Hair care device Hair care device Hair care device

Abstract

A hair care device comprising one or more capacitive sensors is described. Each capacitive sensor comprises a structure defining a gap of predetermined dimensions for receiving a volume of hair. A first electrode and a second electrode are arranged on either side of the gap for performing a capacitive measurement on the hair received in the gap.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Various hair care devices, such as hairbrushes and hair styling tools, can be used in combination to apply heat for styling and / or drying hair. Summary of the Invention

[0002] According to a first aspect of the invention, a hair care device is provided, comprising one or more capacitive sensors, each capacitive sensor comprising: a structure defining a gap of a predetermined size for receiving a volume of hair; and a first electrode and a second electrode arranged on opposite sides of the gap for performing a capacitance measurement on the hair received in the gap.

[0003] This invention utilizes the discovery that capacitive sensors can be used to detect characteristics of a user's hair. For example, the capacitance of hair can be used to estimate its moisture content (e.g., "moisture"). Therefore, by incorporating one or more capacitive sensors into a hair care device, the moisture content of a user's hair can be detected and monitored, for example, when the user is blow-drying and / or styling their hair. In this way, over-drying or overheating of the hair can be avoided, thereby reducing the risk of hair damage during drying and / or styling.

[0004] Because the capacitance sensor includes a structure defining a gap of a predetermined size for receiving a volume of hair, capacitance measurements can be performed on a known volume (amount) of hair, which in turn facilitates the determination of hair moisture content from the capacitance measurement. Specifically, by arranging the capacitance sensor such that capacitance measurements can be performed on a known amount of hair, the variation in the measured capacitance may be primarily caused by variations in hair moisture content. In other words, providing a structure with a gap for receiving hair can help reliably measure capacitance across a given amount of hair.

[0005] Therefore, in use, the hair care device can be applied to the user's hair, allowing some of the hair to enter the gap of the capacitance sensor. A capacitance measurement of the user's hair can then be performed using a first electrode and a second electrode arranged on either side of the gap. For example, an electrical signal can be applied across the first and second electrodes to measure the capacitance of the hair between the electrodes. Consistent with the above, the measured capacitance can provide an indication of the hair's moisture content, for example, to assist the user when drying and / or styling their hair.

[0006] The gap is shaped to receive hair. For example, the gap may have an open end (or opening) for receiving hair and a closed end opposite the open end. In this way, the gap can be filled with hair. Then, performing a capacitance measurement while the gap is filled with hair can provide a reliable indication of hair moisture.

[0007] Hair care devices can be designed to come into contact with hair during use. For example, hair care devices may include hairbrushes, hair stylers, and / or accessories for hair care appliances such as hair dryers.

[0008] For at least one of one or more capacitive sensors, a gap can be defined between a first member and a second member protruding from the surface of the hair care device, wherein the first electrode is on the first member and the second electrode is on the second member. This can help to reliably fill the gap with hair during use, which can improve the consistency of capacitance measurements performed by the capacitive sensors. For example, when a user moves the hair care device through (or along) their hair, the first and second members can extend into the user's hair, such that the gap between the first and second members can be filled with hair.

[0009] A hair care device may include multiple bristles for engaging with and untangling hair, with a first component being a first bristle and a second component being a second bristle. In this way, a capacitive sensor can be integrated with the bristles of the hair care device. Therefore, the first and second bristles can provide two functions: engaging with and untangling hair, and enabling capacitance measurement of hair located in the gap between the first and second bristles. Thus, when the multiple bristles pass through a user's hair (e.g., to comb the hair), capacitance measurement can be performed on the hair filling the gap between the first and second bristles.

[0010] Hair care devices may include hairbrushes, wherein multiple bristles are the bristles of a hairbrush. In some cases, hair care devices may include hairbrush attachments for hair care appliances, wherein multiple bristles are the bristles of a hairbrush.

[0011] The first and second components can be formed of conductive material to define the first and second electrodes, respectively. In this way, the length of the first component protruding from the surface of the hair care device can serve as the first electrode, and the length of the second component protruding from the surface of the hair care device can serve as the second electrode. This allows capacitance to be measured along the entire height (depth) of the gap, contributing to reliable capacitance measurements. This also allows capacitance measurements to be performed even if the gap is not completely filled.

[0012] As an example, in the case where the first component is the first bristle and the second component is the second bristle, the first bristle and the second bristle may each include a corresponding wire made of a conductive material that protrudes from the surface of the hair care device.

[0013] For at least one of one or more capacitive sensors, the gap may be defined by a channel (or groove) in the surface of the hair care device. In this way, when the hair care device comes into contact with the user's hair, the hair can easily enter and fill the gap. The surface defining the channel may be the outer (external) surface of the hair care device.

[0014] The first and second electrodes can be arranged on opposite sides of the channel, for example, on opposite sidewalls of the channel.

[0015] The channel may include a first sidewall and a second sidewall, which are inclined relative to each other such that the opening of the channel is wider than the base of the channel. This shape of the channel facilitates the guidance of hair into the channel, thereby facilitating the filling of the channel with hair. This, in turn, facilitates the performance of capacitance measurements, such as providing a reliable indication of hair moisture content, when the channel is filled with hair.

[0016] Hair care devices may include a base and multiple bristles protruding from the base, with channels formed within the base. In this way, a capacitance sensor can be easily integrated with a device having multiple bristles, such as a hairbrush or brush attachment. Thus, as the multiple bristles pass through the user's hair, the hair can be guided into the channels to enable capacitance measurements to be performed on the hair.

[0017] In the case where the hair care device includes a first component and a second component protruding from a surface as described above, the channel can be defined in the same surface (e.g., a base). Therefore, the hair care device can have a capacitive sensor formed by the protruding component and a capacitive sensor formed in the surface of the device.

[0018] Hair care devices may include a barrel around which hair is wound during use, and channels formed on the outer surface of the barrel. In this way, as the hair is wound around the barrel, it can enter the channels to enable capacitance measurements to be performed on the hair. This arrangement facilitates filling the channels with hair, allowing the capacitance measurements to provide a reliable indication of the hair's moisture content. As an example, a hair care device may include a hair styler with a barrel around which hair is wound during use.

[0019] The channel can extend in the direction in which the hair wraps around the barrel during use. In this way, the hair can naturally fall into the channel as it wraps around the barrel. The channel can also be used to guide the hair as it wraps around the barrel. For example, the channel can extend at an angle of 45° to 90° to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. This allows the channel to be substantially aligned with the hair as it wraps around the barrel, thereby facilitating the filling of the channel with hair during use.

[0020] At least one of the one or more capacitive sensors may further include a third and a fourth electrode disposed on either side of the gap, with the first and second electrodes positioned closer to the base of the gap and the third and fourth electrodes positioned closer to the opening of the gap. Using such an electrode arrangement, a first capacitance measurement can be performed using the first pair of electrodes (i.e., the first and second electrodes), and a second capacitance measurement can be performed using the second pair of electrodes (i.e., the third and fourth electrodes). The two capacitance measurements can then be used to determine the degree of gap filling. For example, if the hair only partially fills the gap, reaching the first pair of electrodes but not the second pair, only the first capacitance measurement will be affected by the hair in the gap. When the gap is completely filled by hair, both the first and second capacitance measurements will be affected by the presence of hair in the gap. Therefore, when using capacitance measurements to determine hair moisture content, it can be ensured that the gap is completely filled. Furthermore, performing two capacitance measurements across the same gap allows for cross-checking of the two capacitance measurements, which can further improve the accuracy of the measurement.

[0021] At least one of the one or more capacitive sensors may further include a shielding electrode for shielding the first electrode and / or the second electrode. Such a shielding electrode can improve the measurement performance of the capacitive sensor. For example, the shielding electrode can be used to shield the capacitive sensor from the effects of ambient noise and parasitic capacitance. The shielding electrode can be used as active shielding, for example, by applying a shielding signal to the shielding electrode. The shielding electrode can take any suitable form. In some embodiments, the shielding electrode may extend along (adjacent to) the first electrode and / or the second electrode. In some cases, the shielding electrode may form a loop around the first electrode and / or the second electrode.

[0022] For at least one of one or more capacitive sensors, the structure can be moved to adjust the size of the gap from a first size to a predetermined size. This arrangement can help guide hair into the gap and improve the gap's fill rate. For example, to facilitate the reception of hair in the gap, the structure can be moved to enlarge the gap. The structure can then be moved to restore the gap to the predetermined size, which may cause some hair to be compressed within the gap. Therefore, the hair in the gap can have a higher fill rate, which can improve the accuracy of capacitance measurements.

[0023] Various mechanisms can be used to adjust the size of the gap, depending on the gap and the arrangement of the electrodes. For example, when the electrodes are located on the first and second components described above, a mechanism for adjusting the interval between the first and second components can be provided. When the gap is defined by a channel in the surface of the device, a mechanism for adjusting the width and / or depth of the channel can be provided.

[0024] One or more capacitive sensors may include multiple capacitive sensors. In this way, multiple capacitive measurements can be performed on the user's hair. This can make it possible to obtain a more accurate estimate of moisture content, for example, by comparing multiple capacitive measurements and / or averaging them.

[0025] Multiple capacitance sensors can be arranged in a linear array along the surface of the hair care device. In this way, multiple capacitance measurements can be performed on a corresponding hair sample. Providing a linear array also increases the likelihood that the hair will come into contact with at least one capacitance sensor, thus allowing capacitance measurements of the user's hair to be obtained even if only a portion of the hair care device is in contact with the user's hair.

[0026] In hair care devices that include multiple bristles for engaging and untangling hair, a linear array of capacitive sensors can be positioned between a first set of bristles and a second set of bristles. This arrangement ensures that one or more capacitive sensors are in contact with the hair when the bristles engage with the user's hair. For example, as the hair care device moves through the user's hair, the hair can extend from the first set of bristles to the second set, and thus through the linear array of capacitive sensors.

[0027] Multiple capacitive sensors can include a first capacitive sensor and a second capacitive sensor with gaps of different sizes. Using gaps of different sizes helps make hair care devices compatible with more different hair types. For example, smaller gaps can easily fill in straight hair, while larger gaps may be more suitable for curly hair. Furthermore, by including capacitive sensors with different gap sizes, measurements from different capacitive sensors can be cross-checked and verified to ensure they are consistent with each other (e.g., taking into account the different gap sizes). Therefore, measurement accuracy can be improved.

[0028] The dimensions of the gap can vary in width and / or height.

[0029] Hair care devices may include a controller configured to perform capacitance measurements using each of one or more capacitance sensors. This enables the hair care device to perform capacitance measurements automatically. The controller can implement various suitable capacitance measurement techniques. For example, the controller can be configured to control measurement signals supplied to a first electrode and a second electrode, and to detect the resulting response signals from the first electrode and the second electrode. The controller may include any suitable processing device or system for controlling capacitance measurements. The controller may include a processor and a memory storing computer instructions, such that the processor performs capacitance measurements when executing the computer instructions.

[0030] For at least one of one or more capacitive sensors, the controller can be configured to determine a value indicating the moisture level (e.g., water content) of hair received in the gap based on a capacitance measurement. In this way, the moisture level of the hair can be automatically determined based on the capacitance measurement. Consistent with the above discussion, this can help ensure that the hair is not over-dried or overheated. To determine the value indicating moisture level, the controller can store the relationship between the capacitance measurement and the moisture level value. For example, this relationship can be obtained by calibrating the hair care device using hair with different moisture levels.

[0031] Values ​​indicating hair moisture can be provided on any suitable scale. Generally, a value indicating moisture can indicate the moisture (water) content of the hair. Thus, for example, the value can be provided as a "fraction" of moisture (e.g., on a predetermined moisture scale) or a percentage of moisture content (e.g., by weight or volume).

[0032] In cases where one or more capacitive sensors include a first capacitive sensor and a second capacitive sensor with different sized gaps, the controller can be configured to perform a first capacitance measurement using the first capacitive sensor and a second capacitance measurement using the second capacitive sensor, and the controller is configured to determine a value indicating the moisture level of hair received in the gap between the first and second capacitive sensors based on (e.g., as a function of) the first and second capacitance measurements. Consistent with the above discussion, considering both capacitance measurements when determining the value indicating moisture level can improve the accuracy of the determination. For example, the moisture level values ​​obtained from the two capacitance measurements can be cross-checked, and / or the moisture level values ​​obtained from the two capacitance measurements can be averaged.

[0033] In cases where the structure is movable to adjust the size of the gap for at least one of one or more capacitive sensors, the structure can move between a first state and a second state, in which the gap has a first size and in the second state, the gap has a predetermined size smaller than the first size; and the controller can be configured to perform a capacitance measurement when the structure is in the second state and determine a value indicating the moisture content of hair received in the gap based on the capacitance measurement. Therefore, consistent with the above discussion, the structure can be moved to the first state to receive / insert hair into the gap. The structure can then be moved to the second state to give the gap the predetermined size so that the moisture content value can be accurately determined. The movement of the structure between the first and second states can be manually controlled (e.g., by a user) or automatically controlled by the controller.

[0034] The controller can be configured to perform another capacitance measurement when the structure is in the first state, and to determine a value indicating hair moisture based on (e.g., as a function of) the capacitance measurement and the other capacitance measurement. Using both capacitance measurements can help improve the accuracy of the determined moisture value. For example, the moisture values ​​obtained from the two capacitance measurements can be cross-checked and / or averaged together.

[0035] The controller can be configured to control the hair care device based on capacitance measurements. In this way, the hair care device can be automatically controlled based on capacitance measurements. For example, the controller can control the hair care device based on a determined value indicating hair moisture. Therefore, the operation of the hair care device can be controlled according to hair moisture, allowing the hair care device to respond to the user's hair moisture level essentially in real time.

[0036] As an example, the controller can be configured to perform one or more of the following based on (i.e., as a function of) capacitance measurement (or a determined value indicating humidity): generating an alarm, controlling the temperature of the device, controlling the airflow of the device, and / or shutting down the device.

[0037] The foregoing has described various examples of capacitive sensors for hair care devices. It should be understood that hair care devices according to the present invention may include various combinations of different capacitive sensor types. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of hair care equipment is shown;

[0039] Figure 2 It shows that it can be included in Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a capacitive sensor in a hair care device;

[0040] Figure 3 It shows that it can be included in Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a capacitive sensor in a hair care device;

[0041] Figure 4 It shows that it can be included in Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a capacitive sensor in a hair care device;

[0042] Figure 5 It shows that it can be included in Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the shielded electrode in a hair care device;

[0043] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a hair care device, including an example arrangement of capacitive sensors;

[0044] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a hair care device, including an example arrangement of capacitive sensors;

[0045] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a hair care device, including an example arrangement of capacitive sensors;

[0046] Figure 9 It shows that it can be included in Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a capacitive sensor in a hair care device;

[0047] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of another hair care device is shown; and

[0048] Figure 11 It shows that it can be included in Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional view of a capacitive sensor in a hair care device. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a hair care device is shown. The hair care device is in the form of a hairbrush 10, which includes a brush head 12 connected to a handle 14. The brush head 12 includes a base (surface) 16, from which a plurality of bristles 18 protrude. In use, the bristles 18 can be used to engage with hair and untangle hair knots. Figure 1 The view shown corresponds to a top view of the hairbrush 10, i.e., viewed towards the hairbrush 10 along the longitudinal direction of the bristles 18. The hairbrush 10 includes one or more capacitive sensors configured to perform capacitance measurements on hair engaged with the bristles 18. The capacitance measurements can then be used to provide an indication of the hair's moisture content (e.g., water content). Various examples of capacitive sensors that may be included in the hairbrush 10 are described below. Generally, each capacitive sensor includes a structure defining a gap of a predetermined size for receiving a volume of hair. A first electrode and a second electrode are arranged on either side of the gap for performing capacitance measurements on hair received in the gap. The hairbrush 10 also includes a controller (not shown) electrically connected to each of the one or more capacitive sensors and configured to perform capacitance measurements using each of the one or more capacitive sensors. For example, the controller may be located in the brush head 12 or handle 14 of the hairbrush 10. The hairbrush 10 may also include an internal power source (e.g., a battery) and / or an interface for connecting to an external power source to power the controller to perform the capacitance measurements.

[0050] exist Figure 1In the example shown, the plurality of bristles 18 include a first set of bristles 18a and a second set of bristles 18b, which are separated by a gap. A linear array (arrangement) of members 20 is located in the gap between the first set of bristles 18a and the second set of bristles 18b. Each member 20 protrudes from the base 16 to engage with the user's hair during use. The protruding members 20 may be used to define one or more capacitive sensors for the hairbrush 10, as discussed in more detail below.

[0051] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a pair of components 20 forming a brush 10 for a capacitive sensor according to an example is shown. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view is along Figure 1 The hairbrush shown is truncated along its longitudinal axis 22. The pair of components includes a first component 20a and a second component 20b, separated by a gap 24 and together defining a capacitive sensor. The gap 24 has an open end for receiving hair and a closed end defined by a base 16. Each component 20a, 20b is formed of a flexible material, such as plastic or rubber. In some cases, components 20a, 20b may be formed of the same or similar material as the bristles 18. The first component 20a includes a first electrode 26a exposed on its surface facing the gap 24. Similarly, the second component 20b includes a second electrode 26b exposed on its surface facing the gap 24. Thus, the first electrode 26a and the second electrode 26b face each other across the gap 24. For example, the first electrode 26a and the second electrode 26b may be applied to the surfaces of the first component 20a and the second component 20b respectively, or may be partially embedded in the material of the first component 20a and the second component 20b respectively. In some cases, the first member 20a may be formed of a conductive material (e.g., a wire) such that the first member 20a itself defines a first electrode. Similarly, the second member 20b may be formed of a conductive material (e.g., a wire) such that the second member 20b itself defines a second electrode.

[0052] First electrodes 20a and second electrodes 20b are arranged on either side of gap 24 to perform capacitance measurements on hair 28 received in gap 24. Specifically, a pair of wires 30a, 30b are provided to connect each electrode to a controller, allowing the controller to perform capacitance measurements using first electrodes 26a and second electrodes 26b. Thus, for example, the controller can apply a measurement signal (e.g., voltage or current signal) to first electrodes 26a and second electrodes 26b to perform capacitance measurements on hair 28 received in gap 24. The controller can implement any suitable capacitance measurement protocol for performing capacitance measurements on hair 28 in gap 24. For example, the controller can be configured to transmit a time-varying current to first electrodes 26a and second electrodes 26b to determine the impedance of hair 28 in gap 24.

[0053] When the hairbrush 10 is used to comb the hair, the hair can enter the gap 24 to fill the space between the first electrode 26a and the second electrode 26b. Specifically, the bristles 18 arranged on both sides of the member 20 can be used to guide the hair into the gap 24. The controller can then perform a capacitance measurement using the electrodes 26a, 26b, as described above. The wetness (moisture content) of the hair 28 in the gap 24 affects its electrical properties and thus the result of the capacitance measurement. Therefore, the capacitance measurement can be used as an indication of the wetness level of the hair in the gap 24. The gap 24 has a predetermined (i.e., known) size, allowing capacitance measurements to be performed on a known volume of hair. This improves the reproducibility of the capacitance measurement, thus providing a reliable indication of hair wetness across multiple measurements.

[0054] Back Figure 1 Each adjacent pair of components 20 can be as follows Figure 2 The configuration is shown. Therefore, the linear array of component 20 can define a linear array of capacitive sensors, wherein a corresponding capacitance measurement can be performed on a hair received in the gap between each capacitive sensor. The electrodes in each capacitive sensor can be aligned with... Figure 2 The wiring is done in a similar manner to that shown to provide an electrical connection to the controller.

[0055] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a pair of components 20 forming a brush 10 for a capacitive sensor according to an example is shown. Figure 3 The cross-sectional view is along Figure 1The hairbrush shown is truncated along its longitudinal axis 22. The pair of components includes a first component 20c and a second component 20d, which have a similar configuration to components 20a and 20b described above. However, components 20a and 20b each include a single electrode, while components 20c and 20d each include three electrodes. More specifically, multiple pairs of electrodes are provided to enable capacitance measurements to be performed when different amounts of hair fill the gap 24 between the first component 20c and the second component 20d. For example, the first pair of electrodes, including a first electrode 32a and a second electrode 32b, is located near the base of the gap 24 (i.e., towards the base 16), with the first electrode 32a disposed on the first component 20c and the second electrode 32b disposed on the second component 20d. The second pair of electrodes, including a third electrode 32c and a fourth electrode 32d, is located further away from the base of the gap 24, with the third electrode 32c disposed on the first component 20c and the fourth electrode 32d disposed on the second component 20d. Optionally, a third pair of electrodes may be present, including a fifth electrode 32e and a sixth electrode 32f located closer to the opening of the gap 24. The fifth electrode 32e is disposed on the first member 20c, and the sixth electrode 32f is disposed on the second member 20d. Thus, the first pair of electrodes 32a and 32b are located closest to the base of the gap 24, the third pair of electrodes 32e and 32f are located closest to the opening of the gap 24 (i.e., towards the tips of members 20c and 20d), and the second pair of electrodes 32c and 32d are located between the first and third pairs of electrodes. Each electrode is connected to the controller via a corresponding wire, enabling the controller to perform capacitance measurements using each pair of electrodes. Therefore, depending on the degree of filling of the gap 24, one or more pairs of electrodes can be used to perform capacitance measurements on the hair 28. For example, when the gap 24 is completely filled with hair, all three pairs of electrodes can be used to perform capacitance measurements on the hair 28 in the gap 24. On the other hand, when the amount of hair in the gap is small and the hair only reaches the first pair of electrodes, only the first or second pair of electrodes can be used to provide capacitance measurements on the hair.

[0056] In relation to the above Figure 2 The discussion of capacitive sensors is similar; the linear array of components 20 in brush 10 may include one or more capacitive sensors, such as... Figure 3 As shown. In some cases, the linear array of components 20 may include, according to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Examples of combinations of capacitive sensors.

[0057] Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4(b) shows an example capacitive sensor 40 that can be used in the brush 10, for example as part of a linear array of components 20. The capacitive sensor 40 includes a first component 42a and a second component 42b protruding from the base 16. In some cases, the first component 42a and the second component 42b may correspond to Figure 2 The first component 20a and the second component 20b of the capacitive sensor, or Figure 3 The first component 20c and the second component 20d of the capacitance sensor. According to the example provided above, the first component 42a and the second component 42b each include or form a corresponding electrode for performing capacitance measurement on a hair located between the first component 42a and the second component 42b.

[0058] The first member 42a and the second member 42b can move relative to each other to change the width of the gap 44 between the first member 42a and the second member 42b. Therefore, as... Figure 4 As shown in (a), when the first member 42a and the second member 42b are in the first position, the gap 44 has a large first width. Figure 4 As shown in (b), the first member 42a and the second member 42b can move from a first position toward each other, such that the gap 44 has a smaller second width. As an example, in use, the first member 42a and the second member 42b can initially be in... Figure 4 (a) shows the first position. This can help receive hair 28 in gap 44 because the gap is wider in this position. Then, the first member 42a and the second member 42b can be moved to... Figure 4 (b) shows the second position. This compresses the hair 28 and distributes the hair along the height of the gap, which ensures better coverage of the electrodes on the first member 42a and the second member 42b. This also ensures that the hair is held in the proper position between the first member 42a and the second member 42b when performing capacitance measurements. Therefore, the first member 42a and the second member 42b can be moved to the second position ( Figure 4 (b) A capacitance measurement can be performed on hair 28, as this improves the reliability and reproducibility of the measurement. Alternatively, a capacitance measurement can be performed at the first position. Figure 4 (a) can be used to provide information about the degree of filling of gap 44 and / or to verify or cross-check measurements performed in the second position.

[0059] The relative movement between the first member 42a and the second member 42b can be achieved using any suitable mechanism. For example, the base 16 may comprise a flexible (deformable) material, and an actuator may be provided to compress the base 16 to move the first member 42a and the second member 42b toward each other. The actuator may be manually controlled (e.g., by a user) or automatically controlled by a controller.

[0060] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of one of the components 20 of a brush 10, including a shielding electrode 50, is shown. The shielding electrode 50 extends from the base 16 to form a loop around the component 20. In use, the shielding electrode 50 is used to shield the component 20 from the effects of stray signals and parasitic capacitances to improve the quality of capacitance measurements performed using the component. The shielding electrode 50 can be electrically connected to a controller of the brush 10, allowing an active shielding signal to be provided to the shielding electrode 50 during use. Such a shielding electrode can be provided in the example of the capacitance sensor described above. For example, such a shielding electrode can be positioned relative to... Figures 2 to 4 The description refers to one or two components around a capacitive sensor.

[0061] The capacitive sensors for the brush 10 have been described above with respect to the array of components 20. However, other positions and types of capacitive sensors can also be used. For example, as a supplement to or alternative to providing one or more capacitive sensors in the array of components 20, one or more capacitive sensors can be implemented in a plurality of bristles 18. For example, a pair of bristles 18 can be provided with one or more pairs of electrodes to form a capacitive sensor. In particular, the above description regarding... Figure 2-5 The described example of a capacitive sensor can be implemented in a similar manner using pairs of bristles 18 instead of pairs of components 20. Therefore, the bristles 18 can be formed of a conductive material to form electrodes, or electrodes can be disposed on (or partially embedded in) the bristles 18, such that pairs of bristles can be used to form a capacitive sensor. In some cases, where one or more capacitive sensors are provided in the bristles 18, an array of components 20 may not be necessary. In some cases, a combination of one or more capacitive sensors in a linear array of components 20 and one or more capacitive sensors in a plurality of bristles 18 may be present.

[0062] In some examples, a pair of components 52a, 52b may protrude from one side of the brush head 12, such as... Figure 1 As shown. As an alternative to or supplement to the previous example of a capacitive sensor described for brush 10, a pair of components 52a, 52b can be used to provide a capacitive sensor. This pair of components 52a, 52b can, for example, be used in conjunction with the above-described capacitive sensor... Figure 2-5 Any capacitive sensor described is configured in a similar manner.

[0063] Figure 6A schematic cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of the hairbrush 10 is shown. In this example, four capacitive sensors 60a, 60b, 60c, and 60d are formed by adjacent pairs of members 20 in a linear array. It can be seen that the capacitive sensors 60a, 60b, 60c, and 60d have different heights, meaning they can receive different amounts of hair. Specifically, members 20 of different heights are used to define the gaps between the various capacitive sensors 60a, 60b, 60c, and 60d. Thus, for example, the gap between the members 20 forming the capacitive sensor 60a has a smaller height than the gap between the members 20 forming the capacitive sensor 60c. In this way, the capacitive sensors 60a, 60b, 60c, and 60d can be used to perform capacitance measurements on different amounts of hair. This variety of sensor sizes can improve the accuracy of determining hair moisture, for example, by cross-checking and verifying the determined moisture values ​​using measurements from different sensors, and / or by averaging the values ​​from different measurements together.

[0064] Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of the hairbrush 10 is shown. In this example, four capacitive sensors 70a, 70b, 70c, and 70d are formed by adjacent pairs of members 20 in a linear array. It can be seen that the capacitive sensors 70a, 70b, 70c, and 70d have different widths, meaning they can receive different amounts of hair. Specifically, the different spacing between the pairs of members 20 for the various capacitive sensors 70a, 70b, 70c, and 70d results in gaps of different widths for the sensors. Thus, for example, the gap between the members 20 forming the capacitive sensor 70a has a smaller width than the gap between the members 20 forming the capacitive sensor 70b. In this way, the capacitive sensors 70a, 70b, 70c, and 70d can be used to perform capacitance measurements on different amounts of hair. This variety of sensor sizes can improve the accuracy of determining hair moisture, for example, by cross-checking and verifying the determined moisture values ​​using measurements from different sensors, and / or by averaging the values ​​from different measurements together.

[0065] Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view of another example embodiment of the brush 10 is shown. In this example, a plurality of channels 80 (or grooves) are formed in the base 16 of the brush 10. The channels 80 may extend between the bristles 18 and / or the members 20. For illustrative purposes, Figure 1Channel 80 is not shown. Each channel 80 is configured to receive a certain amount of hair during use. Specifically, each channel 80 is tapered, having a wide opening that tapers towards its base to facilitate the reception of hair within the channel 80. Each channel 80 is provided with a first electrode 82a and a second electrode 82b exposed on opposite sidewalls of the channel. Thus, the first electrode 82a and the second electrode 82b face each other across a gap defined by the channel. Each of the first electrode 82a and the second electrode 82b is electrically connected to a controller via a corresponding wire (not shown). In this way, capacitance measurements can be performed on the hair received in the channel 80 using the first electrode 82a and the second electrode 82b in a manner similar to that described above. Thus, each channel 80 and a set of electrodes 82a, 82b form a capacitance sensor. This capacitance sensor can be provided as an alternative to or supplement to the other types of capacitance sensors described above.

[0066] In some examples, the size (e.g., width) of channel 80 is adjustable, such as... Figure 9 (a) and Figure 9 As shown in (b). Specifically, the opposing sidewalls of channel 80 can move relative to each other to change the size of channel 80 and thus change the spacing between electrodes 82a and 82b. The sidewalls of channel 80 can... Figure 9 (a) The first position shown is Figure 9 (b) shows the movement between two positions. In the first position, the opening angle between the sidewalls is larger (i.e., the interval between electrodes 82a and 82b is larger), and in the second position, the opening angle between the sidewalls is smaller (i.e., the interval between electrodes 82a and 82b is smaller). As an example, in use, the sidewalls of channel 80 can initially be in... Figure 9 (a) shows the first position. This facilitates the reception of hair 28 in channel 80 because the opening angle of channel 80 is larger in this position. Then, the sidewalls of channel 80 can be moved... Figure 9 (b) shows the second position. This compresses the hair 28 in channel 80 and distributes the hair along the height of channel 80, which allows the hair to better cover electrodes 82a, 82b. This also ensures that the hair is held in the proper position between the first electrode 82a and the second electrode 82b when performing capacitance measurements. Therefore, the sidewall of channel 80 can be moved to the second position ( Figure 9 (b) Capacitance measurement can be performed on hair 28 because this improves the reliability and reproducibility of the measurement. Alternatively, it can also be performed at the first position ( Figure 9 (a) Perform a capacitance measurement, which can be used to provide information about the fill level of channel 80 and / or to verify or cross-check measurements performed in the second position.

[0067] The dimensions of channel 80 can be adjusted using any suitable mechanism. For example, base 16 may comprise a flexible (deformable) material, and actuators may be provided to compress base 16 so that the sidewalls of channel 80 move toward each other. The actuators may be manually controlled (e.g., by a user) or automatically controlled by a controller.

[0068] It should be noted that the above regarding Figure 2-9 One or more of the various capacitive sensor designs described can be incorporated into brush 10.

[0069] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of another hair care device 100 is shown. The hair care device 100 includes a handle 102 and a barrel 104 extending from the handle 102. During use, hair is wrapped around the barrel 104, for example, to dry and / or style the hair. For example, the device 100 may be configured to heat the hair wrapped around the barrel 104 and / or direct airflow onto the hair wrapped around the barrel 104.

[0070] The cylindrical body 104 includes a plurality of channels (or grooves) 106 disposed on the outer surface of the cylindrical body 104. Specifically, as... Figure 10 As shown, a series of ridges 108 are arranged on the outer surface of the cylinder 104 to define channels 106. Each channel 106 is formed between the sidewall of one of the ridges 108 and the outer surface of the cylinder 104. Figure 11 An enlarged cross-sectional view of one of the channels 106 is shown. In other examples, the channels 106 may be formed on the barrel 104 in different ways. For example, the channels 106 may be in the form of a groove directly provided in the outer surface of the barrel 104 (e.g., without a ridge). The channels 106 are arranged to receive hair during use (i.e., when hair is wrapped around the barrel 104). In particular, the channels are oriented to extend in the direction in which the hair wraps around the barrel 104. For example, the channels 106 may extend at an angle of 45° to 90° to the longitudinal axis 110 of the barrel 104.

[0071] like Figure 11As shown, each channel 106 includes a first electrode 112a and a second electrode 112b exposed on opposite sidewalls of the channel 106. For example, the first electrode 112a may be disposed on the sidewall of the ridge 108, and the second electrode 112b may be disposed on an adjacent outer surface of the barrel 104. Each electrode is electrically connected to a controller of the device 100. Thus, the channel 106 and the electrodes 112a, 112b form a capacitance sensor for performing capacitance measurements on hair 28 located in the channel 106. For example, the controller of the device 100 may be located in the handle 102. The controller of the device 100 may be configured in a manner similar to that of the controller of the hairbrush 10 described above to perform capacitance measurements on hair located in the channel 106. The device 100 may also include an internal power source (e.g., a battery) and / or an interface for connecting to an external power source to power the controller for performing capacitance measurements.

[0072] The controller of the hairbrush 10 or device 100 can be configured to determine (e.g., calculate) a value indicating the moisture level of the user's hair based on a capacitance measurement (i.e., as a function of the capacitance measurement). For example, the controller can determine the value indicating moisture level using a predetermined relationship between the output of the capacitance measurement and the hair moisture value. This relationship can be determined based on a calibration measurement, for example, by performing capacitance measurements on hair with different moisture levels. In cases where the hairbrush 10 includes different arrangements of capacitance sensors, for example, such as... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the controller can use a predetermined relationship for each different sensor arrangement. In this way, a humidity value can be determined based on each capacitive sensor arrangement, allowing the humidity values ​​to be cross-checked and / or averaged together. Similarly, when the gap size of the capacitive sensors is adjustable (e.g., as per [reference to...]), Figure 4 (a) Figure 4 (b) and Figure 9 (a) Figure 9 (as described in (b)) the controller can use a predetermined relationship for different gap sizes to determine the wettability value based on measurements performed using different gap sizes.

[0073] In some cases, the controller can be configured to control the device (e.g., hairbrush 10 or device 100) based on a moisture value determined from a capacitance measurement. Different types of control can be performed. For example, the controller can be configured to generate an alarm, such as to notify the user that a specific level of hair moisture (dryness) has been reached. As another example, the controller can be configured to use the determined moisture value as an input in a control loop to control the device's output, such as the device's temperature and / or airflow.

Claims

1. A hair care device comprising one or more capacitive sensors, each capacitive sensor comprising: A structure that defines a gap of a predetermined size for receiving a volume of hair; as well as A first electrode and a second electrode are arranged on both sides of the gap for performing capacitance measurements on hair received in the gap.

2. The hair care device according to claim 1, wherein, For at least one of the one or more capacitive sensors, the gap is defined between a first member and a second member protruding from the surface of the hair care device, wherein the first electrode is located on the first member and the second electrode is located on the second member.

3. The hair care device according to claim 2, wherein, The hair care device includes a plurality of bristles for engaging with and untangling hair, wherein the first component is a first bristle of the plurality of bristles, and the second component is a second bristle of the plurality of bristles.

4. The hair care device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The first component and the second component are formed of conductive material to define the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively.

5. The hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, For at least one of the one or more capacitive sensors, the gap is defined by a channel in the surface of the hair care device.

6. The hair care device according to claim 5, wherein, The channel includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall, which are inclined relative to each other, such that the opening of the channel is wider than the base of the channel.

7. The hair care device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The hair care device includes a base and a plurality of bristles protruding from the base, wherein the channels are formed in the base.

8. The hair care device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The hair care device includes a barrel around which hair is wrapped during use, and wherein the channels are formed on the outer surface of the barrel; and optionally... The channel extends at an angle of 45° to 90° to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

9. The hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one of the one or more capacitive sensors further includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode arranged on both sides of the gap, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are positioned closer to the base of the gap, and the third electrode and the fourth electrode are positioned closer to the opening of the gap.

10. The hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one of the one or more capacitive sensors further includes a shielding electrode for shielding the first electrode and / or the second electrode.

11. The hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, For at least one of the one or more capacitive sensors, the structure is movable to adjust the size of the gap from a first size to the predetermined size.

12. The hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more capacitive sensors include multiple capacitive sensors.

13. The hair care device according to claim 12, wherein, The plurality of capacitive sensors are arranged in a linear array along the surface of the hair care device; and optionally The hair care device includes a plurality of bristles for engaging with and untangling hair, and the linear array of capacitive sensors is located between a first group and a second group of the plurality of bristles.

14. The hair care device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The plurality of capacitive sensors includes a first capacitive sensor and a second capacitive sensor, the first capacitive sensor and the second capacitive sensor having a gap of different sizes; and optionally... The dimensions of the gap vary in width and / or height.

15. The hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The hair care device includes a controller configured to perform capacitance measurements using each of the one or more capacitance sensors.

16. The hair care device according to claim 15, wherein, For at least one of the one or more capacitive sensors, the controller is configured to determine a value indicating the moisture level of the hair received in the gap based on the capacitance measurement.

17. The hair care device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, The one or more capacitive sensors include a first capacitive sensor and a second capacitive sensor, the first capacitive sensor and the second capacitive sensor having a gap of different sizes, the controller is configured to perform a first capacitance measurement using the first capacitive sensor and a second capacitance measurement using the second capacitive sensor, and the controller is configured to determine a value indicating the moisture level of hair received in the gap between the first capacitive sensor and the second capacitive sensor based on the first capacitance measurement and the second capacitance measurement.

18. The hair care device according to claim 15, wherein, For at least one of the one or more capacitive sensors, the structure is movable to adjust the size of the gap, and wherein: The structure is movable between a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state the gap has a first size, and in the second state the gap has a predetermined size, the predetermined size being smaller than the first size; and The controller is configured to perform a capacitance measurement when the structure is in the second state, and to determine a value indicating the moisture level of the hair received in the gap based on the capacitance measurement.

19. The hair care device according to claim 18, wherein, The controller is configured to perform another capacitance measurement when the structure is in the first state, and to determine the value indicating the moisture level of the hair based on the capacitance measurement and the other capacitance measurement.

20. The hair care device according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein, The controller is configured to control the hair care device based on the capacitance measurement.

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