Hair care products

Abstract

A hair care appliance comprising: an air ion generator comprising: a first electrode configured to generate positive ions; a second electrode configured to generate negative ions; and an electrically insulating material mounted between the first electrode and the second electrode to suppress arcing between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Hair care tools are typically used to dry and style hair. These tools are usually held by the user and moved relative to the hair to achieve the desired treatment or style.

[0002] Hair care products may include ion generators to produce ions. When these ions interact with the target hair, they neutralize the static charge that builds up during drying, reducing frizz and making the hair appear smoother. This smoothing effect of the ions can make hair look shinier and easier to manage. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the invention, a hair care appliance including an air ion generator is provided, the air ion generator comprising: a first electrode configured to generate positive ions; a second electrode configured to generate negative ions; and an electrically insulating material disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode to suppress arc discharge between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0004] The term "arc discharge" refers to the phenomenon of discharge or spark jumping across the gap between two conductive surfaces, which can lead to electrical insulation breakdown and potential damage to the surfaces. Damage to the electrode surfaces reduces the sharpness of the electrode tips, which can reduce ion generation efficiency. A hair care appliance according to a first aspect of the invention can provide a means of suppressing arc discharge between a first electrode and a second electrode, which in turn facilitates placing the first and second electrodes closer together relative to an arrangement without electrical insulation material installed between them. Within the packaging constraints of the hair care appliance, this provides a more compact arrangement that reduces the volume occupied by the first and second electrodes.

[0005] The first electrode may include an anode, which attracts electrons from atoms or molecules. When electrons are attracted away from atoms or molecules, positive ions, which may also be referred to as "cations," can be generated by the first electrode. The second electrode may include a cathode, which provides electrons to neutral atoms or molecules. When electrons are provided to neutral atoms or molecules, negative ions, which may also be referred to as "anions," can be generated by the second electrode.

[0006] Hair care appliances may include a housing, and an electrically insulating material may be mounted to the housing. The electrically insulating material may be mounted directly or indirectly to the housing. An air ionizer may be mounted to the housing. The first and second electrodes and the electrically insulating material may be located inside the housing, for example, so that the first and second electrodes and the electrically insulating material are not exposed to the user of the hair care appliance.

[0007] The first and second electrodes can be separated by less than 11 mm. The first and second electrodes can be separated by less than 8 mm. The first and second electrodes can be separated by less than 5 mm. The first and second electrodes can be separated by less than 3 mm. This spacing between the first and second electrodes allows for a relatively compact arrangement, which can allow for a reduction in the size of the hair care appliance, or provide additional space for other components in a hair care appliance of a given size.

[0008] The first and / or second electrodes may be configured to operate at voltages between ±0.5 kV and ±10 kV. The first and / or second electrodes may also be configured to operate at voltages of at least ±3 kV, for example, between ±3 kV and ±4 kV. The hair care appliance may include circuitry for increasing the voltage of a power supply to the hair care appliance to provide at least ±3 kV to the first and / or second electrodes during use.

[0009] Electrically insulating materials can include dielectric materials. Such materials help prevent arcing by inhibiting the flow of current. Electrically insulating materials can include a dielectric constant of 5 or greater. Electrically insulating materials can include, for example, ceramics, polymers, minerals, or crystals. Electrically insulating materials can include mica. Materials with increased dielectric constants can be used as effective electrical insulators because they provide improved insulation properties and prevent electrical conduction between conductive components (such as a first electrode and a second electrode), which can help suppress arcing.

[0010] Electrically insulating materials can include planar bodies. Providing the electrical insulating material in planar form allows for a relatively simple structure that facilitates easy mounting between the first and second electrodes. Planar bodies can occupy less space than non-planar bodies, which allows the electrodes to be positioned relatively close to each other. Electrically insulating materials can include generally rectangular cross-sectional shapes.

[0011] The first electrode may have a first length, the second electrode may have a second length, and the electrically insulating material may extend substantially along the greater of the first and second lengths, or, if the first and second lengths are equal, extend substantially along the entire lengths of both. This can suppress arcing along the entire length of the first and second electrodes.

[0012] The electrical insulating material may extend beyond the tip of the first electrode and / or the tip of the second electrode in the length direction of the first and / or second electrodes, for example, by a length range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, or 0.1 mm to 4 mm, or 0.1 mm to 3 mm, or 0.1 mm to 2 mm, or 0.1 mm to 1 mm, or 1 mm to 5 mm, or 1 mm to 4 mm, or 1 mm to 3 mm, or 1 mm to 2 mm, or 2 mm to 5 mm, or 2 mm to 4 mm, or 2 mm to 3 mm, or 3 mm to 5 mm, or 3 mm to 4 mm, or even 4 mm to 5 mm.

[0013] The electrical insulating material may extend beyond the tip of the first electrode and / or the tip of the second electrode in the length direction of the first electrode and / or the second electrode, for example, beyond a length of about 0.1 mm, or about 0.2 mm, or about 0.3 mm, or about 0.4 mm, or about 0.5 mm, or about 0.6 mm, or about 0.7 mm, or about 0.8 mm, or about 0.9 mm, or about 1 mm, or about 2 mm, or about 3 mm, or about 4 mm, or even about 5 mm.

[0014] The first and / or second electrodes may have a length of at least 10 mm, for example, in the range of 10 mm to 40 mm. For example, the first and / or second electrodes may have a length of about 10 mm, or about 15 mm, or about 20 mm, or about 25 mm, or about 30 mm, or about 35 mm, or even about 40 mm. Therefore, the electrical insulating material may have a length in the range of 10.1 mm to 45 mm.

[0015] The electrical insulating material may include a width greater than the width of the first electrode and / or the second electrode, for example, such that the electrical insulating material extends in the width direction to both sides of the first electrode and / or the second electrode. The electrical insulating material may extend beyond the first and / or the second electrode in the width direction by a length ranging from 0.1 mm to 5 mm, or 0.1 mm to 4 mm, or 0.1 mm to 3 mm, or 0.1 mm to 2 mm, or 0.1 mm to 1 mm, or 1 mm to 5 mm, or 1 mm to 4 mm, or 1 mm to 3 mm, or 1 mm to 2 mm, or 2 mm to 5 mm, or 2 mm to 4 mm, or 2 mm to 3 mm, or 3 mm to 5 mm, or 3 mm to 4 mm, or even 4 mm to 5 mm.

[0016] The first electrode may include a first cross-sectional area, the second electrode may include a second cross-sectional area, and the electrically insulating material may substantially cover the entirety of the larger of the first and second cross-sectional areas, or, if the first and second cross-sectional areas are substantially equal, the electrically insulating material may substantially cover the entirety of both the first and second cross-sectional areas. When the electrically insulating material extends along the entire length or cross-sectional area of ​​either electrode, it can create an insulating barrier between the electrodes, inhibiting current flow therebetween and maintaining a more uniform electric field. This can provide more consistent electrode performance by suppressing voltage concentration. The electrically insulating material may include a cross-sectional area larger than both the first and second cross-sectional areas.

[0017] Electrically insulating material may include a sleeve within which the first electrode is located. Using a sleeve around the first electrode can guide positive ions in a desired direction. This can suppress ion diffusion around the first electrode because it inhibits the tendency of ions to move toward areas of lower ion concentration. Therefore, hair care appliances and their accessories, typically formed of materials containing their own triboelectric charge, may include areas of lower ion concentration that attract ions away from their intended path. By guiding the direction of ion expulsion, the sleeve can suppress ion diffusion into the material of the hair care appliance or any associated accessories.

[0018] The second electrode can be located within the sleeve, and a planar body of electrically insulating material can define a first chamber and a second chamber within the sleeve, with the first electrode located in the first chamber and the second electrode located in the second chamber. This allows for the guidance of ions generated by the first and second electrodes, while also providing electrical insulation between the first and second electrodes. The sleeve and the planar body can be formed integrally. Alternatively, the sleeve and the planar body can be formed separately and attached to each other.

[0019] The electrical insulating material may include another sleeve in which the second electrode is located. In this case, each electrode can be housed within its own sleeve, with the electrical insulating material positioned between the first and second electrodes. This allows for the guidance of ions generated by the first and second electrodes while also providing electrical insulation between them.

[0020] The electrically insulating material can have a thickness of less than 2 mm or less than 1 mm. This provides sufficient electrical insulation between the first and second electrodes without unduly increasing the size of the assembly including the electrically insulating material and the first and second electrodes. The thickness of the electrically insulating material can be measured in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first length of the first electrode and / or the second length of the second electrode. The electrically insulating material may include opposing planar outer surfaces, and the thickness of the electrically insulating material can be measured in a direction substantially orthogonal to the opposing planar surfaces.

[0021] The first and second electrodes can each be separated from the electrical insulating material by 0.5 mm or less. This allows for a relatively compact arrangement and can generate a relatively uniform electric field. The first and second electrodes can be equidistant from the electrical insulating material. The first and second electrodes can be substantially adjacent to the electrical insulating material.

[0022] The hair care device may include: an air inlet through which airflow enters the hair care device; an air outlet through which the airflow exits the hair care device; and an airflow path between the air inlet and the air outlet, wherein a first electrode and a second electrode are arranged in the airflow path downstream of the air inlet.

[0023] A hair care appliance may include: an air inlet through which an airflow enters the hair care appliance; an air outlet through which a first portion of the airflow exits the hair care appliance; and an exhaust outlet through which a second portion of the airflow exits the hair care appliance; wherein an air ionizer ionizes at least the second portion of the airflow. The exhaust outlet may allow the second portion of the airflow to be used for ion discharge, for example, alongside the first portion of the airflow exiting the hair care appliance via the air outlet. This configuration allows the location of ion discharge to be designed independently of the placement of the air outlet. Furthermore, this allows the portion of the airflow to be modified to include characteristics different from, and vice versa, the airflow passing through the air outlet.

[0024] Hair care appliances may include an exhaust outlet path along which a second portion of the airflow is directed to an exhaust outlet, and an air ion generator may be located within the exhaust outlet path.

[0025] Hair care appliances may include a heater to heat a first portion of an airflow, with a second portion of the airflow bypassing the heater. Increased temperatures can adversely affect the ion count within the hair care appliance. By having the second portion of the airflow bypass the heater to expel ions, this adverse effect can be mitigated. In doing so, cooler air is diverted for ion expulsion, while the heated air can be used for drying and styling the hair. This arrangement helps maintain an increased ion count while also providing increased air temperature for faster drying of the target hair and more effective styling.

[0026] The emission outlet may include an inlet and an outlet. The first electrode may be located at a distance of at least 8 mm from the outlet end of the emission outlet. The second electrode may be located at a distance of at least 8 mm from the outlet end of the emission outlet. These distances allow the electrodes to be placed closer to the location where ions are emitted from the hair care appliance, thereby reducing the distance the ions need to travel through the hair care appliance.

[0027] The air outlet can be annular, and the exhaust outlet can be located inside the air outlet.

[0028] A first portion of the airflow may exit the air outlet as a first air column. A second portion of the airflow may exit the exhaust outlet as a second air column. The first air column may surround the second air column. The air columns may include properties independent of each other. For example, the second air column may be ionized and have a lower temperature, while the first air column may have a higher temperature.

[0029] Hair care appliances may include a central aperture, and an exhaust outlet may be located within the central aperture. Providing an exhaust outlet within the central aperture utilizes other unused space within the hair care appliance. An air ion generator may be located within the central aperture. A first electrode and a second electrode may also be located within the central aperture.

[0030] The first and second electrodes can be located at different distances from the air outlet along the airflow path.

[0031] In use, air can move along the overall flow axis on the air ion generator. The tip of the first electrode can be offset relative to the tip of the second electrode in a direction parallel to the overall flow axis. This configuration provides an improved distribution of ions from the hair care appliance compared to an arrangement where the first and second electrodes are at the same distance along the overall flow axis. In particular, for any given voltage, the electrodes may not produce a balanced amount of ions. In known solutions, the voltage of at least one electrode can be adjustable to produce a balanced ion count. This arrangement requires two separate circuits, which takes up more space within the hair care appliance and complicates the circuitry. In other known solutions, a fixed voltage is used, and the amount of ion output is adjusted via pulse width modulation. This may require relatively complex circuitry.

[0032] The tip of the first electrode can be offset from the tip of the second electrode by a certain distance, which ranges from 0.1mm to 5mm, or 0.1mm to 4mm, or 0.1mm to 3mm, or 0.1mm to 2mm, or 0.1mm to 1mm, or 1mm to 5mm, or 1mm to 4mm, or 1mm to 3mm, or 1mm to 2mm, or 2mm to 5mm, or 2mm to 4mm, or 2mm to 3mm, or 3mm to 5mm, or 3mm to 4mm, or even 4mm to 5mm.

[0033] For example, the tip of the first electrode may be offset from the tip of the second electrode by a distance of 5 mm or less, or 4 mm or less, or 3 mm or less, or 2 mm or less, or 1 mm or less. Suitablely, the tip of the first electrode may be offset from the tip of the second electrode by a distance of 0.9 mm or less, or 0.8 mm or less, or 0.7 mm or less, or 0.6 mm or less, or 0.5 mm or less, or 0.4 mm or less, or 0.3 mm or less, or 0.2 mm or less, or even 0.1 mm or less.

[0034] The tip of the first electrode can be located upstream of the tip of the second electrode. This can provide an improved distribution of negative ions from the hair care device.

[0035] The first and second electrodes can be fixedly mounted within the hair care appliance, preventing their tips from moving within the appliance. This provides a relatively stable arrangement that is less complex and / or less prone to failure compared to arrangements where the first and second electrodes are movably mounted.

[0036] The first and / or second electrodes can be movable, for example, to change the offset between the tips of the first and second electrodes. This allows the performance of the hair care appliance to be adjusted after manufacturing and / or during user use.

[0037] The first and / or second electrodes can rotate within the airflow path. This provides relatively simple movement and enables a relatively simple movement mechanism by which the first and / or second electrodes can be moved to change their respective distances from the air inlet. In use, air can move along the overall flow axis on the air ionizer, and the first and / or second electrodes can rotate about an axis orthogonal to the overall flow axis. The first and second electrodes can move together in response to a movement action. The first and second electrodes can be fixedly mounted to a mounting assembly configured to rotate relative to the main unit of the hair care appliance.

[0038] The electrical insulating material can move in conjunction with the first and / or second electrodes within the airflow channel. This ensures that the insulating material is always positioned between the first and second electrodes and simplifies the drive mechanism, facilitating the movement of the air ion generator within the airflow channel during use.

[0039] The first electrode and / or the second electrode can move in a linear direction along the airflow path to change the corresponding distance from the air inlet.

[0040] The first and / or second electrodes can be moved in response to input from the user of the hair care appliance. This allows the user to alter the performance of the hair care appliance by moving the first and / or second electrodes. For example, the ion count generated by either electrode may decrease during the lifespan of the hair care appliance due to aging and fatigue over time, possibly due to changes in its properties caused by corrosion. After a period of time, the electrodes may need to be adjusted by the end user to balance the ion counts, especially if the aging of the electrodes occurs at different rates than each other.

[0041] User input may include mechanical input, such as a user rotating the first and / or second electrodes using a knob or dial, or pressing a button to cause movement of the first and / or second electrodes. User input may also include user input to the user interface of the hair care appliance and / or user input to a remote device communicating with the hair care appliance; for example, the controller of the hair care appliance may be configured to cause a moving mechanism to move the first and / or second electrodes in response to user input. The moving mechanism may include a motor configured to drive the movement of the first and / or second electrodes.

[0042] Hair care appliances may include sensors and a controller, the controller being configured to cause movement of a first electrode and / or a second electrode in response to the output of the sensors. This allows the first electrode and / or the second electrode to move automatically without input from the user of the hair care appliance. The sensors may include voltage sensors configured to measure the voltage of the first electrode and / or the second electrode. The sensors may include an ion counter configured to count the number of ions output by the first electrode and / or the second electrode, for example, the number of ions output by the first electrode and / or the second electrode within a given time period.

[0043] An air ion generator may include multiple first electrodes; and / or multiple second electrodes.

[0044] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a hair care device is provided, comprising: a first electrode configured to generate positive ions; and a second electrode configured to generate negative ions; wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are separated by less than 11 mm.

[0045] Where appropriate, optional features of various aspects of the invention may be applied in the same way to other aspects of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 A perspective view of a first embodiment of a hair care appliance is shown.

[0047] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1A cross-sectional side view of the hair care appliance shown.

[0048] Figure 3 The display shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional rear view of the arrangement of air ion generators in a hair care appliance.

[0049] Figure 4a It shows Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the air ion generator arrangement.

[0050] Figure 4b The position of rotation is shown. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the air ion generator arrangement.

[0051] Figure 5 A cross-sectional front view of a second embodiment of the hair care appliance is shown.

[0052] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 An enlarged perspective view of the air ion generator of a hair care device.

[0053] Figure 7 An enlarged perspective view of an alternative air ion generator comprising a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0054] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of another alternative air ion generator is shown.

[0055] Figure 9 A cross-sectional side view of a third embodiment of the hair care appliance is shown.

[0056] Figure 10 A cross-sectional side view of a fourth embodiment of a hair care appliance is shown.

[0057] Figure 11 A cross-sectional side view of a fifth embodiment of a hair care appliance is shown.

[0058] Figure 12 A sixth embodiment of the hair care appliance is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0059] exist Figures 1 to 3 A first embodiment of a hair care appliance 100 is schematically shown. The hair care appliance 100 includes a main unit 110 and an attachment 101. The attachment 101 is a concentrator nozzle. In use, the attachment 101 can be releasably attached to the main unit 110, wherein this configuration... Figure 2 The illustration is schematic. Further details of Annex 101 are not relevant to the present invention and will therefore not be described herein for the sake of brevity.

[0060] The main unit 110 includes a handle portion 120, a head portion 130, an airflow generator 121 including an impeller 127 and a motor 126, user controls 123 and 124, a controller 128, a heater 140, and an air ion generator 150.

[0061] The handle portion 120 is generally cylindrical and hollow in form, and houses the airflow generator 121. The handle portion 120 has an air inlet 122 in the form of multiple perforations at its first end.

[0062] The head portion 130 is generally cylindrical and hollow, and is located at the second end of the handle portion 120, wherein the central axis of the head portion 130 is orthogonal to the central axis of the handle portion 120, such that the main unit 110 is generally T-shaped. The head portion 130 houses the heater 140 and the air ionizer 150. The head portion 130 includes an aperture 135 and an air outlet 132 through which air is entrained. The air outlet 132 is generally annular around the periphery of the aperture 135. The head portion 130 typically releasably connects the main unit 110 to the accessory 101.

[0063] User controls 123 and 124 are disposed on the handle portion 120 and include a first button 123 for turning the appliance 100 on and off and a second button 124 for controlling the airflow rate. A controller 128 controls the hair care appliance 100 in response to input from the user controls 123 and 124. For example, in response to input from the first button 123, the controller 128 can power on and off the appliance 100.

[0064] The airflow path extends between air inlet 122 and air outlet 132. Airflow is typically drawn into the hair care appliance 100 by impeller 127 through air inlet 122 and flows along the airflow path to exit the hair care appliance 100 through air outlet 132. Figure 2 As shown, the overall flow axis A indicates the general direction along which the airflow travels within the head portion 130 during use. During use, the airflow flows through the air ionizer 150 in a direction generally parallel to the overall flow axis A, as will be described in more detail below. Within the hair care appliance 100, a heater 140 is arranged along the airflow path to increase the temperature of the airflow.

[0065] The air ion generator 150 includes a first electrode 151 configured to generate positive ions and a second electrode 152 configured to generate negative ions. Electrodes 151 and 152 are attached to a mounting member 156, which is a support for attaching electrodes 151 and 152 to the inner wall of a head portion 130, such that electrodes 151 and 152 are positioned within an airflow path along the head portion 130. The mounting member 156 is attached to a rotatable support 157, which is attached to a main unit 110. The rotatable support 157 is configured to rotate relative to the main unit 110 in response to a user turning a knob 158. The knob 158 protrudes upward through the outer surface of the head portion 130 and is rigidly attached to the rotatable support 157.

[0066] In use, the control motor 126 drives the impeller 127 to generate airflow through the main unit 110, wherein the airflow flows through the main unit 110 along an airflow path between the air inlet 122 and the air outlet 132. The airflow passes through the heater 140 and is heated, and then passes through the airflow ion generator 150.

[0067] Power is supplied to the first electrode 151 and the second electrode 152 through appropriate circuitry, causing the first electrode 151 and the second electrode 152 to generate positive and negative ions entrained in the airflow. The airflow containing positive and negative ions enters the accessory 101 through the air outlet 132. The airflow is then emitted from the accessory 101 and used for hair conditioning.

[0068] It is possible that the ion counts of the first electrode 151 and the second electrode 152 become unbalanced or imbalanced during use. For example, due to aging and fatigue of electrodes 151 and 152 over time, the ion count produced by either electrode 151 or 152 may decrease during the lifespan of the hair care appliance 100, possibly due to changes in its properties caused by corrosion. To adjust the ion balance, the user of the hair care appliance 100 can rotate the knob 158 to rotate the first electrode 151 and the second electrode 152 within the airflow path. This... Figure 4a and 4b It is shown schematically in the diagram.

[0069] exist Figure 4aIn the arrangement, the first electrode 151 and the second electrode 152 are aligned along the overall flow axis A, and the central axis B of the air ion generator 150 coincides with the overall flow axis A. When the user turns the knob 158, the rotatable support 157, and therefore the mounting 156, as well as the first electrode 151 and the second electrode 152, rotate about an axis orthogonal to the overall flow axis A. This rotation causes the first electrode 151 and the second electrode 152 to be offset relative to each other in a direction parallel to the overall flow axis A. The tip 155 of the first electrode 151 is located upstream of the tip 155 of the second electrode 152, wherein the distance between the tips of the first electrode 151 and the second electrode 152 in a direction parallel to the overall flow axis A is 0.1 mm to 5 mm. Figure 4b In this position, the central axis B of the air ion generator 150 and the overall flow axis A are at a non-parallel angle relative to each other.

[0070] By offsetting the first electrode 151 and the second electrode 152 relative to each other in a direction parallel to the overall flow axis A, compared to an arrangement where the first electrode 151 and the second electrode 152 are not offset relative to each other in a direction parallel to the overall flow axis A, an improved distribution of ions from the hair care appliance 101 can be achieved. By moving the electrodes 151, 152 to balance the ion count within the airflow, the need to change the voltage of at least one electrode can be avoided. This reduces the complexity of the circuitry required for the hair care appliance and provides a relatively inexpensive arrangement.

[0071] In some examples, the offset of the first electrode 151 and the second electrode 152 can be achieved during the production of the hair care appliance, for example, by adjusting the offset during manufacturing before the hair care appliance is provided to the end user. In such examples, the knob 158 may not be provided, and the hair care appliance may simply be provided to the end user with a fixed offset between the first electrode 151 and the second electrode 152.

[0072] It should be understood that the positions of electrodes 151 and 152 can be offset along the overall flow axis A using forms of movement other than rotation. In some examples, at least one of the first electrode 151 and the second electrode 152 may be movable in a linear direction along the overall flow axis A so that the first electrode 151 and the second electrode 152 are offset relative to each other. When disposed on separate mounting pieces 156, for example, the first electrode 151 and / or the second electrode 152 may be arranged and moved along associated tracks.

[0073] It should also be understood that other forms of mechanisms for causing offset of the first electrode 151 and the second electrode 152 are also conceivable. In some examples, the hair care appliance may include a controller configured to cause movement of at least one of the first electrode 151 and the second electrode 152, for example by actuating a motor to drive movement of the first electrode 151 and / or the second electrode 152. The controller may be controlled in response to user input, for example via user activation of a user interface such as a button or a touchscreen. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may be controlled in response to input from sensors, such as sensors configured to sense the voltage of at least one of the first electrode 151 and the second electrode 152 and / or sensors configured to sense ions output from the first electrode 151 and / or the second electrode 152.

[0074] The second embodiment of hair care device 200 is in Figure 5 As shown in the diagram. Similar to the first embodiment of hair care appliance 100, a second embodiment of hair care appliance 200 includes a main unit 210, which has a handle portion 220, a head portion 230, and an air ion generator 250. The head portion 230 houses the air ion generator 250. For clarity, in... Figure 5 Other features of the second embodiment of the hair care appliance 200, such as the heater and airflow generator, which are similar to those of the first embodiment of the hair care appliance 100, are not shown in the figure.

[0075] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram schematically illustrates an air ion generator 250 of a second embodiment of a hair care appliance 200. The air ion generator 250 includes a first electrode 251 configured to generate positive ions and a second electrode 252 configured to generate negative ions. Electrodes 251 and 252 are attached to a mounting member 256, which is a support member for attaching electrodes 251 and 252 to the inner wall of a head portion 230, such that electrodes 251 and 252 are positioned within an airflow path along the head portion 230. A planar body 253 of electrically insulating material is mounted between the first electrode 251 and the second electrode 252. The planar body 253 is formed of mica with a thickness of 1 mm. The central axis CA of the air ion generator 250 extends between the first electrode 251 and the second electrode 252. The central axis CA of the air ion generator 250 extends through the plane defined by the planar body 253 of electrically insulating material.

[0076] Each electrode 251, 252 includes a cylindrical shaft 254 and a tapered tip 255, the cylindrical shaft 254 being attached at a first end to a corresponding one of the mounting members 256, and the tapered tip 255 extending from a second end of the cylindrical shaft 254. The first electrode 251 and the second electrode 252 have lengths between 10 mm and 40 mm. The length of each electrode 251, 252 is measured from the first end of the electrode 251, 252 attached to the corresponding mounting member 256 to the second end at its furthest point from the tip 255. In a plane parallel to the plane defined by the planar body 253, the first electrode 251 covers a first cross-sectional area, and the second electrode 252 covers a second cross-sectional area.

[0077] The planar body 253 extends further than the lengths of electrodes 251 and 252, and therefore extends along the entire length of electrodes 251 and 252. The planar body 253 of the electrically insulating material covers a planar region having a cross-sectional area larger than either the first or second cross-sectional area of ​​the corresponding first electrode 251 or second electrode 252. The distance between the first electrode 251 and the second electrode 252 in a direction orthogonal to the central axis CA is 2 mm. A distance less than 11 mm is envisioned.

[0078] The electrodes are configured to operate at approximately ±3.6 kV. During use, the planar body 253 suppresses current flow between the first electrode 251 and the second electrode 252. Therefore, the planar body 253 provides a means of suppressing arcing between the first electrode 251 and the second electrode 252, which in turn facilitates placing the first electrode 251 and the second electrode 252 closer together than arrangements without electrical insulation material between them. Within the packaging constraints of the hair care appliance, this provides a more compact arrangement, reducing the volume occupied by the first and second electrodes.

[0079] It should be understood that, in alternative configurations, any material with a suitable dielectric constant (e.g., a dielectric constant greater than 5) and capable of being processed into a suitable thin planar body can be used as the planar body 253 of the electrical insulating material.

[0080] It should also be understood that the mounting element 256 and the planar body 253 may alternatively be attached to a support member attached to the head portion 230. In some configurations, the mounting element 256 and the planar body 253 may be attached to a movable support member. The movable support member may include a rotatable support member as described in the first embodiment of the hair care appliance 100, or may be movable in a linear direction.

[0081] Figure 7An alternative embodiment of an air ionizer 350 is shown, comprising three first electrodes 351 configured to generate positive ions and three second electrodes 352 configured to generate negative ions. The three first electrodes 351 are arranged adjacent to each other in a linear arrangement, and the three second electrodes 352 are also arranged adjacent to each other in a linear arrangement. The first electrodes 351 are arranged parallel to the second electrodes 352, and a planar body 353 of electrically insulating material is mounted between the first electrodes 351 and the second electrodes 352. The central axis C of the air ionizer 350 is parallel to the first electrodes 351 and the second electrodes 352 and extends between the first electrodes 351 and the second electrodes 352. The central axis C of the air ionizer 350 extends through a plane defined by the planar body 353 of electrically insulating material. Thus, the first electrodes 351 are arranged over a first total width, while the second electrodes 352 are arranged over a second total width. The first total width extends between the farthest extents of the first electrodes 351 in a direction parallel to the central axis C, while the second total width extends between the farthest extents of the second electrodes 352 in a direction parallel to the central axis C. Each electrode in the set of the first electrode 351 and the second electrode 352 comprises an equal length. In a plane parallel to the planar body 353, the first set of electrodes 351 of the air ion generator 350 covers the first total cross-sectional area, and the second set of electrodes 352 covers the second total cross-sectional area.

[0082] The planar body 353 has a length greater than that of the electrodes 351 and 352, and therefore extends along the entire length of the electrodes 351 and 352. The planar body 353 has a width greater than either the first total width of the first set of electrodes 351 or the second total width of the second set of electrodes 352. The planar body 353 of the electrically insulating material also covers a planar region having a cross-sectional area greater than either the first total cross-sectional area or the second total cross-sectional area.

[0083] Using these dimensions, the planar body 353 creates a barrier between the respective electrode groups 351, 352, which is designed to... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The air ionizer 250 shown suppresses the flow of current between them in a similar manner to that described. Including several electrodes to generate unipolar ions can increase the ion count produced by the air ionizer 350 at a given voltage. This can accelerate the effectiveness of airflow ionization and, consequently, make the ionization of the target hair faster.

[0084] Figure 8Another embodiment of an air ion generator 450 is shown, which includes a sleeve 457 within which a first electrode 451 and a second electrode 452 are located. The sleeve 457 is tubular and disposed around the first electrode 451 and the second electrode 452. The sleeve 457 is formed of an electrically insulating material such as mica. The sleeve 457 extends along the entire length of the first electrode 451 and the second electrode 452.

[0085] A planar body 453 of electrically insulating material extends across the interior of a sleeve 457 to define a first chamber 458 within the sleeve 457, in which a first electrode 451 is located. The planar body 453 also defines a second chamber 459 within the sleeve 457, in which a second electrode 452 is located. The first chamber 458 and the second chamber 459 each have a "D-shaped" cross-sectional profile. The sleeve 457 and the planar body 453 are separately formed and attached to each other. A central axis D of the air ionizer 450 extends between the first electrode 451 and the second electrode 452. The central axis D extends through the plane defined by the planar body 453 of the electrically insulating material.

[0086] The use of the sleeve 457 can guide the generated ions in a desired direction by converging them. The sleeve 457, formed of an electrically insulating material, inhibits ion diffusion to the vicinity of the electrodes. Instead of being attracted to the surface of, for example, the associated hair care appliance, the sleeve 457 is used to more precisely guide ions into an airflow path within which the airflow can carry the ions for discharge from the associated hair care appliance.

[0087] In other configurations, the cannula 457 and the planar body 453 can be integrally formed as a single component. This can provide a configuration that makes the final hair care appliance easier to assemble and reduces potential points of wear and degradation. It should be understood that in other configurations, the cannula 457 may need to be incorporated to collect the generated ions without excluding the planar body 453. In these configurations, the cannula 457 may define a tubular chamber in which both the first electrode 451 and the second electrode 452 are located.

[0088] Figure 9A hair care appliance 500 according to a third embodiment is shown. Similar to the first embodiment of the hair care appliance 100, the third embodiment of the hair care appliance 500 includes an accessory 501 and a main unit having a handle portion (not shown), a head portion 530, and an air ion generator 550. The third embodiment of the hair care appliance also includes an exhaust outlet 560 disposed inside the head portion 530. The head portion 530 houses a heater 540 and an air ion generator 550. The head portion 530 also includes an orifice 535 and an air outlet 532. The air outlet 532 is generally annular around the periphery of the orifice 535. An airflow path extends between the air inlet (not shown) and the air outlet 532. Figure 9 As shown, the overall flow axis E indicates the general direction along which the airflow flows within the head portion 530 during use. During use, the airflow passes through the air ionizer 550 in a direction generally parallel to the overall flow axis E, as will be described in more detail below. The hair care appliance 500 includes an attachment 501 in the form of a concentrator nozzle attached to the head portion 530.

[0089] An exhaust outlet 560 is disposed within the head portion 530, downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the air outlet 532. The exhaust outlet 560 defines another outlet in the hair care appliance 500, and an air ionizer 550 is located upstream of the exhaust outlet 560.

[0090] Exhaust outlet 560 is configured to deflect a portion of the airflow passing through it to expel positive and negative ions entrained in the airflow from the hair care appliance 500. By deflecting a portion of the airflow passing through exhaust outlet 560, the airflow through the hair care appliance 500 is split into two parts. The airflow enters the hair care appliance 500 through an air inlet, the first part of the airflow exits the hair care appliance 500 through air outlet 532, and the second part of the airflow exits the hair care appliance 500 through exhaust outlet 560. In this configuration, the airflow is heated by heater 540 before the second part of the airflow exits from exhaust outlet 560. An air ionizer 550 located upstream of exhaust outlet 560 ionizes the second part of the airflow, causing exhaust outlet 560 to expel ions to the target hair in a separate airflow.

[0091] Compared to an arrangement where ions need to travel through attachment 501, this configuration improves ion removal from the hair care appliance 500 by reducing the distance ions need to travel through it, thereby reducing the likelihood of ions being attracted to the surface of the hair care appliance 500 itself. Furthermore, the distance ions need to travel through the hair care appliance 500 is independent of whether the hair care appliance 500 is used with attachment 501, which can improve the consistency of the resulting ion counts.

[0092] Figure 10 The image shows a fourth embodiment of the hair care appliance 600. The hair care appliance 600 of the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the third embodiment of the hair care appliance, but includes an inner wall 661 to deflect airflow through the hair care appliance 600.

[0093] Hair care appliance 600 includes a head portion 630 that houses a heater 640 and an air ionizer 650. The head portion 630 includes an orifice 635 through which air is entrained and an air outlet 632. The air outlet 632 is generally annular around the periphery of the orifice 635. An exhaust outlet 660 of the air ionizer 650 is disposed within the head portion 630. An airflow path extends between the air inlet (not shown) and the air outlet 632 of the hair care appliance 600. The hair care appliance 600 includes an attachment 601 in the form of a concentrator nozzle attached to the head portion 630. An inner wall 661 is disposed above the heater and is formed of an insulating material. The inner wall 661 extends along the entire length of the heater 640.

[0094] Airflow drawn into the air inlet of the hair care appliance 600 by an airflow generator (not shown) flows along an airflow path and exits the hair care appliance 600 through air outlet 632 and exhaust outlet 660. Exhaust outlet 660 is in fluid communication with the airflow path upstream of the heater 640. Figure 10 In one embodiment, a first portion of the airflow is heated by heater 640, while a second portion of the airflow bypasses heater 640 by being guided above heater 640 on inner wall 661 before passing through exhaust outlet 660. Inner wall 661 separates heater 640 from a portion of the airflow path and prevents heater 640 from heating the second portion of the airflow.

[0095] This configuration allows the second portion of the airflow to have different properties than the airflow passing through air outlet 632. For example, it may be beneficial to expel ions through lower-temperature air, while drying hair with higher-temperature air may be preferred. Therefore, this configuration allows the second portion of the airflow to have a lower temperature while still raising the temperature of the first portion of the airflow. Furthermore, this can be achieved by providing a single air inlet, and therefore a separate airflow path is not required, which would typically increase the volume of the hair care appliance 600.

[0096] Understandably, the second portion of the airflow may instead bypass heater 640 and be directed below heater 640 before passing through exhaust outlet 660.

[0097] Figure 11A fifth embodiment of a hair care appliance 700 is shown, which includes an alternative exhaust outlet 760. The fifth embodiment of the hair care appliance 700 includes a head portion 730, a heater 740, and an air ionizer 750. The head portion 730 houses the heater 740, which is arranged along an airflow path toward an air outlet 732 of the head portion 730 to increase the temperature of the airflow.

[0098] As shown in the figure, the exhaust outlet 760 is located within a central aperture 735 defined in the head portion 730. The exhaust outlet 760 includes an inlet end 761 and an outlet end 762. The inlet end 761 is in fluid communication with an airflow path upstream of the heater 740 and is arranged to discharge a second portion of the airflow to the exhaust outlet 760 for ionization. An air ionizer 750 is arranged in the exhaust outlet 760, between the inlet end 761 and the outlet end 762. Therefore, the air ionizer 750 is located in the central aperture 735 of the hair care appliance 700.

[0099] In this configuration, the exhaust outlet 760 is set to divert a second portion of the airflow out of the channel of the hair care appliance 700. A first portion of the airflow exits the air outlet 732 as a first air column, while the second portion exits the exhaust outlet 760 as a second air column. In this configuration, the first air column surrounds the second air column. The air columns have independent characteristics. Specifically, the second air column is ionized and has a lower temperature, while the first air column has a higher temperature.

[0100] Therefore, in use, the second part of the airflow moves over the air ionizer 750 and discharges ions from the outlet end 762 of the discharge port 760. This configuration utilizes previously unused space within the hair care appliance 700 and thus presents an efficient encapsulation arrangement. Furthermore, this allows the discharge port 760 to be positioned centrally within the hair care appliance 700, making it easier for the user to target the ions to the hair. This configuration also allows ionized air to be discharged at a lower temperature while still providing heated air through the air outlet 732 to dry the hair.

[0101] Figure 12 An alternative hair care appliance 800 according to a sixth embodiment is shown. The sixth embodiment of the hair care appliance 800 provides an alternative form of appliance to the first through fifth embodiments of the hair care appliance, while still utilizing similar concepts.

[0102] A sixth embodiment of the hair care appliance 800 includes a handle portion 820, an airflow generator 821 having a motor 826 and an impeller 827, a heater 840, an air ionizer 850, and an exhaust outlet 860. The handle portion 820 has an air inlet 822 in the form of an aperture, while the opposite end of the hair care appliance 800 includes an air outlet 832. An accessory 810 is removably attached to the handle portion 820 at the air outlet 832. An airflow path extends between the air inlet 822 and the air outlet 832.

[0103] An airflow generator 821 is located downstream of an air inlet 822, and a heater 840 is located downstream of a motor 821. An air ionizer 850 is located within an exhaust outlet 860, which is arranged downstream of the air inlet 822. The hair care appliance 800 has a wall 861 formed of insulating material, which is arranged near the heater 840 and extends along the entire length of the heater 840. User controls 823, 824 are provided on the hair care appliance 800, and a controller 828 is configured to control the hair care appliance 800 in response to input from the user controls 823, 824.

[0104] The air ion generator 852 can take the form of any of the air ion generators 150, 250, 350, or 450 described herein.

[0105] In use, a first portion of the airflow exits the hair care appliance 800 through air outlet 832, while a second portion exits through exhaust outlet 860. As it exits the hair care appliance 800, the second portion of the airflow moves over the air ionizer 850, carrying ions generated by the air ionizer 850. The second portion of the airflow is guided by the presence of a wall 861, which separates the heater 840 from a portion of the airflow path and prevents the heater 840 from heating the second portion of the airflow.

[0106] In each of the above examples, the air ion generator has a first electrode configured to generate positive ions and a second electrode configured to generate negative ions. Examples are also envisioned where each of the first and second electrodes is configured to generate both positive and negative ions. For example, the first electrode may be configured to alternate between generating positive and negative ions, and the second electrode may be configured to alternate between generating negative and positive ions. The first electrode may be configured to generate positive ions while the second electrode is configured to generate negative ions, and vice versa. In each of these examples, one electrode is configured to generate positive ions at a given point in time, while the other electrode is configured to generate negative ions.

[0107] While specific examples have been described, it should be understood that these are merely illustrative examples and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A hair care appliance including an air ion generator, said air ion generator comprising: The first electrode is configured to generate positive ions; The second electrode is configured to generate negative ions; and An electrical insulating material is installed between the first electrode and the second electrode to suppress arc discharge between the first electrode and the second electrode.

2. The hair care appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrode and the second electrode are separated by less than 11 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 5 mm, or less than 3 mm.

3. The hair care appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The electrical insulating material includes a planar body of electrical insulating material.

4. The hair care appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first electrode has a first length, the second electrode has a second length, and the electrically insulating material extends substantially the entire length of the larger of the first length and the second length, or extends substantially the entire length of the first length and the second length when the first length and the second length are equal.

5. The hair care appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The electrical insulating material has a dielectric constant of 5 or greater.

6. The hair care appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The electrical insulating material includes a sleeve, and the first electrode is located inside the sleeve.

7. The hair care appliance according to claim 6, wherein, The second electrode is located inside the sleeve, and a planar body of electrically insulating material defines a first chamber and a second chamber within the sleeve, wherein the first electrode is located in the first chamber and the second electrode is located in the second chamber.

8. The hair care appliance according to claim 6, wherein, The electrical insulating material includes another sleeve, and the second electrode is located inside the other sleeve.

9. The hair care appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The electrical insulating material has a thickness of less than 2 mm or less than 1 mm.

10. The hair care appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first electrode and the second electrode are each separated from the electrical insulating material by 0.5 mm or less.

11. The hair care appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: An air inlet through which airflow enters the hair care appliance; An air outlet through which the first portion of the airflow leaves the hair care appliance; and The second part of the airflow exits the hair care appliance through the exhaust outlet; The air ionizer ionizes at least the second portion of the airflow.

12. The hair care appliance of claim 11, comprising an exhaust outlet path, a second portion of the airflow being directed along the exhaust outlet path to the exhaust outlet, and the air ion generator being located within the exhaust outlet path.

13. The hair care appliance of claim 11 or 12, comprising a heater to heat a first portion of the airflow, wherein a second portion of the airflow bypasses the heater.

14. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The air outlet is annular, and the exhaust outlet is located inside the air outlet.

15. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, A first portion of the airflow leaves the air outlet as a first air column, a second portion of the airflow leaves the exhaust outlet as a second air column, and the first air column surrounds the second air column.

16. The hair care appliance according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The hair care device includes a central hole, and the discharge outlet is located within the central hole.

17. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein, The first electrode and the second electrode are located at different corresponding distances from the air outlet along the airflow path.

18. The hair care appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In use, air moves along the overall flow axis in the air ion generator, and the tip of the first electrode is offset relative to the tip of the second electrode in a direction parallel to the overall flow axis.

19. The hair care appliance according to claim 18, wherein, The tip of the first electrode is offset from the tip of the second electrode by a distance ranging from 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm.

20. The hair care appliance according to claim 18 or 19, wherein, The tip of the first electrode is located upstream of the tip of the second electrode.

21. The hair care appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first electrode and / or the second electrode are movable.

22. The hair care appliance according to claim 21, wherein, The first electrode and / or the second electrode are rotatable within the airflow path.

23. The hair care appliance according to claim 21 or 22, wherein, The first electrode and / or the second electrode are capable of moving in response to input from the user of the hair care device.

24. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein, The hair care device includes a sensor and a controller, the controller being configured to cause movement of the first electrode and / or the second electrode in response to the output of the sensor.

25. The hair care appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The air ion generator includes multiple first electrodes and / or multiple second electrodes.

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