HAIRCARE APPLIANCE

Abstract

A haircare appliance has an air inlet, an air outlet, and an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet. The haircare appliance has a signal generator configured to generate a signal indicative of hair contacting the haircare appliance. The airflow generator includes a first operating mode in which the airflow generator generates airflow at a first flow rate, and a second operating mode in which the airflow generator generates airflow at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate. The airflow generator is configured to operate in the first operating mode in the absence of the signal and in the second operating mode in the presence of the signal.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a haircare appliance, a removable attachment for a haircare appliance, and a handle unit for a haircare appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Haircare appliances are generally used to treat or style hair, and some haircare appliances may treat or style hair using airflow. To provide versatility in treating and styling hair some haircare appliances provide airflow at a variable flow rate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a haircare appliance comprising: an air inlet; an air outlet; an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; and a signal generator configured to generate a signal indicative of hair contacting the haircare appliance; wherein the airflow generator comprises a first operating mode in which the airflow generator generates airflow at a first flow rate, and a second operating mode in which the airflow generator generates airflow at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate, and the airflow generator is configured to operate in the first operating mode in the absence of the signal and in the second operating mode in the presence of the signal.

The haircare appliance according to the first aspect of the present invention may be advantageous as the airflow generator operates in a first operating mode having a first flow rate in the absence of a signal indicative of hair contacting the haircare appliance, for example when hair does not contact the haircare appliance, and the airflow generator operates in a second operating mode having a second, higher, flow rate in the presence of a signal indicative of hair contacting the haircare appliance, for example when hair does contact the haircare appliance.

This may provide for automatic switching of the haircare appliance between the first and second operating modes of the airflow generator, which may provide for enhanced user experience, for example by not requiring a user to manually switch between the first and second operating modes in use.

Furthermore, in use of known haircare appliances that may operate at different flow rates, in view of the need to manually switch between operating modes having different flow rates a user may often simply set the haircare appliance to a high flow mode for the duration of a styling session. This may provide inefficient operation, and furthermore may provide less control over styling of hair. For example, as the haircare appliance is set to a high flow mode before contacting hair, the hair, which may have already been styled, may be disturbed by the high flow as the haircare appliance is moved toward the hair before the high flow is needed. The haircare appliance according to the first aspect of the present invention may provide for more efficient operation and enhanced control over styling of hair in view of switching between operating modes having different flow rates in response to a signal indicative of hair contacting the haircare appliance.

The first flow rate may comprise a flow rate of zero, for example with the airflow generator configured to generate no airflow in the first operating mode. A flow rate of zero may ensure no interaction with hair until desired. The first flow rate may comprise a non-zero flow rate.

A non-zero flow rate may provide an improved heater response time when compared to a flow rate of zero.

The second flow rate may comprise a flow rate selected by a user, for example selected from a plurality of available flow rates by a user operating a user interface of the haircare appliance when the haircare appliance is in the first operating mode.

The signal may be indicative of physical contact of hair with the haircare appliance, or may be indicative of potential contact of hair with the haircare appliance. The signal generator may be configured to generate the signal when hair is no more than 1 cm, no more than 0.5 cm, or no more than 0.25 cm away from the haircare appliance. Such a distance may be considered as hair being sufficiently close to warrant operation of the airflow generator in the second operating mode. The signal generator may be configured to generate the signal when hair is in physical contact with the haircare appliance. The signal generator may be configured to generate the signal when a pre-determined volume of hair is in physical contact with the haircare appliance. The signal may be indicative of contact of hair with the haircare appliance and a force applied to the haircare appliance by hair. The signal generator may be configured to generate the signal when hair is in contact with the haircare appliance and a force is applied by hair to the haircare appliance.

The signal generator may be configured to generate a further signal indicative of hair not contacting the haircare appliance, and the airflow generator may be configured to operate in the first operating mode in the presence of the further signal. The further signal may comprise a zero-value or non-zero-value signal.

The haircare appliance may comprise a plurality of bristles for contacting hair, and the signal generator may be configured to generate the signal when hair contacts the plurality of bristles. Provision of a plurality of bristles may allow increased flexibility in styling of hair, whilst also ensuring that the signal generator is provided with an engagement mechanism, in the form of the bristles, for triggering generation of the signal.

The signal generator may comprise a sensor for detecting the presence of hair, and the signal generator may be configured to generate the signal based on an output of the sensor. Use of a sensor, for example a digital sensor, to generate an output, ie a trigger, on which the output of the signal is based may provide a system having less moving parts, and hence which is less prone to failure, than, for example, a signal generator where the trigger is provided by a mechanical mechanism. The sensor may comprise a proximity sensor, which may allow for generation of the signal where hair is within a pre-determined threshold distance of the haircare appliance. The sensor may comprise a capacitive sensor, for example a capacitive touch sensor.

The haircare appliance may comprise a movable member configured to move in response to contact with hair, and the movement of the movable member may act as a trigger for the signal generator to generate the signal. Use of the movable member as a trigger for the signal generator may provide a simple and relatively inexpensive mechanical mechanism for triggering provision of the signal in response to contact with hair in use. The movable member may be configured to move in response to contact with hair and in response to a force applied to the haircare appliance by hair. The movable member may be configured to contact hair such that a force applied to the haircare appliance by hair causes movement of the movable member.

The movable member may be pivotably or rotatably mounted, for example to a fixed portion of the haircare appliance, and pivoting or rotation of the movable member upon contact with hair may cause the signal generator to generate the signal. The plurality of bristles may be located on the movable member, such that engagement of hair with the plurality of bristles, for example a pulling or pushing force applied to the plurality of bristles by the hair, causes movement of the movable member. The movable member may comprise a bristle pad, for example a pad with a plurality of bristles extending outwardly from the pad, with the pad pivotably or rotatably mounted.

The signal generator may comprise an engagement mechanism for engaging the movable member, the movable member may comprise a rest position in which the movable member is spaced from the engagement mechanism, and an engaged position in which the movable member is in contact with the engagement mechanism, and the movable member may be biased into the rest position. This may ensure that the default position for the movable member is the rest position in which the movable member is spaced from the engagement mechanism, and hence the default configuration of the haircare appliance is one in which the signal is not generated, and the airflow generator operates in the first operating mode. This may ensure efficient operation by only providing a higher rate of airflow when it is needed, for example when hair is in contact with the haircare appliance.

The movable member may be biased into the rest position by airflow at the first airflow rate. This may remove the need for any additional mechanical components to retain the movable member in the rest position. A biasing force provided by airflow at the first airflow rate may be sufficient to prevent movement of the movable member until a pre-determined force is applied to the movable member, for example until a pre-determined volume of hair is in physical contact with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is moved relative to the hair whilst remaining in contact with the hair. Biasing the movable member may ensure that the movable member returns to the rest position in the absence of contact with hair, and hence that the airflow generator returns to the first operating mode when the haircare appliance is removed from contact with hair in use.

The movable member may be biased into the rest position by a resiliently deformable member, for example a spring or the like. A biasing force of the resiliently deformable member may be sufficient to prevent movement of the movable member until a pre-determined force is applied to the movable member, for example until a pre-determined volume of hair is in physical contact with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is moved relative to the hair whilst remaining in contact with the hair. Biasing the movable member may ensure that the movable member returns to the rest position in the absence of contact with hair, and hence that the airflow generator returns to the first operating mode when the haircare appliance is removed from contact with hair in use.

The engagement mechanism may comprise a switch that changes a state, for example opens or closes, an electrical circuit when the switch is engaged by the movable member, and a change in state of the electrical circuit may cause generation of the signal. Use of such a switch may ensure that the signal is only generated when there is a change in state of the electrical circuit, ie when the movable member is moved by hair in use. The signal generator may comprise an electrical circuit, with one or more components of the electrical circuit configured to alter its output, ie alter its output signal, in response to a change in its inputs. For example, the signal generator may comprise a modulator configured to modulate an output signal differently in response to a change in input, or may comprise an AND gate operable to change its output in response to a change in logic values of its inputs, with the inputs being determined according to contact of hair with the haircare appliance.

The switch may comprise a depressible switch that is depressed upon engagement by the movable member. Such a depressible switch may provide a relatively simple, inexpensive and reliable engagement mechanism.

The switch may comprise a pair of electrical contacts spaced apart from one another, and an electrically conductive member located on the movable member, and the electrically conductive member may bridge the pair of electrical contacts when the movable member moves in response to contact with hair. In such a manner the electrical circuit may be closed when the movable member moves in response to contact with hair. Such a switch may require less physical space than, for example, a depressible switch, which may allow the size of at least a portion of the haircare appliance to be reduced.

The electrically conductive member may be resiliently deformable. Use of a resiliently deformable electrically conductive member may ensure electrical connection when the movable member moves in response to contact with hair, and may absorb tolerances introduced during manufacture.

The air outlet may be at least partially defined by the movable member, and movement of the movable member in response to contact with hair may increase a cross-sectional area of the air outlet. This may be beneficial as a relatively small air outlet may be defined when the haircare appliance is not in contact with hair, for example when the airflow generator is in the first operating mode, with a relatively larger air outlet defined only when required, for example only when the haircare appliance is in contact with hair, for example when the airflow generator is in the second operating mode. This may increase efficiency by only providing large airflow from the haircare appliance when needed in use.

The haircare appliance may comprise a fixed portion to which the movable member is mounted, the fixed portion comprising an aperture within which the movable member is located, and movement of the movable member within the aperture may alter a size of the air outlet. The air outlet may be defined between an edge of the aperture and an edge of the movable member.

The air outlet may be substantially occluded when the airflow generator is in the first operating mode. This may prevent airflow from interacting with hair during approach of the haircare appliance toward hair in use. The air outlet may comprise a slot extending longitudinally along the haircare appliance.

The haircare appliance may comprise a plurality of movable members configured to move individually in response to contact with hair, and the movement of any of the plurality of movable members may act as a trigger for the signal generator to generate the signal. Use of a plurality of movable members may provide a more reliable trigger mechanism than, for example, a single movable member. The signal generator may comprise an engagement mechanism for engaging each of the plurality of movable members.

The plurality of movable members may be spaced about the haircare appliance. This may ensure that the airflow generator is operable in the second operating mode irrespective of a location at which hair contacts the haircare appliance.

The plurality of movable members may be spaced equidistantly about the periphery of the haircare appliance. An end portion of the haircare appliance may be generally cylindrical or conical in form, and the plurality of movable members may be spaced circumferentially about the end portion.

The signal generator may be configured to transmit the signal wirelessly to the airflow generator, for example to a controller of the airflow generator. Wireless transmission of the signal to the airflow generator may reduce a number of electrical connections required between the signal generator and the airflow generator, and this may be particularly beneficial where the signal generator is disposed in a removable attachment and the airflow generator is disposed in a handle unit of the haircare appliance. In particular, this may remove the need for a physical electrical connection to be formed between the handle unit and the removable attachment, which may allow for simpler and more reliable connection of and communication between the handle unit and the removable attachment.

The signal generator may comprise a signal transmitter, for example housed in the removable attachment, and the haircare appliance may comprise a signal receiver, for example housed in the handle unit. The receiver may be in communication with the airflow generator, for example with a controller of the airflow generator, via a communication wire. The haircare appliance may comprise an RFID reader and tag pair, for example with the RFID tag located in the removable attachment and the RFID reader located in the handle unit.

The haircare appliance may comprise a power transmitter for transmitting electrical power to the signal generator, for example for wirelessly transmitting electrical power to the signal generator. power transmitter and the signal transmitter may comprise the same component, for example a transceiver or the like.

The haircare appliance may comprise a handle unit within which the airflow generator is disposed, and an attachment comprising a contact portion for contacting hair, the attachment defining the air outlet and housing the signal generator. Providing the signal generator in an attachment whilst locating the airflow generator within the handle unit of the haircare appliance may allow for the attachment to be removed and/or replaced by attachments which provide different functionality, which may provide a more versatile haircare appliance that offers an improved user experience. The attachment may be removably attachable to the handle unit.

The attachment may comprise a proximal end for attachment to the handle unit, and a distal end opposite to the proximal end, the proximal end configured to receive airflow from the airflow generator, the air outlet extending in a direction between the proximal end and the distal end, and an integrated circuit of the signal generator disposed at the distal end and the transmitter disposed at the proximal end. This may remove the integrated circuit from the proximal end of the removable attachment where airflow is received from the handle unit, which may reduce interference with airflow through the removable attachment in use. Locating the transmitter at the proximal end may also bring the transmitter closer to the handle unit than, for example, an arrangement where the transmitter is located at the distal end. This may facilitate provision of electrical power, for example to power an electronic circuit of the signal generator, via the transmitter.

The signal transmitter may be located at the proximal end, and an electrical connection may extend from the integrated circuit to the signal transmitter. The electrical connection may extend substantially parallel to the air outlet. The signal transmitter may comprise a coil arranged annularly about the proximal end.

The haircare appliance may comprise a heater for heating the airflow, the heater may comprise a first operating mode in which the heater operates at a first temperature, and a second operating mode in which the heater operates at a second temperature greater than the first temperature, and the heater may be configured to operate in its first operating mode in the absence of the signal and in its second operating mode in the presence of the signal. This may be beneficial as it may allow for automatic switching of the heater from a lower temperature to a higher temperature when the haircare appliance contacts hair in use, which may provide for an improved user experience compared to, for example, an arrangement where a user is required to manually switch between temperature settings.

This may also ensure that the heater only operates at a relatively high temperature when needed, ie when the haircare appliance is in contact with hair, and this may provide a more efficient and/or safer arrangement than an embodiment where the heater always operates at a relatively high temperature.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an attachment for a haircare appliance comprising an airflow generator housed in a handle unit, the attachment comprising an air outlet, a contact portion for contacting hair, and a signal generator for generating a signal indicative of hair contacting the contact portion.

The attachment may comprise a plurality of bristles for contacting hair, and the signal generator may be configured to generate the signal when hair contacts the plurality of bristles.

The attachment may comprise a movable member configured to move in response to contact with hair, and movement of the moveable member may act as a trigger for the signal generator to generate the signal.

The signal generator may comprise an engagement mechanism for engaging the movable member, the movable member may comprise a rest position in which the movable member is spaced from the engagement mechanism, and an engaged position in which the movable member is in contact with the engagement mechanism, and the movable member is biased into the rest position.

The attachment may comprise a plurality of movable members configured to move individually in response to contact with hair, and the movement of any of the plurality of movable members may act as a trigger for the signal generator to generate the signal.

The signal generator may be configured to transmit the signal wirelessly to the airflow generator.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a handle unit for a haircare appliance, the handle unit comprising a receiver configured to receive a signal indicative of hair contacting the haircare appliance, and an airflow generator for generating an airflow through the haircare appliance, wherein the airflow generator comprises a first operating mode in which the airflow generator generates airflow at a first flow rate, and a second operating mode in which the airflow generator generates airflow at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate, and the airflow generator is configured to operate in the first operating mode in the absence of the signal and in the second operating mode in the presence of the signal.

Optional features of aspects of the present invention may be equally applied to other aspects of the present invention, where appropriate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a illustrates a haircare appliance according to an example;

FIG. 1b is a schematic cross-sectional view of a handle unit of the haircare appliance of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating an attachment of the haircare appliance of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating communication between electrical components of the haircare appliance of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a signal generator for use with the haircare appliance of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a further signal generator for use with the haircare appliance of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a further signal generator for use with the haircare appliance of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A haircare appliance according to the present invention, generally designated 10, is shown schematically in FIG. 1 a.

The haircare appliance 10 comprises a handle unit 12, and an attachment 100 removably attachable to the handle unit 12.

The handle unit 12 comprises a housing 14, an airflow generator 16, a heater 18, and a control unit 20, as can be seen schematically in FIG. 1b.

The housing 14 is tubular in shape, and comprises an air inlet 22 through which an airflow is drawn into the housing 14 by the airflow generator 16, and an air outlet 24 through which the airflow is discharged from the housing 14. The airflow generator 16 is housed within the housing 14, and comprises an impeller 26 driven by an electric motor 28. The heater 18 is also housed within the housing 14, and comprises heating elements 30 to optionally heat the airflow.

The control unit 20 comprises electronic circuitry for a user interface 32, an RFID reader 34, and a control module 36. The user interface 32 is provided on an outer surface of the housing 14, and is used to power on and off the haircare appliance 10, to select a flow rate (for example high, medium and low), and to select an airflow temperature (for example hot or cold). In the example of FIG. 1, the user interface comprises a plurality of sliding switches, but other forms of user interface 32, for example buttons, dials or touchscreens, are also envisaged.

The RFID reader 34 comprises an antenna 38 and a reader module 40. The RFID reader 34 is to interrogate an RFID tag 104 that forms part of the attachment 100. As will be described in more detail below, the attachment 100 comprises a signal generator 102 configured to generate a signal indicative of hair contacting the attachment 100, which includes the RFID tag 104, and the data returned by the RFID tag 104 is indicative of the presence or absence of the signal. The RFID reader 34 therefore outputs data to the control module 36 that indicates if the attachment 100 is attached to the handle unit 12, and, if attached, if hair is contacting the attachment 100.

The control module 36 is responsible for controlling the airflow generator 16, and the heater 18 in response to inputs from the user interface 32. For example, in response to inputs from the user interface 32, the control module 36 may control the power or the speed of the airflow generator 16 in order to adjust the airflow rate of the airflow, and the power of the heater 18 in order to adjust the temperature of the airflow.

The control module 36 also controls the airflow generator 16, and in some examples the heater 18, in response to an input from the RFID reader 34. As noted above, the RFID reader 34 outputs data that is indicative of hair contacting the attachment 100. The control module 36 uses this data to control the airflow generator 16, for example to operate the airflow generator 16 in a first operating mode in which the airflow generator 16 generates airflow at a first flow rate, and a second operating mode in which the airflow generator 16 generates airflow at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate. In particular, where the data is indicative of hair contact with the attachment 100, the control module 36 operates the airflow generator 16 in the second operating mode, whereas where the data is not indicative of hair contact with the attachment 100, the control module 36 operates the airflow generator in the first operating mode.

In some examples the first flow rate of the first operating mode is a flow rate of zero, with the airflow generator 16 configured not to provide airflow in the first operating mode. In other examples the first flow rate of the first operating mode is non-zero, but a relatively low flow rate. In some examples the second flow rate is selected by a user from one of a number of pre-determined flow rates, for example using the user interface 32, prior to the user bringing the haircare appliance 10, and in particular the attachment 100, into contact with hair.

In use of known haircare appliances that may operate at different flow rates, in view of the need to manually switch between operating modes having different flow rates a user may often simply set the haircare appliance to a high flow mode for the duration of a styling session. This may provide inefficient operation, and furthermore may provide less control over styling of hair. For example, as the haircare appliance is set to a high flow mode before contacting hair, the hair, which may have already been styled, may be disturbed by the high flow as the haircare appliance is moved toward the hair before the high flow is needed. The haircare appliance 10 of the present invention may mitigate this by providing automatic switching between different flow modes in response to a signal indicative of hair contacting the haircare appliance 10, as will be discussed hereafter.

A cross-section through the attachment is shown schematically in FIG. 2. As noted above, the attachment 100 comprises a signal generator 102 configured to generate a signal indicative of hair contacting the attachment 100, and an RFID tag 104. The attachment 100 also comprises a main body 106, and a plurality of bristle beds 108.

The main body 106 is generally cylindrical in form, and is open at one end and closed at the other end. The open end serves as an inlet 110 into the main body 106. The main body 106 has a plurality of apertures 112 within which the bristle beds 108 are pivotably mounted, with movement of the bristle beds 108 within the apertures 112 causing air outlets 114 of the attachment 100 to be selectively opened between longitudinal edges of the bristle beds 108 and the apertures 112. The exact form of pivotal mounting is unimportant save that it allows motion of the bristle bed 108 within the aperture 112 in the manner described herein, although it is noted that the bristle beds 108 may each comprise an arm connected to a common central connector housed within the main body 106, with each arm having a pivot point to which a body portion 118 of the bristle bed is centrally attached.

Each bristle bed 108 is biased into a rest position by airflow at the first flow rate. In other alternative embodiments, each bristle bed 108 may be resiliently biased into the rest position by a resilient member such as a spring or the like. The bristle beds 108 may be thought of as movable members of the attachment 100, and each comprises a plurality of bristles 116 upstanding from the body portion 118. The bristles 116 are contactable with hair in use, with engagement of the hair with the bristles 116 causing movement of the body portion 118, and hence movement of the bristle bed 108, within the corresponding aperture to open the air outlet 114 and enable air to flow out from the attachment 100. The air outlets 114 in some examples may still be present in the absence of hair contact with the bristles, ie when the bristle beds 108 are in their rest configurations, but may have a minimal opening size in such a configuration so that only diffuse airflow is permitted from the air outlets 114 in the absence of contact with hair.

The RFID tag 104 comprises an antenna 120 and an integrated circuit 122. The RFID tag 104 may be thought of as part of the signal generator 102 in some examples. The antenna 120 is located towards the bottom of the main body 106 within a recess in a wall of the main body 106, and comprises an annular coil. The integrated circuit 122 is located towards the top of the main body 106 and is housed within a chamber 124 that is sealed relative to airflow through the main body 106. The antenna 120 and the integrated circuit 122 are connected by conductive tracks (not shown) provided along the inner surface of the main body 106. The integrated circuit 122 comprises components typical of an RFID tag, such as a rectifier, microcontroller and load modulator.

The RFID tag 104 is energised by an interrogation signal transmitted by the RFID reader 34. Upon energisation, the RFID tag 104 transmits data to the RFID reader 34. The data returned by the RFID tag 104 is a signal that is dependent on contact of hair with the attachment 100. In particular, the RFID tag 104 returns first data when the signal is indicative of hair not contacting the attachment 100, and second data when the signal is indicative of hair contacting the attachment 100. The RFID tag 104 therefore transmits data that is indicative of contact of hair with the attachment 100. The second data may vary from the first data, for example in any of amplitude, frequency, or waveform.

A schematic diagram illustrating the communication between the RFID tag, the RFID reader 34, and other electrical components of the haircare appliance, is shown in FIG. 3.

The signal generator 102 may take many forms, but typically comprises a sensor in communication with the integrated circuit 122. The integrated circuit 122 may modulate data in a different way depending on an output of the sensor, with the modulated data passed to the RFID reader 34 via the antenna 120. The modulated data may be thought of as the signal indicative of the presence of hair in some examples.

A first embodiment of the signal generator 102 is illustrated in FIG. 4, where the signal generator 102 comprises a plurality of capacitive sensors 126 coupled to the integrated circuit 122. The capacitive sensors 126 are elongate in form, and are each disposed on an outer surface of the main body 106 between adjacent bristle beds 108. The threshold of the capacitive sensors 126 are set such that hair in close proximity or in contact with the capacitive sensors 126 is detected. In response to detection of hair by the capacitive sensors 126, the integrated circuit 122 is able to generate an appropriate signal, and the control module 36 uses this signal to control the airflow generator 16 to operate in the second mode having a relatively high flow rate.

In alternative embodiments of the attachment 100, the signal generator 102 reacts to movement of the bristle beds 108 within the apertures 112 when hair contacts the plurality of bristles 116 to generate the signal indicative of hair contacting the attachment 100. In these embodiments the signal generator comprises an engagement mechanism for engaging with the bristle beds 108.

One such engagement mechanism is illustrated schematically in FIG. 5. Here the signal generator 102 comprises a plurality of depressible switches 128 that form part of the integrated circuit 122, with each depressible switch 128 corresponding to one of the bristle beds 108. The plurality of depressible switches 128 are located such that the depressible switches 128 are not depressed when the bristle beds 108 are at rest positions within the apertures 112, ie when the plurality of bristles 116 of each bristle bed 108 are not engaged with hair in use, and such that the switches are depressed when the bristle beds 108 are moved within the apertures 112, ie when the plurality of bristles 116 of a bristle bed 108 are engaged with hair in use.

The lower, left and right bristle beds 108 in FIG. 5 are shown in the rest position, with the upper bristled bed 108 shown displaced within its aperture 112 and depressing a corresponding depressible switch 128. Here the upper bristle bed 108 has pivoted in a downward-right direction, and airflow A is able to exit through the corresponding air outlet 114 formed by virtue of displacement of the bristle bed 108 relative to the edge of the corresponding aperture 112, with the plane in which the apertures 112 lie indicated by the dashed circle in FIG. 5.

Depression of any of the plurality of depressible switches 128 closes an electrical circuit forming part of the integrated circuit 122, which causes the integrated circuit 122 to generate a signal indicative of hair contacting the attachment 100. The signal is communicated via the antenna 120 to the RFID reader 34 and the control module 36, and causes the control module 36 to operate the airflow generator 16 in its second operating mode having a relatively higher flow rate.

An alternative engagement mechanism is illustrated schematically in FIG. 6. Here the signal generator comprises a pair of electrically conductive rings 130 spaced apart from one another on a radially outwardly facing surface of the chamber 124 within which the integrated circuit 122 is housed, with the pair of electrically conductive rings in electrical contact with the integrated circuit. A radially inwardly facing surface of each bristle bed 108 comprises an electrically conductive member 132 that takes the form of a piece of electrically conductive rubber.

When the bristle beds 108 are at rest positions within the apertures 112, ie when the plurality of bristles 116 of each bristle bed 108 are not engaged with hair in use, the electrically conductive members 132 of the bristle beds 108 are spaced apart from the pair of electrically conductive rings 130. When the bristle beds 108 are moved within the apertures 112, ie when the plurality of bristles 116 of a bristle bed 108 are engaged with hair in use and pivoted, the electrically conductive member 132 of a bristle bed 108 contacts and bridges the pair of electrically conductive rings 130. This closes an electrical circuit forming part of the integrated circuit 122, which causes the integrated circuit 122 to generate a signal indicative of hair contacting the attachment 100. The signal is communicated via the antenna 120 to the RFID reader 34 and the control module 36, and causes the control module 36 to operate the airflow generator 16 in its second operating mode having a relatively higher flow rate.

The left bristle bed 108 in FIG. 6 is shown in a rest position with the corresponding electrically conductive member 132 spaced from the pair of electrically conductive rings 132, whilst the right bristle bed 108 in FIG. 6 is shown in a displaced pivoted position with the corresponding electrically conductive member 132 contacting and bridging the pair of electrically conductive rings 132.

The combination of the pair of electrically conductive rings 130 and the plurality of electrically conductive members 132 may be considered a switch. The use of electrically conductive rubber for the electrically conductive member 132 may absorb any tolerances that may be introduced in manufacture, and may ensure that contact is made between the electrically conductive member 132 and the pair of electrically conductive rings 130 when the bristle beds 108 are moved in use.

In each of the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6 described above, the engagement mechanism of the signal generator 102 is located at the closed end of the main body 106 of the attachment. This may remove the engagement mechanism of the signal generator 102 from a main airflow path through the attachment 100.

In each of the embodiments described above, automatic switching of the haircare appliance 10 between the first and second operating modes of the airflow generator 16 may be achieved, which may provide for enhanced user experience, for example by not requiring a user to manually switch between the first and second operating modes in use. Furthermore, the haircare appliance according 10 may provide for more efficient operation and enhanced control over styling of hair in view of switching between operating modes having different flow rates in response to a signal indicative of hair contacting the haircare appliance 10.

Whilst the embodiments above have focused on modification of an operating mode of the airflow generator 16 in response to a signal indicative of hair contacting the haircare appliance 10, it will be appreciated that, as the control module 36 also controls the heater 18 in some examples, the operating mode of the heater 18 may also be varied in response to a signal indicative of hair contacting the attachment 100. For example, in one embodiment the heater 18 comprises a first operating mode in which the heater 18 operates at a first temperature, and a second operating mode in which the heater 18 operates at a second temperature greater than the first temperature, and the heater 18 is configured to operate in its first operating mode in the absence of a signal indicative of hair contacting the attachment 100 and in its second operating mode in the presence of the signal indicative of hair contacting the attachment 100. The signal indicative of hair contacting the attachment 100 may be generated by any of the means previously discussed.

In the embodiments previously discussed herein, the signal indicative of hair contacting the attachment 100 is provided from the signal generator 102 to the control module 36 via RFID. In alternative embodiments, it is envisaged that other forms of communication, including, for example Bluetooth® or near-field communication (NFC), may be utilised.

Similarly, although thus far wireless methods of communicating between the signal generator 102 and the control module 36 have been discussed, it will be appreciated that embodiments that utilise physical communications connections are also envisaged. For example, the handle unit 12 and the attachment 100 may comprise corresponding contacts which, when connected when the attachment 100 is connected to the handle unit 12, define a communications pathway. In such embodiments the attachment 100 may still comprise an integrated circuit, and the signal indicative of hair may be provided from the integrated circuit to the control module 36 along the communications pathway. Here the signal may comprise a logic signal having, for example, a value of “0” in the absence of hair contact and a value of “1” in the presence of hair contact, or vice versa, or the signal may comprise a voltage value with different voltages representing the presence or absence of hair contact.

Embodiments are also envisaged where, rather than the haircare appliance 10 comprising a handle unit 12 and an attachment 100, the haircare appliance 10 is a single-piece unit, for example taking the form of the combined handle unit 12 and attachment 100 previously described. In such embodiments either wireless or wired communication may be utilised between the signal generator 102 and the control module 36, and it may be appreciated that such a single-piece unit may lend itself more readily to wired communication than, for example, a two-piece unit having a handle unit 12 and attachment 100 as previously described.

Claims

1. A haircare appliance comprising:

an air inlet;

an air outlet;

an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; and

a signal generator configured to generate a signal indicative of hair contacting the haircare appliance;

wherein the airflow generator comprises a first operating mode in which the airflow generator generates airflow at a first flow rate, and a second operating mode in which the airflow generator generates airflow at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate, and the airflow generator is configured to operate in the first operating mode in the absence of the signal and in the second operating mode in the presence of the signal.

2. The haircare appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a plurality of bristles for contacting hair, and the signal generator is configured to generate the signal when hair contacts the plurality of bristles.

3. The haircare appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signal generator comprises a sensor for detecting the presence of hair, and the signal generator is configured to generate the signal based on an output of the sensor.

4. The haircare appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a movable member configured to move in response to contact with hair, and movement of the moveable member acts as a trigger for the signal generator to generate the signal.

5. The haircare appliance as claimed in claim 4, wherein the signal generator comprises an engagement mechanism for engaging the movable member, the movable member comprises a rest position in which the movable member is spaced from the engagement mechanism, and an engaged position in which the movable member is in contact with the engagement mechanism, and the movable member is biased into the rest position.

6. The haircare appliance as claimed in claim 5, wherein the engagement mechanism comprises a switch that changes a state of an electrical circuit when the switch is engaged by the movable member, and a change in state of the electrical circuit causes provision of the signal.

7. The haircare appliance as claimed in claim 6, wherein the switch comprises a depressible switch that is depressed upon engagement by the movable member.

8. The haircare appliance as claimed in claim 6, wherein the switch comprises a pair of electrical contacts spaced apart from one another, and an electrically conductive member located on the movable member, and the electrically conductive member bridges the pair of electrical contacts when the movable member moves in response to contact with hair.

9. The haircare appliance as claimed in claim 8, wherein the electrically conductive member is resiliently deformable.

10. The haircare appliance as claimed in claim 4, wherein the air outlet is at least partially defined by the movable member, and movement of the movable member in response to contact with hair increases a cross-sectional area of the air outlet.

11. The haircare appliance as claimed in claim 4, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a plurality of movable members configured to move individually in response to contact with hair, and the movement of any of the plurality of movable members acts as a trigger for the signal generator to generate the signal.

12. The haircare appliance as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plurality of movable members are spaced about the haircare appliance.

13. The haircare appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signal generator is configured to transmit the signal wirelessly to the airflow generator.

14. The haircare appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a handle unit within which the airflow generator is disposed, and an attachment comprising a contact portion for contacting hair, the attachment defining the air outlet and housing the signal generator.

15. The haircare appliance as claimed in claim 14, wherein the attachment comprises a proximal end for attachment to the handle unit, and a distal end opposite to the proximal end, the proximal end configured to receive airflow from the airflow generator, the air outlet extending in a direction between the proximal end and the distal end, an integrated circuit of the signal generator disposed at the distal end, and a transmitter for transmitting the signal to the airflow generator, the transmitter disposed at the proximal end.

16. The haircare appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a heater for heating the airflow, the heater comprises a first operating mode in which the heater operates at a first temperature, and a second operating mode in which the heater operates at a second temperature greater than the first temperature, and the heater is configured to operate in its first operating mode in the absence of the signal and in its second operating mode in the presence of the signal.

17. An attachment for a haircare appliance comprising an airflow generator disposed in a handle unit, the attachment comprising an air outlet, a contact portion for contacting hair, and a signal generator for generating a signal indicative of hair contacting the contact portion.

18. A handle unit for a haircare appliance, the handle unit comprising a receiver configured to receive a signal indicative of hair contacting the haircare appliance, and an airflow generator for generating an airflow through the haircare appliance, wherein the airflow generator comprises a first operating mode in which the airflow generator generates airflow at a first flow rate, and a second operating mode in which the airflow generator generates airflow at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate, and the airflow generator is configured to operate in the first operating mode in the absence of the signal and in the second operating mode in the presence of the signal.