplated, and in these embodiments, the bristles 80 may similarly cause the airflow to separate from the curved surface. Either way, the airflow separates from the curved surface before it is directed to the hand of a user grasping the handle portion 16 of the hair care appliance, which may be particularly beneficial in the case where the airflow is heated.

[0103] If the user instead wishes to style their hair using the bristles 80, the user can grasp one of the first end cap 38 and the second end cap 40 and rotate the barrel 36 and thus the plurality of bristles 80 to the desired position via rotation of the end caps 38, 40. Fig.12 and 13 The second position shown. In such a position, the ramp 76 contacts the lower wall 56 of the air outlet, and the bristles 80 are located closer to the air outlet 54, with most (if not all) of the bristles 80 exposed to the airflow from the air outlet 54. The bristles 80 can then be used, for example, to comb the user's hair while also drying the user's hair via the heated airflow. It should be understood that since the bristles 80 are also disposed on the curved surface, when the bristles 80 are in the second position, the airflow can still adhere to the curved surface and the airflow can be attracted toward the roots of the bristles 80 in the aforementioned manner. However, the bristles 80 may cause this attraction to be lower than, for example, the attraction experienced in the aforementioned first position. This force can be optimized by, for example, modifying the angle of attack of the air outlet 54 relative to the curved surface, and in some examples an angle of attack of 70° has been found to be beneficial.

[0104] Of course, it should be understood that a user may wish to use the hair care appliance 10 in the reverse order as described above, such as initially combing and / or drying their hair using an attachment having bristles 80 in the second position before switching the bristles to the first position to subsequently achieve a smooth finish.

[0105] When the user drags the bristles 80 through a strand of hair, the combined force may cause the attachment 14 to pivot relative to the handle unit 12, and given that the strength of the magnetic attachment between the attachment 14 and the handle unit 12 needs to be relatively small in order to be easily removed by the user, such a force may cause the attachment 14 to accidentally detach from the handle unit 12. However, when the second plug portion 104 is extended into the hole 28, in particular to an extent of 38 mm, the second plug portion 104 may contact the wall of the hole 28 so that only minimal pivoting of the attachment 14 relative to an axis in the plane of the air inlet 60 of the attachment 14 is allowed. This may inhibit the attachment 14 from accidentally detaching from the handle unit 12. Furthermore, the nature of the magnetic fixation of the attachment 14 to the handle unit 12 and the interaction of the second plug portion 104 with the hole 28 may enable the attachment 14 to rotate relative to the handle unit 12 about an axis orthogonal to the plane of the air inlet 60 of the attachment 14. This provides flexibility in the rotational orientation of the attachment 14 relative to the handle unit 12, while providing a reduced risk of inhibiting the attachment 14 from accidentally detaching from the handle unit 12 as described above. Fig.15 The above situation is schematically shown.

[0106] As described above, when the bristles 80 are in the second position, the airflow can still adhere to the curved surface and can be attracted toward the roots of the bristles 80 in the aforementioned manner. However, the bristles 80 may cause this attraction to be lower than that experienced, for example, in the aforementioned first position.

[0107] Fig.16 A second embodiment of a cartridge 200 that facilitates increased attraction when the bristles 80 are in the second position is schematically illustrated, wherein like reference numerals are used for clarity.

[0108] Here, the cylindrical body 202 of the cartridge 200 includes a region 204 of increased cross-sectional thickness relative to the remainder of the cylindrical body, and the bristles 80 are disposed in the region 204 of increased cross-sectional thickness. The region 204 of increased cross-sectional thickness gradually increases in thickness and then drops sharply to the thickness of the remainder of the cylindrical body 202. Assuming that each bristle 80 has the same length, this results in the bristles 80 further downstream being located at a slightly increased radial distance relative to those bristles 80 located upstream. This can provide an enhanced Coanda effect on the curved surface on which the bristles 80 are disposed at the second position.

[0109] Fig.17 A third embodiment of a cartridge 300 that facilitates increased attraction when the bristles 80 are in the second position is schematically illustrated, wherein like reference numerals are used for clarity.

[0110] Here, the cylindrical body 302 of the cartridge 300 includes a first slot 304 and a second slot 306 formed on either side of the bristles 80, the first slot 304 and the second slot 306 forming a second airflow path, such as a vent, behind the bristles 80. The presence of the second airflow path can encourage the airflow flowing through the bristles 80 to remain attached to the curved surface on which the bristles are disposed, such as by entraining the airflow through the bristles with the help of airflow from the second airflow path emerging downstream of the bristles 80.

[0111] When the bristles 80 are in the second position, the bristles 80 are closer to the air outlet 54 than in the first position and are more exposed to the airflow from the air outlet 54. However, this may increase the noise level by increasing the interaction of the bristles 80 with the airflow. Fig.18 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the individual rows of bristles 80 are connected, which has been found to reduce the noise level associated with the attachment 14. Fig.18 As shown, only the first row of bristles 400 and the second row of bristles 402 are connected by connecting member 406, although it will be appreciated that embodiments are also contemplated in which more rows of bristles 80 are connected. Embodiments are also contemplated in which only certain columns of bristles within a row are connected.

[0112] In the previously described embodiment, movement of the bristles 80 between the first and second positions is achieved by rotation of the barrel 36 between its first and second positions. Other mechanisms for increasing exposure of the bristles 80 to the air flow from the air outlet are also contemplated.

[0113] exist Fig.19 In the example of , the same reference numerals are used for clarity, and the bristles 80 are formed as part of a removable bristle bed 500, which includes an attachment feature 502 in the form of a magnet for attaching to a corresponding attachment feature 504 formed on the curved surface of the barrel 36 or on the first and second annular members 50, 52. It should be understood that in such an embodiment, the barrel 36 does not need to be rotatable. Here, the user can selectively attach the removable bristle bed 500 to achieve the functionality described above, and when removed from the accessory 14, the bristles 80 are not located in the airflow from the air outlet 54, but when attached to the accessory 14, the bristles 80 are located in the airflow from the air outlet 54 and are therefore more exposed to it.

[0114] exist Fig. 20In the example of , the bristles 80 can be retracted relative to the barrel by movement of a slider 600 located on the outwardly facing surface of the second annular member 54. As described above, it will be understood that in such an embodiment, the barrel 36 does not need to be rotatable. Here, the user can selectively retract the bristles 80 by moving the slider 600 to achieve the functions previously described herein, wherein when retracted, the bristles 80 are not located in the airflow from the air outlet 54, but when deployed, the bristles 80 are located in the airflow from the air outlet 54 and are therefore more exposed to it.

[0115] Fig.21 Another embodiment of an accessory 700 according to the present invention is schematically shown. The accessory 700 is basically the same as Figure 3 The accessory 14 is the same as the accessory 14, except that there is a switching member 702 for guiding the air flow away from the air outlet 54. The switching member 702 can be switched between a first switch position and a second switch position (such as Fig.21 Here, the switching member 702 includes a pivotable portion of the upper wall 34, and in some examples, a switch or dial may be provided to move the switching member 702 between the first and second positions.

[0116] In the first switch position, the airflow leaving the air outlet 54 passes between the first side of the switching member 702 and the curved surface and adheres to the curved surface. In the second switch position, the airflow leaving the air outlet 54 passes through the opposite second side of the switching member 702 and is directed away from the curved surface.

[0117] Thus, the attachment 700 has three modes of operation, one when the switching member 702 is in its second position and the airflow is directed away from the curved surface, one when the switching member 702 is in its first position and the bristles 80 are in their first position, and one when the switching member 702 is in its first position and the bristles 80 are in their second position. Providing multiple functions in a single attachment can provide increased flexibility compared to, for example, an arrangement where the user must switch between attachments to provide the same functionality.

[0118] In each example herein, bristles 80 are provided that are movable between a first and a second position relative to the air outlet 54, wherein movement of the bristles 80 from the first position to the second position increases exposure of the bristles 80 to airflow from the air outlet 54, providing the accessory 14 with increased styling flexibility compared to, for example, an arrangement in which the bristles are omitted.

[0119] Although embodiments with releasable attachments are described herein, embodiments are also envisioned in which, rather than the hair care appliance comprising a handle unit and attachments, the hair care appliance is a single-piece unit, for example in the form of a combined handle unit and attachment as described above.

Claims

1. An attachment for a hair care appliance, the attachment comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet, and a plurality of bristles, wherein the attachment is configured so that in use an airflow exiting the air outlet generates a first force that attracts hair toward the curved surface and a second force that pushes hair away from the curved surface, the plurality of bristles being movable between a first position relative to the air outlet and a second position relative to the air outlet, the second position being different from the first position, and movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position increases exposure of the plurality of bristles to the airflow from the air outlet.

2. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of bristles are embedded in a bristle bed, and movement of the bristle bed between the first position and the second position causes the plurality of bristles to move between the first and second positions.

3. An accessory according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Moving the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position increases the number of the plurality of bristles exposed to airflow from the air outlet.

4. An accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: At least one of the plurality of bristles is exposed to air flow from the air outlet in the first position.

5. An accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The plurality of bristles are closer to the air outlet in the second position than in the first position.

6. An accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: At least some of the plurality of bristles are configured to separate an airflow from the curved surface in the first position.

7. An accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The plurality of bristles are rotatable about a common rotation point to move between the first and second positions.

8. The accessory according to claim 7, wherein: The attachment includes a user-actuable mechanism to rotate the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions.

9. An accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The attachment includes a retaining mechanism for retaining the plurality of bristles in one of the first position and a second position.

10. An accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The curved surface includes an annular surface, the plurality of bristles are disposed on the curved surface, and rotation of the curved surface relative to the air outlet moves the plurality of bristles between the first and second positions.

11. The accessory according to claim 10, wherein: When the plurality of bristles is in the first position, the curved surface is substantially smooth between the air outlet and the plurality of bristles.

12. An accessory according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The plurality of bristles are arranged on the curved surface such that a radial distance of bristles closest to the air outlet at the second position is smaller than a radial distance of bristles farthest from the air outlet at the second position.

13. An accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The accessory includes a contact member configured to contact the hair care appliance when the accessory is attached to the hair care appliance to inhibit rotation of the accessory relative to the hair care appliance about an axis in the plane of the air inlet.

14. The accessory of claim 13, wherein: The contact member is configured to contact the hair care appliance when the accessory is attached to the hair care appliance, thereby enabling the accessory to rotate relative to the hair care appliance about a further axis orthogonal to a plane of the air inlet.

15. An accessory as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein The contact member comprises a plug which extends into a hole of the hair care appliance when the accessory is attached to the hair care appliance.

16. An accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: When in the second position, a first airflow path is defined along a first side of the plurality of bristles and a second airflow path is defined along a second side of the plurality of bristles.

17. An accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The air outlet is defined by radially inner and outer walls, and the radially outer wall comprises a radius of curvature that decreases towards the air outlet.

18. An accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The air outlet comprises a flow guide for distributing an air flow along the air outlet.

19. An accessory as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The plurality of bristles are positioned in a first row and a second row, and at least some of the bristles in the first row are connected to at least some of the bristles in the second row by a connecting member.

20. A hair care appliance comprising an attachment as claimed in any preceding claim.

21. A hair care appliance comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, an air flow generator for generating an air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet, a curved surface adjacent to the air outlet and located downstream of the air outlet, and a plurality of bristles, wherein the hair care appliance is configured so that during use the air flow leaving the air outlet generates a first force that attracts hair toward the curved surface and a second force that pushes hair away from the curved surface, the plurality of bristles being movable between a first position relative to the air outlet and a second position relative to the air outlet, the second position being different from the first position, and movement of the plurality of bristles from the first position to the second position increases exposure of the plurality of bristles to the air flow from the air outlet.

Images