Attachment for hair care appliance

Abstract

An attachment for a hair care appliance, the attachment comprising: a housing having an air inlet; and a first movable member and a second movable member movably connected to the housing, the first movable member and the second movable member each including a first air outlet and a second air outlet in fluid communication with the air inlet. The first movable member and the second movable member are movable between: a first position in which the first movable member and the second movable member are in contact with each other to prevent airflow from passing between the first movable member and the second movable member while the airflow can reach the outside of the housing through the respective first air outlets; and a second position, different from the first position, in which the first and second movable members are in contact with each other to prevent airflow from passing between the first and second movable members while the airflow is able to reach the outside of the housing through the respective second air outlets.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] In traditional air styling devices, air is directed to the hair through an attachment or head of the hair care appliance. The attachment or head typically includes bristles, around which the hair is wrapped or held for styling, and air is blown from the attachment or head toward the hair. Summary of the Invention

[0002] A first aspect of the invention provides an accessory for a hair care appliance, the accessory comprising: a housing having an air inlet; and a first movable member and a second movable member movably connected to the housing, each of the first and second movable members including a first air outlet and a second air outlet in fluid communication with the air inlet. The first and second movable members are movable between: a first position in which the first and second movable members contact each other to prevent airflow between the first and second movable members, while airflow can reach the outside of the housing through a respective first air outlet; and a second position, different from the first position, in which the first and second movable members contact each other to prevent airflow between the first and second movable members, while airflow can reach the outside of the housing through a respective second air outlet.

[0003] In some known hair care accessory attachments, such as air styling brushes, airflow is forced through a gap between two separate moving bodies. There are limitations on how small this gap (which is essentially the attachment's outlet) can be, while ensuring reliable performance within certain tolerances and maintaining the desired airflow directionality. In such attachments, the moving bodies must rotate past each other to change the direction of the airflow around the attachment. If the gap between the moving bodies becomes too small, the flow loses its directionality as it tends to be perpendicular to the attachment's surface.

[0004] In the claimed accessory, the first and second air outlets are outlets within the movable members, not gaps between adjacent movable portions relative to each other. That is, the dimensions of the first and second air outlets are unaffected by the movement of the movable members relative to each other or relative to the housing. By forming the first and second air outlets in the respective first and second movable members, the air outlets can be manufactured to be smaller because their dimensions do not depend on the relative positions of the adjacent movable members.

[0005] The movable members contacting each other in the first and second positions help ensure that airflow is not emitted between adjacent movable members, but rather emitted from the housing through a smaller first air outlet and / or second air outlet. Providing smaller air outlets allows the attachment to be used at higher air pressures than attachments where airflow is emitted through the gap between adjacent movable members. In turn, this can help generate a higher-velocity directional airflow, and thus a more energy-efficient attachment that can provide improved styling performance.

[0006] During movement between the first and second positions, a gap can be formed between the first and second movable members. This reduces the force required to move the movable members between the first and second positions.

[0007] When the movable member is in the first position, air can flow around the attachment in a first direction, and when the movable member is in the second position, air can flow around the attachment in a second direction opposite to the first direction. For example, in the first position, air can flow clockwise around the longitudinal axis of the attachment, and in the second position, air can flow counterclockwise around the longitudinal axis of the attachment. For example, the first and second directions can be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the attachment and cross the outer surface of the movable member.

[0008] The housing may have a first side edge and an opposing second side edge. The first and second side edges may extend in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the attachment. A movable member may be positioned between the first and second side edges. When the movable member is in a first position, air can be emitted from a first outlet toward the first side edge, and when the movable member is in a second position, air can be emitted from a second outlet toward the second side edge.

[0009] The first movable member and the second movable member can each rotate about their respective first and second axes. This provides a relatively simple arrangement. The first and second axes can be parallel to each other. This helps ensure contact between the first and second movable members along the entire length of the movable members. The first and second directions can be orthogonal to the first and second axes.

[0010] The first and second axes can be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the attachment. This provides a space-saving and ergonomic layout.

[0011] The first movable member and the second movable member can be operatively connected to move together between the first position and the second position. This helps to ensure that air is directed from the first movable member and the second movable member in the same direction.

[0012] The first movable component and the second movable component may each include a bristle bed and a plurality of bristles extending from the bristle bed, the bristles being used to engage with hair. Therefore, the attachment can be used as a hairbrush.

[0013] The first and second air outlets can be defined within a support member that supports the brush bed. The support member can have a higher rigidity than the brush bed and brush bristles. The rigidity of the support member can be greater than that of the brush bed and brush bristles. Therefore, during use of the accessory, the dimensions of the first and second air outlets can be unaffected by brush bristle bending.

[0014] The supporting components can be formed from aluminum or glass-filled nylon.

[0015] In response to the engagement of the attachment with the hair, such as in response to hair tension at the bristles, the movable member can move between a first position and a second position. Therefore, the direction of airflow can be switched according to the direction of movement of the attachment relative to the hair.

[0016] The outer surface of the movable component may include a convex surface extending around a respective first or second axis, which may be a Coanda surface. Therefore, due to the Coanda effect, airflow can be directed around the attachment in the first and second directions, rather than tangentially to the attachment, which occurs if the outer surface is flat or concave.

[0017] The lengths of the first and second air outlets can be substantially equal to the length of the bristle bed of the corresponding movable component. Therefore, the entire width of the hair in contact with the bristles can be subjected to airflow emitted from the first and / or second air outlets. The lengths of the first and second air outlets can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the accessory and / or parallel to the first and second axes.

[0018] The first and second air outlets may include slots disposed on opposite edges of the respective movable members. Therefore, depending on the position of the movable members, air can be emitted from the respective movable members in different directions.

[0019] The first air outlet of one of the first and second movable members can have a different cross-sectional area than the second air outlet of the movable member. Therefore, depending on whether the movable member is in the first or second position, different airflow characteristics can be emitted from the same movable member to the outside of the housing.

[0020] The first and second air outlets of the movable component can have the same length. This helps ensure that hairs of the same width interact with the air emitted from either the first or second air outlet.

[0021] The first and second air outlets of the first movable member can have the same length as the corresponding first and second air outlets of the second movable member. This can help to provide a more uniform airflow along the length of the movable member.

[0022] The first air outlet of the first movable member may have a different cross-sectional area than the first air outlet of the second movable member, and / or the second air outlet of the first movable member may have a different cross-sectional area than the second air outlet of the second movable member. Therefore, each slot can be manufactured with a customized cross-section to provide a desired output air profile during the use of the accessory. This can improve the performance of the accessory compared to the first and / or second outlets of the first movable member having the same cross-sectional area as the corresponding first and / or second outlets of the second movable member. For example, the first outlet of the movable member closest to the first side edge of the housing may have a larger cross-section than the first outlet of the movable member closest to the second side edge of the housing. This allows for further customization of the characteristics of the airflow emitted from the accessory.

[0023] The widths of the first and second air outlets can range from 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm. This helps generate a useful airflow velocity for hair styling without causing excessive pressure within the attachment.

[0024] The housing may define an internal cavity. Each of the first and second movable members may include an air chamber in fluid communication with the internal cavity. A first and second air outlet may be in fluid communication with their respective air chambers. By providing air chambers, a smoother transition is provided from the relatively large internal cavity of the housing to the relatively small first and second air outlets. This can help maintain the air pressure provided at the air inlet to increase the velocity of the airflow emitted from the first and second air outlets.

[0025] The air chamber may be defined by walls extending from the internal cavity to the first and second air outlets, and these walls have no protrusions or recesses. This helps maintain the air pressure supplied at the air inlet to increase the velocity of the airflow emitted from the first and second air outlets.

[0026] The accessory may include first and second channels extending from the air chamber to corresponding first and second air outlets, wherein the channels define a smooth decrease in cross-sectional area from the orifice defining the air chamber to the corresponding first or second air outlet. The closer to the first and second air outlets, the more the airflow is confined to the cross-sectional area of ​​the first and second air outlets, and the faster the airflow accelerates through the first and second air outlets. Therefore, providing an air chamber can help generate a higher velocity airflow at the first and second air outlets compared to a movable member without an air chamber.

[0027] The smooth reduction in cross-sectional area ensures that there are no abrupt changes between the cross-sectional area and the area of ​​the orifice defining the air chamber and the corresponding cross-sectional area of ​​the first or second air outlet. This helps to prevent vortices within the air chamber and / or the first and second channels.

[0028] The area of ​​the orifice defining the air chamber can be at least 20 times larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​each first air outlet and at least 20 times larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​each second air outlet.

[0029] The hole may have a width that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the attachment, in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm, for example, about 15 mm.

[0030] Optionally, with the movable member in the first position, air can pass through the second air outlet, and with the movable member in the second position, air can pass through the first air outlet. The contact between the movable members allows air that would otherwise be emitted to the outside of the housing between the first and second movable members to recirculate within the internal cavity. By allowing air to pass through the second air outlet when the movable member is in the first position and through the first air outlet when the movable member is in the second position, high-pressure areas within the internal cavity of the housing can be avoided.

[0031] At least one of the first movable member and the second movable member includes a contact portion disposed along the edge of at least one of the first movable member and the second movable member, with the outer edge adjacent to the other of the first movable member and the second movable member. This can help ensure that the first movable member and the second movable member are properly positioned abutting each other in a first position and / or a second position. This can also help provide a more repeatable and reliable contact between the first movable member and the second movable member.

[0032] The contact portion can be configured to act as a stop to prevent the first and second movable members from moving beyond a first and / or second position. This provides a simple way to ensure that the movable members are in the correct position relative to each other.

[0033] The contact portion may include a deformable portion to provide a seal between the first movable member and the second movable member.

[0034] The first movable member and the second movable member may each include a first contact portion and a second contact portion disposed along the outer edge of the respective movable member. When the movable member is in a first position, the first contact portion of the first movable member may be configured to engage with the second contact portion of the second movable member, and when the movable member is in a second position, the second contact portion of the first movable member may be configured to engage with the first contact portion of the second movable member. This can help to further ensure contact between the first movable member and the second movable member in the first and second positions.

[0035] The first contact portion may include a hanging portion of the wall that at least partially defines the first and / or second air outlet, wherein the hanging portion hangs over the respective air outlet. The hanging portion may contact a corresponding second contact portion of another movable member. This can help ensure that air emitted from the respective first and / or second outlets is not emitted between the movable members to the outside of the housing, but is recirculated within the internal cavity of the housing. As described above, this can help reduce high-pressure areas within the internal cavity.

[0036] The housing may define a first housing air outlet facing a first side edge of the housing, and a second housing air outlet facing a second side edge of the housing opposite to the first side. A first movable member and a second movable member may be disposed between the first and second side edges. When the movable member is in a first position, the movable member closest to the first side edge may contact the housing to prevent air from being discharged from the first housing air outlet to the outside of the housing, while airflow can reach the outside of the housing through the second housing air outlet. When the movable member is in a second position, the movable member closest to the second side edge may contact the housing to prevent air from being discharged from the second housing air outlet to the outside of the housing, while airflow can reach the outside of the housing through the first housing air outlet. The first and second housing air outlets provide additional outlets for the first and second outlets of the movable members, which can provide better airflow directionality through the attachment. Depending on the direction of movement of the attachment through the hair, one of the first and second sides of the housing may be adjacent to the hair, which is subjected to greater tension than the other side of the housing. Air emitted from the housing air outlet closest to the hair under greater tension can provide better hair drying performance compared to the air outlet closest to the hair under less tension.

[0037] The widths of the air outlets in the first and second housings can range from 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm. This helps generate a useful airflow velocity for hair styling without causing excessive pressure within the attachment.

[0038] With the movable member in the second position, the first housing air outlet can be configured to emit air toward the second side edge of the housing during use, and with the movable member in the first position, the second housing air outlet can be configured to emit air toward the first side edge of the housing during use. Therefore, the first and second housing air outlets help ensure that air flows over the outer surfaces of all movable members during use, regardless of whether the movable member is in the first or second position. This can improve hair care performance compared to accessories where the first and second housing air outlets are configured to emit air in other directions.

[0039] The first housing air outlet can be configured to emit air in a second direction, which can be one of clockwise and counterclockwise rotation around the attachment, and the second housing air outlet can be configured to emit air in a first direction, which can be the other of clockwise and counterclockwise rotation around the attachment. Therefore, the airflow emitted from the first and second housing air outlets can enhance the airflow emitted from either the first or second air outlet of the movable member, depending on the position of the movable member.

[0040] The second housing air outlet can be configured to redirect air emitted from the second air outlet of the movable member closest to the second side edge of the housing toward the first side edge of the housing when used with the movable member in the second position. The first housing air outlet can be configured to redirect air emitted from the first air outlet of the movable member closest to the first side edge of the housing toward the second side edge of the housing when used with the movable member in the second position. This can increase the airflow through the outer surface of the movable member, which can improve the hair care performance of the accessory.

[0041] In use, when the movable member is in the first position, air is emitted from the second air outlet of the movable member closest to the second side edge of the housing in a direction toward the second side edge of the housing. This contrasts with the air emitted from the first air outlet of the movable member and the second housing air outlet, which are directed toward the first side edge of the housing. The second housing air outlet is positioned and arranged such that the air emitted from the second housing air outlet is redirected and carries away the air emitted from the second air outlet of the movable member closest to the second side of the housing. The reverse is also true when the movable member is in the second position.

[0042] The accessory may include a third movable member movably connected to the housing and positioned on the side of the second movable member opposite the first movable member. The third movable member is movable between a third and a fourth position and includes first and second air outlets in fluid communication with an air inlet. In the third position, the second and third movable members contact each other to prevent airflow between them, while airflow can pass through the first air outlet of the third movable member to the outside of the housing. In the fourth position, the second and third movable members contact each other to prevent airflow between them, while airflow can pass through the second air outlet of the third movable member to the outside of the housing. Providing a third movable member allows for more first and second air outlets, which can provide better airflow directionality through the accessory. This can also provide better hair care performance through the accessory, for example, by more regularly emitting air through the accessory.

[0043] The third movable member can be configured to be in the third position when the first movable member and the second movable member are in the first position, and in the fourth position when the first movable member and the second movable member are in the second position.

[0044] The third movable member may have any features described with reference to the first and second movable members.

[0045] The accessories may include additional movable components, which include corresponding first and second air outlets and can move between the two positions relative to the housing in the same manner as described for the first, second, and third movable components.

[0046] A second aspect of the invention provides an accessory for a hair care appliance, the accessory comprising: a housing defining an air inlet and an internal cavity; and a movable member movable relative to the housing between the first position and the second position. The movable member includes an air chamber in fluid communication with the internal cavity, a first air outlet in fluid communication with the air chamber, and a second air outlet in fluid communication with the air chamber. When the movable member is in the first position, airflow can flow from the air chamber through the first air outlet in a first direction to the outside of the housing, and airflow is prevented from flowing to the outside of the housing through the second air outlet. When the movable member is in the second position, airflow can flow from the air chamber through the second air outlet in a second direction opposite to the first direction to the outside of the housing, and airflow is prevented from flowing to the outside of the housing through the first air outlet.

[0047] A third aspect of the invention provides a hair care appliance comprising a handle unit and an accessory according to a first or second aspect of the invention, the accessory being releasably attached to the handle unit. Thus, the handle unit can provide versatility and can be used with multiple different accessories.

[0048] The handle unit may include an airflow generator for supplying airflow to the accessory's air inlet. This can provide a stand-alone hair care appliance. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram based on an example hair care appliance;

[0050] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the handle unit of a hair care appliance;

[0051] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the accessories for a hair care device;

[0052] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A sectional view of a portion of the attachment;

[0053] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A sectional view of another part of the appendix;

[0054] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A sectional view of another part of the appendix;

[0055] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the attachment, wherein the attachment is in the first configuration;

[0056] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the attachment, wherein the attachment is in the second configuration;

[0057] Figure 9 yes Figure 3 A sectional view of the attachment, wherein the attachment is in the first configuration during use; and

[0058] Figure 10 yes Figure 3 A sectional view of the attachment, wherein the attachment is in the second configuration during use. Detailed Implementation

[0059] exist Figure 1 The image schematically illustrates a hair care appliance according to an example, generally designated 10. The hair care appliance 10 includes a handle unit 12 and an accessory 100 removably attached to the handle unit 12.

[0060] Handle unit 12 includes housing 14, airflow generator 16, heater 18, and control unit 20, such as Figure 2 As shown schematically in the diagram.

[0061] The housing 14 is tubular and includes an air inlet 22 and an air outlet 24. Airflow is drawn into the housing 14 through the air inlet 22 via an airflow generator 16 and exits the housing 14 through the air outlet 24. The airflow generator 16 is housed within the housing 14 and includes an impeller 26 driven by an electric motor 28. A heater 18 is also housed within the housing 14 and includes a heating element 30 to optionally heat the airflow.

[0062] The control unit 20 includes electronic circuitry for a user interface 32 and a control module 34. The user interface 32 is disposed on the outer surface of the housing 14 and is used to turn the hair care appliance 10 on and off, select the flow rate (e.g., high, medium, and low), and select the airflow temperature (e.g., hot, medium, or cold). Figure 1 In the example, the user interface includes multiple sliding switches, but other forms of user interface 32 can also be envisioned, such as buttons, dials, or touch screens.

[0063] The control module 34 is responsible for controlling the airflow generator 16 and the heater 18 in response to input from the user interface 32. For example, in response to input from the user interface 32, the control module 34 can control the power or speed of the airflow generator 16 to regulate the airflow rate, and control the power of the heater 18 to regulate the airflow temperature.

[0064] exist Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 8 Various views of the attachment 100 are shown. The attachment 100 is open at one end and closed at the other end. The open end serves as an air inlet 102 for entering the attachment 100, which receives airflow from the air outlet 24 of the handle unit 12 when attached in use.

[0065] Annex 100 includes a fixed body 104, a linkage mechanism 160, and a first movable member 130, a second movable member 140, and a third movable member 150 (collectively referred to herein as movable members 130, 140, and 150 for the sake of brevity). Each movable member is rotatably mounted to the fixed body 104 via the linkage mechanism 160. The movable members 130, 140, and 150 are brush beds, and each movable member supports a corresponding plurality of bristles 132, 142, and 152.

[0066] The fixed body 104 defines an internal cavity 106 that serves as the main airflow path through the accessory 100. The fixed body 104 has a connection portion 108 for connection to the handle unit 12, wherein the connection portion 108 has a plurality of protrusions 110 that can be received in corresponding recesses (not shown) formed on the handle unit 12 to ensure proper connection and alignment between the handle unit 12 and the accessory 100.

[0067] The fixed body 104 is elongated and has a central longitudinal axis 101. Viewed from the end, and as... Figure 4 and Figures 7 to 10 As best shown, the cross-section of the fixing body 104 is generally oval. The front face 112 of the fixing body defines an aperture 114, which allows fluid communication between the internal cavity 106 and the exterior of the fixing body 104. The rear face 116, opposite the front face 112, is closed. The front face 112 is connected to the rear face 116 by a first sidewall 118 and a second sidewall 120 located on opposite sides of the fixing body 104. The first sidewall 118 and the second sidewall 120 extend in a direction along the longitudinal axis 101.

[0068] Figure 4 The section passing through attachment 100 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 101, wherein movable members 130, 140, and 150 are omitted for clarity. Attachment 100 includes a first stop 122 and a second stop 124. The first stop 122 and the second stop 124 are elongated, extending from one end of the fixed body 104 to the opposite end. The first stop 122 and the second stop 124 each extend along the entire length of the hole 114 in a direction along the longitudinal axis 101 and are disposed toward the corresponding first sidewall 118 and second sidewall 120 of the fixed body 104. The first stop 122 and the second stop 124 are fixedly positioned relative to the fixed body 104 within the internal cavity 106.

[0069] The outer end 122a of the first stop 122 is separated from the inner surface of the first sidewall 118 by a distance of approximately 0.5 mm, thereby forming a first outlet groove 126 extending along the length of the hole 114. The outer end 124a of the second stop 124 is separated from the inner surface of the second sidewall 120 by a distance of approximately 0.5 mm, thereby forming a second outlet groove 128 extending along the length of the hole 114. The inner ends 122b and 124b of the first stop 122 and the second stop 124 are bent upward toward the hole 114.

[0070] The linkage mechanism 160 includes a pair of links 162 disposed at opposite ends of the fixed body 104 within an internal cavity 106. Figures 5 to 8Only one of a pair of links 162 is shown. Each link 162 is movably connected to the fixed body 104, such that the link 162 can be positioned as follows: Figure 5 and Figure 7 The first position shown is as follows Figure 6 and Figure 8 Move between the second positions shown.

[0071] Each link 162 includes three pivoting connections 164 for pivotally connecting to a corresponding end of a corresponding one of the movable members 130, 140, 150.

[0072] Movable components 130, 140, and 150 are arranged adjacent to each other within the fixed body 104, wherein multiple bristles 132, 142, and 152 of each movable component 130, 140, and 150 protrude from the fixed body 104 through holes 114, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown. The second movable member 140 is positioned between the first movable member 130 and the third movable member 150. In this example, each group of multiple bristles 132, 142, 152 includes two rows of bristles, each row of bristles extending parallel to each other along the length of the fixed body 104.

[0073] The second movable component 140 is in Figure 5 The image is shown in cross-section and includes: a bristle support 143 from which a plurality of bristles 142 extend; a body 144 rigidly connected to the bristle support 143 on opposite sides of the bristle support 143 from which the plurality of bristles 142 extend; and a pair of lugs (not shown). The second movable member 140 is symmetrical about its central plane 140a.

[0074] The main body 144 is formed of glass-filled nylon. The bristle support 143 is formed of thermoplastic elastomer.

[0075] The main body 144 has a first edge 144a and a second edge 144b on the side of the main body 144 opposite to the first edge 144a. The outer surface 143a of the bristle support 143 opposite to the main body 144 forms a convex arc.

[0076] Body 144 defines an air chamber 145, a first channel 146, a second channel 147, a first outlet 148, and a second outlet 149. The first outlet 148 is defined in a first edge 144a of body 144, and the second outlet 149 is defined in a second edge 144b of body 144. Air chamber 145 is located between the first outlet 148 and the second outlet 149. First channel 146 fluidly connects air chamber 145 to the first outlet 148. Second channel 147 fluidly connects air chamber 145 to the second outlet 149.

[0077] Air chamber 145, first channel 146, second channel 147, first outlet 148 and second outlet 149 each extend along the length of body 144 and each has the same length in the direction along the length of body 144.

[0078] A deformable layer 170 is disposed on each of the second contact surfaces 141b. It should be understood that in other examples, the deformable layer may additionally or alternatively be disposed on the first contact surface 141a.

[0079] The second movable member 130 includes a pair of first contact surfaces 141a and a pair of second contact surfaces 141b disposed on a first edge 144a and a second edge 144b of the body 144. The first contact surface 141a is defined by a portion of a wall of the body 144 defining a corresponding first outlet 148 or second outlet 149, the portion of which is suspended above the corresponding first outlet 148 or second outlet 149. The second contact surfaces 141b extend outwardly from the corresponding first edge 144a and second edge 144b to form a pair of protrusions on opposite sides of the body 144. The first outlet 148 is located between one of the pair of first contact surfaces 141a disposed on the first edge 144a and one of the pair of second contact surfaces 141b. The second outlet 148 is located between one of the pair of first contact surfaces 141a disposed on the second edge 144b and one of the pair of second contact surfaces 141b.

[0080] The first movable component 130 is in Figure 6 The image is shown in cross-section and includes: a plurality of bristles 142 extending therefrom, a body 144 rigidly connected to the bristle supports 143 on opposite sides of the bristle supports 143 from which the plurality of bristles 142 extend, and a pair of lugs (not shown). The body 144 of the first movable member 130 is asymmetrical about the central plane 130a of the first movable member 140. The third movable member 150 is a mirror image of the first movable member 130, cut about a plane that longitudinally bisects the bristle supports 143, as shown in the image. Figure 7-10 As best shown in the figure. Therefore, the third movable member 150 will not be described in detail here. Similar features have the same reference numerals, but are increased by 20 compared to the first movable member 130.

[0081] The main body 144 is formed of glass-filled nylon. The bristle support 143 is formed of thermoplastic elastomer.

[0082] The body 134 has a first edge 134a and a second edge 134b on the side of the body 134 opposite to the first edge 134a. The outer surface 133a of the bristle support 133 opposite to the body 134 forms a convex arc.

[0083] Body 134 defines air chamber 135, first channel 136, second channel 137, first outlet 138, and second outlet 139. First outlet 138 is defined in a first edge 134a of body 134, and second outlet 139 is defined in a second edge 134b of body 134. Air chamber 135 is located between first outlet 138 and second outlet 139. First channel 136 fluidly connects air chamber 135 to first outlet 138. Second channel 137 fluidly connects air chamber 135 to second outlet 139.

[0084] Air chamber 135, first channel 136, second channel 137, first outlet 138 and second outlet 139 each extend along the length of body 134 and each has the same length in the direction along the length of body 134.

[0085] A deformable layer 170 is disposed on each of the second, third, and fourth contact surfaces 131b, 131c. It should be understood that in other examples, the deformable material may additionally or alternatively be disposed on the first contact surface 131a.

[0086] The first movable member 130 includes a first contact surface 131a and a second contact surface 131b disposed on a second edge 134b of the body 134. The first contact surface 131a is defined by a portion of a wall of the body 134 defining a second outlet 139, the portion of which is suspended above the second outlet 139. The second contact surface 131b extends outward from the second edge 134b to form a protrusion on the body 134. A second outlet 138 is located between the first contact surface 131a and the second contact surface 131b. Figures 7 to 10 As can be seen, the third movable member 150 includes a corresponding first contact surface 151a and a second contact surface 151b, except that they are disposed on the first edge 154a of the body 154.

[0087] The first movable member includes a third contact surface 131c and a fourth contact surface 131d, each disposed on a protrusion 131e extending outward from a first edge 134a of the body 134. The protrusion 131e includes an upper wall, an outer wall, and a lower wall opposing each other. The upper wall is an extension of the wall of the body 134 defining a first outlet 138. The third contact surface 131b is disposed on the lower wall and faces away from the plurality of bristles 132. The fourth contact surface 131d is disposed on the outer wall, which is located between the upper and lower walls. The fourth contact surface 131d is disposed between the first outlet 138 and the third contact surface 131c. Figures 7 to 10 As can be seen, the third movable member 150 includes a corresponding protrusion 151e, a third contact surface 151c and a fourth contact surface 151d, except that they are disposed on the second edge 154b of the body 154.

[0088] The bristle supports 133, 143, 153 and the main bodies 134, 144, 154 of each movable component 130, 140, 150 are slender, as... Figure 1 and Figure 3 As best shown in the diagram. A pair of lugs of each movable member 130, 140, 150 extend from the opposite ends of the respective bodies 134, 144, 154 in the opposite direction to the direction in which the respective plurality of bristles 132, 142, 152 extend, and are rigidly attached to the respective bodies 134, 144, 154.

[0089] Annex 100 Figures 5 to 8 The images are shown in cross-section. The movable members 130, 140, and 150 are positioned adjacent to each other within the fixed body 104 of the attachment 100, such that the bristle supports 133, 143, and 153 and the bodies 134, 144, and 154 extend in the direction along the length of the hole 114.

[0090] Each air chamber 135, 145, 155 opens into the internal cavity 106 through air chamber holes 135a, 145a, 155a. In this example, the first and second outlets 138, 148, 158, 139, 149, 159 each have a width of approximately 0.5 mm. It should be understood that in other examples, the first outlets 138, 148, 158 may have different widths from each other, and the second outlets 139, 149, 159 may have different widths from each other. In this example, the first outlet 148 and the second outlet 149 of the second movable member 140 each have a width greater than the widths of the first outlets 138, 158 and the second outlets 139, 159 of the first movable member 130 and the third movable member 150. It should be understood that the first and second outlets 138, 148, 158, 139, 149, 159 of a movable member 130, 140, 150 may have different widths from each other. In the example, the first outlet 138 of the first movable member 130 and the second outlet 159 of the third movable member 150 each have a width of 0.6 mm, and the second outlet 139 of the first movable member and the first outlet 158 ​​of the third movable member each have a width of 0.4 mm. In this example, the air chambers 135a, 145a, and 155a each have a width W of approximately 12 mm. The first and second channels 136, 146, 156, 137, 147, and 157 define a smooth transition in width from the air chambers 135a, 145a, and 155a to the corresponding first and second outlets 138, 148, 158, 139, 149, and 159, without any abrupt changes in width.

[0091] Movable members 130, 140, and 150 are arranged within the fixed body 104 such that the first edge 134a of the first movable member 130 is adjacent to the first sidewall 118 of the fixed body 104, and the second edge 154b of the third movable member 150 is adjacent to the second sidewall 120 of the fixed body 104. The second edge 134b of the first movable member 130 is adjacent to the first edge 144a of the second movable member 140. The second edge 144b of the second movable member 140 is adjacent to the first edge 154a of the third movable member 150.

[0092] The corresponding pairs of lugs are pivotally connected to the corresponding pivot connectors 164 of the link 162 via pins (not shown), such that the movable members 130, 140, 150 can be positioned relative to the fixed body 104 as follows: Figure 7 and Figure 9 The first position shown is as follows Figure 8 and Figure 10 Rotate and move between the second positions shown.

[0093] In the first position, the movable members 130, 140, and 150 are generally inclined toward the first sidewall 118 of the fixed body 104, and a pair of connecting rods 162 are offset from the center of the internal cavity 106 toward the second sidewall 120 of the fixed body 104.

[0094] The second contact surface 131b on the second edge 134b of the body 134 of the first movable member 130 contacts the first contact surface 141a on the first edge 144a of the body 144 of the second movable member 140 along the entire length of the first movable member 130 and the second movable member 140, as shown. Figure 7 As best shown in close-up section A. This blocks any direct path from the internal cavity 106 to the outside of the fixed body 104 between the first movable member 130 and the second movable member 140.

[0095] The second contact surface 141b on the second edge 144b of the body 144 of the second movable member 140 contacts the first contact surface 151a on the first edge 154a of the body 154 of the third movable member 150 along the entire length of the second and third movable members 140, 150. This blocks any direct path from the internal cavity 106 to the outside of the fixed body 104 between the second and third movable members 140, 150.

[0096] The third contact surface 131c of the first movable member 130 contacts the inner end 122b of the first stop 122 along the entire length of the first movable member 130. This blocks any direct path from the internal cavity 106 to the outside of the fixed body 104 between the first movable member 130 and the first stop 122.

[0097] The fourth contact surface 151d of the third movable member 150 contacts the inner surface of the second sidewall 120 of the fixed body 104 along the entire length of the third movable member 150, such as... Figure 7 As best shown in close-up section B. This blocks the direct path from the inner cavity 106 to the outside of the fixed body 104 via the second outlet groove 128.

[0098] The second outlets 139, 149, 159 and the first outlet slot 126 of the movable components 130, 140, 150 are substantially free of any obstructions, thus forming a direct path from the internal cavity 106 to the outside of the fixed body 104.

[0099] In the second position, the movable members 130, 140, and 150 are inclined generally toward the second sidewall 120 of the fixed body 104, and a pair of connecting rods 162 are offset from the center of the internal cavity 106 toward the first sidewall 118 of the fixed body 104.

[0100] The first contact surface 131a on the second edge 134b of the body 134 of the first movable member 130 contacts the second contact surface 141b on the first edge 144a of the body 144 of the second movable member 140 along the entire length of the first movable member 130 and the second movable member 140, as shown. Figure 8 As best shown in close-up section A. This blocks any direct path from the internal cavity 106 to the outside of the fixed body 104 between the first movable member 130 and the second movable member 140.

[0101] The first contact surface 141a on the second edge 144b of the body 144 of the second movable member 140 contacts the second contact surface 151b on the first edge 154a of the body 154 of the third movable member 150 along the entire length of the second and third movable members 140, 150. This blocks any direct path from the internal cavity 106 to the outside of the fixed body 104 between the second and third movable members 140, 150.

[0102] The fourth contact surface 131d of the first movable member 130 contacts the inner surface of the first sidewall 118 of the fixed body 104 along the entire length of the first movable member 130. This blocks the direct path from the internal cavity 106 to the outside of the fixed body 104 via the first outlet groove 126.

[0103] The third contact surface 151c of the third movable member 150 contacts the inner end 124b of the second stop 124 along the entire length of the third movable member 150. This blocks any direct path from the internal cavity 106 to the outside of the fixed body 104 between the first movable member 130 and the second stop 124.

[0104] The first outlets 138, 148, 158 and the second outlet slot 128 of the movable components 130, 140, 150 are substantially free of any obstructions, thereby forming a direct path from the internal cavity 106 to the outside of the fixed body 104.

[0105] Figure 9 and Figure 10 Movable components 130, 140, and 150 are shown in corresponding first and second positions, wherein the hair care appliance 10 is in use. When the hair care appliance 10 is powered on at the user interface 32, the control module 34 causes the airflow generator 16 to generate airflow, which is drawn into the housing 14 via the air inlet 22 and discharged into the internal cavity 106 of the fixed body 104 of the accessory 100 via the air outlet 24 and the air inlet 102 of the accessory 100.

[0106] When the user pulls the multiple bristles 132, 142, 152 through the hair, the tension acting on the bristles 132, 142, 152 causes the movable components 130, 140, 150 to move to a first position or a second position. If the tension acts in the direction toward the first sidewall 118 of the fixed body 104, such as... Figure 9 As indicated by arrow T, movable components 130, 140, and 150 move to the first position, as shown in the image. Figure 9 As shown. If the tension acts in the direction toward the second sidewall 120 of the fixed body 104, as... Figure 10 As indicated by arrow T, movable components 130, 140, and 150 move to the second position, as shown in the image. Figure 10 As shown.

[0107] In use, with the movable members 130, 140, and 150 in the first position, the airflow leaves the internal cavity 106 in a direction toward the second sidewall 120 of the fixed body 104 and reaches the outside of the fixed body 104, thus pulling the hair through the multiple bristles 132, 142, and 152. Air is discharged from the fixed body 104 via the first outlet slot 126 and the second outlets 139, 149, and 159 of the movable members 130, 140, and 150, as... Figure 9As shown by the solid arrow in the diagram. The airflow also exits the internal cavity 106 via the first outlet 138 of the first movable member 130 to reach the outside of the fixed body 104. The airflow emitted from the first outlet 138 of the first movable member 130 is deflected by the first stop 122 toward the plurality of bristles 132 of the first movable member 130, and is entrained by the airflow emitted from the first outlet slot 126, as... Figure 9 As shown by the dashed arrow in the image.

[0108] The path from the inner cavity 106 to the first outlet slot 126 has essentially no step change, and the width of the path gradually decreases towards the first outlet slot 126. This causes the airflow to accelerate as it travels from the inner cavity 106 to the first outlet slot 126.

[0109] The second channels 137, 147, and 157 also provide a substantially stepless path from the respective air chambers 135, 145, and 155 to the second outlets 139, 149, and 159, the width of which gradually decreases toward the second outlets 139, 149, and 159. This causes the airflow to accelerate as it approaches the second outlets 139, 149, and 159.

[0110] Airflow emitted from the first outlet slot 126 and the first outlet 138 of the first movable member 130 flows over the outer surface 133a of the brush support 133 of the first movable member 130. The arcuate shape of the outer surface 133a of the brush support 133 of the first movable member 130 has a Coanda effect on the airflow, which helps the airflow follow the outer surface 133a of the brush support 133 of the first movable member 130.

[0111] Airflow emitted from the second outlet 139 of the first movable member 130 flows over the outer surface 143a of the brush support 143 of the second movable member 140. The arcuate shape of the outer surface 143a of the brush support 143 of the second movable member 140 has a Coanda effect on the airflow, which helps the airflow follow the outer surface 143a of the brush support 143 of the second movable member 140.

[0112] Airflow emitted from the second outlet 149 of the second movable member 140 flows over the outer surface 153a of the brush support 153 of the third movable member 150. The arcuate shape of the outer surface 153a of the brush support 153 of the third movable member 150 has a Coanda effect on the airflow, which helps the airflow follow the outer surface 153a of the brush support 153 of the third movable member 150.

[0113] The airflow emitted from the second outlet 159 of the third movable member 150 is emitted in a direction toward the second sidewall 120 of the fixed body 104.

[0114] Contact suppression between the first movable member 130 and the second movable member 140, the second movable member 140 and the third movable member 150, and the third movable member 150 and the second stop 124 prevents airflow from exiting the internal cavity 106 via the first outlets 138, 148, 158 and the second outlet slot 128 of the movable members. Conversely, any airflow through these outlets 138, 148, 158, 128 is recirculated within the internal cavity 106.

[0115] In use, with the movable members 130, 140, and 150 in the second position, the airflow leaves the internal cavity 106 in a direction toward the first sidewall 118 of the fixed body 104 and reaches the outside of the fixed body 104, thus pulling the hair along the plurality of bristles 132, 142, and 152. Air is discharged from the fixed body 104 via the second outlet slot 128 and the first outlets 138, 148, and 158 of the movable members 130, 140, and 150, as... Figure 10 As shown by the solid arrow in the diagram. The airflow also exits the internal cavity 106 via the second outlet 159 of the third movable member 150 to reach the outside of the fixed body 104. The airflow emitted from the second outlet 159 of the third movable member 150 is deflected by the second stop 124 toward the plurality of bristles 152 of the third movable member 150, and is entrained by the airflow emitted from the second outlet slot 128, as... Figure 10 As shown by the dashed arrow in the image.

[0116] The path from the inner cavity 106 to the second outlet slot 128 has essentially no step change, and the width of the path gradually decreases towards the second outlet slot 128. This causes the airflow to accelerate as it travels from the inner cavity 106 to the second outlet slot 128.

[0117] The first channels 136, 146, and 156 also provide a substantially stepless path from the respective air chambers 135, 145, and 155 to the first outlets 138, 148, and 158, the width of which gradually decreases toward the first outlets 138, 148, and 158. This causes the airflow to accelerate as it approaches the first outlets 138, 148, and 158.

[0118] Airflow emitted from the second outlet 139 and the second outlet slot 128 of the third movable member 150 flows over the outer surface 153a of the brush support 153 of the third movable member 150. The arcuate shape of the outer surface 153a of the brush support 153 of the third movable member 150 has a Coanda effect on the airflow, which helps the airflow follow the outer surface 153a of the brush support 153 of the third movable member 150.

[0119] Airflow emitted from the first outlet 138 of the third movable member 150 flows over the outer surface 143a of the brush support 143 of the second movable member 140. The arcuate shape of the outer surface 143a of the brush support 143 of the second movable member 140 has a Coanda effect on the airflow, which helps the airflow follow the outer surface 143a of the brush support 143 of the second movable member 140.

[0120] Airflow emitted from the first outlet 148 of the second movable member 140 flows over the outer surface 133a of the brush support 133 of the first movable member 130. The arcuate shape of the outer surface 133a of the brush support 133 of the first movable member 130 has a Coanda effect on the airflow, which helps the airflow follow the outer surface 133a of the brush support 133 of the first movable member 130.

[0121] The airflow emitted from the first outlet 138 of the first movable member 130 is emitted in a direction toward the first sidewall 118 of the fixed body 104.

[0122] Therefore, during use, airflow is emitted from accessory 100 in opposite directions depending on the positions of the movable components 130, 140, and 150. This helps the user dry hair in different directions, such as hair on opposite sides of the head.

[0123] Although the appendix 100 described herein includes three movable members 130, 140, and 150, it should be understood that appendices with different numbers of movable members fall within the scope of this application. For example, the second movable member may be omitted, and the first and third movable members may be arranged within a fixed body such that, in a first position and a second position, the second edge of the first movable member contacts the first edge of the third movable member.

Claims

1. An accessory for a hair care appliance, the accessory comprising: A housing with an air inlet; and A first movable member and a second movable member are movably connected to the housing. Each of the first movable member and the second movable member includes a first air outlet and a second air outlet in fluid communication with the air inlet. The first movable member and the second movable member are capable of moving between the following positions: In the first position, the first movable member and the second movable member are in contact with each other to prevent airflow from passing between the first movable member and the second movable member, while the airflow can reach the outside of the housing through the corresponding first air outlet; and In the second position, unlike the first position, the first movable member and the second movable member are in contact with each other to prevent airflow from passing between the first movable member and the second movable member, while the airflow can reach the outside of the housing through the corresponding second air outlet.

2. The appendix according to claim 1, wherein, The first air outlet of a corresponding one of the first movable member and the second movable member has a different cross-sectional area than the second air outlet of the movable member.

3. The appendix according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first air outlet of the first movable member has a different cross-sectional area than the first air outlet of the second movable member, and / or the second air outlet of the first movable member has a different cross-sectional area than the second air outlet of the second movable member.

4. The appendix according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The widths of the first air outlet and the second air outlet are in the range of 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm.

5. The appendix according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The housing defines an internal cavity; Each of the first movable member and the second movable member includes a gas chamber in fluid communication with the internal cavity; and The first air outlet and the second air outlet are in fluid communication with the corresponding air chambers.

6. The accessory of claim 5, comprising a first channel and a second channel extending from the air chamber to the respective first air outlet and second air outlet, wherein the channel defines a smooth decrease in cross-sectional area from the orifice defining the air chamber to the respective first air outlet or second air outlet.

7. The appendix according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When the movable member is in the first position, air can pass through the second air outlet, and when the movable member is in the second position, air can pass through the first air outlet.

8. The appendix according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one of the first movable member and the second movable member includes a contact portion disposed along the edge of at least one of the first movable member and the second movable member, the outer edge being adjacent to the other of the first movable member and the second movable member.

9. The appendix according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The housing defines a first housing air outlet and a second housing air outlet, the first housing air outlet being disposed towards a first side edge of the housing, and the second housing air outlet being disposed towards a second side edge of the housing opposite to the first side edge, wherein the first movable member and the second movable member are disposed between the first side edge and the second side edge; and in: When the movable member is in the first position, the movable member closest to the first side edge contacts the housing to prevent air from being emitted from the first housing air outlet to the outside of the housing, while airflow can reach the outside of the housing through the second housing air outlet. When the movable member is in the second position, the movable member closest to the second side edge contacts the housing to prevent air from being emitted from the second housing air outlet to the outside of the housing, while the airflow can reach the outside of the housing through the first housing air outlet.

10. The appendix according to claim 9, wherein, When the movable member is in the second position, the first housing air outlet is configured to emit air toward the second side edge of the housing during use, and when the movable member is in the first position, the second housing air outlet is configured to emit air toward the first side edge of the housing during use.

11. The appendix according to claim 10, wherein: The second housing air outlet is configured to, when used with a movable member in the first position, redirect air emitted from the second air outlet of the movable member closest to the second side edge of the housing toward the first side edge of the housing, and The first housing air outlet is configured to redirect air emitted from the first air outlet of the movable member closest to the first side edge of the housing toward the second side edge of the housing when used with the movable member in the second position.

12. The appendix according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a third movable member movably connected to the housing and positioned on the side of the second movable member opposite to the first movable member, the third movable member being movable between a third position and a fourth position, and comprising a first air outlet and a second air outlet in fluid communication with the air inlet. in: In the third position, the second and third movable members are in contact with each other to prevent airflow from passing between them, while the airflow can reach the outside of the housing through the first air outlet of the third movable member. In the fourth position, the second movable member and the third movable member are in contact with each other to prevent airflow from passing between the second movable member and the third movable member, while the airflow can reach the outside of the housing through the second air outlet of the third movable member.

13. An accessory for a hair care appliance, the accessory comprising: A housing that defines an air inlet and an internal cavity; and A movable member, which is movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. The movable component includes an air chamber in fluid communication with the internal cavity, a first air outlet in fluid communication with the air chamber, and a second air outlet in fluid communication with the air chamber. When the movable member is in the first position, the airflow can flow from the air chamber through the first air outlet in a first direction to the outside of the housing, and the airflow is prevented from flowing to the outside of the housing through the second air outlet. When the movable member is in the second position, the airflow can flow from the air chamber through the second air outlet in a second direction opposite to the first direction to the outside of the housing, and the airflow is prevented from flowing to the outside of the housing through the first air outlet.

14. A hair care appliance comprising a handle unit and an accessory according to any one of the preceding claims, the accessory being releasably attachable to the handle unit.

Images