Attachment for hair care appliance

Abstract

The invention discloses an attachment for a hair care appliance, the attachment comprising a body comprising: an air inlet; an air outlet; and a hair treatment chamber for receiving hair, the hair treatment chamber defined by a wall and an opening through which hair can be inserted into the hair treatment chamber, and an insert detachably attached to the body. The insert directs airflow away from the hair treatment chamber in a first direction when the insert is attached to the body, and airflow emanating from the air outlet is directed into the hair treatment chamber in a second direction when the insert is removed from the body.

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 generally used for caring for or styling hair, and some hair care appliances may utilize air flow to care for or style hair. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an accessory for a hair care appliance, the accessory comprising a body including: an air inlet; an air outlet; and a hair treatment chamber for receiving hair, the hair treatment chamber being defined by a wall and an opening through which hair can be inserted into the hair treatment chamber, and an insert removably attached to the body, wherein when the insert is attached to the body, the insert guides the air flow in a first direction away from the hair treatment chamber, and when the insert is removed from the body, the air flow emitted from the air outlet is guided into the hair treatment chamber in a second direction.

[0004] The function of the accessory may change depending on whether the insert is attached to the body. When the insert is removed from the body, the hair treatment chamber can hold the user's hair in place during use, such that the user's hair is less likely to be disturbed by the air flow entering the hair treatment chamber. In this way, a relatively high air flow rate can be used without significantly disturbing the user's hair.

[0005] When the insert is removed from the body, the hair is inserted through the opening and the hair treatment chamber is in fluid communication with the air outlet. Accordingly, the air flow is guided in the second direction. In use, the user can place the hair in the hair treatment chamber and position the periphery of the opening against their head. In this way, during use, the air flow may initially be away from the user's head and into the hair treatment chamber. In an example where the air flow is heated, this can reduce the direct heat applied to the user's head, thereby increasing the comfort of using the hair care appliance, especially during long-term use.

[0006] When the insert is attached to the body, the air flow will flow away from the hair treatment chamber in the first direction and towards the hair roots. This can provide different drying and / or styling characteristics for the same air flow passing through the body.

[0007] The hair care appliance may include a heater for heating the hair received in the hair treatment chamber. For example, the heater can be used to heat the air flow. Advantageously, when the insert is removed from the body, since the hair treatment chamber defines a confined space, the ambient temperature in the hair treatment chamber increases when hot air enters the confined space. After attaching the insert to the body, the hot air can be guided towards the roots of the hair. In both configurations, this helps to improve the efficiency and / or speed at which the user dries their hair.

[0008] The insert may include: an insert inlet that is in fluid communication with the air outlet when the insert is attached to the body; and an air flow path that is configured to direct the air flow from the insert inlet in a first direction. Thus, when the air flow passes along the air flow path, the air flow path can serve to change the direction and / or characteristics of the air flow. For example, the air flow path may converge or diverge as it extends away from the insert inlet to change the air flow velocity. For example, the air flow may exit from the air outlet in a second direction, and the air flow path may redirect the air flow to the first direction.

[0009] The insert may include: a base that is configured to prevent the air flow from traveling in the second direction when the insert is attached to the body; and an upper panel that defines holes through which the air flow exits the insert in use, the base and the upper panel being separated by a gap that defines the air flow path. Providing a gap between the base and the upper panel can provide better controllability of the air flow as it flows from the insert inlet towards the orifice.

[0010] The base may be airtight such that substantially all of the air flow flowing along the air flow path is directed through the holes.

[0011] The upper panel may define a plurality of holes through which the air flow exits the insert in use.

[0012] The insert inlet may extend around the perimeter of the gap. This can help to provide a more uniform air flow within the gap, which can provide a better air flow distribution when the air flow exits the insert.

[0013] The insert may include a plurality of protrusions disposed on the base and configured to separate the air flow from the base. Separating the air flow from the base can help to direct the air flow towards the upper panel and / or the orifice diameter. This can help to improve the characteristics of the air flow exiting from the orifice diameter.

[0014] At least some of the protrusions may be ribs that extend towards the center of the base. The ribs can help to control the separation of the air flow from the base. The air flow can be directed by the ribs towards the center of the insert and separated from the base substantially uniformly along the length of the respective rib. The protrusions may be distributed around the base, which can provide a more uniform air flow within the gap, which in turn can provide a more desirable air flow distribution when the air flow exits the insert, such as a uniform and diffused air flow.

[0015] The ribs may be curved. Thus, each rib can change the direction of the air flow flowing along the length of the protrusion. This can further help to separate the air flow from the base. Each rib may extend along a respective helical path. The helical path may start from the center of the base and extend outwards to the perimeter of the base. The ribs may extend only along a portion of the respective helical path.

[0016] When the insert is attached to the body, an interface can be formed at the periphery of the hair treatment chamber between the base and the wall. This interface can help prevent the airflow emitted from the air outlet from entering the hair treatment chamber rather than the gap, which helps improve the drying and / or styling performance of the insert.

[0017] The attachment can include a seal at the interface. The seal can help prevent the airflow from passing through the interface, which can help increase the airflow emitted from the insert, thereby improving the drying and / or styling performance of the insert.

[0018] When the insert is attached to the body, another interface can be formed between the edge defining the opening and the upper panel. The further interface can help prevent the airflow from escaping from the attachment without first passing through the insert, which helps improve the drying and / or styling performance of the insert.

[0019] The upper panel can define a plurality of holes, and at least some of the holes are located closer to the center of the upper panel than to the periphery of the upper panel. Thus, the area of the airflow emitted from the insert can be increased compared to an example where the holes are located near the edge of the opening. This can be beneficial for diffusing the airflow, thereby reducing the interference with the hair when using the attachment with the insert attached to the body.

[0020] At least some of the plurality of holes can be located on respective plurality of fork-like portions provided on the outer surface of the upper panel. The fork-like portions can be used to engage the hair during use, and the aperture diameter thereof is configured to direct the airflow towards the roots of the hair.

[0021] The insert can include one or more gripping surfaces provided on its outer surface. The one or more gripping surfaces can help with the attachment and detachment of the insert to and from the body. The gripping surfaces can be away from the upper panel, and in an example where the airflow is heated, the upper panel may get hot.

[0022] The one or more gripping surfaces can include ridges protruding from the outer surface and extending around the periphery of the insert. This can allow the user to grip the insert from any direction around the insert. For example, this can be beneficial if the user is gripping the body with one hand and needs to attach or detach the insert with the other hand.

[0023] When the insert is attached to the body, hair can be prevented from being inserted into the hair treatment chamber. This can help reduce the interference with the hair when using the attachment with the insert attached to the body.

[0024] The insert can be a diffuser. The diffuser can be used to blow-dry the hair roots, and during use of the attachment with the insert detached from the body, the hair roots are not affected by the direct airflow.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hair care appliance including an attachment according to the first aspect of the present invention and an air flow generator for generating an air flow from an air inlet to an air outlet.

[0026] This allows for the use of a multi-functional appliance, and different attachments can be attached to the handle. The hair care appliance can be a hair dryer and / or a hair styling device. The air flow generator can be included in the handle unit of the hair care appliance. The hair care appliance can include a heater for heating the air flow. The heater can be included in the handle unit.

[0027] The attachment can communicate with the handle unit to change the operation of the hair care appliance. For example, the attachment can communicate with the air flow generator to change the air flow provided to the attachment. The attachment can communicate with the hair care appliance to transmit information indicating a desired air flow rate or air flow temperature. The air flow generator can be operated based on this information to provide the desired air flow characteristics. The attachment can include an RFID tag that includes information indicating the air flow rate required for the attachment. This information can be read from the RFID tag and transmitted to the air flow generator to cause the air flow generator to generate an air flow with the desired flow rate. Alternatively or additionally, the attachment can communicate with the hair care appliance via Bluetooth TM or other suitable wireless communication standards and / or via a wired connection.

[0028] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hair care appliance including: a body including: an air inlet; an air outlet; and a hair treatment chamber for receiving hair, the hair treatment chamber being defined by a wall and an opening through which hair can be inserted into the hair treatment chamber; an insert removably connected to the body; and an air flow generator for generating an air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet, wherein when the insert is attached to the body, the insert directs the air flow in a first direction away from the hair treatment chamber, and when the insert is removed from the body, the air flow emitted from the air outlet is directed into the hair treatment chamber in a second direction.

[0029] The hair care appliance can be a hair dryer and / or a hair styling device. The hair care appliance can be advantageous for drying and / or styling hair. After removing the insert, the hair treatment chamber can hold the user's hair in place during use, such that the user's hair is less likely to be disturbed by the air flow entering the hair treatment chamber. Thus, a relatively high air flow rate can be used to dry and / or style the hair without significantly disturbing the user's hair. When the insert is attached, the air flow can be directed towards the hair roots, providing a different drying and / or styling effect compared to when the insert is removed.

[0030] Where appropriate, the optional features of the aspects of the present invention can equally apply to other aspects of the present invention. Description of the Drawings

[0031] Figure 1 shows a hair care appliance according to an example;

[0032] Figure 2 shows Figure 1 a schematic cross-sectional view of the handle unit of the hair care appliance;

[0033] Figure 3 shows Figure 1 a schematic view of the body of an accessory of the hair care appliance;

[0034] Figure 4 shows Figure 3 a side view of the body;

[0035] Figure 5 shows Figure 3 a plan view of the body;

[0036] Figure 6 shows Figure 3 of the body along Figure 5 a sliced side view along line AA shown;

[0037] Figure 7 shows Figure 1 an exploded view of an accessory of the hair care appliance, the accessory including Figure 3 the body and an insert;

[0038] Figure 8 shows Figure 1 a schematic view of the attachment of a hair care implement, where the insert is attached to the body;

[0039] Figure 9 shows Figure 1 a side view of the accessory of the hair care appliance in , where the insert is attached to the body;

[0040] Figure 10 shows Figure 1 a sliced side view of the accessory of the hair care appliance in , where the insert is attached to the body along Figure 5 line AA shown in ; and

[0041] Figure 11 shows Figure 7 a top view of the base of the insert. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1 Schematically shows a hair care appliance according to the present invention, generally labeled 10. The hair care appliance 10 includes a handle unit 12 and an accessory 100 detachably attached to the handle unit 12. The handle unit 12 includes a housing 14, an air flow generator 16, a heater 18, and a control unit 20, asFigure 2 as shown

[0043] The housing 14 is tubular and includes an inlet 22 and an outlet 24. Airflow is inhaled into the housing 14 through the inlet by an airflow generator 16, and the airflow exits the housing 14 through the outlet 24. The airflow generator 16 is installed within the housing 14 and includes an impeller 26 driven by an electric motor 28. The heater 18 is also accommodated within the housing 14 and includes a heating element 30 to optionally heat the airflow.

[0044] The control unit 20 includes electronic circuitry for a user interface 32 and a control module 34. The user interface 32 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 14 for powering on or off the hair care appliance 10, selecting the flow rate (e.g., high, medium, low), and selecting the airflow temperature (e.g., hot, medium, cold). In Figure 1 an example, the user interface includes a plurality of slide switches, but other forms of the user interface 32, such as buttons, knobs, or touchscreens, are also conceivable.

[0045] The control module 34 is responsible for controlling the airflow generator 16 and the heater 18 in response to inputs from the user interface 32. For example, in response to an input from the user interface 32, the control module 34 can control the power or speed of the airflow generator 16 to adjust the flow rate of the airflow, and control the power of the heater 18 to adjust the temperature of the airflow. In other examples, the heater 18 is omitted.

[0046] Referring Figures 3 to 11 to an example of the attachment 100. The attachment 100 includes a body 200 and an insert 300 detachably attached to the body 200. The attachment 100 can be used in a first configuration in which the insert 300 is removed from the body 200, and can be used in a second configuration in which the insert 300 is attached to the body 200.

[0047] Figures 3 to 6 The attachment 100 in the first configuration is shown. The body 200 includes an air inlet 202 and a manifold 220 in fluid communication with the air inlet 202. The air inlet 202 is in the form of a hole, and when the body 200 is attached to the handle unit 12, the air inlet 202 is in fluid communication with the outlet 24 of the housing 14 and receives the airflow generated by the airflow generator 16 during use. The manifold 220 supplies three ducts 222, 224, 226, an inner annular wall 212, and an outer annular wall 213. The ducts 222, 224, 226 extend from the air inlet 202 to openings at their respective distal ends, and each duct 222, 224, 226 has an inner wall 216 and an outer wall 218. The inner walls 216 are joined at the distal ends to form the inner annular wall 212, and the outer walls 218 are joined at the distal ends to form the outer annular wall 213.

[0048] The conduits 222, 224, 226 define a generally hemispherical hair treatment chamber 210. The hair treatment chamber 210 has an open end 206 and a rear end, and the apex 211 of the hair treatment chamber 210 is located at the rear end. The air inlet 202 is located near the apex 211 outside the hair treatment chamber 210. The openings at the distal ends of the conduits 222, 224, 226 are disposed in the periphery of the hair treatment chamber 210 between the inner annular wall 212 and the outer annular wall 213, and together form an air outlet 204. In this example, the distal ends are 120 degrees apart from each other. The hair treatment chamber 210 is adapted to receive hair, and when the insert 300 is not attached to the body 200, the hair treatment chamber 210 is in fluid communication with the air outlet 204.

[0049] The outer annular wall 213 extends beyond the inner annular wall 212 and includes an edge 208 that overhangs the inner annular wall 212 to define a channel 205 therebetween. The channel 205 extends around the periphery of the hair treatment chamber 210 and is in fluid communication with the air outlet 204. The edge 208 defines the open end 206 of the hair treatment chamber 210 through which hair can be inserted into the hair treatment chamber 210. The lower side of the edge 208 includes a guiding surface 209 of the wall that defines the channel 205. The guiding surface 209 is shaped to direct the air flow away from the open end 206 and along the periphery of the hair treatment chamber 210 towards the apex 211, as Figure 6 shown by the dashed arrows in

[0050] The slats 228 extend between adjacent conduits 222, 224, 226 in a direction around the periphery of the hair treatment chamber 210 and define apertures 214 therebetween. The apertures 214 allow air flow to escape from the hair treatment chamber 210 via the apertures 214 while preventing objects from entering the hair treatment chamber 210 between the adjacent conduits 222, 224, 226.

[0051] A porous material (not shown) is disposed between adjacent conduits 222, 224, 226. The inner walls 216 of the conduits 222, 224, 226, the inner annular wall 212 (both non-porous), and the porous material define the boundary walls of the hair treatment chamber 210. In this example, the porous material is a mesh. Alternatively, any other suitable porous material can be used.

[0052] Figures 7 to 10 An attachment 100 in a second configuration is shown, in which the insert 300 is attached to the body 200. In this example, the insert 300 is a diffuser, but in other examples it can be any other suitable air flow manipulator, such as a concentrator.

[0053] The insert 300 includes a base 310 and an upper panel 320. The upper panel 320 is fixedly connected to the base 310 by a plurality of rigid connecting members (not shown), and there is a gap 302 between the upper panel 320 and the base 310. The periphery of the gap 302 forms an insert inlet 304, which is in fluid communication with the channel 205 when the insert 300 is attached to the body 200.

[0054] The diameter of the upper panel 320 is greater than the diameter of the open end 206, such that the upper panel 302 extends radially beyond the open end 206. Thus, when the insert 300 is attached to the body 200, an interface is formed between the upper panel 320 and the edge 208. The periphery of the upper panel 320 extends radially outward from the edge 208 and forms a gripping surface 328, by which a user can push or pull to attach the insert 300 to the body 200 or detach it from the body 200, and thereby switch the attachment 100 between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0055] The upper panel 320 defines a plurality of holes 322, which are in fluid communication with the insert inlet 304 through the gap 302. The holes 322 are within the diameter of the open end 206 of the body 200 and extend through the region defined by the edge 208. Some of the holes 322 are closer to the center of the upper panel 320 than to the periphery of the upper panel 320.

[0056] A plurality of fork-like portions 324 are provided on the outer surface 326 of the upper panel 320, and holes 325 are provided on each fork-like portion 324. The fork-like portions 324 are hollow, and the holes 325 are in fluid communication with the insert inlet 304 via the gap 302. The outer surface 326 is the surface of the upper panel 320 opposite to the surface adjacent to the base 310.

[0057] The base 310 is shaped to correspond to the shape of the open end 206 of the hair treatment chamber 210 and is solid and non-porous. A groove 314 extends around the periphery of the base 310, and a seal 312 is located in the groove 314. When the attachment 100 is in the second configuration, the seal 312 forms another interface between the base 310 and the inner annular wall 212. Eight identical ribs 316 are provided on the base 310, as Figure 11 shown. The ribs 316 extend from the periphery of the base 310 along a curved path towards the center of the base 310.

[0058] In use, when the attachment is in the state as Figures 3 to 6In the first configuration shown, hair is inserted through the open end 206 into the hair treatment chamber 210. The air flow generator 16 generates an air flow that flows from the air inlet 22 of the handle unit 12 through the air inlet 202 of the attachment 100, through the ducts 222, 224, 226, and reaches the air outlet 204. The air flow flows along the channel 205 and is guided by the guiding surface 209 to exit the open end 206 and enter the hair treatment chamber 210. Thus, the air flow is directed and passes through the holes 214.

[0059] Thus, in use, the air flow can be directed away from the hair roots located within the hair treatment chamber 210. For example, in use, the user can place the hair in the hair treatment chamber 210 and place the body 200 against their head with the edge 208 of the body 200 such that the periphery of the open end 206 is positioned close to the hair roots within the hair treatment chamber 210. Since the air flow within the hair treatment chamber 210 is directed from the open end 206 towards the holes 214, the air flow can initially be away from the user's head during use. This can reduce the direct heat applied to the user's head, thereby increasing the comfort of using the hair care appliance 10, especially during long-term use.

[0060] When the insert 300 is removed from the body 200, i.e., in the first configuration, the hair treatment chamber 210 defines a restricted space for placing the user's hair. When hot air enters the restricted space, the ambient temperature within the hair treatment chamber 210 rises, which helps to dry the user's hair. In addition, since the hair treatment chamber 210 holds the user's hair in place during use, the user's hair is less likely to be disturbed by the air flow entering the hair treatment chamber 210. Thus, a relatively high air flow rate can be used without significantly disturbing the user's hair, which can improve the efficiency and / or speed of drying the user's hair and can improve the user's final hairstyle.

[0061] During use, when the attachment is in the second configuration as Figures 7 to 10 shown, the insert 300 covers the entire open end 206, thereby preventing hair from being inserted into the hair treatment chamber 210.

[0062] In the second configuration, the interface between the seal 312 and the wall 212 prevents air flow from entering the hair treatment chamber 210, and the interface between the upper panel 320 and the edge 208 prevents air flow from escaping from the attachment 200 between the upper panel 320 and the edge 208. As in the first configuration, air flow is received from the air flow generator 16 through the air inlet 202 and travels through the ducts 222, 224, 226 to the air outlet 204 and into the passage 205. Contrary to the first configuration, the air flow then passes through the insert inlet 304 and into the gap 302. The ribs 316 separate the air flow from the base 310 along the length of the ribs 316 and direct the air flow towards the upper panel 320. The air flow exits the attachment 100 via a plurality of holes 322 in a uniform and diffused profile and in a direction away from the hair treatment chamber 210, as best shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 10 . In use, the fork portion 324 can be held close to or pressed against the user's head and conveys air flow via the holes 325, which is closer to the user's hair roots compared to the air flow exiting from the holes 322 that are not on the fork portion 324.

[0063] In the first and second configurations, the direction of the air flow exiting the attachment 100 is different, allowing the user to switch between different drying and / or styling operations using a single attachment 100 with a simple action of connecting or disconnecting the insert 300 to / from the body 200.

[0064] Although in this example the insert 300 is shown as being completely removable from the body 200, in other examples, the insert 300 can be movably attached to the body 200 and movable relative to the body 200 between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the insert 300 is away from the open end 206 and allows the attachment 100 to be used in the first configuration. In the closed position, the insert 300 covers the open end 206 and allows the attachment 100 to be used in the second configuration.

[0065] It is also conceivable that in some examples, the hair care appliance 10 does not include the handle unit 12 and the attachment 100, but is an integrated unit, such as where the handle unit 12 and the attachment 100 are combined together.

Claims

1. An accessory for a hair care appliance, the accessory comprising: a body including: an air inlet; an air outlet; and a hair treatment chamber for receiving hair, the hair treatment chamber being defined by a wall and an opening through which hair can be inserted into the hair treatment chamber; and an insert removably attached to the body, wherein when the insert is attached to the body, the insert guides an air flow in a first direction away from the hair treatment chamber, and when the insert is removed from the body, the air flow emitted from the air outlet is guided into the hair treatment chamber in a second direction.

2. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the insert includes an insert inlet that is in fluid communication with the air outlet when the insert is attached to the body, and an air flow path configured to direct the air flow from the insert inlet in the first direction.

3. The accessory according to claim 2, wherein the insert includes a base and an upper panel, the base being configured to prevent air flow from traveling in the second direction when the insert is attached to the body, the upper panel defining holes through which air flow exits the insert in use, the base and the upper panel being separated by a gap that defines the air flow path.

4. The accessory according to claim 3, wherein the insert inlet extends around the perimeter of the gap.

5. The accessory according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the insert includes a plurality of protrusions disposed on the base and configured to separate the air flow from the base.

6. The accessory according to claim 5, wherein at least some of the protrusions are ribs extending towards the center of the base.

7. The accessory according to claim 6, wherein the ribs are curved.

8. The accessory according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein, when the insert is attached to the body, an interface is formed around the perimeter of the hair treatment chamber between the base and the wall.

9. The accessory according to claim 8, including a seal located at the interface.

10. The accessory according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein, when the insert is attached to the body, another interface is formed between the edge defining the opening and the upper panel.

11. The accessory according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein, the upper panel defines a plurality of holes, at least some of which are positioned closer to the center of the upper panel than to the perimeter of the upper panel.

12. The accessory according to claim 11, wherein, at least some of the plurality of holes are positioned on respective fork-shaped portions provided on the outer surface of the upper panel.

13. The accessory according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the insert includes one or more gripping surfaces provided on the outer surface of the insert.

14. The accessory according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the insert is attached to the body, hair is prevented from being inserted into the hair treatment chamber.

15. The accessory according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the insert is a diffuser.

16. A hair care appliance, comprising: an attachment according to any one of the preceding claims; and an air flow generator for generating an air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet.

17. A hair care appliance, comprising: a body comprising: an air inlet; an air outlet; and a hair treatment chamber for receiving hair, the hair treatment chamber being defined by a wall and an opening through which hair can be inserted into the hair treatment chamber; an insert removably connected to the body; and an air flow generator for generating an air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet; wherein when the insert is attached to the body, the insert guides the air flow away from the hair treatment chamber in a first direction, and when the insert is removed from the body, the air flow emitted from the air outlet is guided into the hair treatment chamber in a second direction.

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