Haircare appliance

Abstract

A haircare appliance a user interface for controlling one or more functions of the haircare appliance is described. The user interface comprises a button; a circuit board; and an actuator positioned between the button and the circuit board. The actuator comprises a flexible portion and a rigid portion surrounding the flexible portion, and the flexible portion is configured to, when the button is depressed, move towards the circuit board relative to the rigid portion to interact with the circuit board. The flexible portion is fixed to the rigid portion.

Description

[0001] HAIRCARE APPLIANCE

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] Haircare appliances are known which comprise user interfaces to provide user feedback and / or allow user input for controlling one or more functions of the haircare appliance.

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a haircare appliance comprising a main body, a blower, a first user interface, and a second user interface, wherein the main body comprises a grip portion for a user to grip and hold the haircare appliance; the blower is housed within the main body and generates an airflow through the haircare appliance; the first user interface provides user feedback and / or to receives user input for controlling one or more functions of the haircare appliance; the second user interface provides user feedback and / or receives user input for controlling one or more functions of the haircare appliance; and wherein the first user interface and the second user interface are positioned on the main body on opposite sides of the grip portion. For example, the first user interface and the second user interface may comprise different user interface elements or may, in some examples, comprise one or more matching user interface elements. By positioning the user interface elements in this way, user interface elements may be positioned ergonomically relative to the grip portion, for example where the user interface elements may be easier for a user to see, feel, reach, and / or interact with. This may ensure that the user is provided with clear and easy to understand feedback and / or a user can easily and correctly operate an input for controlling one or more functions of the haircare appliance. In certain embodiments, the present invention may also allow the main body to be made smaller, or more user interface elements to be present. For example, each user interface may be mounted to or may interface with a printed circuit board (PCB), and so providing the user interface elements across a first user interface and a second user interface may allow smaller PCBs to be used (e.g., in comparison with a single PCB encompassing all user interface elements). Smaller PCBs may in turn take up less space within the main body, and so the main body may have reduced dimensions, accordingly, or additional user interface elements may be provided compared with a main body arrangement utilising a single PCB.

[0006] Optionally, the first user interface portion and the second user interface portion may be separated in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the main body by a distance of at least 9 cm.

[0007] Optionally, the first user interface and the second user interface are positioned on a same side of the main body. By ‘a same side’ it may be understood that at least some of the user interface elements of the first user interface and at least some of the user interface elements of the second user interface may be positioned on an outer surface of the main body such that they are generally in alignment with one another along a common line or axis which is parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the main body. For example, the main body may be a generally tubular structure with any suitable cross-sectional shape such as a triangle, square, oval, ellipse or circle.

[0008] Optionally, at least some of the user interface elements of the first user interface may be positioned on a different side, e.g., an opposing side, of the main body as at least some of the user interface elements of the second user interface. By a ‘different side’ it may be understood that at least some of the user interface elements of the second user interface may be positioned on an outer surface of the main body such that they are positioned along different lines or axes which are parallel to a longitudinal axis of the main body. For example, the different lines or axes may be radially separated from one another about the main body (e.g., separated by 180° such that they are on opposing sides of the main body).

[0009] Optionally, the first user interface and the second interface may be positioned on a same side of the main body. For example, all the user interface elements of the first user interface and all the user interface elements of the second user interface may be on a same side of the main body. In alternative embodiments, the first user interface and the second user interface may be positioned on different sides, e.g., opposing sides, of the main body. By ‘a same side’ it may be understood that the first user interface and the second user interface may be positioned on an outer surface of the main body such that they are generally in alignment with one another along a common line or axis which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the main body.

[0010] Optionally, the first user interface portion and the second user interface portion are centred about a common axis parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the main body. Optionally, the main body may comprise a first end and a second end, wherein the first user interface is positioned adjacent to the first end of the main body and the second user interface is positioned adjacent to the second end of the main body.

[0011] Optionally, the second end of the main body may comprise an attachment mechanism for connecting an attachment to the main body. This may allow the haircare appliance to be used to create a plurality of different hairstyles, for example, by allowing different attachments to be used with the main body.

[0012] Optionally the first user interface may comprise at least one user interface element configured to provide user feedback, and at least one user interface element configured to receive user input for controlling one or more functions of the haircare appliance; and / or the second user interface may comprise at least one user interface element configured to provide user feedback, and at least one user interface element configured to receive user input for controlling one or more functions of the haircare appliance.

[0013] Optionally, at least one of the user interface elements configured to provide user feedback may comprise an LED. The LED may be an RGB LED, for example. For example, the LED may be used to indicate a status of the device, such as a power status (e.g., on or off) or a status of one or more components of the main body.

[0014] Optionally, at least one of the user interface elements configured to receive user input for controlling one or more functions of the haircare appliance comprises a button. At least one of the user interface elements configured to receive user input for controlling one or more functions of the haircare appliance may comprise a push button, a slider or a switch, for example. Functions of the haircare appliance may include, for example, a fluid flow rate (e.g., an air flow rate), a temperature (e.g., a temperature of a heating element or the like), turning the appliance on or off, etc.

[0015] Optionally, at least one of the first user interface and the second user interface comprises a user interface element configured to provide user feedback and to receive user input for controlling one or more functions of the haircare appliance. For example, a user interface element configured to receive user input for controlling one or more functions and to provide user feedback may comprise a backlit button. The lighting of the backlit button may provide feedback based on the function which is controlled by the button, for example. In certain embodiments, the user interface element configured to receive user input for controlling one or more functions and to provide user feedback may be positioned adjacent to a second end of the main body, wherein the second end of the main body comprises an attachment mechanism for connecting an attachment to the main body.

[0016] Optionally, the first user interface may comprise a button for controlling a temperature setting of the haircare appliance, and one or more LEDs for providing user feedback on a current temperature setting of the haircare appliance. A current temperature setting of the haircare appliance may be a measurement of the current temperature setting of the heat applied to the hair of a user. In some examples, the second user interface may comprise a button for controlling a temperature setting of the haircare appliance, and one or more LEDs for providing user feedback on a current temperature setting of the haircare appliance.

[0017] Optionally, the first user interface may comprise a button for controlling an airflow setting of the haircare appliance, and one or more LEDs for providing user feedback on a current airflow setting of the haircare appliance. The airflow setting may control a fluid flow rate (e.g., an amount of fluid (e.g., air) per unit time) through the haircare appliance, for example. In some examples, the second user interface may comprise a button for controlling an airflow setting of the haircare appliance, and one or more LEDs for providing user feedback on a current airflow setting of the haircare appliance.

[0018] Optionally, the first user interface may comprise a first button for transitioning the haircare appliance from an off state to an awake state, and the second user interface comprises a second button for transitioning the haircare appliance from the awake state to an on state. In some examples, in the off state, no power is supplied to a heater or a blower of the haircare appliance, and a user is unable to transition the haircare appliance between (e.g., temperature or airflow) settings. In the awake state, the haircare appliance can transition between settings, under the control of the user, but no power is supplied to the heater or blower. In the on state, power is supplied to the heater or blower of the haircare appliance, and the user is able to transition the haircare appliance between settings. In the off state, power may be prevented from being supplied to the heater or blower even if the second button is pressed, for example. Optionally, the haircare appliance may comprise a heater housed within the main body, the heater heating the airflow generated by the blower. Such an arrangement increases the rate of drying of a user’ s hair.

[0019] Optionally, the main body may comprise an air inlet through which air is drawn into the main body by the blower, and the second user interface is positioned between the grip portion and the air inlet.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a haircare appliance comprising a user interface for controlling one or more functions of the haircare appliance, the user interface comprising a button; a circuit board; and an actuator positioned between the button and the circuit board, wherein the actuator comprises a flexible portion and a rigid portion surrounding the flexible portion, the flexible portion is configured to, when the button is depressed, move towards the circuit board relative to the rigid portion to interact with the circuit board, and the flexible movement portion is fixed to the rigid portion . As the flexible portion is fixed to the rigid portion, the clearance and creepage path between the button (and thus the user) and the circuit board is increased. As used herein, a clearance path may be understood as the shortest path between two conductive parts, or between a conductive part and a bounding surface of the appliance, measured through air. A creepage path may be understood as the shortest path between two conductive parts, or between a conductive part and bounding surface of the appliance, measured along a surface of insulation. When the circuit board is connected to live power, this allows the haircare appliance to meet creepage and clearance safety requirements. In some examples, providing a user interface in this way, the button may be positioned closer to the circuit board without reducing the clearance and creepage path between the button and the circuit board, such that a main body of a haircare appliance may correspondingly be reduced in size for improved ergonomics.

[0021] Optionally, the flexible portion may be chemically bonded to the rigid portion. This may provide a strong and durable connection between the flexible portion and the rigid portion to maintain the creepage and clearance path.

[0022] Optionally, the actuator may comprise a transparent or translucent material.

[0023] Optionally, the user interface portion may further comprise an LED and an opaque mask, wherein the opaque mask covers a surface of the actuator; the opaque mask is configured to prevent light from the LED from travelling through the actuator; the opaque mask comprises a hole aligned with the LED; and the hole in the opaque mask is configured to allow light from the LED to travel through the opaque mask. This may allow the user interface portion to provide user feedback in addition to receiving user input for controlling one or more functions of the haircare appliance.

[0024] Optionally, the flexible button movement portion may comprise thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0025] Optionally, the rigid surrounding portion of the actuator may comprise a polycarbonate.

[0026] Optionally, the actuator may be mounted to the circuit board. For example, the actuator may be mounted to the circuit board by a snap-fit connection. This may provide a secure connection between the user interface circuit board and the actuator, while being easy to assemble.

[0027] Optionally, the actuator may comprise a pair of wings extending from the rigid portion, and the wings may secure one or more cables connected to the circuit board.

[0028] Optionally, the actuator may have a thickness of between 0.5mm and 1.5mm. For example, the actuator may have a thickness of approximately 1mm. The thickness of the actuator is in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the haircare appliance.

[0029] Optionally, the rigid portion may be spaced from the circuit board by an air gap.

[0030] Optionally, the rigid portion may be spaced from the circuit board by a distance of between 3 and 4mm. Optionally, the rigid portion may be spaced from the circuit board by a distance of between 2 and 3mm. For example, the rigid portion may be spaced from the circuit board by a distance of 2.2mm.

[0031] Optionally, the actuator is connected to a chassis of the haircare appliance by a snap- fit connection. This may provide a secure connection between the chassis board and the actuator, while being easy to assemble.

[0032] Optionally, the user interface may comprise a plurality of buttons; the actuator may comprise a plurality of flexible portions; and each flexible portion may be configured to, when a respective button of the plurality of buttons is depressed, move towards the circuit board relative to the rigid portion to interact with the circuit board.

[0033] Optionally, the user interface may comprise a gasket positioned between the button and the actuator, wherein the gasket may cover a surface of the actuator. For example, the gasket may comprise a sheet of material such as silicone or the like. By providing a gasket in this way, water ingress into the haircare appliance between the button and the actuator may be reduced or prevented. The gasket may also increase the clearance and creepage path between the button (and thus the user) and the circuit board. The gasket may be held in place by an interference fit of the gasket between the actuator and a portion of the body of the haircare appliance, for example.

[0034] The invention includes the combination of the aspects and optional features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

[0035] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) show perspective views of a main body of a haircare appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a first user interface portion which may be used in embodiments of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the main body shown in Figs. 1(a) and 1(b);

[0039] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a user interface portion according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 5 shows a second cross-sectional view of a portion of the main body according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the connection between an actuator and a chassis; and

[0041] Figure 6 shows a second cross-sectional view of a portion of the main body according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the connection between an actuator and a user interface circuit board.

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Figs. 1(a) and 1(b) show perspective views of a main body 1000 of a haircare appliance. The main body 1000 comprises an outer wall 1005 which functions as a handle of the haircare appliance, and which has an air inlet 1015 at a first end 1010 and an air outlet 1025 at a second end 1020, with an airflow path through the main body 1000 from the air inlet 1015 to the air outlet 1025. The outer wall 1005 defines an elongate tubular structure for the main body 1000 having a central longitudinal axis, wherein the cross- sectional shape of the main body 1005 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is elliptical or oval such that the main body 1000 is ergonomically designed to be comfortable for a user to hold.

[0044] The main body 1000 houses a blower which is configured to generate an airflow along the airflow path. The main body 1000 additionally houses a heater (not shown) to optionally heat the airflow before exiting the main body 1000 at the air outlet 1025. The main body 1000 is connectable to a power supply via a power cable 1030 which is connected at the first end 1010 of the main body 1000. The power cable 1030 may be connected to the main body 1000 by a connector as described below with reference to Figs. 2-4, for example.

[0045] The main body comprises a user interface (UI) assembly to provide user feedback and / or to receive user input for controlling one or more functions of the haircare appliance. The UI is split in two to provide: a first user interface 1040a comprising one or more user interface elements configured to provide user feedback and / or to receive user input for controlling one or more functions of the haircare appliance; and a second user interface 1040b comprising one or more user interface elements configured to provide user feedback and / or to allow user input for controlling one or more functions of the haircare appliance. The first UI1040a is positioned towards a first end 1010 of the main body 1000, and the second UI 1040b is positioned towards a second end 1020 of the main body 1000. By being provided in this way, UI elements may be positioned ergonomically. Specifically, the main body 1000 comprises a grip portion between the first end 1010 and the second end 1020 for a user to hold the main body 1000 when using the haircare appliance. For example, the grip portion may be defined by a part of the main body 1000 between the first UI 1040a and the second UI 1040b, for example wherein the first UI 1040a and the second UI 1040b are separated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main body 1000 by a distance of more than 9 cm. As a result of this positioning, in use, a user’s thumb may be positioned close to the second end 1020 of the main body 1000 and therefore close to the second UI 1040b. The second UI 1040b may therefore comprise UI elements which may be used more frequently as these are positioned in a way which is easier for a user to reach and / or interact with when the haircare appliance is in use. In contrast, the first UI 1040a may comprise UI elements which may be used less frequently, and by positioning such UI elements towards the first end 1010 of the main body 1000 there is a smaller risk of the user accidentally interacting with such UI elements.

[0046] As shown in Figs. 1(a) and 1(b), the first UI 1040a and the second UI 1040b are positioned on a same side of the main body 1000. That is, the first UI 1040a and the second UI 1040b are generally positioned along, specifically they are both centred on, a common line or axis 1045 which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main body 1000. In other examples the first UI 1040a and the second UI 1040b may not be aligned in this manner, and may be radially separated from one another about the main body (e.g., by being positioned on different sides of the main body 1000).

[0047] The main body 1000 is configured to allow an attachment to be removably connected thereto, by comprising an attachment mechanism at or about the second end 1020 of the main body 1000. The attachment mechanism allows different attachments to be connected to the main body to enable a user to create different hair styles and gives the haircare appliance additional functionality.

[0048] Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of the first UI 1040a. It will be appreciated that the second UI 1040b is configured in generally the same manner, though the number and placement of UI elements may be altered as required.

[0049] The first UI 1040a comprises a plurality of user interface elements 410 including two lights pipes 41 la, 41 lb which are arranged to allow light to shine therethrough to provide user feedback, and three buttons 412a, 412b, 412c which receive user input for controlling one or more functions of the haircare appliance. For example, the first light pipe 411a may be used to indicate to a user an airflow setting or rate through the haircare appliance and / or a temperature or temperature setting of the airflow which is output from the appliance, and the second light pipe 411b may be used to indicate a status of a filter at or about the inlet of the main body (e.g., to indicate that a filter needs to be replaced or cleaned). Two of the buttons 412a, 412b may be used to control functions of the haircare appliance, such as the airflow rate, the airflow temperature and / or control a power status of the appliance. A third one of the buttons 412c may be used to transition the haircare appliance between an off state (wherein no power is supplied to a heater or a blower of the haircare appliance, and a user is unable to transition the haircare appliance between temperature and / or airflow settings) and an awake state (wherein a user is able to transition the haircare appliance between settings, but no power is supplied to the heater or blower). The buttons 412a, 412b, 412c are arranged to protrude through the outer wall 1005 of the main body 1000 (e.g., through apertures in the outer wall) so as to be operable by a user.

[0050] Positioned beneath the UI elements 410 is a gasket 420 which may take the form of a sheet, and may cover a surface of an actuator 430. The gasket 420 is made of a transparent silicone material in order to allow light to pass through the gasket 420 to reach the two light pipes 411a, 411b. The gasket 420 provides a seal to reduce or prevent water ingress into the main body 1000 of the haircare appliance, and is held in place by an interference fit between the actuator 430 and the outer wall 1005 of the main body 1000 (i.e., by being squeezed therebetween). The gasket 420 also increases the clearance and creepage path between the buttons 412a, 412b, 412c and the PCB 440.

[0051] Positioned beneath the gasket 420 is an actuator 430, which is mounted on a user interface printed circuit board (PCB) 440. The actuator 430 comprises a flexible portion and a rigid portion 432. The flexible portion comprises a flexible membrane 433 and an inflexible segment 434 which is moveable relative to the rigid portion 431 towards the PCB 440 when a respective button 412a, 412b, 412c is depressed by a user. The inflexible segment 434 then pushes against a respective one of a plurality of PCB push button switches 442a, 442b, 442c to provide the associated user input. The inflexible segment 434 may be formed by etching out a region of material from the surrounding portion 431, thereby allowing the inflexible segment 434 to be moveable relative to the surrounding portion 431. The gap which is left between the inflexible segment 434 and the surrounding portion 431 is filled with a material to create the flexible membrane 433. For example, the flexible membrane 433 may comprise thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) which is chemically bonded to the rigid portion 431, which may comprise a polycarbonate. By being provided in this way, where the flexible portion is fixed to the rigid portion 431, the creepage and clearance path between the buttons 412a, 412b, 412c and the PCB 440 is increased, as explained in more detail below.

[0052] The PCB 440 also comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 441a, 441b, 441c, 44 Id which are arranged to emit light through corresponding light pipes 41 lb, 41 lb to provide user feedback. The rigid surround portion 432 of the actuator 430 is therefore transparent to allow the light from the LEDs 441, 441b, 441c, 44 Id to pass through. In some examples, the actuator 430 may be coated with an opaque mask on either an upper or lower face thereof which is configured to prevent light from travelling through the actuator 430, and the opaque mask may comprise a hole in regions where light is intended to pass through (e.g., a hole aligned with an LED), which may help prevent unwanted light bleeding through the actuator 430 and silicon layer 420, and help to constrain light to passing through the light pipes 41 la, 41 lb where the light is intended to provide clear user feedback.

[0053] The actuator 430 comprises a pair of wings 432, which extend laterally from the side edges of the rigid portion 431, wherein the wings 432 are used from securing one or more cables connected to the PCB 440.

[0054] The second UI 1040b is arranged in a similar manner, comprising UI elements (comprising one or more UI elements configured to provide user feedback and / or to allow user input), a gasket, an actuator, and a UI PCB. In particular, the second UI 1040b may differ from the first UI 1040a only in the choice and arrangement of UI elements, with corresponding changes to the actuator and PCB. Specifically, the second UI 1040b comprises a plurality of user interface elements, some of which provide user feedback, and some of which allow a user to control one or more functions of the device. For example, a button at the second UI may be configured to switch the haircare appliance into an on state where power is supplied to the heater and / or blower. This button may be a backlit button, and so also may provide feedback of one or more states of the device. For example, this button could indicate an error by flashing and or emitting coloured light (e.g., red). To provide this backlight, an RGB LED may be positioned beneath the button (i.e., on a second UI circuit board) so that the emitted light is visible through the button. An additional button of the second UI 1040b may allow a user to temporarily control the temperature of the heater e.g., to temporarily reduce the temperature of the heater, to provide a temporarily cooled airflow.

[0055] Fig. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the main body 1000, which shows how the first UI 1040a and the second UI 1040b fit within the outer wall 1005. In particular, the arrangements forming the first UI 1040a and the second UI1040b, for example as described above with respect to Fig. 2, are connected to a chassis 1050 by a snap-fit connection, as described in more detail below with respect to Fig. 6. The chassis 1050 is then fitted within the outer wall 1005 (e.g., the chassis 1050 may be slid into the outer wall 1005 via an opening in the end face of the main body 1000, for example an opening at the first end 1010) such that the user interface elements of the first UI 1040a and second UI 1040b are aligned with corresponding apertures in the outer wall 1005, allowing a user to interact with user input elements of the UIs and view user feedback elements, for example. Specifically, the main body 1000 comprises a first aperture array 1045a through which the UI elements of the first UI 1040a are accessible (e.g., for buttons) and / or visible (e.g., for LEDs and light pipes), and a second aperture array 1045b through which the UI elements of the second UI 1040b are accessible and / or visible.

[0056] The chassis 1050 is also configured to act as a holder or a housing for other components of the main body 1000, such as a blower for generating an airflow along the airflow path and, optionally, a heater for heating the airflow before exiting the main body 1000. The chassis 1050 may be provided in two sections (e.g., an upper section and a lower section) such that components can be loaded into a first section and enclosed by a second section, with other components (such as the UIs 1040a, 1040b) being arranged on an outer surface of the chassis 1050. For example, the chassis 1050 may be provided as a clamshell design, wherein the two sections are connected by a hinge or the like.

[0057] Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the first UI 1040a within the main body 1000 of the haircare appliance as described above with respect to Fig. 1. Specifically, Fig. 4 shows a cross-section through a third button 412c and the second light pipe 411b as described above, and demonstrates how the creepage and clearance path between the button 412c and the UI PCB 440 is increased due to the configuration of the actuator 430.

[0058] The button 412c protrudes through an aperture in the outer wall 1005 of the main body such that it is operable by a user (i.e., a user is able to press the button to control one or more functions of the haircare appliance). When the button 412c is depressed, a portion of the silicon layer 410 is also depressed, pushing against an inflexible segment 434 of the actuator 430, which then moves relative to the rigid portion 431 in order to depress a PCB push button switch 442c.

[0059] A creepage and clearance path between the button 412c (and thus the user) and the UI circuit board 440 is indicated by a first dashed line 450. This is referred to below as a button insulation path 450. The button insulation path 450 passes from an outer surface of the outer wall 1005 to an inner surface of the outer wall 1005 along a side of the aperture in which the button 412c is fitted. The button insulation path 450 passes through the silicon layer 410 to an upper surface of the actuator 430. As the flexible portion of the actuator is fixed to the rigid portion 431 by comprising an inflexible segment 434 surrounded by a flexible membrane 433, the button insulation path 450 does not pass through the actuator 430, but instead passes along the upper surface of the rigid portion 431, down a side surface of the rigid portion 431, and along a lower surface of the rigid portion 431. This increases the length of the creepage and clearance path between the button 412c and the UI circuit board 440 by a significant amount, allowing the haircare appliance to meet creepage and clearance safety requirements. From the lower surface of the rigid portion 431, the button insulation path 450 passes along a lower surface of the flexible portion and to a top surface of the UI circuit board 440. When the UI circuit board 440 is connected to live power, safety requirements are met by the length of the button insulation path 450.

[0060] A portion of the second light pipe 411b passes through a second aperture in the outer wall 1005, allowing an LED 44 Id to be visible to a user and thereby provide user feedback. For example, the LED 44 Id may be an RGB LED, and may be used to indicate a status of the device (such as a power status, or a status of one or more components of the haircare appliance). In order to let light from the LED 44 Id reach the second light pipe 411b, the rigid portion 431 of the actuator 430 may comprise a transparent portion which is positioned below the second light pipe 411b.

[0061] A creepage and clearance path between the second light pipe 441b and the UI circuit board 440 is indicated by a second dashed line 455. This is referred to below as a light pipe insultation path 455. The light pipe insulation path 455 passes from the outer surface of the outer wall 1005 to the inner surface of the outer wall 1005 along a side of the aperture in which the second light pipe 411b is fitted. The light pipe insulation path 455 passes through the silicon layer 410 and along a surface of the chassis 1050 until it reaches the UI circuit board 440. When the UI circuit board 440 is connected to live power, safety requirements are met by the length of the light pipe insulation path 455.

[0062] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the main body 1000 showing the connection between the first UI 1040a and the chassis 1050. As can also be seen in Fig. 5, wings 432 extend outwardly from the rigid portion 431 of the actuator 430 and provide a means for securing one or more cables connected to the UI circuit board 440.

[0063] The actuator 430 further comprises a downwardly directed protrusion 435 which extends from an underside thereof, providing a snap-fit connection portion. This is configured to allow a snap-fit connection between the actuator 430 and the chassis 1050 by snapping into an upwardly directed socket 1051 which is configured to receive the protrusion 435 when the actuator 430 is moved into contact with the chassis 1050. The protrusion 435 and the socket 1051 interlock to ensure that the actuator 430 cannot readily be separated from the chassis 1050.

[0064] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main body 1000 showing the connection between the first UI 1040a and the UI circuit board 440. The actuator 430 is mounted on the UI circuit board 440 by comprising an inwardly directed rim 436 which extends inwardly from the protrusion 435. The rim 436 provides a shelf or ledge which is configured to receive a lateral edge of the UI circuit board 440, thereby mounting the actuator 430 on the UI circuit board 440.

[0065] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised in diverse forms thereof.

[0066] While exemplary embodiments have been described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A haircare appliance comprising a user interface for controlling one or more functions of the haircare appliance, the user interface comprising: a button; a circuit board; and an actuator positioned between the button and the circuit board, wherein the actuator comprises a flexible portion and a rigid portion surrounding the flexible portion, the flexible portion is configured to, when the button is depressed, move towards the circuit board relative to the rigid portion to interact with the circuit board, and the flexible portion is fixed to the rigid portion.

2. The haircare appliance according to claim 1, wherein the flexible portion is chemically bonded to the rigid portion.

3. The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator comprises a transparent or translucent material.

4. The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, further comprising an LED and an opaque mask, wherein: the opaque mask covers a surface of the actuator; the opaque mask is configured to prevent light from the LED from travelling through the actuator; the opaque mask comprises a hole aligned with the LED; and the hole in the opaque mask is configured to allow light from the LED to travel through the opaque mask.

5. The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the flexible portion comprises thermoplastic polyurethane and / or the rigid portion comprises polycarbonate.

6. The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator is mounted to the circuit board.

7. The haircare appliance according to claim 6, wherein the actuator is mounted to the circuit board by a snap-fit connection.

8. The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator comprises a pair of wings extending from the rigid surrounding portion, and the wings secure one or more cables connected to the circuit board.

9. The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator has a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm.

10. The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the rigid portion is spaced from the circuit board by an air gap, and wherein optionally the rigid portion is spaced from the user interface circuit board by a distance of between 3 mm and 4mm.

11. The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator is connected to a chassis of the haircare appliance by a snap-fit connection.

12. The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein: the user interface comprises a plurality of buttons; the actuator comprises a plurality of flexible portions; and each flexible portion is configured to, when a respective button of the plurality of buttons is depressed, move towards the circuit board relative to the rigid portion to interact with the circuit board.

13. The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the user interface comprises a gasket positioned between the button and the actuator, wherein the gasket covers a surface of the actuator.

14. The haircare appliance of claim 13, wherein the gasket comprises silicone.

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