appliance

Abstract

A haircare appliance (101) is disclosed. The haircare appliance comprises a body (110, 120) having one or more holes (112, 114), and an airflow system (140) configured to discharge discrete puffs of air through the holes. Optionally, the haircare appliance comprises a heater (115) to heat, and optionally re-heat, the air.

Description

[0001] APPLIANCE

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] Haircare appliances can be used to dry and / or style hair. In some examples, hair is wrapped around the haircare appliance to introduce curl into the hair.

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect, an appliance, such as a haircare appliance, is provided. The haircare appliance comprises: a body having one or more holes; and an airflow system. The airflow system is configured to discharge discrete puffs of air through the holes. The discrete puffs provide a discontinuous flow of air from the appliance, rather than a continuous jet of air. Discharging discrete puffs of air through the one or more holes may enable hair to be styled using the haircare appliance in a more intimate manner (e.g., closer to the scalp, face and / or skin). For example, puffing air, rather than continuously blowing air, enables the haircare appliance to be used more intimately to a user’s skin.

[0006] Haircare appliances that emit pulsed air may enable hair to be styled more conveniently.

[0007] The airflow system may be configured to draw in air through the holes, and discharge the air back through the holes as discrete puffs. That is, the airflow system may be configured to intake the discharged heated air and subsequently discharge, by puffing, the heated air.

[0008] The haircare appliance may comprise a heater. The airflow system may be configured to move air over the heater to generate heated air, and to discharge the heated air through the holes as discrete puffs of heated air. The haircare appliance may thus be a hot hair styler. Discrete puffs of hot air may enable the haircare appliance to be comfortably brought closely to the scalp, compared to a continuous flow of hot air.

[0009] The airflow system may be configured to recirculate the heated air over the heater. The heater may heat, and optionally re-heat, the air. For example, the airflow system may be configured to draw in at least a part of the discharged air as recirculated air through the holes. That is, the at least a part of the discharged air drawn in through the holes may be referred to as recirculated air. Recirculating the heated air enables the air to be heated from a higher initial temperature, which may help to reduce a power consumption of the haircare appliance. The airflow system may be configured such that less than 90% of the discharged air, for example between 10% and 50% of the discharged air, is drawn in as recirculated air.

[0010] The haircare appliance may be a hair styler, for example, a hot hair styler.

[0011] The airflow system may be configured to intake the discharged heated air, pass the heated air over the heater, and subsequently discharge, by puffing, the re-heated air through the holes. Re-heating the air can help to lower an energy demand on the haircare appliance.

[0012] The airflow system may be configured to intake the discharged heated air back through the holes. Utilising the same holes for intake and discharge may enable the haircare appliance to be provided with a low complexity airflow system.

[0013] A temperature of each discrete puff may be less than 200 degrees Celsius. The temperature of each discrete puff may be between 50 and 150 degrees Celsius. The temperature of each discrete puff may be approximately or at least ambient temperature (that is, the temperature of the surroundings). The heater setting may be selectively variable by the user such that the temperature of each discrete puff is selectively variable. The temperature of each discrete puff may be arranged such that hair temperature does not exceed 150 degrees Celsius. In some instances, the temperature of each discrete puff may be greater than 150 degrees Celsius as long as hair temperature does not exceed 150 degrees Celsius.

[0014] The airflow system may be configured to move discharged air over the heater to generate the heated air. The airflow system may be configured to move air over the heater as discrete puffs.

[0015] The body may comprise a longitudinal axis. The haircare appliance may comprise a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the haircare appliance may correspond to the longitudinal axis of the body. The longitudinal axis of the haircare appliance may define a longitudinal direction and a radial direction of the haircare appliance, the radial direction being orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. Any reference to radial may therefore be in the radial direction. The holes may have a hole axis that is more aligned to the radial direction of the haircare appliance than the hole axis is aligned to the longitudinal direction of the haircare appliance.

[0016] The airflow system may be configured to generate an intermittent flow of air. The airflow system may be configured to discharge the discrete puffs by generating an intermittent discharge of air, wherein each puff is an intermittent discharge of air (e.g., heated air and / or re-heated air, when the discharged air is recirculated) through the holes. The haircare appliance may be configured such that between discrete puffs, air (e.g., heated air, heated by the heater) is not discharged through the holes.

[0017] A total volume of air discharged in each discrete puff may be less than or equal to 20 millilitres. The total volume of air discharged in each discrete puff may be between 1 millilitre and 20 millilitres. The total volume of air discharged in each discrete puff may be between 1 and 100 millilitres. The total volume of air discharged in each discrete puff may be between 1 millilitre and 500 millilitres. The total volume of air discharged in each discrete puff may be between 5 millilitres and 200 millilitres. The total volume of air discharged in each discrete puff may be less than or equal to 1 litre, 500 millilitres, 100 millilitres, 50 millilitres or 20 millilitres. The airflow system may be configured such that the total volume of air discharged in each discrete puff is variable. The total volume of air discharged in each discrete puff may be selectively variable by the user.

[0018] A predetermined volume of heated air may be discharged in each discrete puff. The predetermined volume may be less than or equal to 1 litre, 500 millilitres, 100 millilitres,

[0019] 50 millilitres, or 20 millilitres. The airflow system may be configured such that the predetermined volume of heated air is variable, The predetermined volume of heated air may be between 1 millilitre and 500 millilitres, The predetermined volume of heated air may be between 1 millilitre and 100 millilitres. The predetermined volume of heated air may be between 1 millilitre and 20 millilitres. The predetermined volume of heated air may be between 5 millilitres and 200 millilitres. The predetermined volume of heated air may be selectively variable by the user. A volumetric flow rate of each discrete puff may be less than or equal to 1 litre, 500 millilitres, 100 millilitres, 50 millilitres 20 millilitres per second. The volumetric flow rate of each discrete puff may be between 0.5 litres and 0.1 litres per second. The volumetric flow rate of each discrete puff may be between 0.25 litres and 0.1 litres per second. The volumetric flow rate of each discrete puff may be between 0.1 millilitres and 20 millilitres per second, or between 1 millilitre and 10 millilitres per second. The volumetric flow rate may be predetermined. The volumetric flow rate of each discrete puff may be selectively variable by the user.

[0020] A predetermined frequency of discrete puffs may be less than or equal to 1 kHz, 500 Hz, 100 Hz, 10 Hz. The airflow system may be configured such that the predetermined frequency of discrete puffs is variable. The predetermined frequency of discrete puffs be variable between 0.1 and 100 Hz, for example. The predetermined frequency of discrete puffs be variable between 0.1 and 10 Hz, for example. The predetermined frequency of discrete puffs may be selectively variable by the user.

[0021] The airflow system may be configured to generate a flow of air through the haircare appliance. The flow of air may comprise an inflow into the haircare appliance as well as an outflow from the haircare appliance. The airflow system may be configured to draw in air through an inlet other than the holes, and discharge the air through the holes as discrete puffs.

[0022] The airflow system may be configured to intake cool air through a first intake and discharge heated air back through the holes. Drawing air into the haircare appliance without using the holes and subsequently passing the air over the heater keeps a cool air intake and a hot air exhaust separate. Passing air though different holes, for example, may help to reduce heat loss.

[0023] The airflow system may comprise a fan (e.g., an axial, radial or mixed flow fan), a pump or a speaker to generate the discrete puffs of air. The pump or a speaker may comprise an oscillation member to generate the discrete puffs of air. The oscillation member may be configured to translate back-and-forth to generate the discrete puffs of air. Use of the oscillation member may enable good control of the volume of air to be discharged in each discrete puff. A volume of a discrete puff may be selectively controlled and / or varied based on the amount of oscillation of the oscillation member. The oscillation member may comprise a piston or a diaphragm. The diaphragm may be in the form of a membrane. The diaphragm may be cone shaped.

[0024] The airflow system may comprise an electromagnetic system. Movement of the oscillation member to generate the flow of air may be caused by the electromagnetic system, such as the electromagnetic system of the airflow system. The electromagnetic system may be a linear motor. The electromagnetic system may comprise at least one magnet and at least one coil winding, such that supplying electrical current through the coil winding in the presence of the magnet produces an electromotive force to drive the oscillation member. The oscillation member may comprise the at least one magnet. The electromagnetic system may enable the oscillation member to move without generating as much heat and noise compared to other airflow systems. The magnet may or each magnet be a permanent magnet.

[0025] The airflow system may comprise a bias, such as a spring, for example a tension spring, to bias the oscillation member may towards a rest position. The rest position may correspond to a starting state of the oscillation member such that the oscillation member is in the starting state when activated.

[0026] Movement of the oscillation member to generate the flow of air may comprise reciprocation. Reciprocating the oscillation member may enable a puff of air to be controlled, such that a predetermined volume inhaled and / or exhaled may be repeatable. The reciprocation may comprise linear motion. A direction of the linear motion may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body and / or haircare appliance overall.

[0027] The oscillation member may be configured to reciprocate along an axis of reciprocation. The oscillation member may be configured to oscillate along an axis of oscillation. The axis of oscillation or the axis of reciprocation may be parallel to, or coaxial with, the longitudinal axis of the body and / or the haircare appliance. Each reciprocation, or oscillation of the oscillation member, may comprise a forward motion and a backward motion of the oscillation member along the respective axis of reciprocation and oscillation. Each backward motion may cause air to be inhaled in preparation for one discrete puff to be discharged. Each forward motion may cause air to be exhausted in the form of the one discrete puff.

[0028] The airflow system may comprise an airflow generator for blowing heated air from the haircare appliance. The airflow generator may comprise a fan (such as a compressor, a radial fan, a mixed flow fan, or an axial fan), a pump, or a speaker, for example.

[0029] The airflow system may comprise a pump. The pump may comprise the oscillation member. The pump may comprise a cylinder within which the oscillation member, such as the piston, oscillates or reciprocates. The pump may comprise a piston ring to arranged circumferentially around the piston and to move with the piston. The pump may comprise means for converting rotational motion to translation motion. An example of such a means is a crank rotatable about a rotation axis (axis of rotation) and an arm coupled between the crank and the piston. One end of the arm may be coupled to the crank and rotatable about the rotation axis by rotation of the crank. An opposite end of the arm may be coupled to the piston and translate with the piston.

[0030] The pump may be a swash plate pump. The pump may comprise a swash plate. The swash plate may be configured to drive translation of the piston or pistons along the cylinder or respective cylinder. The, or each, piston may engage the swash plate via a pivoting member. The pivoting member may be pivotably coupled to a ball joint of the respective piston to maintain engagement with the swash plate and piston. The swash plate may be rotatably fixed with respect to a rotation axis of the piston or pistons such that rotation of the piston or pistons about the rotation axis causes the piston or pistons to reciprocate. Alternatively, the piston or pistons may be rotatably fixed with respect to a rotation axis of the swash plate such that rotation of the swash plate about the rotation axis causes the piston or pistons to reciprocate. The swash plate may be inclined to the rotation axis of the swash plate or a direction of reciprocation of the piston or pistons. The airflow system may comprise a plurality of oscillation members, for example a plurality of pistons, each one moveable within a respective cylinder. The plurality of oscillation members may move parallel to each other. An outlet from each respective cylinder may narrow towards the heater. The outlet of each respective cylinder may comprise a portion of an annulus, whereby the combination of outlets substantially completes the annulus. The portion may be half an annulus. The plurality of oscillation members may move to different locations at different times, such that the plurality of oscillation members is out of phase. For example, when the airflow system comprises a pair of oscillation members, the oscillation members may move with a phase difference that is half a wavelength. In another example, when the airflow system comprises four oscillation members, the oscillation members may move with a phase difference that is a quarter of a wavelength.

[0031] The airflow system may comprise a pressure chamber to charge air. The pressure chamber may enable a controlled amount of air to be released at once. The pressure chamber may be isolatable between the pump and holes, such that the pressure chamber can be charged when the pressure chamber is isolated before air is released towards the holes by opening the pressure chamber. The airflow system may comprise a discharge valve or valves to discharge each discrete puff of air from the pressure chamber. The use of a valve helps to provide better control of the flow of air. The valve or valves may be mechanically or electromechanically operable. The valve or valves may be or may comprise a one-way valve.

[0032] The airflow system may comprise a power unit to drive the oscillation member, such as the pump. The power unit may comprise an electric motor. The power unit may be a linear motor. The power unit may be powered by mains power. The power unit may comprise a power source, such as battery pack, to supply power to the electric motor. The battery pack may comprise a cell or cells, which may be a rechargeable cell or cells. The power unit may be a direct current (DC) power unit.

[0033] The body may comprise the heater. The heater may comprise a heating element configured to convert electrical energy into heat. The heating element may be in the form of a wire, mesh or monolith. The heating element may be or comprise an infrared heating element. The heating element comprise nichrome, for example a nichrome wire or mesh. The heater may comprise a longitudinal axis. The heater, for example the longitudinal axis of the heater, may be concentric to the longitudinal axis of the body and / or the haircare appliance. The heating element may be cylindrical. The heating element may be annular. The heater may comprise a plurality of heating elements, for example four heating elements. The plurality of heating elements may be equally spaced apart from each other.

[0034] The body may comprise a barrel or a plate(s), such as a flat plate(s). The plate(s) or barrel may be referred to as a wand. The barrel may be configured such that hair can be wound around the barrel. Providing a barrel that enables hair to be wound around the barrel may help the heated air to break through the layers of hair. The barrel may enable the haircare appliance to be conveniently used in a variety of orientations. The plate(s) or barrel may be elongate and may comprise a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be parallel to or coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the haircare appliance.

[0035] The plate(s) or barrel may comprise the holes. For example, the plate(s) or barrel may be perforated (e.g., a perforated plate(s) or a perforated barrel). Providing the holes in the barrel may enable the barrel to be rotated along its axis without impacting airflow performance of the haircare appliance. The plate(s) or barrel may comprise the heater. The heating element, such as the nichrome wire, may be electrically isolated from the plate(s) or barrel. Each of the plurality of heating elements may occupy an annular portion of the barrel. When puffing heated air, in combination with the barrel, the layers of hair may be penetrated through more easily and potentially more evenly, therefore distributing the energy more efficiently into the hair to raise a temperature of the hair more effectively and efficiently.

[0036] The plate(s) or barrel may comprise a wall comprising the holes. The wall may comprise an inner wall surface, for example an annular inner wall surface. The plate(s) or barrel may comprise a plurality of wall surfaces, such as an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface. The inner wall surface may be an annular inner wall surface. The outer wall surface may be an annular outer wall surface. The inner and outer wall surfaces may be concentric to each other, for example with respect to the longitudinal axis of the plate(s) or barrel. The plate(s) or barrel may comprise an inner passage around the heater. The inner passage may be formed between the inner and outer wall surfaces. The inner passage may comprise an annular portion. For example, the inner passage may be between, for example annularly between, the inner and outer wall surfaces.

[0037] The airflow system may comprise an air space, such as the inner passage of the plate(s) or barrel, around the heater within which air is heated. The air space may be a space unoccupied by the heater. The airflow system may comprise a splitter to deflect the flow of air into the air space. The splitter may direct the flow of air annularly, for example annularly around the heater. The splitter may bifurcate the flow into a plurality of air spaces, for example, heat exchange cavities.

[0038] The haircare appliance may be a handheld haircare appliance. The body may comprise a handle. The handle may house at least a portion of the airflow system. Housing the airflow system in the handle may enable good weight distribution such that a centre of gravity of the haircare appliance is closer to the user’s hand. The handle may be elongate. The handle may comprise the oscillation member. The handle may comprise a longitudinal axis parallel to, for example coaxial with, the longitudinal axis of the plate(s) or barrel. The longitudinal axis of the handle may be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the plate(s) or barrel. The handle may comprise a housing. The housing of the handle may house the airflow system, such as the entire airflow system.

[0039] The plate(s) or barrel may be releasably attachable to the handle. Providing a releasable attachable plate(s) or barrel may enable the plate(s) or barrel to be services conveniently and / or allow for different plate(s) or barrels to be used with the same handle. The handle may comprise the splitter. The handle may comprise the power unit. The plate(s) or barrel may be releasably attachable to the handle using an attachment mechanism, such as magnetic coupling, a threaded screw, or a bayonet connection.

[0040] The plate(s) or barrel may comprise an upstream end (such as an upstream plate(s) end or an upstream barrel end) and a downstream end (such as a downstream plate(s) end or a downstream barrel end). The upstream end may be a proximal end, proximal to the handle of the haircare appliance, with respect to the downstream end, when the plate(s) or barrel and handle are connected. The downstream end may be a distal end, distal to the handle of the haircare appliance, with respect to the upstream end, when the plate(s) or barrel and handle are connected.

[0041] The haircare appliance may comprise a heat management system. The heat management system may be configured to manage a temperature of the airflow system. Managing a temperature of the airflow system may help to prolong a lifetime of the haircare appliance. The handle may comprise the heat management system. The haircare appliance may comprise a baffle. The baffle may be configured to separate a cool inflow of air, for use by the heat management system, from a warmer outflow of air, for release by the heat management system.

[0042] The heat management system may comprise a motor and a fan. The fan may comprise an impeller. The fan may be an axial fan, a radial fan or a mixed flow fan. The fan be a mixed flow fan comprising a radial flow component and an axial flow component. A rotation axis of the fan may be aligned, for example coaxial, with the longitudinal axis of the body. The fan may be referred to as a cooling fan such that the fan is used to regulate an internal temperature of the haircare appliance, such as an internal temperature of the handle. The motor may be the electric motor of the power unit. The rotation axis of the fan may be parallel to, for example coaxial with, the longitudinal axes of the handle, plate(s), barrel, and / or heater, and / or the axis of reciprocation or axis of oscillation of the, or each, oscillation member.

[0043] The haircare appliance may comprise a filter. The filter may be a removable filter such that the filter is releasably connected. The housing of the handle may house the airflow system. The filter may comprise a filtration region. The filtration region may be for filtering the flow of air though the haircare appliance. The filter may define an intake for cooling air to be supplied to the heat management system. Alternatively, the intake may define the first intake that supplies air to the airflow system for puffing. The filter may comprise a filtration media. The filtration media may be configured to remove airborne material from the flow of air and optionally trap the airborne material. The filtration media may be washable, for example using water. The filtration media may comprise a mesh. The filtration media may comprise a structure to trap airborne material. The structure may define a plurality of holes through which air can flow. The filtration media may comprise a fabric. The fabric may be woven and / or non-woven. The filter may comprise a filtration housing. The filtration housing may be for structurally supporting the filtration region. The filtration media may be structurally more deformable than the filtration housing. The filter may comprise a substantially circular or annular shape. The filter may comprise a cross-sectional shape that is generally elliptical.

[0044] The filter may comprise a bore, such as a blind bore or an open bore. The baffle of the heat management system may be configured to extend into the bore when the filter is fitted to the haircare appliance. The filter may be configured such that when inserted into the handle of the haircare appliance, the baffle is inserted into the filter through the blind or open bore.

[0045] The heater may comprise a heat source and a heat sink thermally coupled to the heat source. Providing a heat sink thermally coupled to the heat source may help to minimise complexity of the heat source. The heat source may comprise the heating element. The heat sink may be thermal coupled with the heat source, for example, by thermal conduction, convection and / or radiation from the heat source. The heat source and heat sink may be physically coupled, for example, directly physically coupled. The heat source and heat sink may not be physically coupled, for example, an air gap may exist between the heat source and heat sink.

[0046] The heat sink may extend radially outwardly from the heat source. Providing a heat source centrally to the heat sinks may be space efficient. The heat sink may comprise a fin or a plurality of fins extending away from the heat source. The heat source and / or the heat sink may be elongate. The fin or fins may extend radially outwardly from the heat source. The fin or fins may provide structural support.

[0047] The inner passage of the plate(s) or barrel may comprise an intermediate portion between the fins. The intermediate portion may comprise a single heat exchange cavity, for example, a fluted cavity or a plurality of heat exchange cavities, for example, sectors of a circle. The intermediate portion, for example, the single fluted heat exchange cavity, may comprise a central longitudinal void of the plate(s) or barrel. The number of heat exchange cavities may be the same as the number of fins. Surfaces of at least two of the fins may define a portion of a boundary of each heat exchange cavity.

[0048] The heat sink may extend radially inwardly from the heat source. Providing a heat source radially outwardly from the heat sink may enable the heat source to be positioned closer to the incoming air such that the air can heat up more rapidly without transferring heat through the heat sink.

[0049] The plate(s) or barrel may comprise the heater, for example, the heat source and / or the heat sink. The heat sink, for example the fin or fins, may provide structural support for the plate(s) or barrel, for example wall of the plate(s) or barrel, such as the inner wall surface and / or the outer wall surface of the plate(s) or barrel.

[0050] The heat source may be coupled, for example directly coupled, to the wall of the barrel, such as the annular inner wall surface of the barrel. The heat sink may be coupled, for example directly coupled, to the inner wall surface and / or the outer wall surface of the plate(s) or barrel. The heat source may be coupled by bonding.

[0051] The haircare appliance may comprise a controller. The controller may be in electronic communication with the airflow system. The controller may be for controlling operation of the airflow system. The controller may be for controlling operation of the airflow system, such that operation of the airflow system is inhibited by the controller unless the correct connection of the plate(s) or barrel is determined. Inhibiting the airflow system until the plate(s) or barrel is / are correctly connected protects the airflow system. The controller may be for determining the correct connection of the plate(s) or barrel on the basis of a detection signal from the sensor.

[0052] According to a second aspect, an appliance, such as a haircare appliance, is provided. The handheld haircare appliance may comprise a heater for heating air in a heat chamber. The handheld haircare appliance may comprise an airflow generator (such as a fan, an oscillating airflow generator or a reciprocating airflow generator) for blowing (e.g., discharging) heated air from the haircare appliance. The haircare appliance may be configured such that, in a first phase, air is heated by the heater and blown from the heat chamber by the airflow generator. The haircare appliance may be configured such that, in a second phase, the heated air is sucked back (e.g., drawn) into the heat chamber by the airflow generator and is reheated by the heater in the heat chamber. The haircare appliance may be configured such that, in a third phase, the reheated air is blown from the heat chamber by the airflow generator. Such haircare appliances may be more comfortable for a user and / or may enable the user to style their hair more closely to their roots.

[0053] According to a third aspect, a method of puffing air from an appliance, such as a haircare appliance is provided. The method may comprise discharging, by an airflow system, discrete puffs of air through one or more holes in a body.

[0054] The method may comprise discharging air that is heated by a heater. The method may comprise heating the air then discharging the air. Discharging discrete puffs of heated air may enable the haircare appliance to be used more comfortably. The method may comprise re-heating the discharged air, for example by recirculating the heated air.

[0055] The method may comprise bidirectionally flowing heated air through the holes in the body such that the heated air passes over the heater multiple times. Bidirectionally flowing heated air enables air that is warm by the heater to be subsequently inhaled. The hair of the user may be considered a relatively poor conductor of heat. Therefore, bidirectionally flowing heated air may require less energy input to raise the hair back to a desired temperature. Thus, more energy may be transferred to the hair by bidirectionally flowing heated air.

[0056] The method may comprise reducing a load supplied to heat the heater as a result of the bidirectionally flowing heated air such that an initial load on start-up exceeds the load thereafter. Reducing the load helps to provide a more sustainable haircare appliance as an energy demand is reduced, which can be considered better for the environment. Any feature or features of any one of the first to third aspects may be incorporated in any other of the first to third aspects. For example, a feature or features of the airflow system of the first aspect may be incorporated by the airflow system of the second aspect. For example, the method of the third aspect may comprise actions described in relation to either or both of the first and second aspects. Conversely, the first and second aspects may comprise features to achieve the actions of the third aspect.

[0057] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a haircare appliance in an intake state.

[0059] Figure 2 shows the first embodiment of the haircare appliance in a discharged state. Figures 3 to 7 show a first to fifth embodiment of a barrel attachment, respectively. Figure 8 shows a second embodiment of a haircare appliance in an intake state.

[0060] Figure 9 shows the second embodiment of the haircare appliance in a discharged state. Figure 10 shows a third embodiment of a haircare appliance in an intake state.

[0061] Figure 11 shows the third embodiment of the haircare appliance in a discharged state.

[0062] Figure 12 shows a fourth embodiment of a haircare appliance.

[0063] Figure 13 shows a fifth embodiment of a haircare appliance.

[0064] Figures 14 and 15 show a sixth embodiment of a haircare appliance.

[0065] Figure 16 shows a seventh embodiment of a haircare appliance.

[0066] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a first embodiment of a haircare appliance 101, in the form of a handheld hot hair styler, is shown. The haircare appliance 101 is a first embodiment of the haircare appliance and may be referred to as the first haircare appliance 101.

[0068] The haircare appliance 101 comprises an elongate body. The body comprises a handle 120 sized to be held by hand, and a barrel 110 releasably attached to the handle 120, such that the barrel 110 is an attachment. The body comprises a longitudinal axis 103 centrally along the length of the body. Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, the body comprises a circular cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the barrel may instead be provided as a plate (such as a flat plate) or plates (such as two flat plates). The barrel 100 comprises an annular outer wall surface 111 and an annular inner wall surface 113 arranged concentrically around the longitudinal axis 103 of the body, wherein the annular inner wall surface 113 is closer to the longitudinal axis 103 of the body than the annular outer wall surface 111.

[0069] The barrel 100 comprises a multiplicity of holes, shown, for example, as circular through holes. The barrel 100 may be referred to as a perforated body or perforated barrel. The holes extend from an outer hole end 112 and an inner hole end 114 formed within the annular outer wall surface 111 and the annular inner wall surface 113, respectively. The holes 112, 114 form a hole array extending around the barrel 110 and along the length of the barrel 110. The multiplicity of holes, in the hole array, are equally spaced. Each outer hole end 112 is radially and longitudinally aligned with each inner hole end 112, 114.

[0070] The haircare appliance 101 comprises a heater 115 in the form of a monolithic heating element. In some examples, the heater 115, provided as a heat source, is provided in a different manner as long as heat from the heat source can be transferred to air. For example, the heater 115 could be a ceramic, metal or wire heater or an infrared lamp. The heater 115 is concentric to longitudinal axis 103 of the body and extends along the longitudinal axis 103 within a central void formed by the annular inner wall surface 113 of the barrel 100. A space unoccupied by the heater 115 forms an inner passage around the heater 115. The inner passage comprises an annular portion 116 arranged annularly around the heater 115 and an end portion 108 arranged at a longitudinal end of the heater 115. An annular outer passage 118 also exists between the annular outer wall surface 111 and the annular inner wall surface 113.

[0071] The haircare appliance 101 comprises an airflow system housed in the handle 120. The airflow system comprises a reciprocating airflow generator in the form of a pump 140 and a power unit to drive the pump 140. The power unit comprises an electric motor 130 and a battery pack to supply power to the electric motor 130. The battery pack comprises cells 151, 153. The electric motor 130 comprises a stator 133 and a rotor 134. The haircare appliance 101 comprises a controller 150 electrically communicable with the power unit. The pump 140 comprises an oscillation member in the form of a piston 141, and a cylinder 149 defining a pressure chamber 142 within which the piston 141 reciprocates. A piston ring 143 is arranged circumferentially around the piston 141 and moves with the piston 141. The pump 140 comprises a crank 145 rotatable about a rotation axis 146 and rotatably coupled to an arm 147. The arm 147 is rotatably coupled to the piston 141. A splitter 144 occupies one end of the pressure chamber 142. The splitter 144 is frustoconical in shape, such that the splitter 144 tapers progressively outwardly with distance from the rotation axis 146 of the crank 145.

[0072] The pump 140 is shown in an intake state in Figure 1 and a discharged state in Figure 2. In the intake state, the piston 141 is fully retracted within the cylinder 149 to bottom dead centre (BDC). In the discharged state, the piston 141 is fully extended within the cylinder 149 to top dead centre (TDC). At BDC, the piston 141 is at a maximum distance from the splitter 144 and the pressure chamber 142 is at a maximum volume. In contrast, at TDC, the piston 141 is at a minimum distance to the splitter 144 and the pressure chamber 142 is at a minimum volume. The volume of air may be determined by a swept volume; that is, the length of stroke of the piston 141 and the diameter of the piston 141.

[0073] The haircare appliance 101 comprises a heat management system. The heat management system comprises a cooling volume 122, a cooling fan 131 coupled to the rotor, and a removable air filter 160. The removable air filter 160 comprises an inlet path 161 and an outlet path 163 communicable with the cooling volume 122. A baffle 135, arranged concentrically about the longitudinal axis 103 of the body, extends through the removable air filter 160 and into the cooling volume 122. In other examples, the heat management system may comprise liquid cooling, such as a cooling jacket. In some examples, the heat management system may comprise through-flow of air such that incoming air warms up from other components requiring cooling before being heated discharged by the haircare appliance 101.

[0074] The handle 120 comprises a housing 121 that houses the airflow system and the removable air filter 160. The haircare appliance 101 comprises an end cap 170 releasably attached to the housing 121 to retain the removable air filter 160. The haircare appliance 101 is configured to emit pulses of hot air to the wearer to enable the wearer to comfortably style their hair using the barrel 110. Such discrete puffs of heated air are discharged through the multiplicity of holes 112, 114 and the heated air is reintroduced before being puffed as reheated air. This operation occurs cyclically while the haircare appliance 101 is being used and a detailed description of the operation follows.

[0075] When the haircare appliance 101 is activated, the controller 150 controls the heater 115 to warm up and heat air in the inner passage 108, 116. The volume of air within the inner passage 108, 116 can be considered an initial volume of air that is heated and discharged, by puffing from, the haircare appliance 101.

[0076] Operating the pump 140 by the controller 150, for example, after a predetermined amount of time following the heater 115 warming up the initial volume of air, causes the crank 145 to rotate by rotation of the electric motor 130. Rotation of the crank 145 causes an end of the arm 147, coupled to the crank 145, to rotate with the crank 145, and the other end of the arm 147 to translate within the cylinder 149 by sliding frictional movement of the piston ring 143 along walls of the cylinder. Such initial movement results in the piston 141 moving in an upstroke from BDC (Figure 1) to TDC (Figure 2) to generate a flow of air. The flow of air comprises initially discharging air from the inner passage 108, 116, through the multiplicity of holes 112, 114, and away from the haircare appliance 101. Discharging the initial volume of heated air in this manner is considered as one discrete “puff”; for example, a first puff. Discharging the initial volume and subsequent volumes is considered as “puffing” and comprises multiple discrete puffs.

[0077] Once the piston 141 reaches TDC (Figure 2), the piston 141 moves in a downstroke and is drawn back down the cylinder 149, under the action of the electric motor 130, crank 145, and arm 147, to reach BDC (Figure 1). In doing so, the piston 141 generates a negative pressure and causes a subsequent volume of air to be drawn back through the multiplicity of holes 112, 114 and into the pressure chamber 142. Under certain conditions, for example, under certain rotational speeds of the crank 145, the subsequent volume of air comprises at least a portion of the heated air previously discharged. The subsequent volume of air passes over the heater 115 and warms up by thermal transfer with the heater 115. When the subsequent volume comprises at least a portion of the heated air previously discharged, the air is recirculated over the heater and pre-heated such that a temperature of the subsequent volume, on average, is greater than a temperature of the initial volume (before being heated), on average. Thus, a load on the heater 115 can be reduced over time.

[0078] A second puff of heated air occurs when the piston 141 moves, for the second time, from BDC (Figure 1) to TDC (Figure 2). The process of ingesting relatively cooler air and exhaling relatively hotter air occurs repeatedly while the pump 140 and heater 115 are in operation. In this example, a frequency of the puffing is indicative of the rotational speed of the crank 145.

[0079] Overtime, internal components of the haircare appliance 101, such as the electric motor 130 may become warm and require cooling. The cooling fan 131 is therefore provided to draw cooling air along the inlet path 161 into the cooling volume 122 and to circulate the cooling air within the cooling volume 122 before expending the cooling air along the outlet path 163 and from the haircare appliance 101. Locating the removable air filter 160 within the inlet path 161 and outlet path 163 enables the cooling air to be filter on entry and / or exit. In the example provided, the pump 140 is within the cooling volume 122 and so may be temperature regulated by the cooling fan 131.

[0080] Referring to Figures 3 to 7, first to fifth alternative barrel attachments for the first haircare appliance 101 are shown, respectively. The alternative barrel attachments are shown by way of second to sixth embodiments of the barrel attachment, and are referred to as second to sixth barrel attachments 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, respectively. Features of the second to sixth barrel attachments 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 are essentially the same as the first barrel attachment 110 described previously, and only the differences are discussed in detail. Like features for the second to sixth barrel attachments 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 are given numerals incremented by 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500, respectively.

[0081] All of the second to sixth barrel attachments 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 comprise a multiplicity of through holes formed between outer hole ends 212, 312, 412, 512, 612 radially aligned with inner hole ends 214, 314, 414, 514, 614 (the radial alignment of the inner and outer hole ends is visible in each of Figures 3 to 7). The outer hole ends 212, 312, 412, 512, 612 are formed in an annular outer wall surface 211, 311, 411, 511, 611 and the inner hole ends 214, 314, 414, 514, 614 are formed in an annular inner wall surface 213, 313, 413, 513, 613. The second to sixth barrel attachments 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 comprise an inner passage comprising an intermediate portion 216, 316, 416, 516A, 516B, 616 and an end portion (not shown), and an annular outer passage 218, 318, 418, 518, 618 between the annular outer wall surface 211, 311, 411, 511, 611 and the annular inner wall surface 213, 313, 413, 513, 613.

[0082] The second to sixth barrel attachments 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 comprise a heater comprising a source of heat generation in the form of a heat source. The second to fourth and sixth barrel attachments 210, 310, 410, 610 comprise a heat conductor in the form of a heat sink.

[0083] In the second, fourth and sixth barrel attachments 210, 410, 610, the heat source comprises a single cylindrical heat source 215, 415, 615 arranged at the core, and the heat sink comprises fins 217B, 417B, 617 that extend radially outwardly (second and fourth barrel attachments 210, 410) or inwardly (sixth barrel attachment 610) with respect to the respective axis of the cylindrical heat source 215, 415, 615 (the cross-sectional views show the view into the longitudinal axis).

[0084] In the second barrel attachment 210, the heat sink comprises an annular inner portion 217A and eight fins 217B that are equally spaced around a circumference of the annular inner portion 217A. Each fin 217B extends radially outwardly from the annular inner portion 217A to the annular inner wall surface 213.

[0085] In the fourth barrel attachment 410, the heat sink comprises an annular inner portion 417A and sixteen fins 417B that are equally spaced around a circumference of the annular inner portion 417A. Each fin 417B extends radially outwardly from the annular inner portion 417A to the annular inner wall surface 413. In the sixth barrel attachment 610, the heat sink comprises sixteen fins 617 that are equally spaced around a circumference of the annular inner wall surface 413. Each fin 617 extends radially inwardly from the annular inner wall surface 613 and narrows towards the cylindrical heat source 615. Enlarging each fin 617 towards the inner hole ends 614 may enable heat to be more effectively transferred to the air before the air is discharged and / or to reheat ingested air more quickly.

[0086] The heat sink of the third barrel attachment 310 comprises four annularly segmented heat sources 315 equally spaced around an inner circumference of the annular inner wall surface 313, and the heat sink comprises fins in the form of four rounded rectangular extensions 317 extending radially inwardly from the respective rounded rectangular extension 317.

[0087] The intermediate portion 216 of the second barrel attachment 210 comprises eight circular sector heat exchange cavities, whereas the intermediate portion 316 of the second alternative barrel attachment 310 comprises a single fluted heat exchange cavity with two pairs of diametrically opposed cavities that progressively widen with radius. The intermediate portion 416 of the fourth barrel attachment 410 comprises sixteen circular sector heat exchange cavities. In contrast, the intermediate portion 616 of the sixth barrel attachment 610 comprises sixteen approximately constant cross-section heat exchange cavities.

[0088] The configuration of the second barrel attachment 210 provides enhanced heat transfer by increasing an effective surface area in contact with the air. The configuration of the fourth and sixth barrel attachments 410, 610 further enhance the heat transfer by further increasing effective surface area in contact with the air. The configuration of the third barrel attachment 310 provides enhanced localised heating in the annular outer passage 218, 318 as a consequence of a position of the four annularly segmented heat sources 315 much closer to the annular outer passage 218, 318.

[0089] The fifth barrel attachment 510 comprises an annular heat source 515, as opposed to a cylindrical heat source arranged at the core. The annular heat source 515 is in the form of an electrically isolated heat source. The electrically isolated heat source comprises nichrome wire in the form of a mesh that is arranged to heat up near to the inner hole ends 514.

[0090] The intermediate portion of the fifth barrel 510 comprises an annular cavity 516B and a cylindrical cavity 516A arranged inwardly of the annular cavity 516B.

[0091] The haircare appliance 101, and operation of the haircare appliance 101 described above, ensures hot air is puffed a predetermined distance that is conservative compared to say a hair drier that blows of hot air with significant more force. This enables the haircare appliance 101 to be used nearer to the scalp, face and skin of the user.

[0092] Reciprocating the piston 141 back-and-forth is one example by which to achieve puffing. In other examples, the pump 140 may be a swash plate pump comprising a swash plate to drive translation of the piston 141 along the cylinder 149. An example of this is shown in the haircare appliance 1101 according to the sixth embodiment, shown in Figures 14 and 15, and described in more detail below.

[0093] In some examples, multiple pistons 141 may be used. An example of this is shown in the haircare appliance 901 according to the fourth embodiment, shown in Figure 12, and described in more detail below. The multiples pistons 141 may have a lower inertia individually such that changes in airflow caused by the pump 140 can be implemented quicker.

[0094] In other examples, the oscillation member may translate under electromagnetic action. For example, the oscillation member may be part of, or move as a result of, a solenoid or a linear motor. An example of this is shown in the haircare appliance 801 according to the third embodiment, shown in Figures 10 and 11, and described in more detail below. The oscillation member may be or may comprise a diaphragm or a membrane, rather than the piston 141. An example of this is shown in the haircare appliance 1001 according to the fifth embodiment, shown in Figure 13, and described in more detail below. The diaphragm or a membrane may be configured to deform to generate a pulse of air through the multiplicity of holes by generating positive and negative pressure changes. For example, the airflow system may be a speaker. As the speaker, comprising the diaphragm as the oscillation member, pulses back-and-forth, the diaphragm creates sound waves that push air into and out of the pressure chamber 142 and / or the inner passage (via the through holes). An amount of movement of the oscillation member may vary to cause a change in a strength and / or volume of puff. In some examples, the oscillation member may be biased such that the oscillation member recoils under a preload, such as the preload of a spring.

[0095] The airflow system may comprise a valve or a series of valves. The valve(s) may be used to generate a charge of air, for example in the pressure chamber 142. An example of this is shown in the haircare appliance 701 according to the second embodiment, shown in Figures 8 and 9, and described in more detail below. The valve(s) may be used to release a charge of pressurised air to pass over the heater air and discharge out via the through holes. The valve(s) may be a one-way valve. The valve(s) may be operable by the controller 150. The valve(s) may be used to manipulate the airflow to generate a negative pressure and a positive pressure without the pump 140 achieving that directly. Air may be brought into the pressure chamber 142 without first passing over the heater. The air may be released from the pressure chamber 142 and then pass over the heater for the first time before being discharged via the multiplicity of holes.

[0096] The haircare appliance 101 may vary in form, yet still generate air flow by puffing. Some non-exhaustive examples include the body being non-elongate, having a non-circular cross- sectional shape, and / or provided in a form different to the barrel 110. The multiplicity of holes may be arranged differently in an array or with respect to other arrays. The body may comprise only a single wall defining the multiplicity of holes or more than two walls. The through holes may be non-circular. The heater may be offset with respect to a longitudinal axis of the body. The body may be provided as one piece, such that the barrel 110 is not releasably attachable in normal use such that the barrel 110 is integral to the handle 120.

[0097] The heat source may be non-cylindrical, non-circular and / or non-annular. The heat sink may comprise a different number of fins 217B, 417B, 617 (including, a single fin 217B, 417B, 617) or rounded rectangular extensions 317 (including, a single rounded rectangular extension 317). The rounded rectangular extensions 317 may be non-rectangular and / or non-rounded. The heat sink may not be radial, such as radially outward or inward. A different number and / or cross-sectional shape of heat exchange cavities may be provided.

[0098] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the second embodiment of the haircare appliance 701 (referred to as the second haircare appliance 701), also in the form of a handheld hot hair styler, is shown. Features of the second haircare appliance 701 are essentially the same as the first haircare appliance 101 described previously, and only the differences are discussed in detail for brevity. Like features for the second haircare appliance 701 are given numerals incremented by 600 from the first haircare appliance 101.

[0099] The second haircare appliance 701 comprises an elongate body with a longitudinal axis 703, barrel attachment 710, a handle 720, a heater 715, and an end cap 770. The barrel 710 comprises an annular outer wall surface 711, an annular inner wall surface 713, through holes between outer hole ends 712 and inner hole ends 714, an annular portion 716, an annular outer passage 718, and an end portion 708. The handle 720 comprises a housing 721 that houses the airflow system and a removable air filter 760. The airflow system comprises a reciprocating airflow generator in the form of a pump 740 and a power unit to drive the pump 740. The pump 740 comprises a piston 741, a piston ring 743, an arm 747, and a cylinder 749 defining a pressure chamber 742 within which the piston 141 reciprocates, and a frustoconical splitter 744.

[0100] In contrast to the first haircare appliance 101, the piston 741 of the second haircare appliance 701 translates under electromagnetic action. Instead of being rotatably coupled to the piston (as shown in the first haircare appliance 101), the arm 747 of the second haircare appliance 701 extending from the piston 741 is rotatably restrained relative to the piston 741. That is, the arm 747 cannot rotate with respect to the piston 741.

[0101] The pump 740 of the second haircare appliance 701 comprises a set of coil windings and a set of magnets that work together to drive the piston 741 back-and-forth along the cylinder 749 (instead of a crank). The set of coil windings comprises rear coil winding 745 and front coil winding 745B. The set of magnets comprises a rear magnet 746 and a front magnet 746B. The set of coil windings are energised by a power unit comprising a battery pack (not shown) to supply power to the set of coil windings. The rear coil winding 745 and front coil winding 745B are alternately energised to drive the magnets 746, 746B provided on the arm 747, and displace the piston 741 back-and-forth. A bias, in the form of a tension spring 748, draws the piston 741 back to a rest position, as shown by Figure 8. In some embodiments, a compression spring may be used, and for example, the rest position may be the view shown in Figure 9. When the set of coil windings 745, 745B are energised, the piston 741 is driven towards the splitter 744 to push the air within the pressure chamber 742A.

[0102] The housing 721 comprises an inner wall surface 749A. Between an external wall of the cylinder 749 and the inner wall surface 749A, an annular chamber 742A is shown. Further, a set of valves, comprising rear valves 780 and front valves 782, is shown. The set of valves provide control of airflow within and out of the pressure chamber 742 and the annular chamber 742A. Each of the rear valves 780 and front valves 782 are set to open at a predetermined pressure (although may be controllable to open by the controller). For example, when the piston 741 is at BDC (Figure 8) the rear valve 780 open to allow air to enter into and fill the annular chamber 742A and the pressure chamber 742. The air flows from the external environment through the filter 760 along an inlet path 761. This is achieved by the piston 741 generating a negative pressure having been driven down from TDC (Figure 9). At BDC, the front valves 782 are closed to prevent air from exiting the pressure chamber 742 and annular chamber 742A and entering the barrel attachment 710. Electromagnetic action of the rear coil winding 745 repels the rear magnet 746 and drives the piston 741 away from BDC. Shortly afterwards (or simultaneously), the front coil winding 745B are energised to attract the front magnet 746B and draw the piston 741 to TDC (Figure 9). When the piston 741 moves away from BDC, the rear valves 780 close to allow pressure to rise inside the pressure chamber 742 and annular chamber 742A. At the desired time, for example at or around TDC, the front valves 782 open and the pressurised air is released into the barrel attachment 710. The air is heated by the heater 715 and is discharged through the multiplicity of holes 712, 714.

[0103] To drive the piston 741 back from TDC to BDC, the front coil winding 745B repel the rear magnet 746 and attract the front magnet 746B, and the rear coil winding 745 attract the rear magnet 746. In this example, the force of the tension spring 748 supplements the force derived by the electromagnetic action to draw back the piston 741. In some instances, the force of the tension spring 748 may be the only force used to draw back the piston 741.

[0104] In an alternative embodiment to the second haircare appliance 701, the rear valves 780 may be absent (or permanently closed) such that air enters back through the multiplicity of holes 712, 714 and recirculates over the heater 715 and in the chambers 742, 742 A. The annular chamber 742A may be absent. In some embodiments, the rear valves 780 may be controllable to achieve this affect, such that they close when recirculation is required.

[0105] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the third embodiment of the haircare appliance 801 (referred to as the third haircare appliance 801), also in the form of a handheld hot hair styler, is shown. Features of the third haircare appliance 801 are essentially the same as the first haircare appliance 101 described previously, and only the differences are discussed in detail for brevity. Like features for the third haircare appliance 801 are given numerals incremented by 700 from the first haircare appliance 101.

[0106] The third haircare appliance 801 comprises an elongate body with a longitudinal axis 803, barrel attachment 810, a handle 820, a heater 815, and an end cap 870. The barrel 810 comprises an annular outer wall surface 811, an annular inner wall surface 813, through holes between outer hole ends 812 and inner hole ends 814, an annular portion 816, an annular outer passage 818, and an end portion 808. The handle 820 comprises a housing 821 that houses the airflow system and a removable air filter 860. The airflow system comprises a reciprocating airflow generator in the form of a pump 840 and a power unit to drive the pump 840. The pump 840 comprises a piston 841, a piston ring 843, an arm 847, and a cylinder 849 defining a pressure chamber 842 within which the piston 841 reciprocates. A frustoconical splitter 844 occupies one end of the pressure chamber 842. The third haircare appliance 801 comprises a heat management system comprising a cooling volume 822, a cooling fan 831 driven by an electric motor 830 comprising a stator 833 and a rotor 834, and the removable air filter 160. The removable air filter 860 comprises an inlet path 861 and an outlet path 863 communicable with the cooling volume 822. A baffle 835, arranged concentrically about the longitudinal axis 803 of the body, extends through the removable air filter 860 and into the cooling volume 822.

[0107] Similarly, to the second haircare appliance 701, the piston 841 of the third haircare appliance 801 translates under electromagnetic action such that the arm 847 cannot rotate with respect to the piston 841.

[0108] The pump 840 of the third haircare appliance 801 comprises rear coil winding 845 and a set of magnets that work together to drive the piston 841 back-and-forth along the cylinder 849 (instead of a crank). The set of magnets comprises a rear magnet 846 and a front magnet 846B. The rear coil winding 845 is energised by a power unit comprising a battery pack (not shown) to supply power to the set of coil windings. The rear coil winding 745 is alternately energised to drive the magnets 846, 846B provided on the arm 847, and displace the piston 841 back-and-forth. A bias, in the form of a tension spring 848, draws the piston 841 back to a rest position, as shown by Figure 10. In some embodiments, a compression spring may be used, and for example, the rest position may be the view shown in Figure 11.

[0109] When the rear coil winding 845 is energised, the piston 841, at BDC (Figure 10), is driven towards the splitter 844 to push the air within the pressure chamber 842 towards TDC (Figure 11). In contrast to the second haircare appliance 801, no annular chamber is shown, and no valves are used to control airflow. Also, the electromagnet arrangement is somewhat simpler, which may enable a more compact design. The second haircare appliance 801 utilises recirculation to reduce an energy demand on the heater 815.

[0110] Further embodiments of the haircare appliance are shown with the haircare appliance in one position, rather than two. Nevertheless, the working principles are described.

[0111] A fourth embodiment of the haircare appliance 901 (referred to as the fourth haircare appliance 901), also in the form of a handheld hot hair styler, is shown in Figure 12. Features of the fourth haircare appliance 901 are essentially the same as the first haircare appliance 101 described previously, and only the differences are discussed in detail for brevity. Like features for the fourth haircare appliance 901 are given numerals incremented by 800 from the first haircare appliance 101.

[0112] The fourth haircare appliance 901 comprises an elongate body with a longitudinal axis 903, barrel attachment 910, a handle 920, a heater 915, and an end cap 970. The barrel 910 comprises an annular outer wall surface 911, an annular inner wall surface 913, through holes between outer hole ends 912 and inner hole ends 914, an annular portion 916, an annular outer passage 918, and an end portion 908. The handle 920 comprises a housing 921 that houses the airflow system and a removable air filter 960. The airflow system comprises a reciprocating airflow generator in the form of a pump 940 and a power unit to drive the pump 940.

[0113] The fourth haircare appliance 901 operates in essentially the same manner as the first haircare appliance 101, except that two pistons 941, 94 IB are provided for the pump 940 instead of one. That is, the pump 940 is a dual piston pump. The dual piston pump 940 comprises a first piston 941 with a first piston ring 943 and a first cylinder 949 defining a first pressure chamber 942 within which the first piston 941 reciprocates. The first piston 941 is rotatably connected to a crank 945 (rotatable about a rotation axis 946) via a first arm 947. The dual piston pump 940 comprises a second piston 94 IB with a second piston ring 943B, rotatably connected to the crank 945 via a second arm 947B, and a second cylinder 949B defining a second pressure chamber 942B within which the second piston 941B reciprocates. A frustoconical splitter 944 is shown that divides the pressure chambers 942, 942B, rather than dividing flow within a chamber, as what the case for the first haircare appliance 101.

[0114] The dual piston pump 940 is powered by a power unit. The power unit comprises an electric motor 930 comprising a stator 933 and a rotor 934.

[0115] The haircare appliance 901 comprises a heat management system comprising a cooling volume 922, a cooling fan 931 driven by the electric motor 930, and the removable air filter 960. The removable air filter 960 comprises an inlet path 961 and an outlet path 963 communicable with the cooling volume 922. A baffle 935, arranged concentrically about the longitudinal axis 903 of the body, extends through the removable air filter 960 and into the cooling volume 922.

[0116] The dual piston pump 940 operates in the same manner as the first haircare appliance 101, except that the first piston 941 is out of phase with the second piston 941B. In this instance, the first piston 941 directly opposes the motion of the second piston 941B, such that pistons 941, 94 IB are out of phase by 180 degrees (when the first piston 941 is BDC, the second piston 94 IB is TDC). The dual piston pump 940 may help to improve efficiency and frequency of puffing over a single piston pump, for example.

[0117] A fifth embodiment of the haircare appliance 1001 (referred to as the fifth haircare appliance 1001), also in the form of a handheld hot hair styler, is shown in Figure 13. Features of the fifth haircare appliance 701 are essentially the same as the first haircare appliance 101 described previously, and only the differences are discussed in detail for brevity. Like features for the fifth haircare appliance 1001 are given numerals incremented by 900 from the first haircare appliance 101.

[0118] The fifth haircare appliance 1001 comprises an elongate body with a longitudinal axis 1003, barrel attachment 1010, a handle 1020, a heater 1015, and an end cap 1070. The barrel 1010 comprises an annular outer wall surface 1011, an annular inner wall surface 1013, through holes between outer hole ends 1012 and inner hole ends 1014, an annular portion 1016, an annular outer passage 1018, and an end portion 1008. The handle 1020 comprises a housing 1021 that houses the airflow system and a removable air filter 1060.

[0119] The haircare appliance 1001 comprises a heat management system comprising a cooling volume 1022, a cooling fan 1031 driven by an electric motor 1030 (comprising a stator 1033 and a rotor 1034), and the removable air filter 1060. The removable air filter 1060 comprises an inlet path 1061 and an outlet path 1063 communicable with the cooling volume 1022. A baffle 1035, arranged concentrically about the longitudinal axis 1003 of the body, extends through the removable air filter 1060 and into the cooling volume 1022. In contrast to the first to fourth haircare appliances 101, 701, 801, 901 described to now, the airflow system of the fifth haircare appliance 1001 comprises a reciprocating airflow generator in the form of a speaker 1040. A power unit drives the speaker 1040. The speaker 1040 comprises an oscillation member in the form of a diaphragm 1041, a cylinder 1049 defining a pressure chamber 1042 within which the diaphragm 1041 oscillates, and a frustoconical splitter 1044. The diaphragm 1041 translates under electromagnetic action. The speaker 1040 comprises a coil winding 1045 and a magnet 1046 that works together to drive the diaphragm 1041 back-and-forth at one end of the cylinder 1049. The diaphragm 1041 enables the airflow generator (the speaker 1040 in this example) to have a low inertia such that airflow changes can be made quickly. Nevertheless, the pumping power of the speaker 1040 may be limited compared to embodiments that make use of a pump because the diaphragm 1041 may, in comparison, displace a smaller volume of air.

[0120] A sixth embodiment of the haircare appliance 1101 (referred to as the sixth haircare appliance 1101), also in the form of a handheld hot hair styler, is shown in Figure 14 and 15. Features of the sixth haircare appliance 1101 are essentially the same as the first haircare appliance 101 described previously, and only the differences are discussed in detail for brevity. Like features for the sixth haircare appliance 1101 are given numerals incremented by 1000 from the first haircare appliance 101.

[0121] The sixth haircare appliance 1101 comprises an elongate body with a longitudinal axis 1103, barrel attachment 1110, a handle 1120, a heater 1115, and an end cap 1170. The barrel 1110 comprises an annular outer wall surface 1111, an annular inner wall surface 1113, through holes between outer hole ends 1112 and inner hole ends 1114, an annular portion 1116. The handle 1120 comprises a housing 1121 that houses the airflow system and a removable air filter 1160. The airflow system comprises a reciprocating airflow generator in the form of a pump 1140 and a power unit to drive the pump 1140.

[0122] The sixth haircare appliance 1101 comprises a heat management system comprising a cooling volume 1122, a cooling fan 1131 driven by an electric motor 1130 comprising a stator 1133 and a rotor 1134, and the removable air filter 160. The removable air filter 1160 comprises an inlet path 1161 and an outlet path 1163 communicable with the cooling volume 1122.

[0123] Not shown in other embodiments of the haircare appliance, but equally applicable to them, is a display screen 1190 for displaying information to a user, such as a frequency of discrete puffs, an air temperature of the discrete puffs, a total volume of the discrete puffs, and life of battery remaining. Also shown, and equally applicable to the other embodiments, is a power connection end 1155 connectable to a power cable for charging an onboard battery.

[0124] The sixth haircare appliance 1101 operates in essentially the same manner as the first haircare appliance 101, except that the pump 1140 is a swash plate pump. That is, the pump 1140 comprises a swash plate 1145, in the form of a disc, which rotates about an axis 1146 to drive a piston 1141 back-and-forth.

[0125] The swash plate pump 1140 comprises a piston 1141 with a piston ring 1143 and a cylinder 1149 defining a pressure chamber 1142 within which the piston 1141 reciprocates. The piston 1141 is connected to the swash plate 1145 via an arm 1147. A frustoconical splitter 1144 is shown that divides flow into the pressure chamber 1142.

[0126] The piston 1141 is moved back-and-forth along the cylinder 1149 by rotation of the swash plate 1145. The swash plate 1145 is angled with respect to a hub 1145A with which the swash plate 1145 rotates about the axis 1146. The piston 1141 and the cylinder 1149 is offset to the axis 1146. The angle is around 107 degrees in one direction and 73 degrees in an opposite direction. As the swash plate 1145 rotates, the angle of the swash plate 1145, at the location where the swash plate 1145 is coupled to the arm 1147, changes within a range of 34 degrees. The change of angle of the swash plate 1145 as the swash plate 1145 rotates causes the piston 1141 to move back-and-forth along the cylinder 1149 via a force exerted by the swash plate 1145 on the arm 1147. Although not shown, the piston 1141 is biased by a spring to the BDC position shown in Figure 14 and 15. The spring enables the arm 1147 and swash plate 1145 to maintain contact while the swash plate 1145 rotates. In other examples, the piston 141 is rotated around the axis 1146 and the swash plate 1145 is fixed, rather than the swash plate 1145 rotating around the axis 1146.

[0127] A seventh embodiment of the haircare appliance 1201 (referred to as the seventh haircare appliance 1201), also in the form of a handheld hot hair styler, is shown in Figure 16. Features of the seventh haircare appliance 1201 are essentially the same as the first haircare appliance 101 described previously, and only the differences are discussed in detail for brevity. Like features for the seventh haircare appliance 1201 are given numerals incremented by 1100 from the first haircare appliance 101.

[0128] The sixth haircare appliance 1201 comprises an elongate body with a longitudinal axis 1203, barrel attachment 1210, a handle 1220, a heater 1215, and an end cap 1270. The barrel 1210 comprises an annular outer wall surface 1211, an annular inner wall surface 1213, through holes between outer hole ends 1212 and inner hole ends 1214, an annular portion 1216. The handle 1220 comprises a housing 1221 that houses the airflow system and a removable air filter 1260.

[0129] The airflow system comprises an airflow generator in the form of a fan 1240 and a power unit to drive the fan 1240. The fan 1240 is provided within a volume 1249 of the handle 1220. A baffle 1235, arranged concentrically about the longitudinal axis 1203 of the body, extends through the removable air filter 1260 and into the volume 1249. The power unit comprises an electric motor 1230 comprising a stator and a rotor. The power unit comprises a battery pack to supply power to the electric motor 1230. The battery pack comprises cells 1251, 1253. The seventh haircare appliance 1201 comprises a controller 1250 electrically communicable with the power unit.

[0130] The fan 1240 comprises two axial fans 1241, 1241B. The two axial fans 1241, 1241B work in combination (together) to suck and blow the air in and out of the barrel attachment 1210. In some examples, the two axial fans 1241, 1241B may work independently. For example, one of the two axial fans 1241, 1241B may be configured to suck air into the barrel attachment 1210, and the other one of the two axial fans 1241, 1241B act may be configured to blow air out of the barrel attachment 1210. In some examples, one of the two axial fans 1241, 1241B may be used alone in a low-power mode, and both of the two axial fans 1241, 1241B may be used in combination in a high-power mode.

[0131] Features that are compatible between embodiments may not be discussed in every embodiment. For example, the sixth haircare appliance 1101 comprises an annular outer passage and an end portion, as shown in the figures of, and discussed in relation to, the first haircare appliance 101; however, the annular outer passage and an end portion are not discussed above in relation to the sixth haircare appliance 1101. Even though not shown in the respective figures, each of the second to seventh haircare appliances 701, 801, 901, 1001, 1101, 1201 comprise a controller and a power source, such as battery pack, to supply power to drive the pump in the same way as described for the first haircare appliance 101.

[0132] The second to sixth barrel attachments 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 are described above for the first haircare appliance 101. Nevertheless, the second to sixth barrel attachments 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 can equally be incorporated by any one of the second to seventh haircare appliances 701, 801, 901, 1001, 1101, 1201.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A haircare appliance comprising: a body having one or more holes; and an airflow system configured to discharge discrete puffs of air through the holes.

2. The haircare appliance according to claim 1, wherein the airflow system is configured to draw in air through the holes, and discharge the air back through the holes as discrete puffs.

3. The haircare appliance according to claim 2, wherein the airflow system is configured to draw in at least a part of the discharged air as recirculated air through the holes.

4. The haircare appliance according to claim 3, wherein between 10% and 50% of the discharged air is drawn in as recirculated air.

5. The haircare appliance according to claim 1, wherein the airflow system is configured to draw in air through an inlet other than the holes, and discharge the air through the holes as discrete puffs.

6. The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, comprising a heater, wherein the airflow system is configured to move air over the heater to generate heated air, and to discharge the heated air through the holes as discrete puffs of heated air.

7. The haircare appliance according to claim 5, wherein the heater comprises a heat source and a heat sink thermally coupled to the heat source.

8. The haircare appliance according to claim 6, wherein the heat sink extends radially from the heat source.

9. The haircare appliance according to any one of claim 6 to claim 8, wherein the airflow system is configured to move discharged air over the heater to generate the heated air.

10. The haircare appliance according to any one of claim 6 to claim 9, wherein the airflow system moves air over the heater as discrete puffs.

11. The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the airflow system comprises a pump or a speaker to generate the discrete puffs of air.

12. The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein a frequency of the discrete puffs of air is less than or equal to 10 Hz.

13. The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein a volumetric flow rate of each discrete puff is less than or equal to 100 millilitres per second.

14. The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein a total volume of air discharged in each discrete puff is less than or equal to 20 millilitres.

15. The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein a temperature of each discrete puff is between 50 and 150 degrees Celsius.

16. The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the airflow system comprises a pressure chamber to charge air, and a discharge valve to discharge each discrete puff of air from the pressure chamber.

17. The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a barrel and a handle, and the barrel comprises the holes.

18. The haircare appliance according to claim 17, wherein the barrel is releasably attachable to the handle.

19. The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, comprising a heat management system to manage a temperature of the airflow system.

20. A haircare appliance comprising: a heater for heating air in a heat chamber; and an airflow generator for blowing heated air from the haircare appliance; wherein the haircare appliance is configured such that: in a first phase, air is heated by the heater and blown from the heat chamber by the airflow generator; in a second phase, the heated air is sucked back into the heat chamber by the airflow generator and is reheated by the heater in the heat chamber; and in a third phase, the reheated air is blown from the heat chamber by the airflow generator.

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