EP0928141B1 - Capillary treatment tool - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is directed to an implement for the treatment of hair, particularly for the styling and/or drying of hair, which is adapted to be connected with the air exit end of a personal-care appliance through which air flows, in particular of a hair dryer or a hot-air curling brush. The implement is comprised of a main body and at least one active body movable relative to the main body, for example a supporting structure carrying several hair pick-up elements. An electric drive mechanism, in particular an electric motor, is provided on the implement for moving the active body.

Description

The invention relates to a tool for hair treatment, with the characteristics of the generic term of Claim 1.

Additional tools for use with a hair dryer and hair treatment devices with actively moving components are known from the prior art. So WO 95/17836 discloses an accessory for a hair dryer which is compatible with the Air outlet opening of a hair dryer is connected and from which, in the hair dryer generated air flow is flowed through. This tool contains elements, for example Bristles or hair treatment fingers that are in contact with the user's hair can be brought. This accessory also contains vibrating agents, which stimulate the bristles or fingers to vibrate during the drying process. The Vibration is generated by, for example, on the air outlet side of the accessory a movable membrane carrying the fingers is arranged on the rear side thereof Fan wheel with an unbalance is provided, which is driven by the air flow.

From US 3,840,030 a hair dryer with a hair detangling tool is known, which essentially consists of two combs arranged in parallel, which via a gear with an electric motor arranged in the hairdryer housing are connectable. These combs can be driven by the motor so that they are quick reciprocating linear, i.e. perform one-dimensional movement. The one to drive the motor provided for the disentangling comb is inside the hair dryer housing arranged.

A hairbrush with vibrating bristles is also known from GB 2 237 734, wherein the bristles are arranged on a flexible rubber-like carrier plate. In the Brush is an electric motor provided with an unbalance weight, which stimulates the entire brush body to vibrate to increase the brushing effect or to loosen the hair.

In the devices described above, it has been shown to be disadvantageous that in one device the vibration drive stimulated by the air flow requires a long start-up time and that the movement of the bristles or fingers on the scalp is irregular. there can even stop the movement of the bristles or fingers on the scalp as soon as the pressure of the bristles or fingers on the scalp is sufficiently high. at another device must disadvantageously the motor for driving the disentangling comb be held and moved by a user even when the detangling comb is not placed on the hair dryer and is not used.

The object of the present invention is now to avoid the disadvantages mentioned above and a tool for hair treatment, in particular for hair styling and / or Specify hair drying that can be connected to the air outlet side of a hair dryer and is a reliable support and enhancement of the volume formation of the hair, in particular, a simpler and more secure volume generation than previously known Allows devices when drying the hair. Furthermore, with this tool even volume of hair and a pleasant feeling on the Scalp of the user can be achieved during treatment.

The invention solves this problem with a hair treatment tool having the features of claim 1, 2. The drive means are designed such that the active body or the hair detection elements with a frequency between 25 and 130 Hz, in particular with a frequency between 50 and 70 Hz, vibrates. Surprisingly, it has been shown that in a frequency range from 25 to 130 Hz, especially with a frequency of about 60 Hz, greatly improved volume formation on the user's hair. In this frequency range you can optimal way to overcome the static friction of the hair on the hair detection elements and climbing the hair up along the hair sensing elements in one direction promoted away from the scalp. Operation in this frequency range - and especially between 50 and 70 Hz - leads to excellent hair volume improvements. This applies to both the uniformity and the rapidity of volume formation. Compared to earlier manually moving volume-generating hair dryers connectable tools is not only automatic, but also significantly improved volume formation of the hair. Another important one The factor for an improved volume formation of the hair is the at least two-dimensional Movement of the hair detection elements. Thus, for example, by a circular or elliptical movement of the hair detection elements accordingly Circularly variable contact surface between the hair and the hair detection elements provided so that the hair very easily and evenly on the hair detection elements glide along.

Furthermore, it was found that when operating in the above frequency range, the movement of the Hair detection elements compared to the scalp a very pleasant, stimulating and stimulates the blood circulation. A one-dimensional or linear one Movement of the hair capture elements is considered to be rubbing and operating under 30 or 25 Hz or above 80 or in any case above 130 Hz felt uncomfortably shaking.

Finally, the above vibration frequency of the hair detection elements is advantageous in that than that frequency and the vibration amplitude of the hair detection elements is maintained substantially stable even under load. "Spring" and "mass" of the Systems are designed so that stable vibration of the hair detection elements is guaranteed in this frequency range.

In a further advantageous embodiment is to move the active body on the Tool provided an electrical drive means, in particular an electric motor. The drive means is advantageously attached to the tool in such a way that it is used for movement of the active body or the hair detection elements drivingly in connection therewith stands. One is controlled by using the electric drive means controllable movement of the active body, for example the carrier element with the Hair detection elements as well as an extremely short start-up time for moving the Active body reached. This advantageously creates the desired volume supports and strengthens during the hair styling and drying process, in particular, an even volume of hair is treated on all treated Enables the user's head to be set. Furthermore, the electrical Drive, in particular by the automated movement of the active body advantageously ensures easier volume generation than with a manual or one to be carried out with a corresponding tool according to the prior art Hair treatment. Furthermore, an electrical drive means, for example a Electric motor, to move the active body a simple, inexpensive and in Large quantities of usable component to solve the above problem.

In a development of the invention, the electrical drive means is with a vibration generator connected, the drive means for example an electric motor or is a magnetic, inductive or similar drive means. So that is advantageously a controllable and controllable generation of an oscillation specified. The active body is in a variety of directions with respective accelerations vibrated relative to more than one axis.

In a special development, the electric motor has an unbalanced weight provided which is attached eccentrically to the motor shaft. This is an advantage a simple, easy to manufacture and inexpensive for large series production Component specified, which during the treatment a pleasant feeling on the User’s scalp. Furthermore, an eccentric mass is less expensive Vibration generator represents z. B. a coupling of the movement of the hair detection elements with a gear. The frequency gives, as already mentioned above mentions a stable vibration even under load, this leads in connection with the eccentric mass, however, not to such a rigid coupling of motion transmission as would be the case with a gear. With a very heavy load on the Hair detection elements, such as. B. in a dangerous situation, is the vibrator therefore safer.

In a development of the invention, a device for control and / or for Regulation of the motor speed of the electric motor is provided. This will next to the Another fast and safe availability of the electric motion drive Variations indicated, which advantageously one for the respective Makes user adjustable vibration frequency and / or amplitude adjustable.

In addition, the electric motor can also be connected to a transmission, so that advantageously a further influence on the engine speed and thus the movement of the Active body is accessible.

The electric motor is in particular a direct current motor, which is in the interior or on the inside of the tool is arranged. This is advantageous on the one hand the motor is separable from the hair dryer and does not need to be held by the user and to be carried if the tool is not placed on the hair dryer. On the other hand, the engine is protected and not visible to the user in the interior arranged of the tool. Due to the small size of a DC motor it takes up little space in the interior of the tool.

In a special design of the tool, the electric motor is proposed in this way to arrange that the motor shaft essentially transversely to the main axis or main longitudinal axis of the tool in particular transverse to the main direction of extension of the hair detection elements is arranged. For a hair treatment tool whose Hair detection elements run essentially parallel to the main flow direction, the motor is perpendicular to the main flow direction and thus radial in the tool arranged. With this arrangement, the eccentric mass coupled to it advantageously achieves the greatest possible vibration movement of the active body, so that all of the hair-sensing elements vibrate at their downstream ends To run. The vibration movement of the individual hair detection elements somewhat different at least in amplitude relative to each other.

If the electric motor, in particular the center of gravity of the electric motor, is also in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, eccentric to the main axis of the tool, arranged in particular a rotationally symmetrical tool, it acts advantageously also on the vibration movement. Described by this Arrangement of the electric motor can also with a relatively small motor, or with a motor with low power, a noticeable oscillation movement or vibration the hair detection elements are generated because the electric motor itself is part is the total mass vibrating in the tool.

In a development of the invention, the electric motor is directly on the active body, in particular on the front inside of the carrier element, as seen in the flow direction attached, for example locked or screwed. Through the direct, in essential rigid coupling of the motor to the active body to be moved the best possible vibration initiation in the shortest way and without additional damping components. By forming locking means on the inside the support element or by screwing the motor to the support element automated production is advantageously possible.

In another development, the electric motor is surrounded by a capsule. Thereby is a separation of the motor from the flow area of the active body as well advantageously a further electrical, mechanical and thermal protection of the Given the engine.

The capsule can have a flow deflector on its upstream side which, for example, is arranged at an angle to the main flow direction Deflector is arranged in front of the capsule. On the one hand, this becomes a given the least possible disturbance of the air flowing through the tool. To the another is protection of the engine from overheating by the heated air, however is cooler than the engine temperature, if one instead of the flow deflector Capsule opening is formed on the upstream side.

For the voltage supply of the electrical drive means in the tool on the one hand, between the tool and the hair dryer, or the curling brush electrical connection may be provided. This is advantageously an electrical one Connection between the tool and the hair dryer can be established as soon as that Tool is placed on the dryer. On the other hand, in the tool itself a power supply that is independent of the hairdryer, for example one Battery, an accumulator or a power supply for driving the electric motor be provided; this advantageously means that the tool is electrically supplied regardless of the hair dryer and even when the hair dryer is switched off operated.

In a particularly advantageous development of the invention, which is also an independent one Invention can be proposed that the base body and the active body of the tool made of dimensionally stable, hard material and between the both provided at least one connecting element made of an elastic material is. This arrangement of hard and soft, in particular elastic components is advantageously a simple construction of the movable active body achieved, which on the one hand enables good contact on the scalp of the user, and on the other hand a defined elastic fastening in the base body having.

In an advantageous development of the connecting element is between the base body and active body an elastic component, in particular a silicone tube used. The modulus of elasticity and the geometric dimensions, or the spring and the Damping properties of the elastic component, especially the hose advantageously adjustable so that a simple, inexpensive component can be produced, which is adaptable to the respective required properties. For one thing the elastic modulus of silicone is a material constant and on the other hand the spring and damping properties by changing the geometric dimensions, such as for example length and / or wall thickness adjustable. Advantageously, by Using a hose with a small or large wall thickness the spring and damping properties easily changeable. Furthermore, through the use of silicone hose also the simple manufacture of hose pieces in the required Lengths can be realized inexpensively by cutting off hose reels. The Silicone hose is designed so that it has spring and damping properties having.

The hose is essentially parallel to the main axis of the tool and thus also arranged parallel to the main flow direction in its interior, so that this represents only a low flow resistance and advantageously only experiences a slight warming. With a slightly S-shaped offset in the middle The area of the tube is the axial compliance of the hair detection elements improved.

In a special training several, in particular four pieces of hose arranged equidistant to each other. This is a simple assembly of the elastic Fasteners as well as a symmetrical attachment of the active body the basic body proposed, which a smooth vibration movement of the Active body allows.

The upstream ends of the hoses of a smaller fictitious are advantageous Circle enclosing as the downstream ends of the hoses. Accordingly, it is itself given radially to the tool outwardly extending hose offset, which in In contrast to a radially inward hose offset, the active body holds stable.

As an alternative to the arrangement of the hoses described above parallel to the main axis of the Tools, the hoses can also be at least partially inclined to each other (e.g. B. by an offset), for example on the lateral surface of a fictitious truncated cone, the tip of the truncated cone pointing in the direction of flow. This advantageously ensures that the active body is faster and safe restoration to its rest position.

Corresponding are used to fasten the active body to the base body pin-like base provided on both bodies on which the tube pieces with their Ends are pluggable. When adjusting the outer diameter of the base and the Inner diameter of the hoses is easy to assemble and safe, inexpensive Fastening, in particular clamping of the hose pieces specified.

In the embodiment with a hose offset, the bases of the base body arranged radially inwards (to the main longitudinal axis) relative to the bases of the active body.

In a development of the invention it is proposed that the base body, the Active body and the elastic connecting element as a one-piece component, in particular as a two-component plastic injection molded part. This is a component specified, which consists of two different materials, namely a hard Plastic for basic and active body and a soft, elastic for the in between Connecting element, such a component advantageously for automated production with two-component spray technology is suitable.

To limit the vibratory movement of the active body, in particular in the housing of the base body, sling means are provided to which the Pieces of hose come into contact before the active body comes into contact with the housing comes.

In a further embodiment of the invention, which is also an independent invention can represent, the base body and the active body each consist of several, at least from first and second module-like components, which in assemblies can be summarized. This modular design makes it simple and inexpensive Manufacturing, also enables automated manufacturing. Furthermore, the Use of modular components in a series production of hair treatment tools the exchange or modification of individual components for a series is also simplified and designed more cost-effectively.

The body, which rests relative to the hair dryer, consists of a bell-like one Housing, a carrier cage arranged therein and a cover plate. So that will advantageously a simple separation of different functions, which are the basic body met, suggested by these components. The housing and the cover plate form the externally recognizable components and the carrier cage, which is the active body is not visible in the bell and can be locked with it.

The active body, which is movable relative to the stationary base body, consists of a Carrier plate with an attached electric motor and a front plate with finger-like hair capture elements. The electric motor is therefore advantageous first attachable to the carrier plate, for example latchable and then covered by the front panel.

In a further development of the invention, the carrier cage, the carrier plate and the electric motor form and the connecting elements, in particular the silicone hoses, an assembly, which is advantageously also pre-assembled as such and tested as a functional unit can be. This assembly provides the connection between the stationary body and the movable active body and thus forms the main assembly of the Tool.

It is further proposed that the assembly described in the bell-like Housing of the base body can be used and then with the cover plate is lockable. This is a simple assembly of the assembly, which is the electric motor contains with the movable support plate, provided in the stationary housing.

In a special development, the carrier cage consists of a material, in particular a plastic with a higher temperature resistance than that Bell-shaped casing on the outside. Because the carrier cage with the hot air flow comes into contact with the housing can be made of one material low temperature resistance.

It is also proposed that the carrier cage in the bell-shaped housing upstream direction, i.e. overhanging the air outlet of the hair dryer. This advantageously ensures that after placing the tool on the air outlet of the hair dryer only the inner carrier cage with the hot air flow is applied and the housing itself and in particular its outside does not experience a sharp increase in temperature.

In a special development, the front panel with the finger-like hair detection elements releasably connected to the support plate of the active body. this happens in particular by means of locking hooks or snap noses, which, for example, in one piece are made with the front panel. This advantageously makes it easy to loosen and removing the front panel from the tool, allowing for example Use of the tool for cleaning purposes or when replacing the finger plate simply designed.

The front plate of the active body is approximately in the shape of a triangle with concave Sides and convex rounded tips. This is advantageous in the corresponding triangles of an approximately circular cover plate, which surrounds the front panel in the circumferential direction on the outside, storage space for accommodating additional Allows aggregates in the housing.

By forming locking hooks at each tip or rounding off the triangle Front plate is proposed an advantageously secure and easy to operate attachment. Advantageously, a user can unlock a The front panel can be easily removed from the tool.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover plate of the housing a central or central opening, the shape of the opening substantially the outer contour corresponds to the front plate of the active body. This makes it a perfect fit It is possible to insert the front plate into the cover plate, between the two Components a circumferential slot is provided so that the front panel with the hair detection elements is movable relative to the cover plate without the front plate abuts the cover plate. However, this is hardly the slot, but in the The main thing is that air flows through the front panel between the hair detection elements during operation. Furthermore, in the triangular areas of the cover plate, which between two tips of the front plate lie, advantageously an aggregate, for example the Electric motor can be accommodated without this influencing the air flow, which flows through the tool.

The hair detection elements attached to the front panel advantageously have a cross-sectional area which corresponds substantially to the shape of a triangle and which, for example, with convex sides or also with concave sides and convex rounded tips can be formed, which is a good advantage Catching and guiding the hair is achievable.

The carrier plate and the front plate are both with grid-like air passage openings provided so that here advantageously a braking of the flowing through the tool Air reaches and a more gentle drying of the hair is possible.

In another embodiment of the invention it is provided that the bell-like Housing a slide switch for mechanical and / or electrical connection the tool is arranged with the hair dryer. Thus, advantageously after placing the tool on an air outlet of the hair dryer with a simple handle a mechanical locking and making an electrical Connection from the tool to the hair dryer can be achieved.

In a further embodiment, sliding contacts with contact rails are in the slide switch intended. Because the electric motor, for example, through strands with the contact rails the slide switch is electrically connected, is a safe, low-wear and permanent electrical connection between the motor and the contacts proposed which in the use of the tool only little wear subject. When the slide switch is actuated, there is only a movement between the sliding contacts and the rails of the slide switch, which advantageously are designed to be very wear-resistant.

The slide switch is advantageously between a first, second and third Detent position switchable, the first detent position the tool relative to the hair care device mechanically and electrically releases the second locking position with the tool the hair care device mechanically locked and the third locking position additionally the provides electrical connection between the tool and hair care device, so that only in the third latching position the drive means is switched on and the active body swings. Thus, the tool is also only a manually movable hair dryer attachment usable. Furthermore, the slide switch fulfills the dual function of electrical and mechanical connection to the hairdryer and as an operating switch for various Functions.

The end points of the hair detection elements advantageously lead to a spatial, three-dimensional movement. This leads to an optimal hair volume formation process with a pleasant scalp effect at the same time.

In a particularly preferred development of the invention, the hair detection elements guide with their downstream ends, which are on a user's head can be put on, a movement, in particular an oscillating movement, which an amplitude in a radial plane, i.e. essentially transverse to the main direction of extension of the hair detection elements and an amplitude in an axial Level, i.e. essentially parallel to the main direction of extension of the hair detection elements having. When moving in both planes is advantageously radial amplitude greater than the axial amplitude, so that the volume formation The hair is effectively reinforced and a pleasant feeling on the head of the user is produced. A corresponding distribution of the radial and axial movement components is achieved by the spring and damping properties as well as the Limit the elastic connecting elements to those already described above Way can be set.

The hair detection elements move at their downstream ends, in particular in the radial plane with an amplitude of 0 to 100 mm, the Movement an elliptical / linear and / or a circular or circular arc movement is. This also includes a movement of individual or multiple hair detection elements relative to other resting hair sensing elements. The size of the amplitude is on the one hand on the position of the electrical drive means, for example the electric motor on the carrier plate and the position of the respective hair detection element dependent on the front panel and on the other hand due to the spring and damping properties as well as determined by the stop limits. A preferred advantageous one Formation of the movement of the downstream ends of the detection elements with an amplitude of approx. 3 mm or less.

A preferred oscillation frequency of the detection elements is approximately 60 Hz This frequency is an advantageous support and enhancement of the volume formation attainable in the hair. Furthermore, a movement of the hair detection elements with a Frequency of about 60 Hz an additional pleasant feeling on the scalp User.

In a special development of the invention, a method for hair treatment proposed with a tool described above, which also considered by itself can be an independent invention. The tool is used with the downstream Ends of the hair detection elements placed on the head of the user, wherein the hair is gripped by the hair detection elements by the movement of the Hair detection elements, preferably with the above frequency between 25 and 130 Hz, in particular of approx. 60 Hz, between the hair detection elements in the direction the front panel and be quickly dried in this position. there stands at the hairline, a better even volume in the hair and a pleasant Generates feeling on the scalp of the user.

In a further particularly advantageous development of the invention, an air-flowable Device of personal need, especially a hair dryer or a Warm air curling brush proposed with an air inlet and an air outlet side, which is releasably connected to a tool of the type described above, so that the tool has its entire beneficial effect in hair styling and / or -drying reached.

As an alternative to the above configuration, the tool can also be made in one piece with the air outlet side be connected to a device for hair treatment, which advantageously there is no need to place and remove the tool on the device and the tool nevertheless achieved its full beneficial effects.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the downstream ends of the Hair detection elements on a spatially concave curvature, so that this is a shape counterpart form for the convex head curvature of the operator and essentially lie on your head on all sides. Thus, all hair detection elements are bowl-like the scalp or at the same distance from it spaced.

Further features, advantages and possible uses of the invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments in the drawing are shown in more detail.

Fig. 1

ein Werkzeug mit einem Grundkörper und einem Aktivkörper in perspektivischer, schematischer Darstellung nach der Erfindung,

Fig. 2

ein Werkzeug gemäß Fig. 1 im Längsschnitt nach einer ersten Ausführungsform,

Fig. 3

ein Werkzeug mit abgenommener Front- und Trägerplatte in der Draufsicht gemäß Ansicht A in Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

den Schiebeschalter gemäß Ansicht X in Fig. 1 in perspektivischer Darstellung,

Fig. 5

ein Werkzeug in der Draufsicht gemäß Ansicht A in Fig. 1,

Fig. 6

ein Werkzeug gemäß Fig. 1 in Explosionsdarstellung,

Fig. 7

ein Haartrockner im Schnitt und schematischer Darstellung,

Fig. 8

ein Werkzeug im Längsschnitt nach einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

Fig. 9

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Trägerkäfigs nach Fig. 8 und

Fig. 10

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines glockenförmigen Gehäuses nach Fig. 8.

It shows:

Fig. 1

1 shows a tool with a base body and an active body in a perspective, schematic representation according to the invention,

Fig. 2

1 in longitudinal section according to a first embodiment,

Fig. 3

3 shows a tool with the front and carrier plate removed in plan view according to view A in FIG. 2,

Fig. 4

the slide switch according to view X in Fig. 1 in perspective,

Fig. 5

2 a tool in plan view according to view A in FIG. 1,

Fig. 6

1 in an exploded view,

Fig. 7

a hair dryer in section and schematic representation,

Fig. 8

a tool in longitudinal section according to a second embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 9

a perspective view of a carrier cage according to FIGS. 8 and

Fig. 10

8 shows a perspective illustration of a bell-shaped housing according to FIG. 8.

An inventive tool 1 (Fig. 1) for hair shaping and / or drying consists of an essentially rotationally symmetrical, bell-shaped body 2 and an attached active body 3, which consists of a curved, in essentially triangular front plate 4, on which a plurality of finger-like, parallel hair detection elements 5 are attached. The or at least some hair sensing elements 5 are at least 4 or 5 times longer than you respective diameter or as the diameter of the circumferential surface area of the Hair detection elements 5 fictitious circle, the diameter on a downstream end portion of each hair detection element 5 relates. The tool 1 is acted upon in the main flow direction 6 by an air flow which is caused by a hair dryer not shown in FIG. 1 (see FIG. 7) is produced and which the tool in a substantially unchanged flow direction leaves. The front panel 4 is provided with locking hooks 7, which are preferably attached to Circumferential direction outer areas of the front panel are attached. This Locking hooks 7 are, for example, firmly connected to the front panel 4.

The base body 2 (FIG. 2) consists of an outer bell-shaped housing 10, in that a carrier cage 11 is inserted with a precise fit and a cover plate 12 is placed. The cover plate 12 has a central opening 8, the contour of which is essentially corresponds to the outer shape of the front panel 4. In the carrier cage 11 are bases for Recording one end of silicone tubes 13 is provided. The opposite the other end of the hoses is with corresponding bases of the carrier plate 9 connected. The front plate is on the carrier plate 9 by means of a central pin 14 4 with the hair detection elements 5 attached. These components 4, 5 and 9 form the active body 3 movable relative to the base body 2.

To limit the movement of the active body 3 to the side, the bell 10 or 10 stops 21 are provided in the bell-shaped housing, which each individual Silicone hose 13 are assigned. The shortest side distance, at rest State and / or normal operation between a hose 13 and a stop 21 is dimensioned so that the active body 3 does not strike the base body 2.

The electric motor 15 with its unbalanced weight is in the interior of the carrier plate 9 16 housed. This is, for example, via webs with the carrier plate 9 locked or clipped. The motor 15 is further through a housing wall 17 and one Cover 18 completely encapsulated, so that on the one hand a mechanical and electrical protection of the motor 15 is also achieved. Further upstream the capsule of the motor a wind deflector 20 with an oblique to the main flow direction 6 arranged side wall provided so that the motor 15 also cannot be blown directly by the air flow and also no major flow obstacle represents in the interior of the base body 2.

The motor 15 is connected via strands to a slide switch 19 which is connected to a Outside of the base body 2 is arranged. In the slide switch 19 are contact rails and terminals arranged so that when the slide switch is actuated 19 the clamps are moved along the rails. The strands from the motor 15 too the switch 19 thus only resembles the movement of the active body 3 the resting base body 2.

The carrier cage 11 (FIG. 3) consists of an inner ring 23 and an outer ring 24, which are interconnected by radial ribs 22. The stops 21 are preferably arcuate in cross section quarter-circle around the outside of the Connecting elements, in particular the silicone tubes 13 arranged so that a all-round stop limitation of the active body 3 in one movement is ensured.

The electric motor 15 is arranged in the base body 2 so that its motor shaft in approximately in the radial direction of the essentially rotationally symmetrical base body is arranged. The location of the center of gravity of the motor 15 is chosen so that the Motor is eccentric to the axis of rotation or main longitudinal axis of the base body 2 and the unbalance weight 16 slightly outside the axis of rotation of the base body 2 is stored.

The operating speed of the electric motor 15 or the unbalance weight 16 is such determined that the active body 3 and especially the hair detection elements 5 with a Frequency between 25 and 130 Hz, in particular between 50 and 70 Hz, oscillate and a maximum deflection amplitude of the downstream ends of the hair detection elements of 3 mm is reached. The eccentric arrangement of the electric motor 15 and the unbalance weight 16 makes the electric motor itself one in vibration offset mass so that the downstream ends of the hair sensing elements 5 each describe a slim ellipse in oscillation mode, the central axis of the Elliptical path is inclined to the main longitudinal axis of the tool. So they move distal ends or end points of the hair detection elements 5 in a three-dimensional Space, the active body 3 is moved in more than one plane. The active body will moved in a variety of directions with a nonlinear motion component is included.

The natural frequency of the spring mass-vibration system thus formed is below that Operating frequency. Although the excitation energy when operating at natural frequency is used to the maximum, the supercritical mode of operation is preferred here.

The slide switch 19 (Fig. 4) is in a backpack-like switch housing 25 on the bell-shaped housing 10 housed. At its upstream end are in an opening contacts 26 are provided, which when moving the switch 19 in Towards a hair dryer, not shown, also towards the hair dryer be moved there. At the upstream end of the housing 10, this is from dominates the carrier cage 11.

The front plate 4 (Fig. 5) shows a substantially triangular shape in plan view with concave sides and convex rounded tips. On the front panel 4 are one Plurality of hair detection elements 5 and slit-like air outlet openings 28 arranged, the elements 5 and the openings 28 concentric on a plurality circles arranged to each other are provided. The hair detection elements 5 correspond its cross-sectional area roughly corresponds to the contour of the front plate 4. The Front plate 4 is arranged within the cover plate 12, with between the inner contour the plate 12 and the outer contour of the plate 4 has a circumferential slot 27 is provided. The width of this slot is chosen so that the front panel 4 a movement, in particular vibration movement, not with the cover plate 12 in Touch comes.

A tool 1 (FIG. 6) can essentially be divided into two groups of components, namely those that are rigidly connected to a hair dryer and are therefore at rest, such as the housing 10, the carrier cage 11 and the cover plate 12. The second group the components consist of the carrier plate 9 with the electric motor 15 and the front plate 4, these parts being movable over the silicone tubes 13 with the stationary components are connected.

To assemble the tool according to the invention, for example, the Silicone hoses 13 plugged onto the pins 31 in the carrier cage 11. The engine 15 is clipped into the carrier plate 9 and closed with the cover 18. The carrier plate 9 is then connected to the still free ends of the tubes 13. The slide switch 19 is inserted into the housing 10 and then the assembly inserted from the carrier plate 9, motor 15 and carrier cage 11 in the housing 10 and be locked. The cover plate 12 is then placed on the housing 10 placed that the radially inward trough 29 of the plate 12, the motor 15th at least partially covers. Finally, the front panel 4 with the finger-like Hair detection elements 5 placed on a central mounting of the support plate 9 and fastened to the carrier plate 9 with the latching hooks 7.

A hairdryer or hair care device 32 (Fig. 7) consists essentially of a Housing 33 with an air inlet opening 34 and an air outlet opening 35 and one Handle 36. In the housing 33 are a motor 37 with a fan wheel for generating a Air flow and a heater 38 is provided for heating the air flow, which the housing 33 leaves in the main flow direction 6. The invention described above Tool for hair styling and drying is at the air outlet 35 of the dryer 32 attached, for example by a bayonet lock.

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 show a second embodiment, with FIG. 8 being one Figure 2 shows a similar representation. Figures 9 and 10 are on the presentation of the carrier cage 11 and the bell-shaped housing 10 in FIG. 6 similar to the first embodiment. Substantially the same parts are therefore with the The same reference numerals of the figures already described are shown and are not described again here. Each figure representation shows the tool and the hair dryer in non-original and different from each other Scale.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment, among others. in that there is no flow deflector on the upstream side of the electric motor 15, but instead the capsule 18 largely surrounding the motor 15 on it has a capsule opening 18a upstream so that the warm hair dryer air cools the even warmer electric motor 15 via the capsule opening 18a.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, each silicone tube 13 is approximately S-shaped formed in the central area with a radially outward offset 13a, so that at a pressure against the active body 3, the silicone tube 13 easier axially gives way than this with the straight tube shape of the first embodiment the case is.

Claims (45)

1. An implement for the treatment of hair, particularly for the styling and/or drying of hair, which is adapted to be connected with the air exit end of a hair-care appliance through which air is flown, comprising a main body (2) and at least one active body (3) which is movable relative to the main body and on which several hair pick-up elements (5) are arranged, provision being made for a drive mechanism to effect an at least two-dimensional movement of the active body (3), and said active body being part of a spring-mass vibrating system and said drive mechanism including a flyweight (16) adapted to be driven in rotation, characterized in that the drive mechanism is constructed such that the active body (3) or the hair pick-up elements (5) oscillate(s) at a frequency of between 25 and 130 Hz, in particular at a frequency of between 50 and 70 Hz, and that the drive mechanism is constructed and arranged such that the hair pickup elements with their downstream ends are movable with an amplitude in a radial and an axial plane.
2. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the drive mechanism is constructed as an electric drive mechanism, including in particular an electric motor (15), and that the drive mechanism is secured to the implement such as to be in driving relationship to the active body (3), moving it.
3. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the electric motor (15) is provided with a flyweight (16) mounted eccentrically on the motor shaft.
4. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a device is provided for the open- and/or closed-loop control of the rotational frequency of the motor or of the oscillation frequency and/or the oscillation amplitude.
5. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the electric motor (15) is adapted to be connected with a transmission mechanism.
6. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the electric motor (15), in particular a direct-current motor, is arranged in the interior of the implement (1).
7. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the electric motor (15) is arranged so that the motor shaft extends in a direction essentially transverse to the main longitudinal axis of the implement (1), particularly transverse to the main direction of alignment of the hair pick-up elements (5).
8. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electric drive mechanism, particularly the center of gravity of the electric motor (15), is arranged eccentrically to the main axis of the implement (1).
9. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive mechanism is attachable to the active body (3), particularly to the upstream inside of the supporting structure (9) as seen when looking in the direction of flow (6), as by means of a latch or screw connection, so that a substantially rigid connection is produced between the electric drive mechanism and the active body (3) or the hair pick-up elements (5).
10. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive mechanism is essentially surrounded by a capsule.
11. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the capsule includes an aperture (18a) at its upstream end, enabling the electric drive mechanism to be cooled by the afflux of air.
12. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an electrical connection is provided between the implement (1) and the hair-care appliance (32) for supplying voltage to the electric drive mechanism.
13. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the implement (1) accommodates a voltage supply operable independently of the hair-care appliance (32), for example a battery, an accumulator, a power pack or the like.
14. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main body (2) and the active body (3) are made of a dimensionally stable, hard material, and that at least one connecting element made of an elastic material is provided between the two.
15. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the connecting element is an elastic component, particularly a silicone hose (13), with its modulus of elasticity and geometrical dimensions being designed such that the elastic component has resilient and damping characteristics.
16. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the at least one hose (13) is arranged essentially parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the implement (1), having particularly an offset (13a) in the hose's mid-region.
17. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the claims 15 or 16, characterized in that several hoses (13), in particular four, are arranged equidistantly to each other, with particularly the upstream ends of the hoses (13) encompassing a smaller circle diameter than the downstream ends of the hoses (13).
18. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the claims 15 to 17, characterized in that several hoses (13) are arranged so as to be at least partially spatially inclined relative to each other, for example on the envelope surface of an imaginary truncated cone.
19. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the hoses (13) have either end thereof plugged and/or clampingly held on pin-type bases (31), with corresponding bases being provided on the main body (2) and on the active body (3).
20. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main body (2), the active body (3) and the connecting element are manufactured as a single-piece component, particularly as a two-component plastic injection molding.
21. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that stops (21) are provided in particular in the main body (2) for limiting the oscillating movement of the active body (3).
22. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main body (2) and the active body (3) each comprise at least first and second modular components adapted for joining together in subassemblies.
23. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main body (2 is comprised of a bell-type housing (10), a support cage (11) arranged therein, and a cover plate (12).
24. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the active body (3) is comprised of a support plate (9) having the drive mechanism mounted thereon as well as a front panel (4) having finger-type hair pick-up elements (5) arranged thereon.
25. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that the support cage (11), the support plate (9), the electric motor (15) and the connecting elements, particularly the silicone hoses (13), form one subassembly.
26. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in claim 25, characterized in that the subassembly is insertable in the bell-type housing (10) and is closable with the cover plate (12).
27. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the claims 23 to 26, characterized in that the support cage (11) is made of a material, particularly a plastic material, having a higher temperature resistance than the bell-type housing (10).
28. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the claims 23 to 27, characterized in that the support cage (11) projects beyond the bell-type housing (10) in an upstream direction.
29. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front panel (4) carrying the finger-type hair pick-up elements (5) is releasably connected with the support plate (9), in particular by means of latching hooks (7) or snap-action noses.
30. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the claims 24 to 29, characterized in that the front panel (4) is shaped essentially in the form of a triangle having concave sides and tips rounded in a convex configuration.
31. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the claims 24 to 30, characterized in that a latching hook (7) or a snap-action nose is provided at each tip of the front panel (4).
32. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the claims 23 to 31, characterized in that the cover plate (12) includes a centric opening (8), with the shape of said opening (8) corresponding essentially to the shape of the front panel (4).
33. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hair pick-up elements (5) have an area of cross-section which corresponds essentially to the shape of a triangle.
34. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the claims 24 to 33, characterized in that the support plate (9) and the front panel (4) are equipped with screen-type air passageways (28, 30).
35. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the claims 23 to 34, characterized in that a slide switch (19) is arranged on the bell-type housing (10) for the purpose of mechanically and/or electrically connecting the implement (1) to the hair-care appliance (32).
36. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in claim 35, characterized in that sliding-action contacts (26) with contact bars are provided in the slide switch (19), and that the electric motor (15) is electrically connected to the contact bars of the slide switch, for example by flexible leads.
37. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive mechanism is configured such that the hair pick-up elements (5) or the active body execute a three-dimensional movement.
38. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in claim 37, characterized in that the downstream ends of the hair pick-up elements (5) which are adapted to be placed on the user's head perform a movement, in particular an oscillating movement, with an amplitude in a radial plane, that is, essentially transverse to the main direction of alignment of the hair pick-up elements, and/or with an amplitude in an axial plane, that is, essentially parallel to the main direction of alignment, with the radial amplitude being greater than the axial amplitude.
39. The implement for the treatment of hair as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at their downstream ends the hair pick-up elements (5) perform a movement, in particular in a radial plane, with an amplitude of 0 to about 100 mm, preferably 3 mm, approximately.
40. A method of treating hair using an implement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized by providing for the implement (1) to be placeable on the user's head with the downstream ends of the hair pick-up elements (5), enabling the hairs to be picked up by the hair pick-up elements (5), to be lifted by the movement of the hair pick-up elements (5) at a frequency of between 25 and 130 Hz, approximately, in the space between the hair pick-up elements (5) in the direction of the front panel (4), and to be dried quickly in this position, whereby root lift as well as an improved and more uniform volume can be given to the hair, and a pleasant sensation can be created on the user's scalp.
41. A personal-care appliance through which air is adapted to be flown, in particular a hair dryer or a hot-air curling brush, having an air entrance and an air exit end, characterized in that an implement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 39 is releasably connected with the air exit end of the appliance (32).
42. A personal-care appliance through which air is adapted to be flown, in particular a hair dryer or a hot-air curling brush, having an air entrance and an air exit end, characterized in that an implement according to any one of the preceding claims is integrally formed with the air exit end of the appliance.
43. The implement as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 39, characterized in that the drive mechanism is connected with an oscillation generator exciting the active body (3) to oscillations.
44. The implement as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 39, characterized in that the downstream ends of the hair pick-up elements (5) have a spatially concave curvature forming a counterpart to the convex curvature of the operator's head and resting against the head essentially on all sides.
45. The implement as claimed in any one of the claims 35 or 36, characterized in that the slide switch (19) is actuatable between a first, second and third setting, wherein the first setting operates to disconnect the implement from the hair-care appliance mechanically and electrically, the second setting to mechanically latch the implement with the hair-care appliance, and the third setting additionally provides for the electrical connection between the implement and the hair-care appliance, so that the drive mechanism is activated only in the third setting, causing the active body (3) to oscillate.

Images