Haircare appliance

Abstract

To provide an attachment for a haircare appliance.SOLUTION: Disclosed is an attachment 100 for a haircare appliance, the attachment 100 including: an air inlet 101 for receiving an airflow; an air outlet 102 for emitting the airflow; and a hair treatment chamber 103 for receiving hair, the hair treatment chamber being in fluid communication with the air outlet 102. The hair treatment chamber 103 includes a wall 104, an opening 105 through which hair is insertable into the hair treatment chamber 103, and an aperture 106 formed in the wall 104, the air outlet 102 configured to direct airflow away from the opening 105 and toward the aperture 106 during use.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

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 generally used to treat or style hair and include several Hair care devices may use airflow to treat or style the hair. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an attachment for a hair care device, the attachment comprising: The nozzle has an air inlet for receiving an air flow, an air outlet for discharging the air flow, and a nozzle for receiving hair. and a hair treatment chamber having a wall and a hair treatment member in fluid communication with the air outlet. an opening through which hair can be inserted into the hair treatment chamber and an aperture formed in the wall; and an air outlet is configured, in use, to direct air flow away from the opening and towards the aperture.

[0004] The hair treatment chamber is designed so that the user's hair is not significantly disturbed by airflow into the hair treatment chamber. Thus, the user's hair may be held in place during use, thereby preventing the user's hair from A relatively high flow rate of air can be used without significant disturbance. The flow rate is at least 6 liters / second, at least 10 liters / second, or at least 13 liters / second. This is also fine.

[0005] When a hair is inserted through the opening and the airflow is directed away from the opening, the airflow In use, a user places a hair in the hair treatment chamber and Furthermore, the periphery of the opening may be applied to the head. The air flow in the hair treatment chamber is directed away from the opening towards the aperture. In this way, the air flow may be directed, during use, initially in a direction away from the user's head so that the direct amount of heat applied to the user's head is reduced, thereby increasing the comfort, especially when using the hair care device over a long period of time.

[0006] The opening of the hair treatment chamber may be provided in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hair treatment chamber, for example, the central longitudinal axis of the hair treatment chamber, and the aperture may be arranged radially from the longitudinal axis. During use, the air flow may be directed from or in the vicinity of the air outlet in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hair treatment chamber. The aperture may extend around the longitudinal axis, for example, with the longitudinal axis of the hair treatment chamber passing through the center point of the opening.

[0007] The air outlet may be configured to direct the air flow substantially along the surface of the wall during use. The wall of the hair treatment chamber may be shaped to further direct the air flow during use. For example, the wall may be curved and the air flow may be directed to follow the curvature of the wall. Thereby, the air flow may be further directed in a direction away from the opening while remaining in contact with the wall. The air flow may flow from the air outlet into the interior of the hair treatment chamber during use.

[0008] The hair treatment chamber, for example, the wall of the hair treatment chamber, may be shaped to define a hemispherical interior.

[0009] The wall of the hair treatment chamber may include a porous material. The porous material may define the aperture. ​​​​​​​​​​It is also acceptable. The porous material may be, for example, a mesh. The porous material may be air-permeable so that air can flow through the permeable material. The porous material can help confine air within the hair treatment chamber while holding the user's hair within the hair treatment chamber. Therefore, heating the air in the hair treatment chamber to a higher temperature can improve the efficiency and / or speed of drying the user's hair.

[0010] The wall of the hair treatment chamber may include a plurality of apertures. For example, there may be 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 , 100, 1000, or 10,000 apertures. The plurality of apertures may be spaced around the perimeter of the hair treatment chamber. Providing a plurality of apertures can cause the air flow from the hair treatment chamber to be more diffused during use.

[0011] The air outlet may extend around at least a portion of the perimeter of the hair treatment chamber. The air outlet may extend around the entire perimeter of the hair treatment chamber. The air outlet may be an annular slot provided around at least a portion of the perimeter of the hair treatment chamber. The hair treatment chamber may include a rim defining an opening, and the air outlet may be located on the rim such that the air flow is directed away from the perimeter of the opening during use. The rim may be formed by a protrusion of the wall of the hair treatment chamber, and the air outlet may be formed in the protrusion.

[0012] The width of the air outlet may vary around the perimeter of the hair treatment chamber. Advantageously, this can enable the air flow rate to be kept constant around the entire air outlet, regardless of the distance from the air flow generator. The width of the air outlet is maximum at the point furthest from the air flow generator to the It may be. The attachment may include a conduit located on the first side of the hair treatment chamber. The conduit may provide a flow path from the air inlet to the air outlet. The air outlet may have a maximum width at the second side of the hair treatment chamber opposite the first side. The first side and the second side may be arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the hair treatment chamber. The attachment may include a sensor configured to output a signal indicating the characteristics of the hair in the hair treatment chamber during use. This signal may indicate that the user's hair is sufficiently dry. For example, the user may be given an instruction to stop using the hair care device based on the signal. For example, when the signal indicates that the user's hair is sufficiently dry, the user may be given a visual indicator such as light. The air flow generator may be configured to modify the air flow when the signal indicates that the user's hair is sufficiently dry. For example, the air flow generator may be configured to reduce the flow rate or stop generating the air flow in response to the signal. Alternatively or additionally, the heater may be configured to modify the amount of heat provided to the air flow in response to the signal. For example, the heater may be configured to reduce the amount of heat provided to the air flow or stop heating the air flow in response to the signal. This can help prevent damage to the user's hair due to excessive or unnecessary drying and / or heating. The first side and the second side may be arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the hair treatment chamber.

[0013] The attachment may include a sensor configured to output a signal indicating the characteristics of the hair in the hair treatment chamber during use. This signal may indicate that the user's hair is sufficiently dry. For example, the user may be given an instruction to stop using the hair care device based on the signal. For example, when the signal indicates that the user's hair is sufficiently dry, the user may be given a visual indicator such as light. The air flow generator may be configured to modify the air flow when the signal indicates that the user's hair is sufficiently dry. For example, the air flow generator may be configured to reduce the flow rate or stop generating the air flow in response to the signal. Alternatively or additionally, the heater may be configured to modify the amount of heat provided to the air flow in response to the signal. For example, the heater may be configured to reduce the amount of heat provided to the air flow or stop heating the air flow in response to the signal. This can help prevent damage to the user's hair due to excessive or unnecessary drying and / or heating. The heater may be configured to modify the amount of heat provided to the air flow in response to the signal. For example, the heater may be configured to reduce the amount of heat provided to the air flow or stop heating the air flow in response to the signal. This can help prevent damage to the user's hair due to excessive or unnecessary drying and / or heating. This can help prevent damage to the user's hair due to excessive or unnecessary drying and / or heating. This can help prevent damage to the user's hair due to excessive or unnecessary drying and / or heating.

[0014] The sensor may be located inside or adjacent to the hair treatment chamber. Multiple sensors may be provided to provide redundancy in case a sensor fails. Multiple sensors may be provided to provide redundancy in case a sensor fails.

[0015] The sensor may comprise any one of a humidity sensor, a sensor capable of spectral analysis, an infrared or temperature sensor, a proximity sensor, or a sensor capable of detecting the volume of moisture.

[0016] A part of the wall spaced from the air outlet may be shaped to direct the air flow in the hair treatment chamber towards the opening. For example, a part of the wall may protrude towards the opening such that the hair treatment chamber includes a substantially toroidal internal shape. This enables the air flow to be directed towards the hair roots in the hair treatment chamber during use, such that, for example, the hot air exiting the air outlet is initially directed away from the hair roots in the hair treatment chamber, then slightly cooled, and then directed towards the hair roots in the hair treatment chamber.

[0017] The attachment may comprise a further air outlet configured to direct the air flow in a direction different from the air flow directed by the air outlet. This may improve the flexibility for drying different parts of the hair compared to an attachment having only a single air outlet configured to direct the air flow in a single direction.

[0018] The further air outlet may be configured to direct the air flow in a direction orthogonal or opposite to the direction in which the air flow is directed by the air outlet. This enables the air flow to be directed away from the part of the hair adjacent to the wall in the hair treatment chamber, thereby enabling the targeted drying and improving the drying efficiency.

[0019] The further air outlet may be configured to direct the air flow in a direction towards the opening through the aperture. Thereby, the aperture allows air to flow from the further air outlet towards the opening. It can diffuse the air.

[0020] When the hair treatment chamber has a rim defining the opening, the air outlet may be located on the rim such that the air flow is directed towards the hair treatment chamber away from the peripheral edge of the opening. Furthermore, the additional air outlet may be located on the rim such that the air flow is directed away from the peripheral edge of the opening and away from the hair treatment chamber. This can enable drying of the portion of the hair that is not located within the hair treatment chamber, for example, the hair roots located within the hair treatment chamber.

[0021] The attachment may include a protrusion extending in a direction away from the opening, and an additional air outlet may be located on the protrusion. This can position an additional air outlet at a location spaced apart from the hair treatment chamber during use, thereby enabling drying at multiple locations.

[0022] The protrusion may be fixed to the rim, which can enhance the styling ability by engaging the hair when the protrusion engages the hair during use. The protrusion may be movable relative to the rim, for example, movable between an extended position and a retracted position. This can provide an air flow through the additional air outlet at the extended position, for example, rather than the retracted position, and can selectively dry the hair roots during use, for example.

[0023] The attachment may include a plurality of additional air outlets spaced around the peripheral edge of the opening, and each of the plurality of additional air outlets is configured to direct the air flow in a direction different from the air flow guided by the air outlet. This can dry the peripheral edge of the air outlet. Even out the distribution of the surrounding air flow, thereby enhancing predictability in drying hair. This can make it possible.

[0024] The attachment may have a first configuration where the air flow through the air outlet is not restricted and the air flow through a further air outlet is restricted, and a second configuration where the air flow through the air outlet is restricted and the air flow through a further air outlet is not restricted. This enables selectively supplying the air flow through the air outlet and the further air outlet, thereby enhancing flexibility in drying. The attachment may have a first configuration where the air flow through the air outlet is not restricted and the air flow through a further air outlet is restricted, and a second configuration where the air flow through the air outlet is restricted and the air flow through a further air outlet is not restricted. This enables selectively supplying the air flow through the air outlet and the further air outlet, thereby enhancing flexibility in drying. The attachment may have a first configuration where the air flow through the air outlet is not restricted and the air flow through a further air outlet is restricted, and a second configuration where the air flow through the air outlet is restricted and the air flow through a further air outlet is not restricted. This enables selectively supplying the air flow through the air outlet and the further air outlet, thereby enhancing flexibility in drying. The attachment may have a first configuration where the air flow through the air outlet is not restricted and the air flow through a further air outlet is restricted, and a second configuration where the air flow through the air outlet is restricted and the air flow through a further air outlet is not restricted. This enables selectively supplying the air flow through the air outlet and the further air outlet, thereby enhancing flexibility in drying. This can enhance flexibility in drying.

[0025] The attachment may include a valve for switching between the first configuration and the second configuration. The valve can provide a simple mechanism for switching the air flow from the air outlet to another air outlet or vice versa. The valve is actuated by the user, for example, enabling the user to switch the hair care device between the first configuration and the second configuration. The attachment may include a valve for switching between the first configuration and the second configuration. The valve can provide a simple mechanism for switching the air flow from the air outlet to another air outlet or vice versa. The valve is actuated by the user, for example, enabling the user to switch the hair care device between the first configuration and the second configuration. The attachment may include a valve for switching between the first configuration and the second configuration. The valve can provide a simple mechanism for switching the air flow from the air outlet to another air outlet or vice versa. The valve is actuated by the user, for example, enabling the user to switch the hair care device between the first configuration and the second configuration. This can enable the user to switch the hair care device between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0026] The attachment may be switchable between the first configuration and the second configuration by rotating a first part of the attachment relative to a second part of the attachment. This enables the user to switch the attachment between the first configuration and the second configuration relatively easily. This enables the user to switch the attachment between the first configuration and the second configuration relatively easily. This enables the user to switch the attachment between the first configuration and the second configuration relatively easily.

[0027] When the protrusion has a further air outlet and is movable relative to the rim, when the protrusion moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the attachment is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration, and vice versa. The movement of the protrusion may be controlled by either the air flow or the force applied by the user. Also, the movement of the protrusion may be controlled by a motor. When the protrusion has a further air outlet and is movable relative to the rim, when the protrusion moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the attachment is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration, and vice versa. The movement of the protrusion may be controlled by either the air flow or the force applied by the user. Also, the movement of the protrusion may be controlled by a motor. When the protrusion has a further air outlet and is movable relative to the rim, when the protrusion moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the attachment is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration, and vice versa. The movement of the protrusion may be controlled by either the air flow or the force applied by the user. Also, the movement of the protrusion may be controlled by a motor. When the protrusion has a further air outlet and is movable relative to the rim, when the protrusion moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the attachment is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration, and vice versa. The movement of the protrusion may be controlled by either the air flow or the force applied by the user. Also, the movement of the protrusion may be controlled by a motor. The operation of the motor is automated. The motor may operate in response to a signal received from a sensor. For example, the signal from the sensor may indicate that the user's head is close to the attachment, and the motor may operate in response to this signal to move the protrusion.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hair care device comprising the attachment according to the first aspect and an air flow generator for generating an air flow from an air inlet to an air outlet.

[0029] The hair care device may comprise a heater for heating the hair received in the hair treatment chamber. For example, the heater may be for heating the air flow. Advantageously, when the hair treatment chamber defines a sealed space, when hot air enters the sealed space, the ambient temperature in the hair treatment chamber rises. This can help improve the efficiency and / or speed of drying the user's hair.

[0030] The hair care device may comprise a handle unit having an air flow generator disposed therein, and the attachment according to the first aspect may be removably attachable to the handle unit. By providing the air inlet, the hair treatment chamber, and the air outlet as part of the removable attachment, the functions described herein can be selectively provided to the user.

[0031] The attachment may communicate with the handle unit to modify the operation of the hair care device. For example, the attachment may communicate with the air flow generator to modify the air flow provided to the attachment. The attachment may communicate with the hair care device to obtain a desired air flow rate. It may transmit the information indicating . The air flow generator may operate based on the information and provide a desired air flow rate. The attachment may include an RFID tag containing information indicating the air flow rate desired for the attachment. This information may be read from the RFID tag and transmitted to the air flow generator so that the air flow generator can generate an air flow of the desired flow rate. Alternatively or additionally, the attachment may communicate with the hair care device by Bluetooth (registered trademark) or other suitable wireless communication standards and / or by a wired connection. According to a third 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 hair treatment chamber for receiving hair and being in fluid communication with the air outlet. The hair treatment chamber comprises a wall, an opening into which hair can be inserted into the hair treatment chamber, and an aperture formed in the wall. The air outlet is configured to direct the air flow away from the opening towards the aperture during use. An optional configuration of an aspect of the present invention can equally be applied to other aspects of the present invention as required.

[0032]

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 10

Figure 11a

Figure 11b

Figure 12a

Figure 12b

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Figure 14

Figure 15a

Figure 15b

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] The hair care device according to the present invention, generally indicated by 10, is schematically shown in FIG. 1.

[0036] The hair care device 10 includes a handle unit 12 and an attachment 100 that can be detachably attached to the handle unit 12. It is provided with.

[0037] As can be schematically seen in FIG. 2, the handle unit 12 includes a housing 14, an air flow generator 16, a heater 18, and a control unit 20.

[0038] The housing 14 is tubular, and 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 are provided. The air flow generator 16 is housed within the housing 14 and includes an impeller 26 that is driven by an electric motor 28 . Further, the heater 18 is housed within the housing 14 and includes a heating element 30 that optionally heats the air flow .

[0039] The control unit 20 includes a user interface 32, a control module 34, and an electronic circuit for the RFID reader 24 . 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, although other forms of user interfaces 32, such as buttons, dials, or touchscreens, are also contemplated . The RFID reader 24 is for querying an RFID tag that forms part of the attachment 100 . Although RFID has been described here, other forms of wireless or wired communication may be used as well .

[0040] The control module 34 serves to control the air flow generator 16 and the heater 18 in response to inputs from the user interface 32 . For example, in response to an input from the user interface 32, the control module 34 controls the power or speed of the air flow generator 16 to adjust the flow rate of the air flow , and may also control the power of the heater 18 to adjust the temperature of the air flow .

[0041] ​​ An embodiment of the attachment 100 is schematically shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 In the embodiment, the attachment 100 includes an air inlet 101, an air outlet 102, and a hair treatment chamber 103. The hair treatment chamber 103 is for receiving hair and is in fluid communication with the air outlet 102. The hair treatment chamber 103 includes a wall 104, an opening 105 through which hair can be inserted into the hair treatment chamber 103, and an aperture 106 formed in the wall 104 . The air outlet 102 is configured to direct an air flow away from the opening 105 and towards the aperture 106 during use .

[0042] The hair treatment chamber 103 defines a sealed space for receiving the user's hair. When hot air enters the sealed space , the ambient temperature inside the hair treatment chamber 103 rises, which can help dry the user's hair . Further, since the hair treatment chamber 103 holds the user's hair in place during use, the user's hair is not overly disturbed by the air flow into the hair treatment chamber 103. Thus, a relatively high flow rate of air can be used without overly disturbing the user's hair , which can improve the efficiency and / or speed of drying the user's hair and can improve the user's final hairstyle . The flow rate may be at least 6 liters per second, at least 10 liters per second, or at least 13 liters per second.

[0043] In the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 in combination with FIG. 1, the air inlet 101 and the air outlet 102 of the attachment 100 are provided at the first end of the housing 14 . Thus, the air inlet 101 is disposed in the air flow path between the air flow generator 16 and the air outlet 102 . ​As shown in FIG. 1, the handle unit 12 also has its own air inlet 22 to the housing 14. The air flow generator 16 is configured to generate an air flow from the air inlet 22 of the handle unit 12 through the air inlet 101 of the attachment 100 to the air outlet 102 during use.

[0044] The openings 105 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are generally circular in shape, but other forms and shapes of openings are envisioned. For example, the opening 105 may be substantially elliptical or semi-circular. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the hair treatment chamber 103 is shaped to define a hemispherical interior. In other embodiments, the hair treatment chamber 103 is shaped to define any other suitable hollow interior capable of receiving hair.

[0045] The hair treatment chamber 103 includes a rim 116 that defines the opening 105. The air outlet 102 is located on the rim 116 such that the air flow is directed from the peripheral edge 117 of the opening 105 away from the opening 105 and into the hair treatment chamber 103.

[0046] When the hair is inserted through the opening 105 and the air flow is directed away from the opening 105, the air flow may be directed away from the hair roots located within the hair treatment chamber 103 during use. For example, during use, the user may insert the hair into the hair treatment chamber 103, place the rim 116 against the head such that the peripheral edge 117 of the opening 105 is adjacent to the hair roots received within the hair treatment chamber 103. When the air flow within the hair treatment chamber 103 is directed away from the opening 105 and towards the aperture 106, the air flow is initially directed away from the user's head during use. ​​​​​​​​​​​It may be directed in the direction in which it is emitted. Thereby, the direct amount of heat applied to the user's head is reduced, thereby increasing the comfort especially when using the hair care device 10 over a long period of time. obtained.

[0047] The air outlet 102 is configured to direct the air flow along the surface 107 of the wall 104 during use, as indicated by the arrow 114. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 is curved. The air outlet 102 directs the air flow along the curved wall 104 towards the apex of the hair treatment chamber 103.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 includes a plurality of apertures 106. The plurality of apertures 106 are equally spaced on the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103.

[0049] The wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 includes a porous material 119. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the porous material 119 is disposed in the aperture 106, and the non-porous wall 104 and the porous material 119 collectively define the boundary wall of the hair treatment chamber 103. In FIG. 3, the porous material 119 is shown in a single aperture 106. In some embodiments, the porous material 119 is disposed in all of the apertures 106. Alternatively, the porous material 119 is disposed in a selected number of apertures 106. The pores of the porous material 119 define additional apertures in the wall 104. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, the porous material 119 is a mesh. Alternatively, any other suitable porous material can be used.

[0050] The porous material 119 holds the user's hair in the hair treatment chamber 103 while ​​​​​​​​​​​​​It helps to confine the air in 103. Therefore, the air in the hair treatment chamber 103 can be heated to a higher temperature to improve the efficiency and / or speed of drying the user's hair.

[0051] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the air outlet 102 extends around the entire periphery 108 of the hair treatment chamber 103 In other embodiments, the air outlet 102 extends around a part of the periphery 108 of the hair treatment chamber 103 The width of the air outlet 102 varies around the periphery 108 of the hair treatment chamber 103. This allows

[0052] the air flow rate to be kept constant around the entire air outlet 102 regardless of the distance from the air flow generator 16. A conduit 109 is located at the first side portion 110 of the hair treatment chamber 103 The conduit 109 provides a flow path 111 from the air inlet 101 to the air outlet 102 The air outlet 102 has the maximum width at the second side portion 112 of the hair treatment chamber 103 opposite to the first side portion 110. In some embodiments, the air outlet 102 has a uniform width around the entire periphery 108 of the hair treatment chamber 103 The air outlet 102 has the maximum width at the second side portion 112 of the hair treatment chamber 103 opposite to the first side portion 110. In some embodiments, the air outlet 102 has a uniform width around the entire periphery 108 of the hair treatment chamber 103 The air outlet 102 has the maximum width at the second side portion 112 of the hair treatment chamber 103 opposite to the first side portion 110. In some embodiments, the air outlet 102 has a uniform width around the entire periphery 108 of the hair treatment chamber 103 The attachment 100 includes a sensor 113 configured to output a signal indicating the characteristics of the hair in the hair treatment chamber 103 during use The sensor 113 shown in FIG. 4 is a moisture sensor

[0053] The attachment 100 includes a sensor 113 configured to output a signal indicating the characteristics of the hair in the hair treatment chamber 103 during use The sensor 113 shown in FIG. 4 is a moisture sensor In other embodiments, the sensor 113 is a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor. The signal output by the sensor 113 is received by a control module 34 configured to control the hair care device 10 in response to the signal from the sensor 113. In some embodiments In other embodiments, the sensor 113 is a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor. The signal output by the sensor 113 is received by a control module 34 configured to control the hair care device 10 in response to the signal from the sensor 113. In some embodiments In other embodiments, the sensor 113 is a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor. The signal output by the sensor 113 is received by a control module 34 configured to control the hair care device 10 in response to the signal from the sensor 113. In some embodiments the sensor 113 is an RFID tag that transmits information to an RFID reader 24 via RFID is provided. In some embodiments, other forms of communication including, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Near Field Communication (NFC) may be assumed to be utilized. It is assumed that other forms of communication including, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Near Field Communication (NFC) may be utilized.

[0054] Similarly, although the wireless communication method between the sensor 113 and the control module 34 has been described heretofore, it will be understood that embodiments utilizing a physical communication connection are also assumed. For example, although the wireless communication method between the sensor 113 and the control module 34 has been described heretofore, it will be understood that embodiments utilizing a physical communication connection are also assumed. For example, the handle unit 12 and the attachment 100 may include corresponding contacts that define a communication path when the attachment 100 is connected when it is connected to the handle unit 12. the handle unit 12 and the attachment 100 may include corresponding contacts that define a communication path when the attachment 100 is connected when it is connected to the handle unit 12. include corresponding contacts that define a communication path when the attachment 100 is connected when it is connected to the handle unit 12.

[0055] In some embodiments, the signal from the sensor 113 indicates that the user's hair is sufficiently dry, and the user is given an instruction to stop using the hair care device 10 based on the signal. For example, In some embodiments, the signal from the sensor 113 indicates that the user's hair is sufficiently dry, and the user is given an instruction to stop using the hair care device 10 based on the signal. For example, when the signal indicates that the user's hair is sufficiently dry, the user is given a visual indicator such as light. In some embodiments, the air flow generator 16 is configured to modify the air flow when the signal when the signal indicates that the user's hair is sufficiently dry, the user is given a visual indicator such as light. In some embodiments, the air flow generator 16 is configured to modify the air flow when the signal indicates that the user's hair is sufficiently dry. For example, the air flow generator 16 is configured to reduce the flow rate or stop the generation of the air flow in response to the signal. indicates that the user's hair is sufficiently dry. For example, the air flow generator 16 is configured to reduce the flow rate or stop the generation of the air flow in response to the signal. In some embodiments, the heater 18 is configured to modify the amount of heat provided to the air flow in response to the signal. For example, the heater 18 is configured to In some embodiments, the heater 18 is configured to modify the amount of heat provided to the air flow in response to the signal. For example, the heater 18 is configured to reduce the amount of heat provided to the air flow or stop heating the air flow in response to the signal, which may help prevent damage to the user's hair by excessive or unnecessary drying and / or heating. reduce the amount of heat provided to the air flow or stop heating the air flow in response to the signal, which may help prevent damage to the user's hair by excessive or unnecessary drying and / or heating. This may help prevent damage to the user's hair by excessive or unnecessary drying and / or heating.

[0056] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an attachment 200 of another embodiment. The attachment 1 00 in Figure 5 is substantially the same as the attachment 100 shown in Figures 3 and 4 and has a similar configuration indicated by the same reference numerals. A part of the wall 104 of the attachment 200 in Figure 5 is shaped to direct the air flow in the hair treatment chamber 103 towards the opening 105. As shown in Figure 5, the wall 104 is shaped to have a peak 201 that extends towards the opening 105 inside the hair treatment chamber 103. Therefore, the air flow from the air outlet 102 follows the surface of the wall 104 and is directed towards the opening 105 by the peak 201 of the wall 104.

[0057] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, a part of the wall 104 projects towards the opening 105 such that the hair treatment chamber 103 has a substantially toroidal internal shape. This enables the air flow to be directed towards the hair roots in the hair treatment chamber 103 during use. For example, the hot air exiting from the air outlet 102 is initially directed away from the hair roots in the hair treatment chamber 103 and then slightly cooled before being directed towards the hair roots in the hair treatment chamber 103.

[0058] Figures 6 and 7 show further embodiments of another attachment 300. Similar configurations compared to the attachment 100 in Figures 3 and 4 are indicated by the same reference numerals. The attachment 300 comprises a further air outlet 301 that is configured to direct the air flow in a direction different from the air flow directed by the air outlet 102. This can improve the flexibility for drying different parts of the hair compared to a hair care device 2 0 that has only a single air outlet 102 configured to direct the air flow in a single direction.

[0059] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a further air outlet 301 is configured to direct the air flow in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the air flow is directed by the air outlet 102. In other embodiments, the further air outlet 301 is configured to direct the air flow in a direction opposite to the direction in which the air flow is directed by the air outlet 102. Thereby, the air flow can be directed away from the portion of the hair adjacent to the wall 104 in the hair treatment chamber 103, thereby enabling the desired drying and improving the drying efficiency. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the further air outlet 301 is located on the rim 116 so that the air flow is directed away from the peripheral edge 117 of the opening 105 and away from the hair treatment chamber 103. Thereby, it may be possible to dry a portion of the hair that is not located within the hair treatment chamber 103, for example, the hair roots. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the attachment 300 includes a protrusion 302 that extends in a direction away from the opening 105. The further air outlet 301 is located on the protrusion 302. Thereby, during use, the further air outlet can be positioned at a location spaced apart from the hair treatment chamber 103, thereby enabling drying at multiple locations. In the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7, the protrusion 302 is fixed to the rim 116. In some embodiments, the protrusion 302 is configured to be movable such that the protrusion 302 can retract with respect to the rim 116. The attachment 300 includes a plurality of further air outlets 301 spaced around the peripheral edge of the opening 105. Each of the plurality of further air outlets 301 directs the air flow, the air

[0060]

[0061]

[0062] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​It is configured to direct air in a direction different from the airflow guided by the air outlet 102. This makes it possible to even out the distribution of the airflow around the periphery of the air outlet 102, thereby increasing the predictability for drying hair.

[0063] The attachment 300 in FIGS. 6 and 7 can have a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the airflow through the air outlet 102 is not restricted, and the airflow through the further air outlet 30 1 is restricted. In the second configuration, the airflow through the air outlet 102 is restricted and the airflow through the further air outlet is not restricted. The air outlet 102 or the further air outlet 30 1 is blocked in the first or second configuration respectively to restrict the airflow through each of the air outlet 102 or the further air outlet 301. Thereby, the airflow through the air outlet 102 and the further air outlet 301 can be selectively supplied, thereby increasing the flexibility for drying. In some embodiments, the protrusion 302 is movable to block the further air outlet 301 in the first configuration. Alternatively or additionally, a valve is provided in the attachment 300

[0064] to direct the airflow towards one of the air outlet 102 or the further outlet 301 in one of the first or second configurations respectively. In some embodiments, the attachment 300 is configured to operate in one of the first configuration or the second configuration upon receiving an input via the user interface 32 on the handle unit 12. In other embodiments, the attachment 300 is configured to operate in one of the first configuration or the second configuration in response to a signal from the sensor 113. In some embodiments, the attachment 300 is configured to operate in one of the first configuration or the second configuration upon receiving an input via the user interface 32 on the handle unit 12. In other embodiments, the attachment 300 is configured to operate in one of the first configuration or the second configuration in response to a signal from the sensor 113. In response to a signal from the sensor 113, the attachment 300 is configured to operate in one of the first configuration or the second configuration.

[0065] Figures 8 and 9 show further embodiments of the attachment 400 for the hair care device of FIG. 1 Similar configurations to the attachment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are denoted by similar reference numerals. The atta chment 400 includes two apertures 106 provided in the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 In some embodiments, a porous material (not shown), such as a mesh, is disposed in the aperture 106.

[0066] In the attachment 400 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 includes an air flow path 120 between the air inlet 101 and the air outlet 102. The attachment 400 includes a rim 116 shaped to direct the air flow through the air outlet 102 in a direction towards the air inlet 101

[0067] Figure 10 shows a further embodiment of the attachment 500 for the hair care device 10 of FIG. 1 Similar configurations to the attachment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are denoted by similar reference numerals. The atta chment 500 includes a plurality of manifolds 501 extending between the air inlet 101 and the air outlet 102 (shown in more detail in FIGS. 11a and 11b). Three manifolds 501 are shown in FIG. 10, but in other embodiments, a greater or lesser number of manifolds 501 may be provided. For example, in some embodiments (similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9 ), two manifolds 501 are provided. In other embodiments, four, five or six manifolds 501 may be provided.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 10, the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 has a plurality of apertures 106 or ​​​Holes are formed. The plurality of apertures 106 can help increase / improve the diffusion of air from the air outlet 102. The wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 in FIG. 10 is integrally formed as part of the attachment 500. In other embodiments, the wall 104 may be separately formed such that the wall 104 is removable from the attachment 500. This allows the wall 104 to be removed for cleaning or replacement.

[0069] The air outlet 102 of the attachment in FIG. 10 may extend around the entire periphery of the hair treatment chamber 103. To help ensure a consistent air flow around the entire periphery from the air outlet 102, an air guiding member may be provided between the manifold 501 and the air outlet 102 to direct the air flow from the manifold 501 around the periphery of the hair treatment chamber 103. This can help improve the consistency of drying and / or styling the user's hair regardless of the position of the user's hair in the hair treatment chamber 103. In other embodiments, this may be achieved alternatively or additionally by changing the shape (e.g., width) of the air outlet 102 around the periphery of the hair treatment chamber 103.

[0070] The attachment 500 in FIG. 10 comprises a first configuration and a second configuration. With reference to FIGS. 12a and 12b, the first configuration and the second configuration will be described in more detail below. FIG. 11a shows a cross-sectional view of the attachment 500 in FIG. 10 in the first configuration. As indicated by arrow X1, in the first configuration, the air flow from the air inlet 101 flows through the passage 5 05 in the manifold 501 towards the air outlet 102. The air outlet 102 directs the air flow to the opening 1 configured to direct away from 05 towards the aperture 106. FIG. 11b shows a cross-sectional view of the attachment 500 in a second configuration of FIG. 10. For ease of reading, the wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 is not shown in 11b. As shown by the arrow X2 in FIG. 11b, in the second configuration, the air flow is configured to flow from the air inlet 101 through the passage 505 to a further air outlet 502. In this embodiment, the further air outlet 502 is configured, in the second configuration, to direct the air flow in a direction towards the opening 105 through the aperture 106 of the attachment 500. Thereby, the aperture 106 can diffuse the air flow from the further air outlet 50 2. The attachment 500 is changeable by the user between a first configuration and a second configuration. Thereby, the user can, depending on the requirements (e.g., depending on how the user wants to style the hair), select either a forward flow (e.g., from the further air outlet 502 towards the opening 105) or a reverse flow (e.g., from the air outlet 102 towards the aperture 10 6).

[0071] As shown in FIG. 11b, the further air outlet 502 comprises a plurality of elongated air outlets. The wall 104 of the hair treatment chamber 103 is spaced apart from the further air outlet 502 such that the aperture 106 formed in the wall 104 helps to diffuse the air flow from the further air outlet 502. This can help to improve the quality of drying and / or styling the user's hair during use.

[0072] 502.

[0073] Figures 12a and 12b show schematic plan views of the attachment 500 of FIG. 10. FIG. 12a shows a first configuration of the attachment 500, and FIG. 12b shows a second configuration of the attachment 500.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 12a, in the first configuration, a further air outlet 502 is substantially blocked so that the air flow through the further air outlet 5 02 is restricted. In the second configuration, the air flow through the further air outlet 502 is not restricted. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12a, the air flow through the air outlet 102 is not restricted in the second configuration, but in other embodiments, the air flow through the air outlet 102 is restricted in the second configuration. This serves to ensure that the air flow flows only through the air outlet 102 in the first configuration and only through the further air

[0075] outlet 502 in the second configuration, which can help to improve the drying and / or styling of the user's hair. In this embodiment, the attachment 500 is changeable between the first configuration and the second configuration by rotation of the first part 503 of the attachment 500 relative to the second part 504 of the attachment 500. When part of the hair care device 10 of FIG. 1, the second part 5 04 is fixed to the handle unit 12 such that the first part 503 is rotatable relative to the handle unit 12. Thereby, the user can more easily hold the

[0076] In other embodiments, the attachment 500 can be changed between the first configuration and the second configuration in any other suitable manner. For example, the attachment 500 can be changed by linear movement of the first portion 503 of the attachment 500 relative to the second portion 504 of the attachment 500. In other embodiments, the attachment 50 can be changed between the first configuration and the second configuration by using an actuator controllable by the user, such as a linear actuator. The attachment 500 can be changed from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to the user pressing a part of the attachment 500, such as the rim 116, against the head. Thereby, the user can easily change the attachment 500 between the first configuration and the second configuration during use. For example, a protrusion can extend from the rim 116 and the attachment 500 can be configured to switch between the first configuration and the second configuration when a force is applied to the protrusion. In other embodiments, the rim 116 can be movable such that the attachment 500 switches between the first configuration and the second configuration in response to a force applied to the rim 116. In other examples, a sensor (e.g., a strain gauge) can be provided as part of the attachment 500 and configured to detect the force applied to the rim 116. In response to detection of the force applied to the rim 116, the sensor can communicate with an actuator to cause the attachment 500 to switch between the first configuration and the

[0077] second configuration. FIGS. 13 and 14 show further embodiments of an attachment 600 for the hair care device 10 of FIG. 1. Similar components to those shown in the attachment of FIGS. 3 Yes. The attachment 600 includes a plurality of first manifolds 601 (three in this embodiment first manifolds) and a plurality of second manifolds 602 (three second manifolds in this embodiment). The first manifold 601 extends from the air inlet 101 of the attachment 600 to the rim 116. The second manifold 502 extends from the air inlet 101 towards the rim 116 but does not extend to the rim 116. As shown in FIG. 14, each of the second manifolds 602 includes a further air outlet 603. In some embodiments, the second manifold 502 also extends to the rim 1 16 of the attachment 600. In such embodiments, for example, by sealing the second manifold 502 from the air outlet 102, the air flow from the second manifold 502 to the air outlet 102 is prevented. 102 is prevented.

[0078] FIGS. 15a and 15b show cross-sectional views of the attachment 600 of FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 15a shows a first configuration of the attachment 600, and FIG. 15b shows a second configuration of the attachment 6 00. In the first configuration, the air flow is guided from the air inlet 101, through the passage 606 of the first manifold 601, and out through the air outlet 102. In the second configuration, the air flow is guided from the air inlet 101, through the passage 607 of the second manifold 602, and out through the further air outlet 603. Similar to the attachment of FIG. 10, in the first configuration, the air flow through the air outlet 102 is not restricted, and the air flow through the further air outlet 603 is restricted. In the second configuration, the air flow through the further air outlet 603 is not restricted, and the air flow through the air outlet 102 is restricted. In the second configuration, the air flow through the further air outlet 603 is restricted, and the air flow through the air outlet 102 is restricted.

[0079] As shown in Figures 15a and 15b, the attachment 600 is a second attachment. Rotation of the first portion 604 of the attachment 600 relative to the portion 605 forms a first configuration. As shown in FIG. 15a, in the first configuration, the first The portion 604 restricts air flow to the second manifold 602 and the first manifold 601 (shown by arrow X3) is rotated so that the airflow to 601 is not restricted. 5b), the first portion 604 restricts air flow to the first manifold 601. 602 is rotated so that the air flow (indicated by arrow X4) to the second manifold 602 is not restricted. The first portion 604 and the second portion 605 are the same as those in the attachment of Figs. 12a and 12b. 500, or in other ways. 12a and 12b. The first configuration and the second configuration may be combined in any of the ways described with respect to the attachment 500. It may be possible to switch between

[0080] The hair care device 10 includes a handle unit 12 and attachments 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600, the hair care device 10 is, for example, Dollar unit 12 and attachments 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and Also contemplated are embodiments in which the device is an integral unit, taking the form of a combination of the above.

Claims

1. An air inlet for receiving an air flow, an air outlet for discharging the air flow, and a hair treatment chamber for receiving hair and being in fluid communication with the air outlet, an attachment for a hair care device, wherein the hair treatment chamber comprises a wall, an opening through which hair can be inserted into the hair treatment chamber, and an aperture formed in the wall, and the air outlet is configured to direct the air flow away from the opening and towards the aperture during use.

2. The attachment according to claim 1, wherein the air outlet is configured to direct the air flow along the surface of the wall during use.

3. The attachment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wall comprises a porous material.

4. The attachment according to claim 3, wherein the porous material defines the aperture.

5. The attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a plurality of apertures formed in the wall.

6. The attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the air outlet extends around at least a part of the periphery of the hair treatment chamber.

7. The attachment according to claim 6, wherein the air outlet extends around the entire periphery of the hair treatment chamber.

8. The attachment according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the width of the air outlet varies around the periphery of the hair treatment chamber.

9. The attachment according to claim 8, comprising a conduit located on a first side of the hair treatment chamber, the conduit providing a flow path from the air inlet to the air outlet, and the air outlet having a maximum width at a second side of the hair treatment chamber opposite to the first side.

10. The attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a sensor configured to output a signal indicating a characteristic of hair in the hair treatment chamber during use.

11. The attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a part of the wall spaced apart from the air outlet is shaped to direct the air flow in the hair treatment chamber towards the opening.

12. The attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a further air outlet configured to direct the air flow in a direction different from the air flow directed by the air outlet.

13. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 。 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The further air outlet is configured to direct the air flow in a direction perpendicular to or opposite to the direction in which the air flow is directed by the air outlet, Attachment according to claim 12. **Claim 14** The hair treatment chamber includes a rim defining the opening, the air outlet is located on the rim such that the air flow is directed from the periphery of the opening away from the periphery of the opening and into the hair treatment chamber, and the further air outlet is located on the rim such that the air flow is directed away from the periphery of the opening and away from the hair treatment chamber, Attachment according to claim 12 or 13. **Claim 15** The attachment includes a protrusion extending in a direction away from the opening, and the further air outlet is located on the protrusion, Attachment according to any one of claims 12 to 14. **Claim 16** The attachment includes a plurality of further air outlets spaced around the periphery of the opening, each of the plurality of further air outlets being configured to direct the air flow in a direction different from the air flow directed by the air outlet, Attachment according to any one of claims 12 to 15. **Claim 17** The attachment includes a first configuration in which the air flow through the air outlet is not restricted and the air flow through the further air outlet is restricted, and a second configuration in which the air flow through the air outlet is restricted and the air flow through the further air outlet is not restricted, Attachment according to any one of claims 12 to 16. **Claim 18** A hair care device comprising the attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 17 and an air flow generator for generating an air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet. **Claim 19** The hair care device includes a handle unit having the air flow generator disposed therein, and the attachment is removably attachable to the handle unit, Hair care device according to claim 18. **Claim 20** An air inlet, An air outlet, An air flow generator for generating an air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet, A hair treatment chamber for receiving hair and in fluid communication with the air outlet, A hair care device, The hair treatment chamber includes a wall, an opening through which hair can be inserted into the hair treatment chamber, and an aperture formed in the wall, and the air outlet is configured to direct the air flow away from the opening during use. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ A hair care device configured to face the aperture.

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