Haircare appliance

Abstract

A haircare appliance is disclosed comprising an airflow generator, a barrel having a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of air outlets arranged about the longitudinal axis, a switching system and a controller. The haircare appliance is configurable between a first configuration in which airflow generated by the airflow generator is emitted from the plurality of air outlets in an anti-clockwise direction about the barrel and a second configuration in which airflow generated by the airflow generator is emitted from the plurality of air outlets in a clockwise direction about the barrel. The switching system is operable by the controller to selectively switch the haircare appliance between the first configuration and the second configuration. The switching system directs airflow along a first airflow path in the first configuration and along a second airflow path in the second configuration. The controller is configured to receive an input and, based on the input, cause the switching system to switch the haircare appliance between the first configuration and the second configuration.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Traditionally, hair care appliances can include several different styling attachments. These styling attachments can be configurable to provide different styling results. Summary of the Invention

[0002] A first aspect of the invention provides a hair care appliance comprising an airflow generator, a housing having a longitudinal axis and including a plurality of air outlets disposed around the longitudinal axis, a switching system, and a controller. The hair care appliance is configurable between the first configuration and the second configuration, wherein in the first configuration, airflow generated by the airflow generator is emitted counterclockwise around the housing from the plurality of air outlets, and in the second configuration, airflow generated by the airflow generator is emitted clockwise around the housing from the plurality of air outlets. The switching system is operable by the controller to selectively switch the hair care appliance between the first and second configurations. The switching system directs airflow along a first airflow path in the first configuration such that the airflow is discharged clockwise, and directs airflow along a second airflow path in the second configuration such that the airflow is discharged counterclockwise. The controller is configured to receive an input and, based on the input, cause the switching system to switch the hair care appliance between the first and second configurations.

[0003] Some existing hair styling appliances include a barrel and can be configured to selectively emit air around the barrel in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. To change the direction of air emission from the hair styling appliance, the user manually rotates a knob at the tip of the barrel. The knob is directly attached to a component configured to guide air in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction depending on the knob's position. Compared to these existing hair styling appliances, a controller-operated switching system can help simplify or even eliminate the action required for the user to change the direction of air emission from the hair styling appliance. Compared to manual movement performed by the user, a controller enables more reliable operation of the switching system to switch the hair styling appliance between a first and a second configuration, which in turn can lead to better performance of the hair styling appliance.

[0004] Airflow can be emitted from each of the multiple air outlets in a direction substantially tangential to the outer surface of the tube. This can help promote hair entanglement on the tube.

[0005] The airflow emitted from each of the multiple air outlets can be drawn to the outer surface of the tube. This can help promote hair entanglement on the tube.

[0006] Each of the multiple air outlets may include a slot that extends substantially along the entire length of the barrel. This can provide a relatively consistent airflow from the hair care appliance along substantially the entire length of the barrel.

[0007] Multiple air outlets may include a first air outlet and a second air outlet, with airflow emitted counterclockwise through the first air outlet and airflow emitted clockwise through the second air outlet. This simplifies the arrangement of the switching system compared to multiple air outlets comprising a single set of air outlets, where the switching system directs air in different directions via a single set of air outlets in both the first and second configurations.

[0008] The hair care appliance may include a first airflow path between an airflow generator and a first air outlet, and a second airflow path between an airflow generator and a second air outlet, and the switching system is operable by a controller to selectively guide airflow along the first airflow path in a first configuration and along the second airflow path in a second configuration.

[0009] The switching system may include a valve capable of moving between a first valve position and a second valve position. When the valve is in the first valve position, airflow is guided by the valve along a first airflow path, and when the valve is in the second valve position, airflow is guided by the valve along a second airflow path. Therefore, the movement of the valve between the first and second valve positions can cause a change in the direction of airflow within the hair care device, which can cause air to be selectively emitted in a counterclockwise or clockwise direction.

[0010] The barrel can define an inner bore, and the valve can be movably disposed within the inner bore. This allows for a space-efficient arrangement. It also allows for a compact arrangement of the hair care appliance for switching between a first and a second configuration, as the valve's movement occurs within the barrel. Furthermore, the valve is separate from the hair, making it less likely that its movement will interfere with or become stuck in the hair.

[0011] When moving between the first and second valve positions, the valve can rotate within the bore about the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. This provides a particularly compact arrangement compared to valves that can move toward and away from the longitudinal axis (which may require a larger diameter cylinder).

[0012] When moved between the first valve position and the second valve position, the valve can move in a direction along the longitudinal axis. This provides a particularly compact arrangement compared to valves that can move toward and away from the longitudinal axis (which may require a larger diameter cylinder).

[0013] The valve is capable of blocking the first air outlet in the second valve position, and the valve is also capable of blocking the second air outlet in the first valve position. In the first configuration, and therefore in the first valve position, the valve can completely block the second air outlet. In the first configuration, and therefore in the first valve position, the valve can not block the first air outlet at all. In the second configuration, and therefore in the second valve position, the valve can completely block the first air outlet. In the second configuration, and therefore in the second valve position, the valve can not block the second air outlet at all.

[0014] The valve may include multiple openings; when the valve is in a first valve position, each of the multiple openings may be aligned with a corresponding one of the first air outlets; and when the valve is in a second valve position, each of the multiple openings may be aligned with a corresponding one of the second air outlets. This can provide a relatively simple arrangement to selectively allow airflow to the first or second air outlet.

[0015] The first and second air outlets can be arranged alternately around the perimeter of the cylinder. For example, each first air outlet can be circumferentially adjacent to a second air outlet in any direction around the cylinder, and each second air outlet can be circumferentially adjacent to a first air outlet in any direction around the cylinder. This can help to provide a more uniform airflow around the cylinder in both the first and second configurations.

[0016] The valve can be bistable, stable in both the first and second valve positions. This can help maintain the valve in either the first or second valve position during the use of hair care devices.

[0017] The valve can be magnetically biased toward a first valve position and / or a second valve position by a magnet. The magnet can be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. This can help hold the valve in the first or second valve position during the use of the hair care appliance.

[0018] The switching system may include an actuator connected to the valve, and the controller may be configured to actuate the actuator to move the valve between a first valve position and a second valve position. Therefore, the valve can move between the first and second valve positions without altering the airflow, which can provide more reliable hair care performance.

[0019] The actuator may include a servo motor, which can be operated by a controller to move the valve between a first valve position and a second valve position to switch the hair care appliance between a first configuration and a second configuration. The servo motor typically provides accurate positioning, which helps ensure that the valve is correctly positioned relative to multiple air outlets.

[0020] The switching system is operable to use air to move the valve between a first valve position and a second valve position. This reduces the complexity and / or weight of the switching system. It also reduces the power consumption required to switch the hair care appliance between the first and second configurations compared to using a mechanical actuator.

[0021] The controller can be configured to cause an operational change in the airflow generator to move the valve between a first valve position and a second valve position, thereby switching the hair care device between the first and second configurations.

[0022] The hair care appliance may include a user-operable user interface, and the input may include user input signals generated by the user interface. Therefore, the user can retain the right to switch the hair care appliance between a first configuration and a second configuration, while the controller maintains control over the operation of the switching system to switch the hair care appliance between the first and second configurations in response to the user input signals.

[0023] The user interface may include elements that can be operated by the user, such as one or more of buttons, switches, knobs, or touchscreens.

[0024] The input may include a position signal indicating the position of the barrel relative to the hair to be treated by the hair styling device. The position of the barrel relative to the hair can indicate which of the first and second configurations the hair styling device should be in, thus the position signal can instruct the controller which of the two configurations the hair styling device should be in. For example, when the hair styling device is located on the left side of the user's head, it may need to be in the first configuration, while when it is located on the right side of the user's head, it may need to be in the second configuration.

[0025] Hair styling appliances may include a position sensor for sensing parameters indicating the position of the barrel relative to the hair and for generating a position signal. Providing a position sensor within the hair styling appliance can provide a separate device capable of detecting the position of the barrel relative to the hair.

[0026] The position sensor may include at least three proximity sensors arranged around the perimeter of the barrel, and the angle between circumferentially adjacent proximity sensors among the at least three proximity sensors may be less than 180 degrees. This allows determination of which area of ​​the barrel is closest to the hair to be treated by the hair care tool. Providing at least three proximity sensors less than 180 degrees apart helps ensure that at least one proximity sensor is always present on the side of the barrel closest to the hair.

[0027] The position sensor may include a capacitive sensor. Capacitive sensors allow for rapid detection of the cylinder's position using relatively inexpensive and small components. Proximity sensors may also include capacitive sensors.

[0028] The position sensor may include one or more of the following: a visual sensor, such as a camera; an infrared sensor; and a time-of-flight sensor. This sensor provides an alternative method for detecting the position of the barrel relative to the hair, compared to a capacitive sensor.

[0029] A position signal can indicate the distance between the barrel and the hair. Hair care appliances, particularly controllers, may include a processor to determine the distance between the barrel and the hair based on the position signal. The controller can be configured to trigger an operation of a switching system to switch the hair care appliance between a first and a second configuration when the distance between the barrel and the hair is greater than a predetermined distance. This allows the hair care appliance to be placed in the desired first or second configuration before the hair is, for example, wrapped around the barrel in the wrong direction.

[0030] The input may include dynamic signals that indicate the orientation or movement of the hair care device. Since hair typically hangs downwards under the influence of gravity, the orientation signal can indicate the position of the hair relative to the barrel, and thus indicate which of the first and second configurations the hair care device should be in.

[0031] Hair styling appliances may include orientation sensors for sensing parameters that indicate the orientation or movement of the appliance relative to its surroundings and for generating dynamic signals. Providing an orientation sensor within the hair styling appliance can provide a separate appliance capable of detecting the orientation of the barrel relative to its surroundings.

[0032] Orientation sensors may include triaxial accelerometers. Triaxial accelerometers can provide reliable, repeatable performance, which can help provide accurate detection of the orientation of the barrel relative to the surrounding environment of the hair care tool.

[0033] Dynamic signals can indicate that a specific gesture has been made with the hair care tool. Compared to user-actuated user interfaces to generate user input signals, performing specific gestures with the hair care tool to switch between a first and a second configuration is easier, faster, more ergonomic, and / or more intuitive.

[0034] The controller can be configured to trigger the operation of the switching system in response to dynamic signals to switch the hair care appliance between a first configuration and a second configuration. This allows for a relatively simple control system compared to a controller that determines which of the first and second configurations to place the hair care appliance in.

[0035] The dynamic signals may include a first dynamic signal indicating that a first specific gesture has been performed, indicating a desired first configuration, and a second dynamic signal indicating that a second specific gesture has been performed, indicating a desired second configuration. The controller may be configured to operate a switching system in response to the first dynamic signal to place the hair care appliance in the first configuration, and in response to the second dynamic signal to place the hair care appliance in the second configuration. This provides the user with greater control compared to performing a single specific gesture to switch the hair care appliance between the first and second configurations without knowing which configuration the hair care appliance is currently in.

[0036] Hair care appliances may include a gesture control module to detect a specific gesture, or a first specific gesture and a second specific gesture. Providing a gesture control module within a hair care appliance can provide a separate appliance capable of detecting a specific gesture, or a first specific gesture and a second specific gesture.

[0037] The gesture control module can be configured to receive dynamic signals from a triaxial accelerometer and determine, based on the signals, whether a specific gesture or a first specific or second specific gesture has been performed.

[0038] At least a portion of the input can be received from a remote device. This simplifies hair care appliances compared to those that include components for detecting parameters and outputting signals indicating said parameters, where the parameter is an input that can be indicated.

[0039] The remote device may include a camera for capturing image data, and the remote device may generate input based on the image data.

[0040] The controller may include a communication module configured to receive at least a portion of input from a remote device. The communication module enables wireless communication between the hair styling device and the remote device. This allows communication without hindering the use of the hair styling device. For example, wires used for wired connections may become tangled during use due to the movement of the hair styling device around the user.

[0041] The input may include a first signal from a remote device, such as a position signal and / or an orientation signal and / or a motion signal. This simplifies the hair care appliance compared to those that include a position sensor, an orientation sensor, and / or a gesture control module. The remote device may include a camera and an image processor for capturing image data, the image processor being configured to determine, based on the image data, the position of the barrel relative to the hair and / or the orientation of the barrel relative to the surrounding environment and / or whether a specific pose, a first specific pose, or a second specific pose has been performed, and output the corresponding position, orientation, and / or motion signals accordingly.

[0042] The remote device can be configured to determine which of the first and second configurations the hair care appliance should be in, and the input can include a second signal from the remote device indicating which of the first and second configurations the hair care appliance should be in. This reduces the processing power required by the controller compared to a controller receiving signals indicating other parameters related to the use of the hair care appliance, such as the position of the hair care appliance, and the controller determining which configuration the hair care appliance should be in based on these signals.

[0043] Input may include a configuration signal indicating whether the hair care appliance is currently in a first or second configuration. Therefore, the controller can determine whether air is currently being emitted around the barrel in a counter-clockwise or clockwise direction when the hair care appliance is being used. The controller can be configured to send information to the user indicating which configuration the hair care appliance is currently in, allowing the user to decide whether to change the configuration based on their current or intended use of the hair care appliance.

[0044] Hair care appliances may include a configuration sensor configured to sense parameters indicating whether the hair care appliance is in a first configuration or a second configuration, and to generate a configuration signal. Providing a configuration sensor within the hair care appliance can provide a separate appliance capable of detecting which configuration the hair care appliance is in.

[0045] The controller can be configured to determine, based on input, whether the hair care appliance should be in a first or second configuration. This provides a more intelligent device compared to a traditional controller that simply causes the switching system to switch the hair care appliance between a first and second configuration in response to input, without needing to determine which configuration the hair care appliance is currently in.

[0046] In determining which of the first and second configurations the hair care appliance should be in, the controller may consider one or more different parameters indicated by input. For example, a user input signal may indicate the desired hair treatment and / or styling to be performed by the hair care appliance, and the controller may be configured to determine which of the first and second configurations the hair care appliance should be in based on the desired hair treatment and / or styling and the position of the barrel relative to the hair.

[0047] The controller can be configured to cause the airflow generator to produce an airflow rate lower than a predetermined velocity when the controller determines, based on a configuration signal, that the hair care appliance is not in the configuration determined by the determination. This can help reduce the chance of hair getting tangled in the barrel in an incorrect direction. For example, the controller can be configured to turn off the airflow generator when the controller determines, based on a configuration signal, that the hair care appliance is not in the configuration determined by the determination.

[0048] The controller can be configured to determine whether to control the switching system to switch the hair care appliance between a first configuration and a second configuration based on a configuration signal. Therefore, the controller can only operate the switching system if the hair care appliance is not in the desired or determined first or second configuration. For example, an input may indicate that the hair care appliance should be in one of the first or second configurations, and the controller can be configured to cause the switching system to operate to switch the hair care appliance between the first and second configurations only if the hair care appliance is not currently in that configuration. For example, the controller can be configured to determine which of the first and second configurations the hair care appliance should be in, and if the hair care appliance is not currently in that configuration, only cause the switching system to operate to switch the hair care appliance between the first and second configurations.

[0049] The controller can be configured to automatically switch the hair care appliance between a first and a second configuration without user input. This helps prevent the appliance from being used in an incorrect configuration, which can improve the appliance's performance.

[0050] Hair care appliances may include manual controls that can be operated by the user to manually switch between a first configuration and a second configuration. Therefore, the user can selectively access which configuration the hair care appliance is in.

[0051] Hair care tools may include a main body and accessories removably attached to the main body, wherein the accessories include a tube. Therefore, the main body can be selectively used in conjunction with the functions provided by the accessories.

[0052] The accessories may include one or more of a position sensor, orientation sensor, configuration sensor, and gesture control module. This allows the functionality of one or more of the position sensor, orientation sensor, configuration sensor, and gesture control module to be adapted to the main unit.

[0053] The accessories may include at least a portion of the switching system. This allows the functionality of the switching system to be incorporated into the main unit. At least a portion of the switching system, such as a valve, may be located within the cylinder. This allows for a space-saving arrangement.

[0054] The actuator for the switching system can be located at the end of the cylinder, such as at the tip or base of the cylinder relative to the main body. This allows for a reduction in the diameter of the cylinder compared to an actuator located inside the cylinder.

[0055] Accessories may include a controller. This allows the functionality of the controller to be adapted to the main body. Alternatively, the controller may be included in the main body, which can reduce the complexity, size, weight, and / or cost of the accessories.

[0056] The controller may include a first control module and a second control module, the first control module being included in an accessory and the second control module being included in a main body, the first control module being configured to communicate with the second control module when the accessory is attached to the main body.

[0057] The main body may include a switching system. This simplifies the accessory and / or the electrical interface between the main body and the accessory compared to an accessory that includes a switching system, for example, because the accessory may have no or fewer moving parts.

[0058] The main body may include a user interface. This allows for more ergonomic use of the hair care appliance, for example, the user interface can be operated by the user's hand holding the hair care appliance in the main body, rather than requiring another hand if the accessory includes a user interface (e.g., at the tip of the barrel). Additionally, the user interface may be further removed from the airflow emitted from multiple air outlets, which in some examples may be heated by a heater in the hair care appliance.

[0059] A second aspect of the invention provides an accessory for a hair care appliance, the accessory comprising a cylinder having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of air outlets disposed around the longitudinal axis, and a switching system. The accessory is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration, in which airflow received from the hair care appliance is emitted counterclockwise around the cylinder from the plurality of air outlets, and in a second configuration, airflow received from the hair care appliance is emitted clockwise around the cylinder from the plurality of air outlets. The switching system is operable by a controller of the hair care appliance to switch the accessory between the first and second configurations. The switching system guides airflow received from the hair care appliance in the first configuration along a first airflow path such that the airflow is discharged clockwise, and guides airflow received from the hair care appliance in the second configuration along a second airflow path such that the airflow is discharged counterclockwise.

[0060] Therefore, the accessory can automatically switch between a first configuration and a second configuration in response to input, which can provide a more reliable switching of the hair care appliance between the first and second configurations.

[0061] It should be understood that the appendix may include any suitable features of the hair care appliance of the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0062] Figure 1 A hair care device according to an example is shown, which includes a handle unit and a first accessory according to an example;

[0063] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the handle unit and remote device;

[0064] Figure 3A schematic cross-section of the first attachment is shown along the direction of the central axis of the first attachment;

[0065] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A schematic cross-section of the first accessory is shown in a direction perpendicular to the central axis, wherein the valves of the first accessory are in the first valve position and the second valve position, respectively;

[0066] Figure 6 The first process performed by the control module of the handle unit according to the example is shown;

[0067] Figure 7 A schematic side view of a second attachment, as shown in the example, is illustrated. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The handle unit;

[0068] Figure 8 A schematic cross-section of the second attachment is shown along the direction of its central axis;

[0069] Figure 9 The second process, performed by the control module of the handle unit according to the example, is shown;

[0070] Figure 10 The third process performed by the control module of the handle unit, according to the example, is shown;

[0071] Figure 11 A schematic cross-section of a third attachment, as shown in the example, is illustrated. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The handle unit;

[0072] Figure 12 The fourth process, performed by the control module of the handle unit according to the example, is shown;

[0073] Figure 13 A schematic side view of a fourth attachment, as shown in the example, is illustrated. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The handle unit;

[0074] Figure 14 A schematic cross-section of the fourth attachment is shown along the direction of the central axis of the fourth attachment;

[0075] Figure 15 The fifth process, performed by the control module of the handle unit according to the example, is shown;

[0076] Figure 16 The sixth process, performed by the control module of the handle unit according to the example, is shown; and

[0077] Figure 17 A schematic cross-section of the fifth attachment according to the example is shown, which is cut along the central axis of the fifth attachment. Detailed Implementation

[0078] exist Figure 1 The image schematically illustrates a hair care device 10 according to an example. The hair care device 10 includes a handle unit 12, and... Figure 1 In the example, the first accessory 100 is removably attached to the handle unit 12.

[0079] As used herein, the term "hair care device 10" refers to a handle unit 12 with attachments (such as any attachments described herein). As will be described in more detail below, each attachment described herein is operable to emit air in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction around the barrel of the attachment of the hair care device 10. The hair care device 10 is in a first configuration when arranged to emit air counterclockwise, and in a second configuration when arranged to emit air clockwise.

[0080] Handle unit 12 includes housing 14, airflow generator 16, heater 18, and control unit 20, such as Figure 2 As shown schematically in the diagram.

[0081] The housing 14 is tubular and includes an air inlet 22 and an air outlet 24. An airflow generator 16 draws airflow into the housing 14 through the air inlet 22 and exits the housing 14 through the air outlet 24. The airflow generator 16 is housed within the housing 14 and includes an impeller 26 driven by an electric motor 28. A heater 18 is also housed within the housing 14 and includes a heating element 30 to optionally heat the airflow.

[0082] The control unit 20 includes electronic circuitry for a user interface 32, a control module 34, a feedback module 36, a receiver 38, and a gesture control module 40.

[0083] User interface 32 is disposed on the outer surface of housing 14 and is used to turn hair care appliance 10 on and off, select flow rate (e.g., high, medium, and low), select airflow temperature (e.g., hot, medium, or cold), and select the configuration of hair care appliance 10, as will be discussed in more detail below. Figure 1 In the example, the user interface 32 includes multiple sliding switches, but other forms of user interface 32 are also conceivable, such as buttons, dials, or touch screens.

[0084] The control module 34 is responsible for controlling the airflow generator 16 and the heater 18 in response to input from the user interface 32. For example, in response to input from the user interface 32, the control module 34 can control the power or speed of the airflow generator 16 to adjust the airflow rate, and control the power of the heater 18 to adjust the airflow temperature. The control module 34 is also responsible for switching the hair care appliance 10 between a first configuration and a second configuration, as described in more detail below.

[0085] Feedback module 36 is responsible for providing tactile feedback to the user of hair care device 10 in relation to the state of hair care device 10, as will be described in more detail below. In this example, feedback module 36 includes a vibration generator (not shown) to selectively generate vibrations of handle unit 12 that can be discerned by the user of hair care device 10. It will be appreciated that, additionally or alternatively, other forms of feedback, such as auditory and visual feedback, may be provided by feedback module 36.

[0086] Receiver 38 wirelessly receives command signals from remote device 1, which in this example is a smartphone, such as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0087] The gesture control 40 receives dynamic signals instructing the movement of the hair care device and determines, based on the dynamic signals, whether a specific gesture has been performed with the hair care device 10.

[0088] Several accessories suitable for attachment to the handle unit 12 will now be described. It should be understood that in some examples, one or more of the feedback module 36, receiver 38, and gesture control module 40 may be omitted from the handle unit 12, depending on which accessory(s) / remote device(s) the handle unit 12 is intended to be used with, as described below.

[0089] With the handle unit 12 installed, the accessories described later are electrically connected to the control unit 20 via connectors (not shown). Specifically, the connectors enable communication between the control module 34 and the electrical components of the accessories. Upon attachment, the control unit 20 uses an identifier associated with the respective accessory to identify which accessory has been attached to the handle unit 12. In response to identifying which accessory has been attached to the handle unit 12, the control unit 20 determines how to operate the hair care tool 10.

[0090] like Figure 1 and Figure 3-5 As shown, the first accessory 100 includes a cylinder 110 coaxial with the central axis 102 of the first accessory 100 and a switching system 130.

[0091] The barrel 110 is generally cylindrical and has a length extending from the open end 110a to the closed end 110b. The open end 110a serves as the inlet 111 of the inner bore 112 of the barrel 110. The open end 110a forms a connecting portion having a plurality of protrusions 114 disposed around the periphery of the barrel 110, and these protrusions are received in corresponding grooves (not shown) formed on the handle unit 12 to ensure proper connection and alignment between the handle unit 12 and the first accessory 100, thereby forming the hair care appliance 10.

[0092] The cylinder 110 defines five pairs of air outlets 116. Each pair of air outlets 116 includes a first air outlet 117 and a second air outlet 118, the first air outlet 117 being configured to emit air in a counterclockwise direction around the cylinder 110 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 As shown in the best embodiment), the second air outlet 118 is configured to emit air in a clockwise direction around the cylinder 110 (as shown in the best embodiment). Figure 5 (As best shown in the diagram). The cylinder 110 includes five outer surfaces 110c disposed between adjacent pairs of air outlets 116, and generally curves about the central axis 102 without any abrupt changes in profile. The path from the air inlet 111 to the first air outlet 117 is defined as the first airflow path, and the path from the air inlet 111 to the second air outlet 118 is defined as the second airflow path.

[0093] The switching system 130 includes a valve 132 and a servo motor 134. The valve 132 is disposed within the inner bore 112 of the cylinder, and the servo motor 134 is positioned toward the open end 110a of the cylinder 110 and communicates with the control unit 20 when the first accessory 100 is attached to the handle unit 12. It should be understood that in other examples, the servo motor 134 may be positioned at other locations within the first accessory 100.

[0094] Valve 132 has five openings 136 arranged around its periphery. The number of openings 136 is equal to the number of pairs of air outlets 116 of the cylinder 110. The openings 136 are evenly distributed around valve 132, and the length of each opening is substantially equal to the length of each of the first air outlet 117 and the second air outlet 118. Valve 132 can be driven by a servo motor 134 around a central axis 102 in a first valve position (e.g., Figure 4 (as shown) and the second valve position (as shown) Figure 5The valve 132 moves between the two positions (as shown). In the first valve position, valve 132 blocks each second air outlet 118 but does not block each first air outlet 117. In the second valve position, valve 132 blocks each first air outlet 117 but does not block each second air outlet 118. In the first valve position, each of the openings 136 is aligned with the corresponding one of the first air outlets 117, and the second airflow path is blocked. In the second valve position, each of the openings 136 is aligned with the corresponding one of the second air outlets 118, and the first airflow path is blocked.

[0095] The switching system 130 includes a magnet (not shown) to hold valve 132 in a first valve position and a second valve position.

[0096] When using the hair care tool 10, with the first accessory 100 attached to the handle unit 12, the control unit 20 causes the airflow generator 16 to generate airflow, which is drawn into the handle unit 12 via the air inlet 22 and passes through the heating element 30 of the heater 18. Optionally, the heated airflow is emitted from the handle unit 12 via the air outlet 24 and enters the inner bore 112 of the barrel 110. The airflow is emitted from the first accessory 100 via either the first air outlet 117 or the second air outlet 118, depending on whether the valve 132 is in the first or second valve position, and therefore on which of the first and second airflow paths is blocked by the valve 132. Due to the Coanda effect, the curved outer surface 110c of the barrel 110 causes the airflow to adhere to the barrel 110 and thus bend around it. This, in turn, causes the user's hair to wrap around the barrel for drying and / or styling.

[0097] When the airflow is guided by valve 132 along a first airflow path and emitted from the first air outlet 117, the hair care device 10 is in a first configuration, and when the airflow is guided by valve 132 along a second airflow path and emitted from the second air outlet 118, the hair care device 10 is in a second configuration (as shown below). Figure 4 and 5 As shown, the first and second airflow paths are indicated by dashed arrows.

[0098] The first slide switch 33 of the user interface 32 can be operated by the user to change the direction of airflow emitted from the first accessory 100, and thus switch the hair care appliance between the first and second configurations. Operation of the first switch 33 generates a first signal that can be received by the control module 34, indicating that the user wishes to change the direction of airflow emitted from the first accessory 100.

[0099] Figure 6A first process 1100, executed by the control module 34, is schematically illustrated during the use of the hair care appliance 10, wherein the first accessory 100 is attached to the handle unit 12. The control module 34 determines 1102 whether a first signal has been received. If the first signal has not been received, the control module 34 does not take any action regarding changing the configuration of the hair care appliance 10. If the first signal has been received, the control module 34 sends a command 1104 to the switching system 130. In response to this command, the servo motor 134 is actuated to move the valve 132 from either the first valve position or the second valve position currently in which the valve 132 is located to the other of the first valve position and the second valve position, thereby switching the hair care appliance 10 between the first configuration and the second configuration. This provides the user with an intuitive and ergonomic way to switch the hair care appliance 10 between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0100] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the second accessory 200 for attachment to the handle unit 12 includes the same cylinder 110 and switching system 130 as the first accessory 100. The construction and operation of the second accessory 200 are similar to those of the first accessory 100, and will not be described in detail for the sake of brevity. Common components have the same reference numerals, but with the addition of 100. The switching system 230 is operable in response to commands from the control module 34 of the handle unit 12 to move the valve 232 between a first valve position and a second valve position to change which of the first and second air outlets 217, 218 is blocked by the valve 232, thereby changing the direction of air emitted from the second accessory 200 during use. This allows the hair care appliance 10 to switch between a first configuration and a second configuration. The differences between the first accessory 100 and the second accessory 200 will now be described.

[0101] The second accessory 200 includes a triaxial accelerometer 238, five capacitive sensors 240, and a contact switch 242.

[0102] A triaxial accelerometer 238 is disposed in the inner bore 212 facing the closed end 210b of the cylinder 210 and measures the motion acceleration of the second accessory 200. Data related to the measured motion acceleration is transmitted to the control module 34 via a connector as an orientation signal. The orientation signal indicates the position of the cylinder 210 relative to its surroundings. In this example, the orientation signal indicates which part of the cylinder 210 faces downwards.

[0103] A capacitive sensor 240 is disposed on the outer surface 210c of the housing 210, between adjacent pairs of air outlets 216, and emits an electric field. The capacitive sensor detects the disruption of the electric field by the hair. Data related to the disruption of the electric field by the hair is transmitted as a corresponding position signal to the control module 34 via a connector. The position signal indicates the proximity of the corresponding capacitive sensor 240 to the hair.

[0104] A contact switch 242 is disposed within the inner bore adjacent to the servo motor 234 and is operable to detect whether the valve 232 is in contact with the contact switch 242. When the valve 232 is in the first valve position and therefore the hair care appliance is in the first configuration, the valve 232 is in contact with the contact switch 242. When the valve 232 is in the second valve position and therefore the hair care appliance 10 is in the second configuration, the valve 232 is not in contact with the contact switch 242. The contact switch 242 generates a configuration signal indicating whether the valve 232 is in contact with the contact switch 242, and thus indicating whether the hair care appliance 10 is in the first or second configuration.

[0105] Figure 9 The second process 1200, performed by the control module 34 during the use of the hair care appliance 10, is schematically shown, wherein the second accessory 200 is attached to the handle unit 12.

[0106] The control module 34 receives orientation and position signals from the triaxial accelerometer 238 and the capacitive sensor 240, respectively, via a connector 1202. These orientation and position signals allow the control module 34 to determine the position of the second accessory 200 relative to the hair styled by the hair care device 10, specifically which part of the barrel 210 faces the hair and which part faces the ground. Therefore, the control module 34 can determine the position of the second accessory 200 relative to the hair, thereby determining whether the hair care device 10 should be in a first or second configuration.

[0107] The control module 34 also receives the configuration signal 1206 via the connector and determines, based on the configuration signal, whether the hair care appliance 10 is currently in the first configuration or the second configuration.

[0108] Then, control module 34 determines whether hair care device 10 is currently in the same configuration as the first and second configurations that control module 34 has determined should be in. If the hair care device is currently in the same configuration as the first and second configurations that control module 34 has determined should be in, control module 34 does not take any action regarding changing the direction of the airflow emitted from second accessory 200. If the hair care device is not currently in the same configuration as the first and second configurations that control module 34 has determined should be in, control module 34 sends command 1212 to switching system 230 via connector. In response to this command, servo motor 234 is actuated to move valve 232 from either the first or second valve position it is currently in to the other of the first and second valve positions. Thus, hair care device 10 is switched to one of the first and second configurations that control module 34 has determined should be in.

[0109] When using the hair care appliance 10 with a second attachment 200 attached to the handle unit 12, the gesture control module 40 receives orientation signals from a triaxial accelerometer and determines whether the user has performed a first gesture or a second gesture using the second attachment 200. In this example, the first gesture is a rapid counterclockwise rotation of the barrel 210, and the second gesture is a rapid clockwise rotation of the barrel 210. The execution of the first gesture indicates that the user desires the hair care appliance 10 in a first configuration, and the execution of the second gesture indicates that the user desires the hair care appliance 10 in a second configuration. If the gesture control module 40 determines that neither the first nor the second gesture has been performed, the gesture control module 40 takes no action. If the gesture control module 40 determines that the first gesture has been performed, the gesture control module 40 sends a first dynamic signal to the control module 34. If the gesture control module 40 determines that the second gesture has been performed, the gesture control module sends a second dynamic signal, different from the first dynamic signal, to the control module 34. Therefore, the configuration of the hair care appliance 10 can be switched without user input.

[0110] Figure 10 The diagram schematically illustrates a third process 1300 performed by the control module 34 during the use of the hair care appliance 10, wherein the second accessory 200 is attached to the handle unit 12.

[0111] The control module 34 receives the configuration signal 1302 and determines, based on the configuration signal, whether the hair care appliance 10 is currently in the first configuration or the second configuration.

[0112] Control module 34 determines whether 1306 has received a first or second dynamic signal from gesture control module 40. If control module 34 determines that 1306 has not yet received either the first or second dynamic signal, control module 34 takes no action. If control module 34 determines that 1306 has received the first or second dynamic signal, control module 34 determines 1308 whether the hair care appliance 10 is currently in the configuration requested by the user through performing the first or second gesture. If the hair care appliance 10 is currently in the same configuration as the first and second configuration requested by the user through performing the first or second gesture, control module 34 takes no action regarding changing the configuration of the hair care appliance 10. If the hair care appliance 10 is not currently in the same configuration as the first and second configuration requested by the user through performing the first or second gesture, control module 34 sends command 1310 to switching system 230 via connector. In response to this command, servo motor 234 is actuated to move valve 232 from either the first or second valve position currently occupied by valve 232 to the other of the first and second valve positions. Therefore, by performing the first or second gesture, the hair care device 10 switches to one of the first and second configurations requested by the user. This provides the user with a quick way to switch the configuration of the hair care device 10 without actuating the user interface 32.

[0113] like Figure 11 As shown, the third accessory 300 for attachment to the handle unit 12 includes the same barrel 210, switching system 230, and contact switch 242 as the second accessory 200. Common components have the same reference numerals, but with an additional 100, and will not be described in detail for brevity. Except for the omission of the triaxial accelerometer 238 and capacitive sensor 240 of the second accessory 200 in the third accessory 300, the construction and operation of the third accessory 300 are similar to those of the second accessory 200. The position of the barrel 310 relative to the user's hair and the surrounding environment is determined by the smartphone 1 communicating with the receiver 38, as described herein.

[0114] During use, the control module 34 determines which of the first and second configurations the hair care appliance is currently in based on the configuration signal from the contact switch 342. The switching system 330 can operate in response to commands from the control module 34 of the handle unit 12 to move the valve 332 between a first valve position and a second valve position, thereby changing which of the first and second air outlets is blocked by the valve 332, thus altering the direction of air emission from the second accessory 300 during use. This allows the hair care appliance 10 to switch between the first and second configurations. Therefore, the user has the authority to choose which configuration the hair care appliance 10 is in.

[0115] The smartphone 1, communicating with the receiver 38, includes a camera and image processing software. The camera is operable to generate images instructing the user to use the hair care device 10. When the hair care device 10 is used, with the third accessory 300 attached to the handle unit 12, the camera generates an image of the user using the hair care device 10, and the image processing software determines, based on the image generated by the camera, which of the first and second configurations the hair care device 10 should be in. For example, the image may show which side of the user's head the hair care device is next to, and at what angle the barrel 310 is relative to the user's hair. The smartphone 1 sends a command signal to the receiver 38 instructing the image processing software that it has determined, based on the image, which of the first and second configurations the hair care device 10 should be in. The receiver 38 then sends the command signal to the control module 34.

[0116] Figure 12 The diagram schematically illustrates a fourth process 1400 performed by the control module 34 during use of the hair care appliance 10, wherein the third accessory 300 is attached to the handle unit 12. The control module 34 receives a command signal 1402 from the receiver 38. The control module 34 also receives a configuration signal 1404 via a connector and determines, based on the configuration signal, 1406 that the hair care appliance 10 is currently in a first configuration or a second configuration.

[0117] Then, control module 34 determines whether hair care appliance 10 is currently in the same configuration as indicated by the command signal in the first and second configurations. If the hair care appliance is currently in the same configuration as indicated by the command signal in the first and second configurations, control module 34 does not take any action to change the configuration of hair care appliance 10. If the hair care appliance is not currently in the same configuration as indicated by the command signal in the first and second configurations, control module 34 sends command 1410 to switching system 330 via connector. In response to this command, servo motor 334 is actuated to move valve 332 from either the first valve position or the second valve position where valve 332 is currently located to the other of the first and second valve positions. Thus, hair care appliance 10 is switched to one of the first and second configurations that control module 34 has determined should be in. This allows the third accessory 300 to be structurally simpler than the second accessory 200, while still being able to switch hair care appliance 10 between the first and second configurations without user input.

[0118] It should be understood that the control module 34 may also be operable to perform a fourth process to alternatively control the switching system 230 of the second accessory 200 when the second accessory 200 is attached to the handle unit 12.

[0119] Control module 34 can also be operated to perform the above reference. Figure 6The first process 1100 described controls the switching systems 230, 330 of the corresponding second accessory 200 or third accessory 300 when the second accessory 200 or third accessory 300 is attached to the handle unit 12. Therefore, whether the hair care appliance 10 controlled by the control module 34 is in the first configuration or the second configuration can be controlled by the user moving the first sliding switch 33.

[0120] When the hair care device 10 switches between a first configuration and a second configuration via the control module 34, the feedback module 36 generates a tactile signal.

[0121] In some examples, the smartphone 1 utilizes its camera and image processing software to determine the configuration of the hair care appliance 10 and sends a configuration signal to the receiver 38. This eliminates the need for an accessory attached to the handle unit 12, including a contact switch or other suitable sensor for determining the configuration of the hair care appliance 10. In such examples, the control module 34 can perform a second or fourth process while the first accessory 100 is attached to the handle unit 12.

[0122] Figure 13 and 14 The fourth accessory 400 shown for attachment to the handle unit 12 has a similar construction and operation to the second accessory 200 described above, except that the servo motor 234 of the switching system 230 of the second accessory 200 is omitted in the fourth accessory 400, and the fourth accessory 400 includes a dial 420 positioned at the closed end 410b of the barrel 410. The dial 420 is mechanically connected to the valve 432 and allows the user to move the valve 432 between a first valve position and a second valve position by manually rotating the dial 420 about the central axis 402. Common components have the same reference numerals as those in the second accessory 200, but with the addition of 200, and will not be described in detail for the sake of brevity. When using the hair care appliance 10 with the fourth accessory 400 attached to the handle unit 10, the triaxial accelerometer 438 and the capacitive sensor 440 send corresponding orientation and position sensors to the control module 34 via connectors, and the contact switch 442 sends a configuration signal to the control module 34.

[0123] Figure 15 A fifth process 1500, executed by the control module 34 during the use of the hair care appliance 10, is shown, wherein the fourth accessory 400 is attached to the handle unit 12. The fifth process 1500 is consistent with the above reference. Figure 9 The second process 1200 is essentially the same, and for the sake of brevity, only the differences will be described. Common processes have the same figure reference numerals, but with the addition of 300.

[0124] If control module 34 determines, based on configuration signals, that the hair care appliance 1510 is currently in the same configuration as the one that control module 34 has determined, based on orientation and position signals, should be in, the configuration of hair care appliance 10 1504, then control module 34 does not take any action regarding changing the configuration of hair care appliance 10. Control module 34 causes hair care appliance 10 1514 to operate in a high-flow mode, where airflow generator 16 generates airflow at a first airflow rate. If the hair care appliance is not currently in the same configuration as the one that control module 34 has determined hair care appliance 1504 should be in, then control module 34 sends command 1516 to feedback module 36 and causes hair care appliance 10 1518 to operate in a low-flow mode, where airflow generator 16 generates airflow at a second airflow rate lower than the first airflow rate. The second airflow rate is insufficient for the airflow emitted from multiple pairs of air outlets 416 to cause hair to entangle on the barrel 410. In response to this command, feedback module outputs a feedback alarm to the user, in this example, in the form of vibration by vibration module. In other examples, the feedback alarm is additionally or alternatively visual or audible. The feedback alarm prompts the user to rotate the dial 420 around the central axis 402 to move the valve 432 between a first valve position and a second valve position, and thus switch the hair care appliance 10 to one of the first and second configurations that the control module 34 has determined should be in.

[0125] In some other examples, control module 34 does not send commands to the feedback module, such as Figure 15 As shown in the dashed box 1516, the operation of the hair care device 10 in low flow mode is sufficient to prompt the user to turn the dial 420 to place the hair care device 10 in the correct configuration.

[0126] In other examples, the operation of hair care device 10 in the first and second modes based on whether it is correctly configured can be omitted, such as... Figure 15 The dashed boxes 1514 and 1518 are shown in the figure.

[0127] When other accessories (such as the first to third accessories 100, 200, 300 described above) are attached to the handle unit 12, the control module 34 is operable to operate the hair care appliance 10 in a first mode and a second mode based on whether the hair care appliance 10 is in the correct configuration.

[0128] Capacitive sensor 440 is operable to generate data indicating the distance between the barrel 410 and the user's hair. A position signal indicates the distance. Figure 16A sixth process 1600, executed by the control module 34 during the use of the hair care appliance 10, is shown, wherein the fourth accessory 400 is attached to the handle unit 12. The control module 34 receives a position signal 1602 from the capacitive sensor 440 and determines 1604 the distance between the barrel 410 and the user's hair based on the position signal. Then, the control module 34 determines 1606 whether this distance exceeds a predetermined distance Pd.

[0129] If the control module 34 determines that the distance 1606 exceeds the predetermined distance Pd, the control module 34 causes the hair styling device 10 to operate in low-flow mode. If the control module 34 determines that the distance does not exceed the predetermined distance Pd, the control module 34 causes the hair styling device 10 to operate in high-flow mode. This helps ensure that hair is only wrapped around the tube 410 when the hair styling device 10 is correctly configured.

[0130] When the barrel 410 is at least a predetermined distance Pd away from the user's hair, the control module 34 is operable to determine whether the hair care device 10 is in the correct configuration. In this example, the predetermined distance is 5cm. This prevents hair from getting tangled around the barrel 410 in the wrong direction.

[0131] It should be understood that when any other accessory according to the example (such as the first to third accessories 100, 200, 300 described above) is attached to the handle unit 12, the control module 34 can perform a sixth process to control the airflow generator 16. In such an example, the control module 34 can receive position signals via receiver 38 from a corresponding capacitive sensor or from a remote device such as smartphone 1.

[0132] In some examples, the user generates a styling signal, for example via user interface 32 or smartphone 1, indicating parameters related to the use of hair care appliance 10, such as the type of hair to be styled, the moisture level of the hair to be styled, or the desired styling result to be produced by hair care appliance 10. In such examples, control module 34 is operable to determine, based on the styling signal, whether hair care appliance 10 should be in a first configuration or a second configuration.

[0133] It should be understood that in other examples, other types of switching systems 130, 230, 330 may be used to switch the hair care device 10 between the first configuration and the second configuration. Figure 17 An example is shown, which illustrates the fifth accessory 500 in cross-section. The fifth accessory 500 is constructed and operates similarly to the second accessory 200 described above, except that the servo motor 234 of the second accessory 200 is replaced by a valve guide 544.

[0134] Valve guide 544 is cylindrical and defines a serrated track 546 extending circumferentially around valve guide 544, having four peaks and four troughs arranged alternately around the circumference. Valve 532 includes a pin 548 that travels along track 546 to move the valve between a first valve position and a second valve position.

[0135] When the hair care appliance 10 is switched on and in high-flow mode, pin 548 is pushed by the airflow toward the closed end 510b of the barrel 510 to the crest of the track 546. When pin 548 is at the crest of the track 546 and in position A, as... Figure 17 As shown, valve 532 is in the first valve position. With pin 548 at the crest of track 546 and in position B, as... Figure 17 As shown, valve 532 is in the second valve position. Valve 532 is biased toward the slot of track 546, for example, biased to position C, as shown. Figure 17 As shown. Therefore, the decrease in airflow from the airflow generator 16 causes the pin 548 to move toward the open end 510a of the cylinder 510 to position C. The subsequent increase in flow velocity causes the pin 548 to move back to either position A or B, that is, the position where the pin 548 was before moving to position C. As the pin 548 follows the track 546, the pin 548 rotates about the central axis 502, which causes a corresponding rotation of the rest of the valve 532.

[0136] In this example, when the control module 34 determines that the configuration of the hair care appliance 10 needs to be switched, it causes the airflow generator 16 to temporarily reduce the flow rate of the airflow generated by the airflow generator by a sufficient amount to move the pin 548 to a trough of the track 546, and then increases the flow rate to move the pin 548 to a crest of the track 546. Therefore, the valve 532 moves between a first valve position and a second valve position, and the hair care appliance 10 switches between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0137] Other examples are envisioned that fall within the scope of the claims. For instance, features of any of the attachments described herein can be equally applied to other attachments. For example, a process described as being performed by the control module when one attachment is attached to the handle unit can be performed when another attachment is attached to the handle unit.

[0138] It should be understood that in other examples, other types of sensors may be used compared to those described in the examples above. For example, different types of sensors may be used to determine which of the first and second configurations the hair care appliances 10, 50 are in, such as a light shutter or flow sensor located at the air outlet. For example, different types of sensors may be used to determine the position of the hair care appliance relative to the user's hair, such as a camera on the hair care appliance 10, 50.

[0139] It should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly stated, the term “or” as used herein shall be interpreted as meaning “and / or”.

Claims

1. A hair care tool, comprising: The system includes an airflow generator, a cylinder, a switching system, and a controller. The cylinder has a longitudinal axis and includes multiple air outlets arranged around the longitudinal axis. in: The hair care device can be configured between a first configuration and a second configuration, in which airflow generated by the airflow generator is emitted from the plurality of air outlets in a counterclockwise direction around the cylinder, and in the second configuration, airflow generated by the airflow generator is emitted from the plurality of air outlets in a clockwise direction around the cylinder; The switching system can be operated by the controller to selectively switch the hair care device between the first configuration and the second configuration; The switching system guides airflow along a first airflow path in the first configuration, causing the airflow to exit in a clockwise direction, and guides airflow along a second airflow path in the second configuration, causing the airflow to exit in a counterclockwise direction; and The controller is configured to receive an input indicating that the hair care appliance should be switched between a first configuration and a second configuration, and based on the input, to cause the switching system to switch the hair care appliance between the first configuration and the second configuration.

2. The hair care device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of air outlets includes a first air outlet and a second air outlet, the airflow is emitted in a counterclockwise direction through the first air outlet, and the airflow is emitted in a clockwise direction through the second air outlet.

3. The hair care appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The switching system includes a valve that can move between a first valve position and a second valve position, wherein when the valve is in the first valve position, the airflow is guided by the valve along a first airflow path, and when the valve is in the second valve position, the airflow is guided by the valve along a second airflow path.

4. The hair care device according to claim 3, wherein, The plurality of air outlets includes a first air outlet and a second air outlet. The airflow is emitted and discharged through the first air outlet in a counterclockwise direction, and the airflow is emitted and discharged through the second air outlet in a clockwise direction. The valve blocks the first air outlet in the second valve position and blocks the second air outlet in the first valve position.

5. The hair care appliance according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, When the valve moves between the first valve position and the second valve position, the valve rotates about the longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

6. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, The valve moves between the first valve position and the second valve position in response to a change in the flow rate of the airflow.

7. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein, The switching system includes an actuator connected to the valve, and the controller is configured to actuate the actuator to move the valve between a first valve position and a second valve position.

8. The hair care appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The hair care device includes a user interface that can be operated by a user, and the input includes user input signals generated by the user interface.

9. The hair care appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The input includes a position signal indicating the position of the barrel relative to the hair to be treated by the hair care device, and optionally, the hair care device includes a position sensor for sensing the position of the barrel and for generating the position signal.

10. The hair care appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The input includes a dynamic signal indicating the orientation or movement of the hair care device, and optionally, the hair care device includes an accelerometer for sensing the orientation or movement of the hair care device and for generating the dynamic signal.

11. The hair care appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The input is received from a remote device, wherein optionally, the remote device includes a camera for capturing image data, and the remote device generates the input based on the image data.

12. The hair care appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a body and an accessory removably attached to said body, wherein, The accessory includes the cylindrical body.

13. The hair care appliance according to claim 12, wherein, The accessory includes at least a portion of the switching system.

14. An accessory for a hair care device, the accessory comprising a barrel and a switching system, the barrel having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of air outlets disposed around the longitudinal axis, wherein: The attachment can be configured between the following: In the first configuration, airflow received from the hair care device is emitted from multiple air outlets in a counter-clockwise direction around the barrel. In a second configuration, airflow received from the hair care appliance is emitted from multiple air outlets in a clockwise direction around the barrel. and The switching system can be operated by the controller of the hair care device to switch the accessory between the first configuration and the second configuration; and The switching system guides the airflow received from the hair care device along the first airflow path in the first configuration, causing the airflow to exit in a clockwise direction, and guides the airflow received from the hair care device along the second airflow path in the second configuration, causing the airflow to exit in a counterclockwise direction.

Images