Haircare appliance

Abstract

To provide a haircare appliance having an air inlet, an air outlet, and an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet, and an attachment for the haircare appliance, the attachment including an air inlet and an air outlet.SOLUTION: A curved surface is adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet. The haircare appliance or the attachment has a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet. The haircare appliance or the attachment is configured such that airflow exiting the air outlet generates a first force to attract hair toward the curved surface, and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair care device and an attachment for a hair care device. [Background technology]

[0002] Hair care devices are typically used to dry and style hair. If you use hair styling equipment to create a smooth look, it can cause flyaways. The presence of short or broken hairs, sometimes referred to as pubic hairs, affects the desired smooth appearance. There are times when this happens. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an attachment for an attachment, The ment includes an air inlet, an air outlet, and a bay adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet. and a curved surface, and the attachment is configured such that, during use, the air flow exiting the air outlet blows the hair along the curved surface. and a second force that pushes the hair away from the curved surface. It is configured as follows.

[0004] The attachment according to the first aspect of the present invention is configured such that the air flow exiting the air outlet bends the hair. Generate a first force that attracts the hair toward the surface and a second force that pushes the hair away from the curved surface. This can be advantageous since it is configured to

[0005] In particular, the inventors of the present application have provided a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet. This creates a negative pressure area adjacent to the curved surface, which pulls long hairs toward the curved surface. It was determined that even short hairs can be pushed away from curved surfaces by airflow interactions with the hair. This allows short hair to pass through long hair and, for example, to the hair facing the user's head. The brush is pushed through the longer hairs towards the sides of the brush to provide a smooth finish.

[0006] In use, the airflow exiting the air outlet may flow over a curved surface. The curved surface may be configured such that a negative pressure region is generated near the curved surface. For example it may be provided with a convex surface against which, in use, the air flow attaches as a result of the Coanda effect.

[0007] Air outlet is 140mm 2 ~450mm 2 range, for example 280mm 2 ~350mm 2 The applicants have determined that such cross-sectional areas of the openings may be in the range of It is particularly effective at generating airflow through the curved surface, thereby drawing hair towards the curved surface. They discovered that this generates a first force that holds the hair in place and a second force that pushes the hair away from the curved surface.

[0008] The air outlet may have a width in the range of 70mm to 90mm, for example 75mm to 85mm. The air outlet may have a height in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm. The air outlet may be, for example For example, it may be generally rectangular in shape so that the air flow leaving the air outlet is generally laminar.

[0009] The curved surface may include a radius of curvature in the range of 16 mm to 60 mm. Such a radius of curvature is particularly effective at generating airflow along the curved surface, resulting in A first force that attracts the hair toward the curved surface and a second force that pushes the hair away from the curved surface. The curved surface may include a substantially constant radius of curvature.

[0010] The curved surface may include an arc length of at least 95 degrees from the air outlet. The applicant has found that such an arc length is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface, and as a result, a first force that attracts the hair towards the curved surface and a second force that repels the hair from the curved surface are generated.

[0011] The ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface to the arc length of the curved surface may be in the range of 0.04 to 0.63. The applicant has found that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface, and as a result, a first force that attracts the hair towards the curved surface and a second force that repels the hair from the curved surface are generated.

[0012] The attachment may include a flat surface adjacent to the air outlet and extending rearward from the air outlet.

[0013] If the surface provided to extend rearward from the air outlet is not flat, when the attachment moves relative to the hair during use, the smooth finish that normally occurs during styling work may be disrupted. If the surface provided to extend rearward from the air outlet includes protrusions such as bristles and is rough, when the attachment moves relative to the hair during use, such a rough surface may cause the hair that has already been smoothed by the air flow from the air outlet to break. By providing a curved surface adjacent to the air outlet and on the downstream side of the air outlet, and a flat surface adjacent to the air outlet and extending rearward from the air outlet, a smooth finish of the hair can be created and maintained when the attachment moves relative to the hair during use.

[0014] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Also, the flat surface may act as a guiding surface for properly positioning the attachment with respect to the user's head so that the air flow exiting from the air outlet can provide the above-described functions.

[0015] The flat surface may have a substantially smooth and continuous shape. The flat surface may include a height in the range of 5 mm to 2 0 mm.

[0016] The attachment may be configured such that, for example, when the attachment moves linearly along the hair from the hair root to the hair tip during use, the hair extending rearward from the air outlet contacts the flat surface when the attachment moves with respect to the hair.

[0017] The flat surface may include a generally flat surface. This helps to maintain a smooth hair surface when the attachment moves with respect to the hair during use, and the hair extending rearward from the air outlet can be reliably supported by the surface.

[0018] The flat surface may be inclined obliquely with respect to the plane of the air outlet. Thereby, while the hair extending rearward from the air outlet contacts the flat surface during use, the hair on the downstream side of the air outlet can be reliably attracted toward the curved surface. The flat surface may be inclined obliquely with respect to the plane tangent to the curved surface at the point of the curved surface directly adjacent to the air outlet.

[0019] The attachment may include a pair of guide walls for guiding the air flow along the curved surface, and the pair of guide walls stand upright from the curved surface. By providing a pair of guide walls extending outward from the curved surface, the negative pressure generated by the air flow in which the surrounding air flows along the curved surface during use can be Collision with the negative pressure region is suppressed, and for example, compared with a similar configuration that does not utilize a guiding wall, the force that attracts hair towards the curved surface can be increased. The force that attracts hair towards the curved surface can be increased.

[0020] Each of the guiding walls may have a curved shape with a curvature along the curvature of the curved surface, for example. The pair of guiding walls may face each other such that a channel is defined therebetween and the curved surface forms the bed of the channel, for example. The pair of guiding walls may be arranged at intervals along the curved surface, for example, at intervals at the opposing edges of the curved surface. The interval between the guiding walls may substantially correspond to the length of the air outlet. The curved surface is substantially smooth and does not break between the pair of guiding walls. Thereby, During use, hair can be wound around the curved surface between the pair of guiding walls. During use, hair can be wound around the curved surface between the pair of guiding walls.

[0021] The guiding walls may protrude outward from the curved surface, for example, the guiding walls and the curved surface may be integrally formed as a single component. The guiding walls may protrude outward from the curved surface, for example, the guiding walls and the curved surface may be integrally formed as a single component.

[0022] The pair of guiding walls may extend along substantially the entire length of the curved surface. Thereby, a negative pressure region can be reliably maintained along substantially the entire length of the curved surface. Thereby, a negative pressure region can be reliably maintained along substantially the entire length of the curved surface.

[0023] The pair of guiding walls may include a height substantially equal to the height of the air outlet. Thereby, a negative pressure region can be reliably maintained along substantially the entire height of the air jet exiting the air outlet during use. Thereby, a negative pressure region can be reliably maintained along substantially the entire height of the air jet exiting the air outlet during use. Thereby, a negative pressure region can be reliably maintained along substantially the entire height of the air jet exiting the air outlet during use.

[0024] The pair of guiding walls may include a height substantially equal to the height of the air outlet in the region adjacent to the air outlet. The inventors of the present application maintain a negative pressure region in the region adjacent to the air outlet. The pair of guiding walls may include a height substantially equal to the height of the air outlet in the region adjacent to the air outlet. The inventors of the present application maintain a negative pressure region in the region adjacent to the air outlet. is useful for generating an air flow along the curved surface, resulting in relatively long hair generating a first force sufficient to attract the hair towards the first surface, while also generating a second force that pushes away relatively short hair from the curved surface. It has been discovered.

[0025] The pair of guide inner walls may include a radius of curvature greater than the radius of curvature of the curved surface. For example, the pair of guide inner walls may include a radius of curvature greater than the radius of curvature of the curved surface in the region adjacent to the air outlet. Thereby, the pair of guide inner walls can reliably perform its function in the region adjacent to the air outlet during use.

[0026] The pair of guide inner walls may include a height that varies along the length of the guide inner wall. The inventors of the present application have discovered that the guide inner wall imparts the most impact in a specific region of the curved surface, for example, the region adjacent to the air outlet. The pair of guide inner walls may include a height that decreases in the direction away from the air outlet . By lowering the height of the guide inner wall in the direction away from the air outlet, the material required to form the guide inner wall may be less, for example, than that of a guide inner wall with a constant height . The pair of guide inner walls may include a height that gradually decreases in the direction away from the air outlet, for example, so that there is no step change in height. The guide inner walls of the pair of guide inner walls may each include the same height and may be substantially symmetric about an axis that bisects the space between the guide inner walls.

[0027] The pair of guide inner walls may include a constant height. Thereby, it can be ensured that the negative pressure region generated adjacent to the curved surface does not collide along the length of the curved surface .

[0028] The attachment may include an end wall located at the end of the curved surface. Thereby, during use​​​ Airflow can be prevented from reaching the hand of the user holding the attachment.

[0029] The air outlet may comprise a fixed air outlet, for example, an air outlet with a fixed cross-sectional area, length and / or width. This ensures that the airflow characteristics of the attachment are constant for a given flow rate of the airflow generated by the airflow generator, thereby generating a first force that causes the airflow to occur along the curved surface and attracts the hair towards the curved surface, and a second force that pushes the hair away from the curved surface. Also, this provides a simple attachment with fewer moving parts and thus a lower risk of failure compared to an attachment with a variable air outlet. along the curved surface, resulting in the hair being attracted towards the curved surface and a second force that pushes the hair away from the curved surface can be reliably generated. Also, this provides a simple attachment with fewer moving parts and thus a lower risk of failure compared to an attachment with a variable air outlet. attachment having a variable air outlet. attachment with fewer moving parts and thus a lower risk of failure. attachment can be provided.

[0030] The attachment comprises a hollow body defining a flow path between the air inlet and the air outlet, and the curved surface may extend outwardly from the hollow body. Since the curved surface extends outwardly from the hollow body, the hollow body and / or the remaining portion of the attachment are removed from the area of the hair wrapped around the curved surface during use, and thus the styling process performed in the area of the curved surface can be prevented from being disturbed. The curved surface may extend outwardly from the hollow body. Since the curved surface extends outwardly from the hollow body, the hollow body and / or the remaining portion of the attachment are removed from the area of the hair wrapped around the curved surface during use, and thus the styling process performed in the area of the curved surface can be prevented from being disturbed. during use, the hollow body and / or the remaining portion of the attachment are removed from the area of the hair wrapped around the curved surface, and thus the styling process performed in the area of the curved surface can be prevented from being disturbed. area of the curved surface can be prevented from being disturbed. can be prevented.

[0031] The central axis of curvature of the curved surface may be displaced from the central axis of the hollow body, for example, parallel to the central axis of the hollow body and displaced from the central axis of the hollow body, or perpendicular to the central axis of the hollow body and displaced from the central axis of the hollow body. The central axis of curvature of the curved surface may be displaced from the central axis of the hollow body, for example, parallel to the central axis of the hollow body and displaced from the central axis of the hollow body, or perpendicular to the central axis of the hollow body and displaced from the central axis of the hollow body. axis of the hollow body and displaced from the central axis of the hollow body.

[0032] The curved surface comprises a first end attached to the hollow body and a second free end opposite the first end, and for example, the second free end may not be attached to the hollow body. The second free end may not be attached to the hollow body. The The end of 1 may be in the region of the air outlet, for example, such that a curved surface extends outside the air outlet. It may be attached to the hollow body. The curved surface may be substantially arc-shaped.

[0033] The curved surface may be substantially smooth and continuous in shape. Thereby, during use the hair can be wound around the curved surface.

[0034] The curved surface may be integrally formed with the hollow body, for example, such that the curved surface and the hollow body are formed as a single component. The air outlet may include a slot formed in the hollow body. The attachment may include a single air outlet. Thereby, it is ensured that there is no additional air outlet that disturbs the smoothing process performed using the attachment,

[0035] and it is ensured that the air flow leaving the air outlet has the necessary characteristics to generate a first force that attracts the hair towards the curved surface and a second force that pushes the hair away from the curved surface. This can be obtained. The air outlet includes a first air outlet located on a first side of the attachment and a second air outlet located on a second side of the attachment opposite the first side of the attachment. The curved surface is adjacent to each of the first air outlet and the second air outlet and is downstream of each of the first air outlet and the second air outlet. The attachment may include a first flat surface adjacent to the first air outlet and extending rearward from the first air outlet, and a second flat surface adjacent to the second air outlet and extending rearward from the second air outlet. By providing the first air outlet and the second air outlet, and the first flat surface and the second flat surface, the attachment

[0036] The air outlet includes a first air outlet located on a first side of the attachment and a second air outlet located on a second side of the attachment opposite the first side of the attachment. The curved surface is adjacent to each of the first air outlet and the second air outlet and is downstream of each of the first air outlet and the second air outlet. The attachment may include a first flat surface adjacent to the first air outlet and extending rearward from the first air outlet, and a second flat surface adjacent to the second air outlet and extending rearward from the second air outlet. The curved surface is adjacent to each of the first air outlet and the second air outlet and is downstream of each of the first air outlet and the second air outlet. The attachment may include a first flat surface adjacent to the first air outlet and extending rearward from the first air outlet, and a second flat surface adjacent to the second air outlet and extending rearward from the second air outlet. The curved surface is adjacent to each of the first air outlet and the second air outlet and is downstream of each of the first air outlet and the second air outlet. The attachment may include a first flat surface adjacent to the first air outlet and extending rearward from the first air outlet, and a second flat surface adjacent to the second air outlet and extending rearward from the second air outlet. By providing the first air outlet and the second air outlet, and the first flat surface and the second flat surface, the attachment The air outlet includes a first air outlet located on a first side of the attachment and a second air outlet located on a second side of the attachment opposite the first side of the attachment. The curved surface is adjacent to each of the first air outlet and the second air outlet and is downstream of each of the first air outlet and the second air outlet. The attachment may include a first flat surface adjacent to the first air outlet and extending rearward from the first air outlet, and a second flat surface adjacent to the second air outlet and extending rearward from the second air outlet. By providing the first air outlet and the second air outlet, and the first flat surface and the second flat surface, the attachment The above-mentioned smoothing effect can be achieved while using the ment in a number of orientations.

[0037] The curved surface may include a continuous surface extending between the first air outlet and the second air outlet. Such a continuous surface can facilitate the attraction of hair to the curved surface of the hair when the attachment is used in a number of orientations. It may be possible to facilitate the attraction.

[0038] The attachment may include a switching mechanism for switching the attachment from a first configuration in which the air flow passes through the first air outlet and does not pass through the second air outlet to a second configuration in which the air flow passes through the second air outlet and does not pass through the first air outlet. Thereby, during use, the air flow can surely pass through only one side of the attachment. Thereby, during use, the air flow is prevented from flowing away from the user's head, thus reducing wasteful air flow and making styling more efficient. Also, this ensures that there is no floating air flow from the air outlet that is not used as part of the styling process and that may affect the styling process during use. The attachment may include a switching mechanism for switching the attachment from a first configuration in which the air flow passes through the first air outlet and does not pass through the second air outlet to a second configuration in which the air flow passes through the second air outlet and does not pass through the first air outlet. Thereby, during use, the air flow can surely pass through only one side of the attachment. Thereby, during use, the air flow is prevented from flowing away from the user's head, thus reducing wasteful air flow and making styling more efficient. Also, this ensures that there is no floating air flow from the air outlet that is not used as part of the styling process and that may affect the styling process during use. The attachment may include a switching mechanism for switching the attachment from a first configuration in which the air flow passes through the first air outlet and does not pass through the second air outlet to a second configuration in which the air flow passes through the second air outlet and does not pass through the first air outlet. Thereby, during use, the air flow can surely pass through only one side of the attachment. Thereby, during use, the air flow is prevented from flowing away from the user's head, thus reducing wasteful air flow and making styling more efficient. Also, this ensures that there is no floating air flow from the air outlet that is not used as part of the styling process and that may affect the styling process during use. The attachment may include a switching mechanism for switching the attachment from a first configuration in which the air flow passes through the first air outlet and does not pass through the second air outlet to a second configuration in which the air flow passes through the second air outlet and does not pass through the first air outlet. Thereby, during use, the air flow can surely pass through only one side of the attachment. Thereby, during use, the air flow is prevented from flowing away from the user's head, thus reducing wasteful air flow and making styling more efficient. Also, this ensures that there is no floating air flow from the air outlet that is not used as part of the styling process and that may affect the styling process during use. The attachment may include a switching mechanism for switching the attachment from a first configuration in which the air flow passes through the first air outlet and does not pass through the second air outlet to a second configuration in which the air flow passes through the second air outlet and does not pass through the first air outlet. Thereby, during use, the air flow can surely pass through only one side of the attachment. Thereby, during use, the air flow is prevented from flowing away from the user's head, thus reducing wasteful air flow and making styling more efficient. Also, this ensures that there is no floating air flow from the air outlet that is not used as part of the styling process and that may affect the styling process during use. The attachment may include a switching mechanism for switching the attachment from a first configuration in which the air flow passes through the first air outlet and does not pass through the second air outlet to a second configuration in which the air flow passes through the second air outlet and does not pass through the first air outlet. Thereby, during use, the air flow can surely pass through only one side of the attachment. Thereby, during use, the air flow is prevented from flowing away from the user's head, thus reducing wasteful air flow and making styling more efficient. Also, this ensures that there is no floating air flow from the air outlet that is not used as part of the styling process and that may affect the styling process during use. The attachment may include a switching mechanism for switching the attachment from a first configuration in which the air flow passes through the first air outlet and does not pass through the second air outlet to a second configuration in which the air flow passes through the second air outlet and does not pass through the first air outlet. Thereby, during use, the air flow can surely pass through only one side of the attachment. Thereby, during use, the air flow is prevented from flowing away from the user's head, thus reducing wasteful air flow and making styling more efficient. Also, this ensures that there is no floating air flow from the air outlet that is not used as part of the styling process and that may affect the styling process during use. The attachment may include a switching mechanism for switching the attachment from a first configuration in which the air flow passes through the first air outlet and does not pass through the second air outlet to a second configuration in which the air flow passes through the second air outlet and does not pass through the first air outlet. Thereby, during use, the air flow can surely pass through only one side of the attachment. Thereby, during use, the air flow is prevented from flowing away from the user's head, thus reducing wasteful air flow and making styling more efficient. Also, this ensures that there is no floating air flow from the air outlet that is not used as part of the styling process and that may affect the styling process during use.

[0039] The switching mechanism may be operable to move the attachment between the first configuration and the second configuration under the action of gravity. Thereby, a simple switching mechanism that does not require user input is provided, thereby improving the user experience. The switching mechanism may be operable to move the attachment between the first configuration and the second configuration under the action of gravity. Thereby, a simple switching mechanism that does not require user input is provided, thereby improving the user experience. The switching mechanism may be operable to move the attachment between the first configuration and the second configuration under the action of gravity. Thereby, a simple switching mechanism that does not require user input is provided, thereby improving the user experience.

[0040] The central axis of curvature of the curved surface may substantially coincide with the central axis of the air flow generator, for example, it may substantially coincide with the central axis of the housing in which the air flow generator is disposed. The central axis of curvature of the curved surface may substantially coincide with the central axis of the air flow generator, for example, it may substantially coincide with the central axis of the housing in which the air flow generator is disposed.

[0041] The curved surface may be displaced relative to the edge of the air outlet, for example, so that the curved surface does not extend directly from the edge of the air outlet. The curved surface may be displaced by 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm from the edge of the air outlet. The curved surface may be displaced relative to the edge of the air outlet in a direction orthogonal to the edge of the air outlet, for example, in a direction orthogonal to the edge extending in the longitudinal direction of the air outlet. .

[0042] The attachment may include an internal baffle for rotating the air flow from the air flow generator towards the air outlet, for example, for rotating the air flow by about 90 degrees towards the air outlet. .

[0043] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hair care device comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, an air flow generator for generating an air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet, and a curved surface adjacent to the air outlet and downstream of the air outlet, wherein the hair care device is configured to generate a first force that draws the air flow exiting the air outlet towards the curved surface and a second force that pushes the hair away from the curved surface. The hair care device may include a heater for heating the air flow. Thereby, the flexibility of styling is enhanced, and for example, the air flow can provide a drying function. .

[0044] The hair care device may include a handle unit that houses the air flow generator therein, and an attachment that is detachably attachable to the handle unit, wherein the attachment may include an air outlet and a curved surface. By providing the air outlet and the curved surface as part of a detachable attachment,

[0045] the functions described herein can be selectively provided by the user. The attachment may be provided with an air outlet and a curved surface. By providing the air outlet and the curved surface as part of a detachable attachment, the functions described in this specification can be selectively provided by the user. The functions described herein can be selectively provided by the user. It is.

[0046] The hair care device may be configured such that the air flow at the air outlet includes a speed in the range of 30 m / s to 45 m / s. The applicant has found that such a speed is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface, and as a result, it generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the first surface while also generating a second force that pushes away relatively short hair from the curved surface. The air outlet may have a shape and dimensions such that the air flow at the air outlet includes a speed in the range of 30 m / s to 45 m / s. The air flow generator may be configured to generate an air flow at a flow rate such that the air flow at the air outlet includes a speed in the range of 30 m / s to 45 m / s. The air flow generator may be configured to generate an air flow at a flow rate in the range of 8 L / s to 14 L / s. The applicant has found that such an air flow rate is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface, and as a result, it generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the first surface while also generating a second force that pushes away relatively short hair from the curved surface. The ratio of the flow rate of the air flow generated by the air flow generator to the cross-sectional area of the opening of the air outlet may be in the range of 0.01 to 0.10. The applicant has found that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface, and as a result, it generates a first force that attracts the hair toward the curved surface and a second force that pushes the hair away from the curved surface.

[0047] The ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface to the speed of the air flow at the air outlet may be in the range of 0.33 to 2.00. The applicant has found that such a speed is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface, and as a result, it generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the first surface while also generating a second force that pushes away relatively short hair from the curved surface. The applicant has found that such an air flow rate is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface, and as a result, it generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the first surface while also generating a second force that pushes away relatively short hair from the curved surface. The applicant has found that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface, and as a result, it generates a first force that attracts the hair toward the curved surface and a second force that pushes the hair away from the curved surface. The applicant has found that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface, and as a result, it generates a first force that attracts the hair toward the curved surface and a second force that pushes the hair away from the curved surface.

[0048] The ratio of the flow rate of the air flow generated by the air flow generator to the cross-sectional area of the opening of the air outlet may be in the range of 0.01 to 0.10. The applicant has found that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface, and as a result, it generates a first force that attracts the hair toward the curved surface and a second force that pushes the hair away from the curved surface. The applicant has found that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface, and as a result, it generates a first force that attracts the hair toward the curved surface and a second force that pushes the hair away from the curved surface. The applicant has found that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface, and as a result, it generates a first force that attracts the hair toward the curved surface and a second force that pushes the hair away from the curved surface.

[0049] The ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface to the speed of the air flow at the air outlet may be in the range of 0.33 to 2.00. The enclosure may be, for example, in the range of 0.5 to 1.5. The applicant has found that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface, resulting in generating a first force that attracts the hair towards the curved surface and a second force that repels the hair from the curved surface. .

[0050] The ratio of the velocity of the air flow at the air outlet to the flow rate of the air flow generated by the air flow generator may be in the range of 2.14 to 5.63, for example, in the range of 2.6 to 3.6. The applicant has found that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface, resulting in generating a first force that attracts the hair towards the curved surface and a second force that repels the hair from the curved surface.

[0051] When the attachment includes an internal baffle for rotating the air flow from the air flow generator towards the air outlet, for example, for rotating the air flow by about 90 degrees towards the air outlet, this allows the main part of the hair care device that houses the air flow generator to extend at a right angle to the air outlet, which provides a higher degree of design freedom compared to, for example, a hair care device where the air outlet is aligned with the main part of the hair care device that houses the air flow generator, and may be ergonomically superior.

[0052] Any optional configuration of an aspect of the present invention can be equally applied, as appropriate, to other aspects of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0053]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0054] The hair care device according to the present invention, generally indicated at 10, is schematically shown in FIG. 1.

[0055] The hair care device 10 includes a handle unit 12 and an attachment 100 detachably attached to the handle unit 12.

[0056] ​ As can be seen schematically in FIG. 2, the handle unit 12 includes a housing 14, an air flow generator 16, a heater 18, and a control unit 20.

[0057] The housing 14 is tubular in shape and has an air inlet 22 through which an air flow is drawn into the housing 14 by the air flow generator 16 and an air outlet 24 through which the air flow is discharged from the housing 14. The air flow generator 16 is housed within the housing 14 and includes an impeller 26 driven by an electric motor 28. The air flow generator is configured to generate an air flow at a flow rate in the range of 8 to 14 L / s, for example in the range of 10 to 13 L / s. A suitable air flow generator is the Dyson V9 Digital Motor manufactured by Dyson Technology Limited. Further, the heater 18 is housed within the housing 14 and includes a heating element 30 that optionally heats the air flow.

[0058] The control unit 20 includes an electronic circuit for a user interface 32 and a control module 34. The user interface 32 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 14 and is used for turning the power of the hair care device 10 on / off, selecting the flow rate (e.g., high, medium, low), and selecting the air flow temperature ( e.g., hot, medium, cold). In the example of FIG. 1, the user interface includes a plurality of slide switches, but other forms of user interface 32 such as buttons, dials, or touch screens are also contemplated.

[0059] The control module 34 serves to control the air flow generator 16 and the heater 18 in response to an input from the user interface 32. For example, from the user interface 32 In response to the input, control module 34 controls the power or speed of air flow generator 16 and controls the power of heater 18 to adjust the temperature of the air flow. It may be. Attachment 100 is schematically shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0060] Attachment 100 includes a hollow body 102, a curved surface 104, a pair of guide walls 106,

[0061] The hollow body 102 includes an air inlet 108, an air outlet 110, a flat surface 112, and a plurality of internal baffles 114.

[0062] The air inlet 108 includes a substantially circular opening formed in the hollow body 102. The air inlet 108 is configured to receive the air flow from the air outlet 24 of the handle unit 12 when the attachment 100 is attached to the handle unit 12 during use. The peripheral edge of the air inlet 108 has an attachment configuration for detachably attaching the attachment 100 to the handle unit 12. The attachment configuration can take many forms and is not related to the present invention, so it will not be described for the sake of brevity.

[0063] 2 2 2 2 The air outlet 110 includes a substantially rectangular slot formed longitudinally along the side surface of the hollow body 110. The air outlet 110 has a width in the range of 70 mm to 90 mm, for example, in the range of 75 mm to 85 mm, and a height in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm, for example, in the range of 3.0 mm to 4.5 mm. As a result, the overall opening cross-sectional area of the air outlet 110 is in the range of 140 mm to 450 mm, for example, in the range of 225.0 mm to 382.5 mm.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0064] In a presently preferred embodiment, the width of the air outlet 110 ranges from 77 mm, and the height of the air outlet 1 10 ranges from 4.5 mm. The opening cross-sectional area of the air outlet 110 is 346.5 mm 2 within the range. The inventors of the present application have discovered that such dimensions of the air outlet 110 can provide advantageous effects as described below.

[0065] The plurality of internal baffles 114 are in a curved shape and extend in a direction from the air inlet 108 toward the air outlet 110. The plurality of internal baffles 114 are configured to rotate the air flow from the air inlet 108 in a direction toward the air outlet 110, and the air flow from the air inlet 108 is rotated substantially 90 degrees up to the air outlet 110. Thereby, the handle unit 12 can extend at a right angle to the air outlet 110, which provides more design freedom compared to, for example, a hair care device where the air outlet is aligned with the handle unit of the hair care device, and may be ergonomically superior.

[0066] The flat surface 112 is positioned adjacent to the air outlet 110 so as to extend rearward from the edge of the air outlet 110 and extends rearward from the air outlet 110. The flat surface 112 is inclined obliquely at an angle, for example, in the range of 3 to 10 degrees, with respect to the plane in which the air outlet 110 is disposed. The flat surface 112 has a substantially planar shape, is substantially smooth and continuous, and has, for example, no protrusions, recesses, or openings formed thereon. The height of the flat surface 112 ranges from 5 mm to 20 mm. The function of the flat surface 112 will be described later.

[0067] ​​​​​​​​​​The curved surface 104 is schematically shown in FIG. 4 and extends outward from the hollow body 102 in the region of the air outlet 110. For example, the first edge 116 of the curved surface 104 is adjacent to the air outlet 1 10 and is attached to the hollow body 102. Thus, the curved surface 104 is adjacent to the air outlet 110 and is located downstream of the air outlet 110. The second edge 118 of the curved surface 102 is a free edge such that the curved surface 104 is a cantilever with respect to the hollow body 102. The first edge 116 of the curved surface 104 is slightly displaced from the air outlet 110 to the curved surface 102 by a distance in the range of, for example, 0.5 to 1.5 mm so that there is a step. In some embodiments, it will be understood that there may be no step from the air outlet 110 to the curved surface 104. In some embodiments, there may be no step from the air outlet 110 to the curved surface 104. In some embodiments, it will be understood that there may be no step from the air outlet 110 to the curved surface 104. In some embodiments, it will be understood that there may be no step from the air outlet 110 to the curved surface 104.

[0068] The curved surface 102 has a substantially smooth and continuous shape, and no protrusions, recesses or openings are formed thereon. This can enhance the functionality of the attachment 100 described below. The curved surface 102 has a radius of curvature in the range of 16 mm to 60 mm, for example, 20 mm to 40 mm, and an arc length in the range of 95 to 360 degrees, for example, 95 to 120 degrees. In a presently preferred embodiment, the curved surface 102 has a radius of curvature in the range of 20 mm and an arc length in the range of 110 degrees. The inventors of the present application have discovered that such a geometric shape of the curved surface 102 can provide advantageous effects as described below. shape of the curved surface 102 can provide advantageous effects as described below.

[0069] The pair of guide walls 106 is disposed at opposite edges of the curved surface 102, and these edges are perpendicular to the first edge 116 and the second edge 118 of the curved surface 102 described above. The guide wall 10 is perpendicular to the first edge 116 and the second edge 118 of the curved surface 102 described above. The guide wall 10 6 stands upright from the curved surface 102 and extends along the entire arc length of the curved surface 102. The guiding wall 106 has a height that substantially corresponds to the height of the air outlet 110 and is constant along its length .

[0070] In use, the attachment 100 is attached to the handle unit 12. The air flow generator 16 generates an air flow from the air inlet 22 of the handle unit 12 to the air outlet 24 of the handle unit 12. As a result, the air flow passes from the air outlet 24 of the handle unit to the air inlet 108 of the attachment 100. The air flow flows through the hollow body 102 from the air inlet 108 of the attachment and is rotated towards the air outlet 110 of the attachment 100 by a plurality of internal baffles 114 . The air flow exits the hollow body 102 through the air outlet 110 and passes over the curved surface 102 .

[0071] The inventors of the present application have found that the air flow adheres to the curved surface 102 through the Coandă effect . When a bundle of hair is carried near the attachment 100, the long hairs of the bundle are attracted to the curved surface 102 by the force F_PULL as a result of the negative pressure region generated by the air flow on the curved surface 102 and are at least partially wrapped around the curved surface 102. However , a force F_PUSH is also generated by the pressure gradient across the bundle, causing some of the air flow to pass directly through the bundle . Due to the position of this force with respect to the curved surface 102 and the remaining part of the bundle, the short hairs are held loosely at this point compared to the long hairs being held in a fixed position on the curved surface 102. The short hairs are blown through the bundle towards the user's head, while the long hairs remain in a fixed position outside the bundle, i.e., on the part of the bundle that does not face the user's head . . As a result, after the interaction between the hair care device 10 and the attachment 100 associated therewith, a smooth finish of the hair is provided.

[0072] The above-described force interaction is schematically shown in FIG. 5.

[0073] This effect can be optimized by appropriately modifying the shape and parameters described herein. One such parameter that can enhance the effect is the velocity of the air flow at the air outlet 110 of the attachment 100. In particular, if the velocity is too high, short hairs will stick to the curved surface 102 and thus will not be pushed through the long hairs. On the other hand, if the velocity is too low, in the first example, there is a possibility that it is not sufficient to attract the long hairs to the curved surface 102 The applicant has determined that a velocity in the range of 30 m / s to 45 m / s is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 102, and as a result, it generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hairs toward the curved surface 102 while also generating a second force that repels relatively short hairs from the curved surface 102 In the currently preferred embodiment, the velocity of the air flow at the air outlet 1 10 is in the range of 35 m / s.

[0074] Another parameter that can enhance the effect of smoothing the hair in the above-described manner is the ratio of the velocity of the air flow at the air outlet 110 to the flow rate of the air flow generated by the air flow generator 16. In the embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 4, the ratio is in the range of 2.14 to 5.63, and in a particularly preferred embodiment the ratio is in the range of 2.89. The applicant has determined that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 102, and as a result, it attracts relatively long hairs toward the curved surface 102 generate a first force sufficient to attract hair, while also generating a second force that repels relatively short hair from the curved surface 10 It has been discovered that a second force is also generated to push away from the curved surface 2.

[0075] Another parameter that can enhance the effect of smoothing hair by the above method is the ratio of the air flow rate generated by the air flow generator 16 to the cross-sectional area of the air outlet 110. In the embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 4 the ratio is in the range of 0.01 to 0.10, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 0.04. The applicant has found that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 102, and as a result, while generating a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair towards the curved surface 102 it has also been discovered that a second force is generated to push away relatively short hair from the curved surface 102. attract while generating a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair towards the curved surface 102, while also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface 102.

[0076] A further parameter that can enhance the effect of smoothing hair by the above method is the ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface 102 to the velocity of the air flow at the air outlet 110. In the embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 4 the ratio is in the range of 0.33 to 2.00, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 0.57 The applicant has found that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 102, and as a result, while generating a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair towards the curved surface 102 it has also been discovered that a second force is generated to push away relatively short hair from the curved surface 102. attract while generating a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair towards the curved surface 102, while also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface 102.

[0077] Another parameter that can enhance the effect of smoothing hair by the above method is the ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface 102 to the arc length of the curved surface 102. In the embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 4, the ratio is 0.04 in the range of ~0.63, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 0.18. The present Applicant has found that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 102 and, as a result, generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hairs towards the curved surface 102 while also generating a second force that repels relatively short hairs from the curved surface 102 as well.

[0078] In use, the attachment 100 can move along the length of the hair bundle, for example, in the direction from the roots to the tips of the bundle of the hair. The flat surface 112 is positioned relative to the curved surface 102 such that the flat surface 112 contacts the hair extending rearward from the air outlet 110 while the hair on the downstream side of the air outlet 110 contacts the curved surface 102. As described above, the flat surface 112 has a substantially smooth and continuous shape with no protrusions, recesses, or openings formed thereon. When the hair care device 10 moves along the length of the hair bundle during use, the flat surface 112 passes across the hair that has been smoothed by its interaction with the curved surface 102. Due to the smooth and continuous nature of the flat surface 112, the flat surface 112 does not disrupt the already smoothed hair and results in a better finish than, for example, a corresponding hair care device having bristles and / or further air outlets located behind the air outlet 110. Since the flat surface 112 is smooth and continuous, the flat surface 112 does not disrupt the already smoothed hair and results in a better finish than, for example, a corresponding hair care device having bristles and / or further air outlets located behind the air outlet 110. As described above, the pair of guide walls 106 extends along the opposing edges of the curved surface 102.

[0079] This effectively creates an air flow channel, with the pair of guide walls 106 acting as the walls of the channel and the curved surface 102 acting as the bed of the channel. The guide wall 106 is such that, Suppress interaction with an air flow in which ambient air flows along the curved surface 102 during use, and thereby, a negative pressure region generated by the air flow flowing along the curved surface 102 can be maintained.

[0080] Figures 3-4 are depicted as having a guide wall 106 of a constant height along the curved surface 102, but it has been found that the guide wall 106 may be most effective in the region of the air outlet 110. In an alternative embodiment, as schematically shown in Figure 6, the attachment 100 has a guide wall 120 whose height decreases in a direction away from the air outlet 110. Thus, for example, less material may be required to form the guide wall 120 than the guide wall 106 of a constant height.

[0081] In the foregoing embodiment, the attachment has a single fixed air outlet 110, which is substantially a slot formed in the hollow body 104.

[0082] Alternative embodiments of the attachment 200 with multiple air outlets are schematically shown in Figures 7-11.

[0083] The attachment 200 includes an inlet barrel 202, an outlet body 204, and a flow guide 20 6. The inlet barrel 202 is substantially cylindrical and has an air inlet 208 configured to receive an air flow from the air outlet 24 of the handle unit 12 when the attachment 200 is attached to the handle unit 12 during use. The peripheral edge of the air inlet 2 08 has an attachment configuration for removably attaching the attachment 200 to the handle unit 12. The attachment configuration can take many forms and is not relevant to the present invention, so it will not be described for the sake of brevity. ​

[0084] The inlet barrel 202 defines a curved surface 210. The curved surface 210 is substantially smooth and continuous, without breaks, and no protrusions, recesses, or openings are formed thereon. This can enhance the functionality of the attachment 200 described below. The curved surface 210 has a radius of curvature in the range of 16 mm to 60 mm, for example, in the range of 20 mm to 40 mm, and an arc length in the range of 95 degrees to 360 degrees. In the currently preferred embodiment, the curved surface 210 has a radius of curvature in the range of 2 0 mm and an arc length in the range of 296 degrees. The inventors of the present application have found that such a geometric shape of the curved surface 21 0 can provide advantageous effects as described below.

[0085] The inlet barrel 202 includes a central axis line 212 around which the flow guide 206 is pivotable as described below.

[0086] The outlet body 204 includes a first end portion 214, a second end portion 216, and a connecting portion extending between the first end portion 21 4 and the second end portion 216. The first end portion 214 is substantially teardrop-shaped, and includes an opening (not shown) through which the inlet barrel 202 passes such that at least a portion of the first end portion 214 extends annularly around the inlet barrel 202.

[0087] The second end portion 216 is substantially the same teardrop shape as the first end portion 214, but is substantially solid and defines a cap for the inlet barrel 202.

[0088] The connecting portion 218 extends between the apexes of the first end portion 214 and the second end portion 216 along the curved surface 210 of the inlet barrel 202. The connecting portion 218 is generally in the shape of a triangular prism ​ is in the shape of.

[0089] The connection part 218 has a first air outlet 220, a second air outlet 222, a first flat surface 224, and a second flat surface 226. The first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 2 22 are such that the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222 are located on the opposite sides of the inlet barrel 202, and thus on the opposite sides of the attachment 200. The opposite sides of the connection part 21 8 are located on the opposite sides of the inlet barrel 202 such that the curved surface 210 of the inlet barrel 202 continuously extends between the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222, adjacent to each of the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222, and located downstream of each of the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222. The dimensions of the first end portion 214 and the second end portion 216 are slightly larger than the dimensions of the inlet barrel 2 02 so that a guide wall 227 is formed around the peripheral edge of the curved surface 210.

[0090] Each of the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222 is generally in a substantially rectangular shape. Each of the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222 has a width in the range of 70 mm to 90 mm , for example, in the range of 75 mm to 85 mm, and a height in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm, for example 3 mm to 4.5 mm. As a result, the overall opening cross-sectional area of each of the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222 is in the range of 140 mm to 450 mm 2 to 2 , for example, in the range of 225 mm 2 to 382.5 mm 2 .

[0091] In the presently preferred embodiment, the width of each of the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222 is in the range of 77 mm, and the height of each of the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222 is in the range of 4.5 mm. The opening cross-sectional area of each of the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222 is in the range of 346.5 mm 2 . The inventors of the present application have found that such dimensions of each of the first air outlet 22 0 and the second air outlet 222 can provide advantageous effects as described below . In the embodiments of FIGS. 7 to 11, each of the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222 is divided into smaller sub-outlets, but the overall dimensions of the first air outlet 2 20 and the second air outlet 222 are as described above

[0092] The first flat surface 224 is located adjacent to the first air outlet 220 and extends rearward from the first air outlet 220. On the other hand, the second flat surface 226 is located adjacent to the second air outlet 222 and extends rearward from the second air outlet 222. The first flat surface 22 4 and the second flat surface 226 are located on both sides of the apex of the connecting portion so that the first flat surface 224 and the second flat surface 226 are located on opposite side portions of the attachment t 200. The first flat surface 22 4 and the second flat surface 226 are substantially planar in shape, substantially smooth and continuous , for example, no protrusions, recesses or openings are formed thereon. The first flat surface 224 and the second flat surface 226 are each inclined obliquely with respect to the flat surface on which the first air outlet 220 and the second air outlet 222 are formed .

[0093] The connecting portion 218 can be selectively placed in fluid communication with the interior of the inlet barrel 202 as described below such that the first air flow channel 228 and the second air flow channel 230 Further includes.

[0094] The flow guide 206 includes a first blocking surface 232, a second blocking surface 234, a flow slot 236, a connecting arm 238, and a plurality of weights 240.

[0095] The first blocking surface 232 and the second blocking surface 234 are substantially solid and selectively block the first air flow channel 228 and the second air flow channel 230, respectively. The flow slot 236 is formed between the first blocking surface 232 and the second blocking surface 234 and selectively provides fluid communication between the first air flow channel 228 and the second air flow channel 230 and the interior of the inlet barrel 202. The connecting arm 238 is located in the upper region and the lower region of the flow guide 206 and pivotally connects the flow guide 206 to the central pivot line 212 of the inlet barrel 202. The first blocking surface 232 and the second blocking surface 234 are slidably received in a channel 242 formed in the wall of the inlet barrel 202 to enable the pivotal movement of the flow guide 206 with respect to the inlet barrel 202. The plurality of weights 240 are embedded in the first blocking surface 232 and the second blocking surface 234. Further, the flow guide 206 has a plurality of internal baffles 244 that rotate the air flow from the air inlet 208 towards the flow slot 236.

[0096] The flow guide 206 is movable within the attachment 200 between a first configuration shown in FIG. 10 and a second configuration shown in FIG. 11.

[0097] In the first configuration, that is, the configuration in which the attachment 200 is held on the left side of the user's head with the first flat surface 224 in contact with the hair, the plurality of weights 240 cause the flow ​​​​​​​​​ While the slot 236 is aligned with the first air flow channel 228, it is ensured that the second cross-sectional plane 234 is aligned with the second air flow channel 230. Thus , in the first configuration, the air flow can escape from the first air outlet 220, but cannot escape from the second air outlet 222.

[0098] In the second configuration, that is, the configuration in which the attachment 200 is held on the right side of the user's head with the second flat surface 226 in contact with the hair, due to the plurality of weights 240, the flow slot 236 is aligned with the second air flow channel 230, while it is ensured that the first cross-sectional plane 232 is aligned with the first air flow channel 228. Thus , in the second configuration, the air flow can escape from the second air outlet 222, but cannot escape from the first air outlet 220.

[0099] Therefore, the attachment 200 can be easily used on either side of the user's head, and the plurality of weights 240 provide a switching mechanism that can automatically switch the flow guide 206 between the first configuration and the second configuration without the need for user intervention.

[0100] Similar to the attachment 100 in FIGS. 3 and 4, during use, the attachment 200 is attached to the handle unit 12. The air flow generator 16 generates an air flow from the air inlet 22 of the handle unit 12 to the air outlet 24 of the handle unit 12, and as a result, the air flow passes from the air outlet 24 of the handle unit to the air inlet 208 of the attachment 200. The air flow passes from the air inlet 208 of the attachment through the inlet barrel 202 The air flow rotates towards the flow slot 236 by means of a plurality of internal baffles 244. The air flow exits the attachment through either the first air outlet 220 or the second air outlet 222, depending on whether the attachment is in the first configuration or the second configuration, and curves around and passes over the curved surface 210.

[0101] The inventors of the present application have found that the air flow adheres to the curved surface 210 via the Coandă effect. When a bundle of hair is carried near the attachment 200, the long hairs of the bundle are attracted to the curved surface 210 as a result of the negative pressure region generated by the air flow on the curved surface 210 and are at least partially wrapped around the curved surface 210. However, due to the pressure gradient across the bundle, a force is also generated for some of the air flow to pass directly through the bundle. Due to the position of this force with respect to the curved surface 210 and the remaining part of the bundle, the short hairs are only loosely held at this point compared to the long hairs being held in place on the curved surface 210. The short hairs are blown through the bundle towards the user's head, while the long hairs remain in place on the outside of the bundle, i.e., on the part of the bundle not facing the user's head. This provides a smooth finish to the hair after interaction with the attachment 100 associated with the hair care device 10.

[0102] This effect can be optimized by appropriately modifying the shapes and parameters described herein. One such parameter that can enhance the effect is the velocity of the air flow at the air outlets 220, 222 of the attachment 200. In particular, if the velocity is too high, the short hairs stick to the curved surface 210 and thus are not pushed through the long hairs, and In the first example, if the speed is too low, it may not be sufficient to attract long hair to the curved surface 210. The applicant has found that a speed in the range of 30 - 45 m / s is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 210. As a result, it generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair towards the curved surface 210, while also generating a second force to push away relatively short hair from the curved surface 210. In the presently preferred embodiment, the speed of the air flow at the air outlets 220, 222 is in the range of 35 m / s.

[0103] Another parameter that can enhance the effect of smoothing the hair by the above method is the ratio of the speed of the air flow at the air outlets 220, 222 to the flow rate of the air flow generated by the air flow generator 16. In the embodiments of FIGS. 7 - 11, the ratio is in the range of 2.14 - 5.63, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 2.89. The applicant has found that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 210, and as a result, it generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair towards the curved surface 210, while also generating a second force to push away relatively short hair from the curved surface 210.

[0104] Another parameter that can enhance the effect of smoothing the hair by the above method is the ratio of the flow rate of the air flow generated by the air flow generator 16 to the cross - sectional area of one of the air outlets 220, 222. In the embodiments of FIGS. 7 - 11, the ratio is in the range of 0.01 - 0.10, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 0.04. The applicant has found that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 210, and as a result, it generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair towards the curved surface 210. ​​​​​​​​​​​​generate a first force sufficient to attract towards the curved surface 210 while having relatively short hair It has also been discovered that a second force is generated that pushes the relatively short hair away from the curved surface 210.

[0105] A further parameter that can enhance the effect of smoothing the hair by the above method is the ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface 210 to the velocity of the air flow at the air outlets 220, 222. In the embodiments of FIGS. 7-11, the ratio ranges from 0.33 to 2.00, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 0.57. The applicant has found that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 210, and as a result, while generating a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair towards the curved surface 210, it has also been discovered that a second force is generated that pushes relatively short hair away from the curved surface 210. Another parameter that can enhance the effect of smoothing the hair by the above method is the ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface 210 to the arc length of the curved surface 210. In the embodiments of FIGS. 7-11, the ratio ranges from 0.0 4 to 0.63, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 0.07. The applicant has found that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 210, and as a result, while generating a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair towards the curved surface 210,

[0106] it has also been discovered that a second force is generated that pushes relatively short hair away from the curved surface 210. 4 to 0.63, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 0.07. The applicant has found that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 210, and as a result, while generating a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair towards the curved surface 210, it has also been discovered that a second force is generated that pushes relatively short hair away from the curved surface 210. it has also been discovered that a second force is generated that pushes relatively short hair away from the curved surface 210.

[0107] In use, the attachment 200 can move along the length of the hair bundle, for example, in the direction from the roots to the tips of the bundle. The first flat surface 224 and the second flat surface 226 are flat ​​​​​While surfaces 224 and 226 contact the hair extending rearward from air outlets 220 and 222, the curved surface 210 is positioned such that the hair downstream of air outlets 220 and 222 contacts the curved surface 210. As described above, the flat surfaces 224 and 226 are substantially smooth and continuous in shape, and no protrusions, recesses or openings are formed thereon. During use, when the attachment 100 associated with the hair care device 10 moves along the length of the hair bundle, the flat surfaces 224 and 226 pass across the hair that has been smoothed by the interaction with the curved surface 210. Since the flat surfaces 224 and 226 are smooth and continuous, the flat surfaces 224 and 226 do not disrupt the already smoothed hair, and for example, result in a better finish than corresponding hair care devices where bristles and / or further air outlets are located behind air outlets 220 and 222.

[0108] The guide wall 244 extends along the opposing edges of the curved surface 210. Thereby, an air flow channel is effectively created, where the guide wall 244 acts as the wall of the channel and the curved surface 210 acts as the bed of the channel. The guide wall 244 suppresses the interaction of the ambient air with the air flow flowing along the curved surface 210 during use, so that a negative pressure region generated by the air flow flowing along the curved surface 210 can be maintained.

[0109] Alternative embodiments of the hair care device 300 are schematically shown in FIGS. 12 - 15.

[0110] The hair care device 300 includes a handle unit 302 and an attachment 306. The handle unit 302 includes a handle portion 308, a head portion 310, and an air flow generating It includes an air flow generator 312 and a heater 314.

[0111] The handle portion 308 is substantially cylindrical and hollow, and houses the air flow generator 312. The handle portion 308 has an air inlet 316 in the form of a plurality of perforations at the first end 318 of the handle portion 308.

[0112] The head portion 310 is substantially cylindrical and hollow, and is arranged at the second end 320 of the handle portion 308. The central axis of the handle portion 308 is orthogonal to the central axis of the head portion 310, such that the handle unit 302 is substantially in a T-shape. The head portion 310 houses the heater 314. The head portion 310 includes a bore 322 into which air is taken in and an air outlet 324. The air outlet 324 is substantially annular in shape around the periphery of the bore 322.

[0113] The attachment 304 is schematically shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0114] The attachment 304 includes an inlet body 326, a curved surface 328, a guide wall 330, and an end wall 332. The inlet body 326 is substantially hollow, and includes a protrusion 334 that extends rearward for insertion into the bore 322 and an annular inlet 336 that extends around the protrusion 334 that extends rearward. The inlet body 326 acts as a plenum that receives the air flow from the air outlet 324 of the handle unit 302. The inlet body 306 includes an air outlet 338. The air outlet 338 is in the form of a slot whose height varies along the width and peaks at the center point of the width. The air outlet 338 has a width in the range of 81 mm and a minimum height of 3 mm. varies from to a maximum of 4 mm. The overall opening cross-sectional area of the air outlet 338 is 292.7 mm 2 within the range of.

[0115] The curved surface 328 extends outward from the inlet body 326 in the region of the air outlet 338 and is present. Therefore, the curved surface 328 is adjacent to the air outlet 338 and is located on the downstream side of the air outlet 338. The curved surface 328 has a substantially smooth and continuous shape, and no protrusions, recesses or openings are formed thereon. This can enhance the functionality of the attachment 100 described below. The curved surface 328 has a radius of curvature in the range of 20 mm and an arc length in the range of 110 degrees. The inventors of the present application have discovered that such a geometric shape of the curved surface 328 can provide advantageous effects as described below.

[0116] The guide wall 330 is disposed at the opposing edge of the curved surface 328. The guide wall 330 stands upright from the curved surface 328 and extends along the entire arc length of the curved surface 328. The guide wall 328 has a height substantially corresponding to the height of the air outlet 338 and is constant along its length. The end wall 332 is located at the end of the curved surface 328 away from the air outlet 338 and extends between the guide walls 330. The end wall 332 prevents the air flow from proceeding towards the handle portion 308 of the handle unit 302 when the attachment 304 is attached to the handle unit 302 during use.

[0117] During use, the attachment 304 is attached to the handle unit 302. The air flow generator 312 is from the air inlet 316 of the handle unit 302 to the handle unit 302 ​​​​​​​​​​​​Generate an air flow to the air outlet 324, so that as a result, the air flow is through the handle unit 302 and passes from the air outlet 324 of the handle unit 302 to the air inlet 336 of the attachment 304. The air flow flows from the air inlet 336 of the attachment through the inlet body 326 towards the air outlet 338 and flows out of the attachment 304 through the air outlet 338 and passes over the curved surface 328 .

[0118] The inventors of the present application have found that the air flow adheres to the curved surface 328 through the Coandă effect . When a bundle of hair is carried near the attachment 304, the long hairs of the bundle are attracted to the curved surface 328 as a result of the negative pressure region generated by the air flow on the curved surface 328 and are at least partially wrapped around the curved surface 328. However, due to the pressure gradient across the bundle , a force is also generated for some of the air flow to pass directly through the bundle. Due to the position of this force with respect to the curved surface 328 and the remaining part of the bundle , the short hairs are only loosely held at this point compared to the long hairs being held in a predetermined position on the curved surface 328. The short hairs are blown through the bundle towards the user's head, while the long hairs remain in a fixed position on the outside of the bundle, i.e., on the part of the bundle that does not face the user's head . This provides a smooth finish of the hair after the interaction between the hair care device 300 and the attachment 100 associated therewith . .

[0119] This effect can be optimized by appropriately modifying the shapes and parameters described herein . One such parameter that can enhance the effect is the velocity of the air flow at the air outlet 338 of the attachment 304. In particular, if the velocity is too high, the short hairs Hair adheres to the curved surface 328 and thus is not pushed through long hair. On the other hand, if the speed is too low, in the first example, it may not be sufficient to attract long hair to the curved surface 328. The applicant has found that a speed in the range of 30 m / s to 45 m / s is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 328. As a result, it generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair towards the curved surface 328, while also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface 328. In the currently preferred embodiment, the speed of the air flow at the air outlet 3 38 is in the range of 43 m / s.

[0120] Another parameter that can enhance the effect of smoothing the hair by the above method is the ratio of the speed of the air flow at the air outlet 338 to the flow rate of the air flow generated by the air flow generator 312. In the embodiments of FIGS. 12 to 15, the ratio is in the range of 2.14 to 5.63, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 3.14. The applicant has found that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 328. As a result, it generates a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair towards the curved surface 328, while also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface 328.

[0121] Another parameter that can enhance the effect of smoothing the hair by the above method is the ratio of the flow rate of the air flow generated by the air flow generator 312 to the cross-sectional area of the opening of the air outlet 338. In the embodiments of FIGS. 12 to 15, the ratio is in the range of 0.01 to 0.10, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 0.04. The applicant has found that such a is particularly effective in generating, and as a result, generating a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 328, while also generating a second force that pushes away relatively short hair from the curved surface 328. while also generating a second force that pushes away relatively short hair from the curved surface 328. It has been discovered that it also generates a second force that pushes away relatively short hair from the curved surface 328.

[0122] A further parameter that can enhance the effect of smoothing the hair by the above method is the ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface 328 to the velocity of the air flow at the air outlet 338. In the embodiments of FIGS. 13 to 15, the ratio is in the range of 0.33 to 2.00, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 0.47. It has been discovered that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 328, and as a result, generating a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 328, while also generating a second force that pushes away relatively short hair from the curved surface 328. It has been discovered that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 328, and as a result, generating a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 328, while also generating a second force that pushes away relatively short hair from the curved surface 328. It has been discovered that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 328, and as a result, generating a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 328, while also generating a second force that pushes away relatively short hair from the curved surface 328. It has been discovered that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 328, and as a result, generating a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 328, while also generating a second force that pushes away relatively short hair from the curved surface 328. It has been discovered that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 328, and as a result, generating a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 328, while also generating a second force that pushes away relatively short hair from the curved surface 328. It has been discovered that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 328, and as a result, generating a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 328, while also generating a second force that pushes away relatively short hair from the curved surface 328.

[0123] Another parameter that can enhance the effect of smoothing the hair by the above method is the ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface 328 to the arc length of the curved surface 328. In the embodiments of FIGS. 12 to 15, the ratio is in the range of 0.04 to 0.63, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 0.18. Another parameter that can enhance the effect of smoothing the hair by the above method is the ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface 328 to the arc length of the curved surface 328. In the embodiments of FIGS. 12 to 15, the ratio is in the range of 0.04 to 0.63, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 0.18. Another parameter that can enhance the effect of smoothing the hair by the above method is the ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface 328 to the arc length of the curved surface 328. In the embodiments of FIGS. 12 to 15, the ratio is in the range of 0.04 to 0.63, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 0.18. It has been discovered that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 328, and as a result, generating a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 328, while also generating a second force that pushes away relatively short hair from the curved surface 328. It has been discovered that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 328, and as a result, generating a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 328, while also generating a second force that pushes away relatively short hair from the curved surface 328. It has been discovered that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 328, and as a result, generating a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 328, while also generating a second force that pushes away relatively short hair from the curved surface 328. It has been discovered that such a ratio is particularly effective in generating an air flow along the curved surface 328, and as a result, generating a first force sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 328, while also generating a second force that pushes away relatively short hair from the curved surface 328.

[0124] The guide inner wall 330 extends along the opposing edge of the curved surface 328. Thereby, an air flow channel is effectively created, and the guide inner wall 330 acts as the wall of the channel, and the curved surface 2 The guide inner wall 330 extends along the opposing edge of the curved surface 328. Thereby, an air flow channel is effectively created, and the guide inner wall 330 acts as the wall of the channel, and the curved surface 2 10 acts as the channel bed. The guide wall 330 suppresses interaction with the air flow flowing along the curved surface 328 during use, so that the negative pressure region generated by the air flow flowing along the curved surface 328 can be maintained.

[0125] In this specification, embodiments having detachable attachments have been described. However, instead of the hair care device comprising a handle unit and an attachment, embodiments are also envisioned where the hair care device is a single component unit, for example, taking the form of a combination of the aforementioned handle unit and attachment. ​

Claims

1. An attachment for a hair care device, the attachment comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, and a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet. The attachment is configured such that, in use, an air flow exiting the air outlet generates a first force that attracts hair towards the curved surface and a second force that repels hair away from the curved surface.

2. The attachment according to claim 1.

3. The attachment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air outlet has a width in the range of 70 mm to 90 mm.

4. The air outlet is 140 mm ２ to 450 mm ２ including the opening cross-sectional area within the range of, according to claim 1 The attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air outlet has a height in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm.

5. The attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the curved surface has a radius of curvature in the range of 16 mm to 60 mm.

6. The attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the curved surface includes an arc length of at least 95 degrees from the air outlet.

7. The attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface to the arc length of the curved surface is in the range of 0.04 to 0.

63.

8. The attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a flat surface adjacent to the air outlet and extending rearward from the air outlet.

9. The attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a pair of guide walls that guide the air flow along the curved surface, the pair of guide walls standing upright from the curved surface.

10. The attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the air outlet comprises a fixed air outlet.

11. The attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a hollow body, wherein the air outlet is defined in the hollow body and the curved surface projects outward from the hollow body.

12. The attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a single air outlet.

13. The air outlet comprises a first air outlet located on a first side portion of the attachment and a second air outlet located on a second side portion of the attachment opposite to the first side portion of the attachment. The curved surface is between the first air outlet and the second air outlet. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ adjacent to each of the first air outlet and the second air outlet, The attachment is adjacent to the first air outlet and rearward from the first air outlet. a first flat surface extending from the second air outlet to the first flat surface; The atta according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a second flat surface extending rearward. Fixtures.

14. The attachment is adapted to receive the airflow through the first air outlet. From a first configuration in which the air flow does not pass through the second air outlet, a switching mechanism for switching to a second configuration not passing through the first air outlet. Item 14. An attachment according to item 13.

15. The switching mechanism switches the attachment between the first configuration and the second configuration under the action of gravity.

15. The attachment of claim 14, operable to move between a

16. The attachment rotates the airflow from the airflow generator toward the air outlet.

16. An attachment as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising an internal baffle for

17. an air inlet, an air outlet, and for generating an air flow from said air inlet to said air outlet; an airflow generator having a curved surface adjacent to and downstream of the air outlet; wherein the air flow exiting the air outlet comprises: A first force attracts the hair towards the curved surface and a second force pushes the hair away from the curved surface. and a hair care device configured to generate a force of.

18. The hair care device includes a handle unit in which the air flow generator is housed, and and an attachment that can be detachably attached to the handle unit, The hair care device of claim 17 , wherein a nozzle comprises the air outlet and the curved surface.

19. The hair care device has an air flow at the air outlet in the range of 30 m / s to 40 m / s.

20. The hair care device of claim 17 configured to include a speed.

20. The airflow generator is configured to generate an airflow at a flow rate in the range of 8 L / s to 14 L / s.

19. A hair care device according to claim 17 or 18, comprising

21. The ratio of the flow rate of the air flow generated by the air flow generator to the opening cross-sectional area of the air outlet is , a hair care according to any one of claims 17 to 20, which is in the range of 0.01 to 0.10 device.

22. The ratio of the radius of curvature of the curved surface to the velocity of the air flow at the air outlet is 0.33 to 2. 00, a hair care device according to any one of claims 17 to 21.

23. The ratio of the velocity of the air flow at the air outlet to the flow rate of the air flow generated by the air flow generator is in the range of 2.14 to 5.63, a hair care device according to any one of claims 17 to 22. device.

24. The hair care device includes an internal baffle for rotating the air flow from the air flow generator toward the air outlet , a hair care device according to any one of claims 17 to 23 。

Images