Hair care appliance with visual indicator device

Abstract

A hair care appliance includes a body having a central bore and an annular outlet configured to discharge an airflow. The hair care appliance includes a visual indicator device located within the aperture and configured to visually indicate information related to the hair care appliance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair care appliance including a visual indicator device. Background Art

[0002] The hair care appliance may include one or more visual indicator devices to indicate information related to the hair care appliance, such as the operating status of the hair care appliance. However, incorporating visual indicator devices into hair care appliances may present challenges. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a hair care appliance comprising: a body having a central aperture and an annular outlet configured to discharge a flow of air; and a visual indicator device located in the aperture and configured to visually indicate information related to the hair care appliance.

[0004] The visual indicator device allows information related to the hair care appliance to be provided to the user, such as the operating state of the hair care appliance and / or properties sensed by the hair care appliance. Therefore, the visual indicator device can allow an improved user interface of the appliance. The visual indicator device located within the aperture can allow the visual indicator device to be incorporated into the hair care appliance (a) without requiring significant modifications to the packaging of the body of the hair care appliance itself and / or increasing the overall size of the hair care appliance, which can be cost-effective; and (b) without negatively affecting or impacting the exhaust airflow. Therefore, an improved hair care appliance can be provided. Alternatively or additionally, positioning the visual indicator device within the aperture can allow the visual indicator device to be relatively physically isolated from other components located in the body (such as a heater), which can reduce heat transfer and / or other interference from these components.

[0005] Optionally, the visual indicator means is configured to illuminate at least a portion of a surface defining the aperture to visually indicate information.

[0006] Illuminating at least a portion of the surface defining the aperture may allow the visual indication to be provided over a larger area of ​​the appliance and / or allow the visual indication to be seen from a wide range of angles or viewing angles. This may increase the effectiveness of the visual indication, thereby improving the user appliance interface.

[0007] Optionally, the visual indicator means is configured such that at least a portion of the illuminated surface spans an inner perimeter of the surface.

[0008] The illuminated portion of the hole across the inner perimeter of the surface can further increase the angle or viewing angle at which the visual indication is visible. For example, this can produce a circle of illuminated surface that can be seen from a wide range of angles and viewing angles. This can increase the effectiveness of the visual indication, thereby improving the user appliance interface.

[0009] Optionally, the visual indicator device comprises a light source and an optical element configured to direct light from the light source onto at least a portion of the surface.

[0010] The use of an optical element configured to direct light from a light source onto a surface can allow visual indication to be provided via the surface in an efficient manner, for example across the inner perimeter of the surface. For example, this can be compared to the use of multiple light sources, each illuminating a respective different portion of the surface. Efficient operation of the hair care appliance can therefore be provided. In an example, the optical element may include one or more of a reflective element (such as a mirror), a diffusing element (such as a frosted transparent material (e.g., frosted plastic)), a lens element (such as a lens), and a dispersive element (such as a prism).

[0011] Optionally, the optical element comprises a diffusing element configured to diffuse light from the light source onto at least a portion of the surface.

[0012] Using diffuse optics (such as frosted transparent materials such as frosted plastic) allows the light to be evenly distributed over a relatively large surface area. This effectively maximizes the illuminated area.

[0013] Optionally, the visual indicator arrangement comprises a component configured to block or redirect a central portion of the light emitted by the light source.

[0014] The central portion of the light emitted by the light source, such as the light emitted along the optical axis of the light source such as an LED, can be particularly bright. This may be uncomfortable for the user to look directly at. Blocking or redirecting the central portion while directing the light to the surface can provide a visual indication that is comfortable for the user to view from any angle. Alternatively or additionally, blocking or redirecting the central portion can allow the visual indication to be provided by relatively uniform illumination, and thus allow the visual indication to be provided consistently over a wide range of angles and viewing angles. In some examples, the component may include an opaque component configured to block the central portion of the light emitted by the light source. In some examples, the component may include a component such as a reflective component, which is configured to redirect the central portion of the light emitted by the light source. In some examples, an optical element configured to direct the light from the light source to at least a portion of the surface can also be configured to redirect the central portion of the light emitted by the light source. For example, an optical element (e.g., a reflective component) can redirect the central portion of the light to at least a portion of the surface.

[0015] Optionally, at least a portion of the illuminated surface is reflective.

[0016] At least a portion of the illuminated surface is reflective, which can further increase the perceived illumination of the surface, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the visual indication. Alternatively or additionally, for a given visual indication effectiveness, the reflective surface can allow the illumination intensity (and therefore the power consumed by the light source) to be reduced. This can provide an efficient hair care appliance. For example, the surface can be configured to have specular or diffuse reflection. Diffuse reflection can provide visual indications that are visible from a wide range of angles or viewing angles, thereby improving the appliance user interface. For example, the reflective surface can include one or more parts of the body, including surfaces made of reflective material; surfaces provided by a reflective coating on the body; and surfaces treated to be reflective. For example, a metal powder can be mixed into a paint applied to the surface, or mixed into a material used to injection mold the body or its parts, to provide a reflective surface.

[0017] Optionally, the visual indicator means is located on the central axis of the bore.

[0018] This allows the visual indicator device to be viewed equally from any of a variety of angles or viewing angles. This may also help provide uniform illumination of the surface defining the aperture, thereby achieving a more consistent visual indication. This may also allow the visual indicator device to be relatively physically isolated from other components of the hair care appliance, such as a heater. This may help prevent the visual indicator device from overheating. This may also help reduce the likelihood of hot spots forming on specific portions of the visual indicator device, thereby helping to prevent the visual indicator device from overheating.

[0019] Optionally, the visual indicator means is configured to provide a visual indication in a direction opposite to the direction in which the air flow is discharged.

[0020] This may allow the user to view the visual indication without directing the exhaust airflow towards the user. This may improve the comfort and convenience of use of the hair care appliance. In an example, alternatively or additionally, the visual indication device may be configured to provide a visual indication in the same direction as the exhaust airflow.

[0021] Optionally, the visual indication comprises one or more of colour, intensity and modulation of light emitted by the visual indication means.

[0022] This may allow different operating states and / or different combinations of sensed attributes to be visually indicated, but using a relatively simple visual indication device, such as a single light source. For example, the visual indicator device may emit light when a user activates a sensor-based control function (e.g., via a control interface). The intensity of the light may indicate the current flow level, and the color of the light may indicate the current heat level. When hair is detected, the color and / or intensity of the light emitted by the visual indicator device may change, which may also correspond to a change in the operating state of the hair care appliance, such as changing to a higher airflow and heat setting. A steady intensity may indicate that the hair care appliance is in full performance mode, while a pulsed or modulated intensity may indicate that the hair care appliance is in idle mode.

[0023] Optionally, the visual indicator means comprises light emitting diodes to provide the visual indication.

[0024] Light emitting diodes (LEDs) can provide a relatively simple and relatively low power method to provide visual indications. For example, LEDs can be "red-green-blue-white" (RGBW) LEDs that can be controlled to emit a wide range of colors, intensities, and modulated light.

[0025] Optionally, the information relating to the hair care appliance comprises information relating to a sensor of the hair care appliance, wherein the visual indicator means is provided in a portion of the hair care appliance comprising the sensor.

[0026] This may provide an intuitive and thus improved user interface of the appliance. For example, the sensor and visual indicator means may be provided by a common portion of the hair care appliance, such as a housing or capsule located within the aperture. In this way, the visual indicator may be visually associated with the sensor portion. Thus, information associated with the sensor may be visually associated with the sensor portion. In an example, the information associated with the sensor may be one or more of an operating state and a sensed attribute of the sensor. In an example, the sensed attribute may be a property of the hair to which the hair care appliance is applied. Furthermore, positioning the sensor in the portion located within the aperture may allow the sensor to be relatively physically isolated from the rest of the hair care appliance, which in turn may reduce heat transfer or other interference, thereby improving sensor function.

[0027] Optionally, the information related to the hair care appliance includes an operating status of the hair care appliance.

[0028] Indicating the operational state of the hair care appliance allows the user to visually determine the current operational state of the hair care appliance. This in turn may provide an improved user interface for the appliance. For example, this may allow the user to visually confirm that the hair care appliance is in a particular state, such as the state that the user believes they have controlled the hair care appliance to be in. For another example, by understanding the current operational state of the hair care appliance, the user may better decide how to control the hair care appliance to be in a desired operational state. For example, if the visual indication conveys that the hair care appliance is in a "low airflow level" state, and the user desires an increase in the airflow level, the user may easily realize that this may be achieved by controlling the hair care appliance to be in a "high airflow level" state. In addition, the operational state of the hair care appliance provided by the visual indication device may reduce or eliminate the need to communicate this information in other ways, such as by other indicators or by a dial. This in turn may provide a more efficient interface and / or free up packaging volume within the hair care appliance that may otherwise be occupied by other indicators or dials. In an example, the operating states may include one or more of: a 'sensor activated' state; a heater level or setting; an airflow level or setting; an activity or performance state; an idle or sleep state; a 'hair detected' state; and an error or fault or maintenance state.

[0029] Optionally, the information associated with the hair care appliance comprises a property sensed by the hair care appliance.

[0030] Indicating the properties sensed by the hair care appliance may allow a user to easily visually understand the properties sensed by the hair care appliance. For example, this may inform the user how the hair care appliance should be moved or controlled in order to obtain a desired result. For example, the hair care appliance may include one or more sensors configured to sense properties of the hair care appliance itself. For example, the property of the hair care appliance may be its movement or orientation, such as determined using an accelerometer. As another example, the hair care appliance may include one or more sensors configured to sense properties of the hair (or another target) to which it is applied. For example, the property may include one or more of the presence of hair, the distance of the hair from the hair care appliance, the temperature of the hair, and the moisture level of the hair.

[0031] Optionally, the visual indication means is configured to change the visual indication in response to a change in the operating state and / or the sensed property.

[0032] This may allow a variety of operating states and / or sensed properties to be visually indicated. This may improve the functionality of the user appliance interface. In an example, the change in the visual indication comprises a change in one or more of the color, intensity and modulation of the light emitted by the visual indication means.

[0033] Optionally, the visual indicator means is housed in a capsule connected to the body by a support member.

[0034] This arrangement can minimize heat transfer from the body to the capsule and thus to the visual indicator device. For example, the capsule can be connected to the body by a single rib, which can minimize the heat transferred from the body to the capsule and thus to the visual indicator device. This in turn helps prevent overheating of the visual indicator, which in turn can extend the useful life of the visual indicator device (e.g., LED).

[0035] Optionally, the capsule also houses a sensor arrangement.

[0036] For example, the sensor arrangement can be configured to sense properties, such as properties of hair proximate to the hair care appliance and / or properties of the hair care appliance itself. Including the visual indicator device in a capsule that also houses the sensor arrangement can allow the sensor arrangement and visual indicator device to be incorporated into the hair care appliance without significantly modifying the packaging of the hair care appliance and / or increasing the overall size of the hair care appliance, which can be cost-effective. In addition, this can allow heat and / or other interference sensitive devices to be contained in the capsule together and thus relatively physically isolated from the body of the hair care appliance. This, in turn, can reduce the heat or other protection that would otherwise be required for the sensor arrangement and visual indicator, and / or allow sensors or visual indicators that have been damaged or negatively affected by heat or other interference to continue to be used.

[0037] Optionally, the capsule is elongated in a direction parallel to the exhaust airflow.

[0038] This may reduce disturbance of the secondary air flow drawn through the aperture as the air is exhausted from the annular outlet. This may improve the operation of the hair care appliance.

[0039] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hair care appliance comprising: a body having a central aperture and an annular outlet configured to discharge an air flow; and a visual indicator device configured to illuminate at least a portion of a surface defining the aperture to visually indicate information related to the hair care appliance.

[0040] The visual indicator device allows information related to the hair care appliance to be provided to the user, such as the operating state of the hair care appliance and / or the properties sensed by the hair care appliance. Therefore, the visual indicator device can allow an improved user appliance interface. Illuminating at least a portion of the surface defining the aperture can allow the visual indication to be provided over a larger area of ​​the appliance and / or allow the visual indication to be seen from a wide range of angles or viewing angles. This can increase the effectiveness of the visual indication, thereby improving the user appliance interface. In some examples, the visual indicator device is located within the aperture. For example, light can be directed from a light source onto the surface, thereby illuminating the surface. In other examples, the body portion having at least a portion of the surface defining the aperture can be transparent, and the visual indicator device can be located in the body. For example, the visual indicator device can backlight a portion of the body, thereby illuminating the surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Further features and advantages will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a perspective view of a hair care appliance according to an example;

[0043] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a rear view of an example hair care appliance;

[0044] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a partial front view of an example hair care appliance;

[0045] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side cross-sectional view of an example hair care appliance;

[0046] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a perspective view of an example hair care appliance;

[0047] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a detail of a side cross-sectional view of;

[0048] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a side cross-sectional view of a visual indicator device according to another example; and

[0049] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a perspective view of a hair care appliance according to still another example.

[0050] As used herein, like reference symbols denote like features. The axes x, y, z shown in each figure correspond in the various figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] refer to Figures 1 to 6, shows a hair care appliance 102 according to an example. In general, the hair care appliance 102 includes a body 104 having a central hole 334 and an annular outlet 108 configured to discharge an airflow 109. The hair care appliance 102 also includes a visual indicator device 367 located in the hole 334, which is configured to visually indicate information related to the hair care appliance 102.

[0052] Positioning the visual indicator device 367 within the aperture 334 may allow the visual indicator device 367 to be incorporated into the hair care appliance 102 without (a) significantly modifying the packaging of the body 104 of the hair care appliance 102 itself and / or increasing the overall size of the hair care appliance, which may be cost effective; and (b) without negatively affecting or impacting the exhaust airflow 109. As is known in hair dryers themselves, the exhaust airflow 109 may be heated. Thus, alternatively or additionally, positioning the visual indicator device 367 within the aperture 334 may allow the visual indicator device 367 to be away from the heated airflow 109 or other components (such as the heater 330 of the hair care appliance 102) that may otherwise interfere with or degrade the performance of the visual indicator device 367. This, in turn, may reduce the thermal or other protection required of the visual indicator device 367, and / or allow the visual indicator device 367 to be used even though it may be damaged or otherwise negatively affected by heat or other interference.

[0053] exist Figures 1 to 6 In the example shown, the visual indicator device 367 includes a light source 660, such as a light emitting diode (LED). The light 668 emitted by the light source 660 is a means of visually indicating information related to the hair care appliance 102 to, for example, a user (not shown). Thus, the visual indicator device 367 allows the user to be provided with information related to the hair care appliance 102, such as an operating state of the hair care appliance 102 and / or a property sensed by the hair care appliance 102. For example, the visual indication may include one or more of a color, an intensity, and a modulation of the light 668 emitted by the visual indication device 367. This may allow different operating states and / or different combinations of sensed properties to be visually indicated, but using a relatively simple visual indication device 367, such as a single light source 660.

[0054] exist Figures 1 to 6 In the specific example shown, the hair care appliance 102 is a hair dryer. The body or main body 104 of the hair care appliance 102 includes a handle section 110 and a barrel section 106. The handle section 110 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a housing 337 that houses an airflow generator 332. The housing 337 includes an inlet 112, through which the airflow generator 332 draws airflow into the handle section 110, and an outlet 350, through which the airflow generator 332 discharges air into the barrel section 106. The airflow generator 332 may include, for example, a fan driven by an electric motor.

[0055] The barrel section 106 is also generally cylindrical in shape, but is shorter in length and wider in diameter than the handle section 112. The barrel section 106 is attached to one end of the handle section 110 and is oriented such that the longitudinal axes of the handle section 110 and the barrel section 106 are orthogonal. Thus, the body 104 is shaped similar to a mallet or a mallet.

[0056] The cylindrical section 106 includes a housing 301, which contains a heater 330 and a control module 315. The housing 301 includes an outer wall 301a and an inner wall 301b, which are generally concentric and define a chamber, specifically an annular chamber, in which the heater 330 and the control module 315 are contained. In this case, the heater 330 is generally annular. The housing 301 includes an inlet 351 and an annular outlet 108, through which the airflow from the handle section 110 enters the chamber, and the annular outlet is located at one end of the cylindrical section 104, and the airflow 109 is discharged through the annular outlet. The heater 330 is located between the inlet 351 and the outlet 108, and heats the airflow when powered. The inner wall 301b defines a hole 334 passing through the center of the cylindrical section 106. In this example, the inner wall 301b is generally annular in shape, and the central hole 334 defined thereby is generally cylindrical in shape. In this example, the central hole 334 extends along the axis A of the cylindrical section 106 of the body 104. In this example, the hole 334 is an open hole, that is, it completely passes through the body 104 and is open at both ends. For example, both ends of the hole 334 are not covered.

[0057] like Figure 2As best shown in FIG. 1 , the body 104 also includes user controls 222, 224, 226, 227, 228. The user controls 222, 224, 226, 227, 228 are disposed on both the handle section 110 and the barrel section 106 and include a first button 226 or slider for powering the appliance 102 on and off, a second button 228 for momentarily powering off the heater 330 so that the appliance 102 delivers cool air, a third button 222 for controlling the flow rate of the airflow, a fourth button 224 for controlling the temperature of the airflow, and a fifth button 227 for activating and deactivating sensor functions provided by the hair care appliance 102. The control module 315 can control the electrical components 332, 330, 361 in response to the user controls. For example, in response to input from user controls 222, 224, 226, 227, 228, the control module 315 can power on and off the airflow generator 332 and / or the heater 330. Additionally, the control module 315 can control the power or speed of the airflow generator 332 to change the flow rate of the airflow. For example, repeatedly pressing the third button 228 can cause the control module 315 to cycle through different flow rates (e.g., low, medium, and high). Similarly, the control module 315 can control the power of the heater 330 to change the temperature of the airflow. For example, repeatedly pressing the fourth button 224 can cause the control module 315 to cycle through different temperature settings (e.g., cold, warm, hot). Functionally activating the sensor via the fifth button 227 can cause the control module 315 to receive sensor data from the sensor arrangement 220 and control (e.g., automatically control) the flow rate and / or temperature setting based on the sensor data. For example, the sensor arrangement 220 can be configured to sense the proximity of the hair to the hair care appliance 102. The control module 315 can be configured to control the appliance 102 according to the "hair detected" state when the sensor data indicates that hair is within a given proximity to the hair care appliance. For example, this can include controlling the heater 330 to increase the heat setting and / or controlling the airflow generator 332 to increase the flow rate.

[0058] As described above, the outlet 108 is annular and is configured to discharge the airflow 109. The airflow is discharged in the form of an annular column 109. The annular outlet 108 can be continuous or discontinuous. For example, Figure 3 As best shown in , the hair care appliance 102 may include thin ribs 107 connecting the outer wall 301a and the inner wall 301b and spanning the annular outlet 108. In this case, the annular outlet 108 may be described as discontinuous, but it is still an annular outlet 108. In examples without such thin ribs 107, the annular outlet 108 may be described as continuous. The annular column 109 that exhausts the airflow may take different forms. For example, in some examples, the annular column 109 may take the general form of a hollow cylinder. However, other forms may also be used. For example, as Figure 4As best shown in , the side of the annular column 109 can be angled toward the central axis A of the cylindrical section 106 of the body 104. In this case, the annular column 109 can be said to take the form of a hollow truncated cone. In the example shown, the annular outlet 108 and therefore the annular column 109 that discharges the airflow are circular. For example, this can provide a uniform airflow, thereby providing uniform drying. The inner wall 301b is circular and therefore the hole 334 is cylindrical. However, in some examples (not shown), the annular outlet 108 and the annular column 109 and / or the inner wall 301b are not necessarily circular, for example, other shapes can be taken, such as any polygonal annular outlet (not shown) and / or any polygonal annular column (not shown) and / or any polygonal annular inner wall (not shown) defining a hole with any polygonal cross-section (not shown). Thus, it will be appreciated that the outlet 108 may be annular, i.e. the outlet is in the form of a (certainly shaped) ring or loop, having a central hole and / or a portion where the outlet 108 is not provided (in the example shown, the central hole and / or the portion where the outlet 108 is not provided is formed by the inner wall 310b and the hole 334). In fact, according to the example shown, the airflow generated by and within the hair care appliance 102 and to be discharged from the hair care appliance 102 may not be provided to or in the central hole or portion 310b, 334. Similarly, the discharged air column 109 may be annular, i.e. the discharged air column 109 has a central hole, in which the discharged airflow 109 is not present. In fact, according to the example shown, the airflow generated by and within the hair care appliance 102 and discharged from the hair care appliance 102 at the outlet 108 is not present in the central hole. In any case, the visual indicator device 367 located in the hole 334 is not in the path of the airflow 109 generated by the hair care appliance 102 and within the hair care appliance and to be discharged from the hair care appliance from the annular outlet 108. Therefore, the visual indicator device 367 does not interfere with the generated airflow, which can provide efficient operation of the hair care appliance 102.

[0059] As described above, the visual indicator device 367 is located within the bore 334. In the illustrated example, the visual indicator device 367 is located on the central axis A of the annular outlet 108 (which is the same as the central longitudinal axis A of the cylindrical section 106 of the body 104 in the illustrated example). In other examples, the visual indicator device 367 can be placed anywhere within the bore 334.

[0060] In the example shown, the visual indicator device 367 is disposed or contained in the capsule 338. The capsule 338 also contains the sensor arrangement 220. The capsule 338 is connected to the body 104, and in particular to the inner wall 301b of the cylindrical section 106, by a support member 335. This arrangement can allow minimal heat to be transferred from the body 104 (such as its heater 330) to the capsule 338. For example, the capsule 338 can be connected to the body 104 by a single rib 335, which can minimize the heat transferred from the body 104 to the capsule 338. As shown, in some examples, the capsule 338 can be elongated in a direction D parallel to the exhaust airflow 109. This can reduce the interference of the capsule 338 with the secondary airflow that can be drawn through the hair care appliance 102, in particular, the secondary airflow drawn through the aperture 334 of the cylindrical section 106 of the body 104 of the hair care appliance 102, when the air is discharged from the annular outlet 108. The support member 335 also provides a conduit for an electrical connection between the body 104 and the visual indicator device 367 and / or the sensor arrangement 220. For example, the electrical connection can be used to transmit sensor data from the sensors of the sensor arrangement 220 to the control module 315, to power the sensor arrangement 220 and / or the visual indicator device 367, and / or to control the sensor arrangement 220 and / or the visual indicator device 367. In some examples, the sensor arrangement 220 can be configured to sense in the same direction D as the exhaust airflow 109, and the visual indicator device 367 can be configured to provide a visual indication in a direction opposite to the direction D of the exhaust airflow, such as both along the same central axis A of the hole, but in opposite directions. This can help ensure that the sensor is aligned with the exhaust airflow 109 (and therefore with the target of the airflow), while also allowing a visual indication to be provided to the user. This arrangement can also improve the packaging of the capsule 338, and thus a capsule 338 with a relatively small diameter can be provided.

[0061] like Figure 6 As can be best shown in FIG. 1 , in the example shown, the visual indicator device 367 includes a light source 660. The light source 660 is configured to emit light 668, 664 to visually indicate information related to the hair care appliance 102. In this example, the visual indicator device 367 is configured to provide a visual indication in a direction opposite to the direction D in which the airflow 109 is discharged. This can allow a user to view the visual indication without directing the exhaust airflow 109 toward the user. In this example, the light source 660 is configured to emit light 668, 664 in a direction opposite to the direction D in which the airflow 109 is discharged.

[0062] Light source 660 may be, for example, an LED. An LED may provide a relatively simple and relatively low power consumption means of providing a visual indication. For example, the LED may be a "red-green-blue-white" (RGBW) LED that may be controlled to emit a variety of colors, intensities, and modulations of light. This may allow different operating states and / or different combinations of sensed attributes to be visually indicated, but using a relatively simple visual indication device, such as a single light source.

[0063] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 340 to visually indicate information. Thus, in this example, a hair care appliance 102 is provided that includes a body 104 having a central aperture 334 and an annular outlet 108 configured to exhaust an airflow 109; and a visual indicator device 367 configured to illuminate at least a portion of a surface 370 defining the aperture 340 to visually indicate information related to the hair care appliance 102. Specifically, in this example, the aperture 334 is defined by an outer surface 370 of an inner wall 301b of the body 104. Illuminating at least a portion of the surface 370 defining the aperture 340 can allow the visual indication to be provided over a relatively large area 370 of the appliance 102 and / or allow the visual indication to be visible from a wide range of angles or viewing angles. This can increase the effectiveness of the visual indication, thereby improving the user interface of the appliance. For example, even if the visual indicator device 367 itself is not visible to the user from an angle, the illuminated portion of the surface 370 may still be visible to the user. In the example shown, the visual indicator device is configured so that the portion of the surface 370 that is illuminated spans the inner perimeter of the surface 370. That is, in this example, light is directed all the way around the generally cylindrical surface 370 that defines the aperture 340 and, thus, provides a circle of illuminated surface 370. This circle can be seen from a variety of angles and viewing angles.

[0064] like Figure 6As best shown in FIG. 34 , in this example, the visual indicator device 367 includes an optical element 574 configured to direct light 668 from a light source 660 onto at least a portion of a surface 370. This can allow for providing a visual indication via the surface 370 in an efficient manner. For example, this can be compared to using multiple light sources, each illuminating a respective different portion of the surface. In this example, the optical element 574 forms a portion of a protective housing provided by the capsule 228. The optical element 574 is located in front of the light source 660. In this example, the optical element 574 is annular (and typically circular) in shape and is coaxial with the optical axis of the light source 660. Thus, the light 668 is directed around the entire circumference of the surface 370 defining the aperture 340. In this example, the optical element 574 includes a diffuser element 574 configured to diffuse the light 668 from the light source onto the surface 370. For example, the diffuser element 574 can be provided by a frosted transparent material, such as frosted plastic. Using diffuse optical element 574 can allow light 668 to be uniformly directed over a relatively large area of ​​surface 370. This can allow the illuminated area to be maximized in an efficient manner. For example, referring to Figure 6 , light 668 emitted by light source 660 is diffused by diffusing element 574 into diffused light 670 that illuminates surface 370. The diffused light can then be reflected or otherwise scattered from surface 370 to provide diffused light 672 that exits aperture 334 and can be seen by a user.

[0065] Any combination of optical elements may be used that directs light 668 from light source 660 onto at least a portion of surface 370. For example, optical element 574 may include one or more reflective elements (such as mirrors), lens elements (such as lenses), and dispersive elements (such as prisms).

[0066] like Figure 6 As best shown in FIG. 6 , in this example, the visual indicator device includes a blocking member 662 configured to block a central portion 664 of the light emitted by the light source 660. In other words, the blocking member 662 shields or blocks a central portion of the field of illumination (FOI) of the light source 660. For example, a central portion 664 of the light emitted by the light source 660 (such as light emitted along the optical axis of an LED) may be particularly bright. This may be uncomfortable for a user to view directly. Blocking the central portion 664 while directing light 668 to the surface 370 may allow for a visual indication to be provided that is comfortable for the user to view from any angle. Alternatively or additionally, blocking the central portion 664 may allow for a visual indication to be provided by relatively uniform illumination, and thus allow for a visual indication to be provided consistently over a wide range of viewing angles and viewing angles.

[0067] In the example shown, the blocking member 662 includes an opaque member 662, such as an opaque plastic member 662. The blocking member 662 is placed directly in front of the light source 660 and is coaxial with the optical axis of the light source 660. The overall shape of the blocking member 662 is a cone, with its base facing the light source. In this example, the blocking member 662 is received in an orifice or hole in the annular optical element 574. However, the optical element 574 provides a conduit through which light 668 can leave the capsule 338 and be directed onto the surface 370 defining the hole 340. In the example shown, the optical element 574 is viewed from a front rear view (such as Figure 2 ) and from some perspectives (such as Figure 5 Thus, in this example, the visual indication may also be provided by light scattered directly from optical element 574 to the user's eye (e.g., not necessarily reflected from surface 370). This may have the appearance of a glowing ring and may provide an effective visual indication, for example, even in relatively bright ambient light levels.

[0068] In some examples, at least a portion of the illuminated surface 370 may be reflective. This may further increase the perceived illumination of the surface 370, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the visual indication. Alternatively or additionally, for a given visual indication effectiveness, a reflective surface may allow the illumination intensity (and therefore the power consumed by the light source) to be reduced. For example, the surface 370 may be configured to have specular reflection or diffuse reflection. Diffuse reflection may provide visual indications visible from a wide range of angles or viewing angles, thereby improving the appliance user interface. In some examples, the reflective surface 370 may be provided by the inner wall 331b (or its outer surface 370) of the body 104 made of a reflective material. In some examples, reflectivity may be provided by providing a reflective coating on the inner wall 331b of the body 104. In some examples, reflectivity may be provided by treating the surface 370 as reflective. For example, metal powder may be mixed into a paint or other coating applied to the surface 370, or mixed into a material for injection molding the body 104 or its parts 331b, thereby providing a reflective surface 370.

[0069] In the example shown, the visual indicator device 367 is located on the central axis A of the aperture 334. This allows the visual indicator device 367 to be equally visible from any of a wide range of angles or viewing angles. This can also help provide uniform illumination of the surface 370 defining the aperture 334, and therefore provide a more consistent visual indication. This can also allow the visual indicator device to be relatively physically isolated from other components of the hair care appliance 102, such as the heater 330. This can help prevent the visual indicator device 367 from overheating. This can also help reduce the likelihood of hot spots forming on specific portions of the visual indicator device 367, thereby helping to prevent the visual indicator device 367 from overheating. In the example shown, the visual indicator device 367 is configured to provide a visual indication in a direction opposite to the direction D in which the airflow 109 is discharged. This can allow a user to view the visual indication without directing the discharged airflow to the user.

[0070] As described above, the information associated with the hair care appliance 102 that is visually indicated may include the operating state of the hair care appliance 102. Indicating the operating state of the hair care appliance may allow a user to visually determine the current operating state of the hair care appliance. In addition, the information provided by the visual indicator 367 regarding the operating state of the hair care appliance may reduce or eliminate the need to communicate this information by other means (e.g., by other indicators or dials). For example, referring to Figure 2 , the hair care appliance 102 includes indicators 221, 223. The first indicator 221 displays the current airflow level of the hair care appliance 102, and the second indicator 223 displays the current heater level of the hair care appliance 102. However, in some examples, these first and second indicators 221, 223 can be omitted, and the flow rate and / or heater level can be indicated via a visual indicator device 367. This can provide a more efficient interface and / or free up packaging volume within the hair care appliance 102 that would otherwise be occupied by other indicators or dials 221, 223. For example, as opposed to providing indications via multiple indicators 221, 223, providing an indication of the operating status of the appliance 102 via a visual indicator device 367 (which may include a single light source 660, such as an RGBW LED) can reduce the occupied space and number of parts associated with providing the indication.

[0071] In an example, the operating state of the hair care appliance 102 can be determined by the control module 315. The control module 315 can in turn control the visual indicator device 367 to visually indicate the operating state. In an example, the operating state can include one or more of the following: a heater level or setting; an airflow level or setting; an activity or performance state; an idle or sleep state; and an error or fault or maintenance state. For example, the color of the light emitted by the visual indicator device 367 can correspond to the currently selected heater level, the intensity of the light can correspond to the currently selected airflow level selection, a steady light can correspond to the appliance 102 being in a full performance state, a pulsed or modulated light can correspond to the appliance 102 being in an idle state, and a differently modulated light (e.g., a faster pulsed light) can correspond to an error state. In some examples, the idle state can be automatically detected by the control module 315 by, for example, using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to detect that the appliance 102 has been put down.

[0072] Modulation of the light can be a change in intensity or brightness, for example, idle mode can be indicated by a reduction in intensity or brightness that lasts until the product is powered down or reactivated, in which case the light can be turned off or fully on respectively. Modulation can be pulsing of the light, the frequency of which can change over time, the pulsing can be between on and off states of a visual indicator or between two other intensities.

[0073] Alternatively or additionally, the information related to the hair care appliance 102 may include a property sensed by the hair care appliance 102. For example, the property may be sensed by the sensor arrangement 220. For example, this may inform a user how the hair care appliance 102 should be moved or controlled in order to obtain a desired result. For example, the hair care appliance 102 (e.g., its sensor arrangement 220) may include one or more sensors configured to sense a property of the hair care appliance 102 itself. For example, the property may be the movement or direction of the hair care appliance 102, such as determined using an inertial measurement unit (IMU). For example, the IMU may be part of the sensor arrangement 220 located in the capsule 338. As another example, the property may be what type of accessory (not shown) is attached to the body 104 of the hair care appliance 102. As another example, the hair care appliance 102 (e.g., its sensor arrangement 220) may include one or more sensors configured to sense a property of the hair 404 (or another target) to which the hair care appliance 102 is applied. For example, the attribute may include one or more of: the presence of hair 404; the distance of the hair from the hair care appliance 102; the temperature of the hair 404; and the humidity level of the hair 404. The presence of hair 404 (or another target object) and / or the distance of the hair from the hair care appliance 102 may be determined, for example, using a Time-Of-Flight sensor. The temperature of the hair 404 (or another target) may be determined, for example, using a remote temperature measurement device (such as an infrared thermometer). The humidity level of the hair 404 (or another target near the hair care appliance) may be determined, for example, using a humidity level measurement device (e.g., a relative humidity sensor). Other attributes and other sensors may be used. Positioning the sensor arrangement on axis A may help ensure that its sensor may be well aligned with the exhaust airflow 109, and therefore with the target of the airflow 109 (such as the user's hair 404).

[0074] In the example shown, the sensor arrangement 220 includes a sensor 361 configured to sense properties of hair in proximity to the hair care appliance 102. Specifically, in this example, the sensor 361 is a proximity sensor 361, and specifically a time of flight sensor 361, which is configured to sense the proximity of the hair 404 to the hair care appliance 102. The TOF sensor 361 transmits radiation 440 (e.g., photons of electromagnetic radiation or acoustic pulses) and receives reflected radiation 440 that has been reflected and returned to the TOF sensor 361. The processor then determines the time difference between the emission and reception of the radiation and calculates the distance between the TOF sensor 361 and the object that caused the reflected radiation. The processor then outputs the distance data to the control module 315. The TOF sensor 361 can be used to sense the proximity of the user's head or other object to the hair care appliance 102.

[0075] As an example of a visual indication provided by the visual indicator device 367 during an example operation of the hair care appliance 102, the control module 315 can be configured to turn on the light source 660 when the user presses the fifth button 227 to activate the sensor function of the appliance 102. The proximity sensor (e.g., TOF sensor 361) of the sensor arrangement 220 can thereby be activated to measure the proximity of the appliance 102 to the user's hair (or other object). The control module 315 can be configured to control the light source 660 of the visual indicator device 367 to increase the intensity of the light emitted by the light source 660 when the sensor data indicates that the hair is within a given proximity to the hair care appliance 102 to indicate to the user that the hair has been sensed to be close to the hair care appliance 102. This can also correspond to the control module 315 causing the appliance to operate in a "hair detected" state, which can include, for example, controlling the heater 330 to increase the heat setting and / or controlling the airflow generator 332 to increase the flow rate.

[0076] In some examples, the information related to the hair care appliance 102 includes information related to the sensors of the sensor arrangement 220, and the visual indicator device 367 is provided in a portion of the hair care appliance 102 that includes the sensor arrangement 202 (in these examples, the capsule 338). This can provide an intuitive user appliance interface because the visual indication can be visually associated with the sensor arrangement 220. Therefore, the information related to the sensor can be intuitively associated with the sensor arrangement 220. In an example, the information related to the sensor can be one or more of an operating state and a sensed attribute of the sensor. For example, when the sensor arrangement 220 provides a function, the operating state can be "sensor activated" and when the sensor arrangement 220 does not provide a function, the operating state can be "sensor deactivated". In an example, the sensed attribute can be an attribute of the hair 404 to which the hair care appliance 102 is applied. In an example, the visual indicator device 367 can provide feedback to the user about the attribute sensed by the sensor arrangement 220 (e.g., the proximity of the hair care appliance to the target). Mounting the feedback source 367 near the sensor arrangement 220 can create an intuitive association between the output of the visual indicator device 367 and the associated sensing function. This, in turn, can improve the user experience and ease of effective use of the appliance 102. Positioning the sensor arrangement 220 in the capsule 338 in the aperture 334 can allow the sensor(s) therein to be relatively physically isolated from the rest of the hair care appliance 102 (including, for example, the heater 330), which in turn can reduce heat transfer or other interference, thereby improving sensor function.

[0077] In an example, the visual indication device 367 (and / or the control module 315) can be configured to change the visual indication in response to a change in the operating state and / or the sensed attribute. For example, as described above, the change in the operating state and / or the change in the sensed attribute can be indicated by a change in one or more of the color, intensity, and modulation of the light emitted by the light source 660.

[0078] Reference above Figures 1 to 6 In the example described, the optical element 574 comprises a diffuser element. However, it should be understood that this need not be the case, and in other examples, other optical elements may be used. For example, referring now to Figure 7 , wherein a visual indicator device 367' according to another example is shown. The visual indicator device 367' can be the same as the one described above with reference to Figures 1 to 6 The visual indicator device 367 described above is the same or similar and can be used in the same manner as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 6 Use in the same way as described, however in Figure 7In the example of the embodiment, the optical component 574' of the visual indicator device 367' includes a reflective component 574'. In this example, the reflective component 574' is configured to guide the light 668, 664 emitted from the light source 660 to illuminate the surface defining the hole ( Figure 7 ). Specifically, in this example, the reflective member 574' includes a reflective surface 575 that is contained relative to the optical axis of the light source 660. For example, the reflective member 574' can be in the shape of a cone, with the tip of the cone pointing toward the light source 660 along the optical axis of the light source 660. This reflects the light 664, 668 emitted by the light source 660 onto the surface defining the hole ( Figure 7 ). In this example, the reflective component 574' also acts as a blocking component 662' because it is configured to redirect a central portion 664 of the light emitted by the light source 660. For example, depending on the shape of the point toward the cone 574', the central portion 664 of the light can be redirected to the surface 370 defining the aperture, and / or back into the capsule 338. Thus, in some examples, the optical elements 574', 662' configured to direct light from the light source 660 onto at least a portion of the surface can also be configured to redirect the central portion 664 of the light emitted by the light source 660.

[0079] It should be understood that in examples, the visual indication device 367 can be arranged in different ways to provide visual indication to the user via illumination of the surface 370 only, via directly provided light only (e.g., not reflected from the surface 370), or some combination of these (as in the example shown).

[0080] In the above example, the visual indicator device 367 includes a light source 660, which in the above example is a single LED. However, in other examples, other light sources 660 may also be used. For example, the light source 660 may be provided by an LED array. For example, the visual indicator device 367 may include a plurality of LEDs or other lights configured to illuminate at least a portion of a surface 370 defining the hole 340 and / or emit light from the hole 334. As another example, the visual indicator device 367 may include a display screen, such as a color display screen, which is configured to visually indicate information. For example, the display screen may be configured to display information, such as in the form of alphanumeric symbols. In some examples, the light source 660 does not necessarily need to illuminate the surface 370 defining the hole 334, and may, for example, only emit light directly from the hole 340.

[0081] In the above example, the visual indication device 367 is configured to provide a visual indication in a direction substantially opposite to the direction D of the exhausted airflow 109. However, in other examples, the visual indication device may be configured to provide a visual indication in the general direction D of the exhausted airflow 109, alternatively or additionally. For example, the visual indicator device may include a light source configured to emit light in the general direction D of the exhausted airflow 109. In some examples, the visual indication device may be configured to emit light from the hole 334 in the direction of the exhausted airflow D so as to illuminate at least a portion of a target (such as a person's hair). In this case, for example, a visual indication may be provided to a user via the illumination of the target.

[0082] Reference above Figures 1 to 7 In the depicted example, the visual indicator means 367, 367' is located within the aperture 334 of the body 104 of the hair care appliance 102. However, in other examples, this may not be the case. Figure 8 , shows a hair care appliance 102 according to another example. The above reference Figures 1 to 7 The functions and features of the described hair care appliance 102 may be different from Figure 8 The functions and features of the hair care appliance 102 are the same or similar. For example, Figures 1 to 7 Similarly, in this example, a hair care appliance 102" is provided, which includes a body 104 having a central aperture 334 and an annular outlet 108 configured to discharge an airflow 109; and a visual indicator device 367", which is configured to illuminate at least a portion of a surface 370 defining the aperture 340 to visually indicate information related to the hair care appliance 102. However, in Figure 8 In the example of FIG. 3 , portion 301 b ″ of body 104 having at least a portion of surface 370 defining aperture 334 is transparent, and visual indicator device 367 ″ is located in body 104. Thus, in this example, visual indicator device 367 ″ illuminates portion 301 b ″ of body 104 from behind, thereby illuminating surface 370. Specifically, in FIG. Figure 8In the example of , the visual indicator device 367" includes an array of light sources 660" (six as shown), such as LEDs, distributed in a circular pattern around the periphery of the inner wall 301b". Each light source 660" is configured to emit light through the transparent (which may include partially transparent, such as frosted) inner wall 301b" to illuminate the surface 370 defining the hole. This can allow information related to the hair care appliance 102" (such as the operating state of the hair care appliance 102 and / or the properties sensed by the hair care appliance 102) to be visually indicated to the user. Similar to the above, illuminating at least a portion of the surface 370 defining the hole 334 can allow the visual indication to be provided over a larger area of ​​the appliance 102 and / or allow the visual indication to be seen from a wide range of angles or viewing angles. This can increase the effectiveness of the visual indication, thereby improving the user interface of the appliance. The transparent portion of the inner wall 301b" can be made of, for example, transparent (including frosted) injection molded plastic. The light source 660" can be provided by, for example, an RGBW LED, which can be controlled by the control module 315 to provide different colors, intensities, and modulations, respectively, to visually convey information to the user. Although six light sources 660" are shown, any number of light sources 660" may be used in other examples.

[0083] Although specific examples have been described, it should be understood that these are illustrative examples only and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A hair care device, comprising: a body having a central aperture and an annular outlet configured to discharge a gas flow; as well as A visual indicator device is positioned within the aperture and is configured to visually indicate information associated with the hair care appliance.

2. The hair care appliance of claim 1, wherein the visual indicator device is configured to illuminate at least a portion of a surface defining the aperture to visually indicate the information.

3. The hair care appliance of claim 2, wherein the visual indicator device is configured so that at least a portion of the illuminated surface spans an inner perimeter of the surface.

4. The hair care appliance of claim 2 or 3, wherein the visual indicator means comprises a light source and an optical element configured to direct light from the light source onto at least a portion of the surface.

5. The hair care appliance of claim 4, wherein the optical element comprises a diffusing element configured to diffuse light from the light source onto at least a portion of the surface.

6. A hair care appliance according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the visual indicator means comprises a component configured to block or redirect a central portion of the light emitted by the light source.

7. The hair care appliance of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein at least a portion of the illuminated surface is reflective.

8. A hair care appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the visual indicator means is located on the central axis of the aperture.

9. A hair care appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the visual indicator means is configured to provide a visual indication in a direction opposite to the direction in which the air flow is discharged.

10. A hair care appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the visual indication comprises one or more of the colour, intensity and modulation of light emitted by the visual indication means.

11. A hair care appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the visual indicator means comprises a light emitting diode to provide the visual indication.

12. A hair care appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the information relating to the hair care appliance comprises information relating to a sensor of the hair care appliance, and wherein the visual indicator means is provided in a portion of the hair care appliance comprising the sensor.

13. The hair care appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the information related to the hair care appliance comprises an operating status of the hair care appliance.

14. The hair care appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the information related to the hair care appliance comprises a property sensed by the hair care appliance.

15. A hair care appliance according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the visual indication means is configured to change the visual indication in response to a change in the operating state and / or the sensed property.

16. A hair care appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the visual indicator means is contained in a capsule connected to the body by a support member.

17. The hair care appliance of claim 16, wherein the capsule also houses a sensor arrangement.

18. A hair care appliance according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the capsule is elongated in a direction parallel to the exhausted airflow.

19. A hair care device comprising: a body having a central aperture and an annular outlet configured to discharge a gas flow; as well as A visual indicator device is configured to illuminate at least a portion of a surface defining the aperture to visually indicate information related to the hair care appliance.

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