KR20240024984A - hair styling device - Google Patents

Abstract

The hair styling device has a first arm and a second arm coupled together for reciprocal movement towards and away from each other and arranged to receive hair within an area between each other. A plenum is disposed within at least one of the first arm and the second arm, the plenum including an air inlet for receiving an airflow from the fan unit and an air outlet for discharging the airflow toward hair within the area. An air deflector is disposed along at least one of the first arm and the second arm, the air deflector configured to deflect at least a portion of the airflow out of the area.

Description

hair styling device

The present invention relates to hair styling devices.

Heated hair styling devices are designed to use the action of heat, mechanical means and/or air currents to shape hair into a desired shape or style.

The hair straightener may utilize heating plates attached to rotating arms that the user can hold in a closed position with a lock of hair held between the plates. When hair is heated above its transition temperature, tresses can be styled into altered shapes.

According to one aspect, a hair styling device is provided, said hair styling device comprising: a first arm coupled together for reciprocal movement towards and away from each other, arranged to receive hair within an area between each other; 2 arms; a plenum disposed within at least one of the first arm and the second arm, the plenum including an air inlet for receiving an airflow from a fan unit and an air outlet for discharging the airflow toward hair within the area; and at least one air deflector disposed along at least one of the first arm and the second arm, the air deflector configured to deflect at least a portion of the airflow out of the region.

Deflecting at least a portion of the airflow within the area in a direction away from the hair can increase user comfort and/or reduce the resistance of the discharge airflow. In particular, the user's comfort is improved because the heated airflow is directed in the opposite direction from the user's neck, head, or shoulders.

At least one air deflector can at least partially define at least one duct through which the air flow moves.

The duct may be curved in a direction away from the area along at least a portion of the duct length. Ducts may converge in a downstream direction in cross-section. Curvature and/or convergence of the duct may improve airflow characteristics and/or user comfort.

The duct may be defined at least in part by an outer surface of at least one of the first arm and the second arm disposed opposite the air deflector. The outer surface may be curved in cross-section in a direction away from this area. Curvature of the duct may improve airflow characteristics and/or user comfort.

The hair styling device may include at least one vane disposed between the outer surface and the air deflector. The at least one vane is angled and/or curved with respect to a longitudinal axis of at least one of the first arm and the second arm and generally directs the airflow exiting the duct in use of the hair styling device. It can be deflected toward the tip. This may improve airflow characteristics and/or user convenience.

The first arm and the second arm each have a leading edge at which the hair enters the area while the hair is pulled through the hair styling device in use and a leading edge at which the hair is pulled through the hair styling device in use. and a trailing edge through which the hair exits the area while being pulled, wherein the air outlet is positioned closer to the trailing edge than the leading edge, and wherein the air deflector is positioned closer to the trailing edge. It can be placed closer to the leading edge.

The plenum may extend longitudinally through at least one of the first arm and the second arm, and may be tapered along at least a portion of the length to a cross-section parallel to the plane of the hair in the region.

The hair styling device may include a longitudinally extending heating element to heat the airstream before it is discharged from the air outlet.

Each of the arms may include the plenum, the air outlet, the air inlet and the air deflector.

The first arm and the second arm may be pivotably mounted on a base. The fan unit may be placed within the base.

The hair styling appliance may include bellows connecting each plenum to a fan unit.

In order to make the present invention easier to understand, embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 is a side view of a hair styling device.
Figure 2 is an end elevation view of the hair styling device of Figure 1;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of the hair styling device of FIG. 1.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the hair styling device of Figure 1 in a closed position;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the hair styling device of Figure 1 in an open position;
Figure 6 is a simplified version of the cross section of Figure 3.
Figure 7 is a simplified cross-sectional view of an alternative hair styling device.
Figure 8 is a simplified cross-sectional view of another alternative hair styling device.
Figure 9 is a simplified cross-sectional view of another alternative hair styling device.
Figure 10 is a simplified cross-sectional view of another alternative hair styling device.
Figure 11 is a longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view of the hair styling device of Figures 1 to 6, looking through Figure 4;
Fig. 12 is a longitudinal horizontal cross-sectional view of the hair styling device of Figs. 1 to 6, looking through Fig. 4;
Figure 13 is a perspective view of a heater for use with a hair styling device such as Figures 1 to 6.
Figure 14 is a top view of the heater of Figure 13.
Figure 15 is a front view of the heater of Figures 13 and 14.
Figure 16 is a schematic side view of a hair styling device.
Figure 17 is a schematic side view of another hair styling device.
Figure 18 is a schematic side view of another hair styling device.
Figure 19 is a schematic side view of another hair styling device.
Figure 20 is a schematic side view of the hair styling device of Figure 16, showing a sensor arrangement for measuring relative position changes between elements of the hair styling device.
Figure 21 is a schematic side view of the hair styling device of Figure 17, showing another sensor arrangement for measuring relative position changes between elements of the hair styling device.
Figure 22 is a schematic side view of the hair styling device of Figure 16, showing another sensor arrangement for measuring relative position changes between elements of the hair styling device.
Figure 23 is a schematic side view of the hair styling device of Figure 17, showing another sensor arrangement for measuring relative position changes between elements of the hair styling device.
Figure 24 is a side view of a tension plate arrangement for use with a hair styling device.
Figure 25 is a side view of one of the tension plates from the tension plate arrangement of Figure 24.
Figure 26 is a perspective view of another tension plate from the tension plate arrangement of Figure 24;
Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of the tension plate arrangement of Figure 24.

Referring to the drawings, the hair styling device 10 includes a first arm 12 and a second arm 14 coupled together for reciprocal movement toward each other. In the example shown, the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 are pivotally mounted via respective hinges 17 to a base in the form of a handle section 16 . The first and second arms 12, 14 are biased by a spring (not shown) towards an open position as shown in Figure 5 and can be manually closed against the spring bias by the user.

Each first arm 12 and second arm 14 terminates at a distal tip region 18 of the handle section 16. The first and second arms 12, 14 each include a tapered portion 24 that narrows along its length toward a tip region 18 in plan.

The first and second arms 12, 14 are arranged to receive hair within an area in the form of a drying cavity 20. Drying cavity 20 is the space between first and second arms 12, 14 in which hair tresses 22 are captured when hair styling device 10 is used, as described in more detail below.

The first and second arms 12, 14 each include a leading edge 15 through which the hair is dried while being pulled through the hair styling device 10 in use. Enter joint (20). Each of the first and second arms 12, 14 also includes a trailing edge 19, through which the hair is pulled through the hair styling device 10 in use. The hair exits the drying cavity (20).

The portion of the handle section 16 distal to the tip area 18 is generally hollow and includes several exterior holes 26 through which air passes when the hair styling device 10 is in use. Filter 28 filters the incoming air to remove dust and other particles that could damage downstream components or the user's hair.

After passing filter 28, the air continues to move downstream through impeller 30 driven by electric motor 32. Motor 32 may be driven by a mains power supply (supplied via cable, not shown) and/or a battery (not shown), depending on the implementation.

Downstream of the motor 32, air continues to flow through the bellows 34. The bellows forks and divides the air into a first duct (36) and a second duct (38). The first and second ducts 36, 38 each include an offset in the form of an S-shaped portion 37, as shown in FIG. 12. Alternatively, an offset, such as an S-shaped section, may be provided upstream of the bellows fork. As another alternative, an offset, such as an S-shaped section, may be provided in a similarly positioned airflow path where only a single plenum is provided, thus eliminating the need for forks or, at least in some cases, bellows.

The first duct 36 supplies air to the first plenum 40 in the first arm 12 through the first air inlet 42, and the second duct 38 supplies air through the second air inlet 46. Air is supplied to the second plenum 44 in the second arm 14 through. The bellows 34 is formed at least in part of an elastic material so that the first duct and the second duct can be bent in a direction away from each other when the hair styling device is in the open position shown in FIG. 5 .

The first plenum 40 has an outlet in the form of a first slot 48 that opens into the drying cavity 20 . Similarly, the second plenum 44 has an outlet in the form of a second slot 50 that opens into the drying cavity 20 . First slot 48 and second slot 50 extend along the inner surfaces of each of the first and second arms 12 and 14. The first and second slots 48 , 50 may take the form of continuous apertures of the hair styling device 10 , but alternatively may include one or more discontinuous and/or other shapes disposed along the drying cavity 20 . It may take the form of an aperture.

The first slot 48 and the second slot 50 are located closer to each trailing edge 19 than to the respective leading edge 15 .

The first and second plenums 40, 44 each include a longitudinally extending heater 66 for heating the air stream before it exits the respective first and second slots 48, 50. . Heater 66 is described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 13-15.

As best shown in Figure 12, each of the first and second plenums 40, 44 tapers toward a tip region 18 that connects in plan with a corresponding duct 36/38. This reduction in the cross-sectional area of the first and second plenums 40, 44 compensates for the gradual decrease in air pressure due to increasing distance from the motor 32. The S-shaped portion 37 directs airflow to a region of each plenum at a point distal to the first and second slots 48, 50, which extends the length of the first and second plenums 40, 44. It helps equalize the pressure throughout.

An angled wall 51 within each plenum extends along most of the plenum length. The angle of the angled wall 51 relative to the corresponding slots 48 or 50 is selected so that air is uniformly diverted from the plenum through the slots 48 or 50. An angle of about 6-10 degrees, especially about 8-9 degrees, and most especially 8.7 degrees has been found to be effective, at least in the embodiments of Figures 1-6.

First arm 12 includes a first air deflector 52 and second arm 14 includes a second air deflector 54 . First air deflector 52 and second air deflector 54 are disposed along first arm 12 and second arm 14, respectively, and, as described in more detail below, drying cavity 20 ) is configured to deflect at least a portion of the airflow in a direction away from the hair in the hair. The first air deflector 52 and the second air deflector 54 are arranged closer to the leading edge 15 than the respective trailing edges 19.

In the hair styling device 10 , the first air deflector 52 partially forms a first duct 56 . The first duct 56 is also defined in part by a first outer surface 58 of the first arm 12 disposed opposite the first air deflector 52 . Similarly, the second air deflector 54 forms a second duct 60. The second duct 60 is similarly defined in part by a second outer surface 62 of the second arm 14 disposed opposite the second air deflector 54 .

The first and second outer surfaces 58, 62 are curved in cross-section away from the dry cavity 20. The curves of the first and second outer surfaces 58, 62 are selected to provide a smooth path for the airflow 59 passing through the first and second ducts 56, 60 as well as to promote adhesion of the airflow, Promotes airflow into the duct and reduces restrictions.

As best shown in Figures 3 and 6, the first and second ducts 56, 60 are curved away from the dry cavity 20 along at least a portion of their respective lengths. In the hair styling device 10, the first and second ducts 56, 60 are curved away from the cross-section (see Figures 3 and 6). This causes the airflow 59 in the drying cavity 20 to move away from the hair.

The first and second ducts 56, 60 converge in the downstream direction in the cross section. This causes the air flow 59 to accelerate as it leaves the first and second ducts 56, 60, which aids air entrainment and serves to lower the average temperature of the moving air. Reduced air temperature may provide greater user comfort depending on the direction in which the hair styling device 10 is used.

The first and second ducts 56, 60 include a plurality of vanes 64 disposed between the outer surfaces 58, 62 and the air deflectors 52, 54. Each vane 64 has first and second arms to deflect airflow exiting the first and second ducts 56 and 60 when in use generally toward the tip area 18 of the hair styling device 10. (12 and 14) are angled and curved about the longitudinal axis. Deflecting the airflow in this way can improve user comfort depending on the direction in which the hair styling device 10 is used. In particular, the user's comfort is improved because the heated airflow is directed in the opposite direction from the user's neck, head, or shoulders.

In use, while hair styling device 10 is in the open position shown in FIG. 5 , a user positions hair tresses 22 between first and second arms 12, 14 within drying cavity 20. do. Generally, the trailing edge 19 of the hair styling device 10 is positioned close to the user's scalp, but a different position may be selected depending on the desired styling effect. The user then compresses the first and second arms 12, 14 together toward the closed position shown in Figure 4 to capture the hair tress 22 within the drying cavity 20.

The impeller 30 driven by the motor 32 draws air through the hole 26 and the filter 28 and then pushes it downstream through the bellows 34, where the air flows through the first duct 36 and It is divided into a second duct (38). Airflow enters first plenum 40 from first duct 36 and into second plenum 44 from second duct 38.

Airflow travels through the first and second plenums 40, 44 toward each heater 66. The air stream is heated by heater 66 and then exits first and second slots 48, 50 and enters drying cavity 20. Due to the tapered cross-section and S-shaped portion 37 of the first and second plenums 40, 44, the heated airflow flows out of the first and second slots 48, 50 generally uniformly along its length. Get out.

While the user pulls the hair styling device 10 away from the scalp, the heated airflow heats and dries the hair tresses 22 within the drying cavity 20, straightening and smoothing them. When the heated airflow exits the hair tress 22, most of it is directed to the first and second ducts 56, 58, but a small amount is directed to the inner edges of the first and second air deflectors 52, 54. It can leak through hair trapped in the gaps. The airflow is directed away from the hair bundle 22 through the first and second ducts 56, 60 and exits at an angle described in more detail above.

Although the hair styling device 10 is shown with both first and second arms 12, 14 having a plenum, outlets, and air deflectors, other combinations of these features may be used.

In the example, only one of the first and second arms 12, 14 includes a plenum, and only one of the first and second arms 12, 14 includes an air deflector. The arm containing the plenum need not be the same as the arm containing the air deflector.

For example, Figure 7 shows a cross-section of hair styling device 70, where features common to hair styling device 10 use the same reference numerals. In the hair styling device 70, the second arm 14 does not include a plenum. Additionally, first arm 12 does not include an air deflector. Accordingly, all airflow exiting drying cavity 20 passes through duct 60 .

Figure 7 shows a cross-section of hair styling device 80, where features common to hair styling devices 10, 60 use the same reference numerals. In the hair styling appliance 80, the second arm 14 includes a plenum 44 and a duct 60, while the first arm 12 does not include a plenum or air deflector. As with the hair styling device 60 , all airflow leaving the drying cavity 20 passes through the duct 60 , but in this case the airflow is supplied into the drying cavity 20 via the second slot 50 .

In another example, both the first and second arms 12, 14 include a plenum, but only one of the first and second arms 12, 14 includes an air deflector.

For example, Figure 9 shows a cross-section of hair styling device 90, where features common to hair styling devices 10, 70, and 80 use the same reference numerals. In the hair styling device 90, the first and second arms 12, 14 include first and second plenums 40, 44, respectively. The second arm 14 includes an air deflector 54, while the first arm 12 does not include an air deflector. Accordingly, all airflow exiting the drying cavity passes through the second duct 60.

In another example, only one of the first and second arms 12, 14 includes a plenum, but both the first and second arms 12, 14 include an air deflector.

For example, Figure 10 shows a cross-section of hair styling device 100, where features common to hair styling devices 10, 70, 80, and 90 use the same reference numerals. In the hair styling device 100, the first arm 12 includes a first plenum 40, but the second arm 14 does not include a plenum. As such, the airflow exiting the drying cavity 20 passes through the first and second ducts 56, 60 in a manner similar to that described with respect to the hair styling device 10 of FIGS. 1-6, but this In this case, the airflow is supplied to the drying cavity 20 only through the first slot 48.

Although specific combinations of first and second arms, plenums, outlets, and air deflectors have been described, it will be understood that any other combination of these components may be employed depending on the desired implementation. Choosing a specific combination of these factors allows manufacturers to balance manufacturing costs with desired performance.

Additionally, although the use of a single motor 32 and impeller 30 has been described, it will be appreciated that a separate motor could be provided for each arm or both arms.

Additionally, although the hair styling devices described above all use a base (handle section 16, etc.), those skilled in the art will understand that the arms may be connected directly to each other rather than through such a base. In that case, the motor 32 and impeller 30 may be mounted within one of the arms, or separate motors and impellers may be mounted within each arm.

The first and second arms 12, 14 are generally symmetrical, but those skilled in the art will understand that this need not be the case. For example, one of the arms may have a larger volume than the other arm and may include, for example, a motor 32, an impeller 30, and a plenum, while the other arm does not include these components. It may not be possible. This approach allows for air deflectors to be mounted on both arms.

Although the air deflector described above takes the form of a linear element defining a longitudinal duct, other forms of air deflector may be used in other embodiments. For example, the air deflector(s) may take the form of one or more apertures formed through one or both arms. In this case, the air deflector forms part of the wall of each aperture against which air exiting the drying cavity 20 collides and changes direction. Alternatively, the air deflector(s) may take the form of one or more longitudinal slats spaced apart from one or both arms.

Heater 66 may take any suitable form. Although both first and second plenums 40 and 44 include heaters, only the heater in first plenum 40 is described to avoid duplication. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments only one of the plenums would have a heater. Additionally, if both plenums have heaters, they do not need to be identical to each other.

In the illustrated example and as best shown in FIGS. 13-15 , heater 66 includes a frame 71 . Frame 71 includes a first pair of frame elements 72, 74 spaced apart in a direction generally perpendicular to the airflow. The frame elements 72, 74 generally extend in a direction perpendicular to the airflow and are generally, but need not be, arranged parallel to each other. The frame elements are formed of mica, but other suitable heat-resistant materials may also be used.

Frame elements 72, 74 are held spaced apart from each other by spacers 68. In this case, each spacer is cylindrical and formed of mica, but any other suitable heat-resistant material may be used. Other cross-sectional shapes may also be used depending on the requirements of a particular implementation. Spacers 68 extend between opposing surfaces of frame elements 72, 74.

In the illustrated embodiment there is a second set of frame elements 172 , 174 spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the airflow by additional spacers 102 . The second set of frame elements 172, 174 are spaced apart from the first set of frame elements 72, 74 in an upstream direction.

As best shown in Figures 12 and 13, spacer 68 and additional spacer 102 are laterally offset 104 from each other relative to the downstream direction. Offset 104 ensures that air blocked by additional spacer 102 is not further blocked by downstream spacer 68, which may be if spacer 68 is aligned in a straight line with additional spacer 102. there is. This results in a more even distribution of air and heat into the drying cavity 20.

Heaters used with hair styling devices may include one or more heating elements. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of frame elements 72, 74 and a pair of additional frame elements 172, 174 each have a heating element 96 wrapped around them, and the heating element 96 defines the heating zone. Let it extend repeatedly across. In this case the heating element 96 takes the form of a nichrome wire, but other materials and types of heating elements may be used.

In the illustrated embodiment, the heating zone includes a first upstream heating zone 98 defined by heating elements 66 repeatedly passing from frame element 172 to frame element 174 and and a first downstream heating zone 100 defined by heating elements 66 repeatedly passing through frame elements 172 . By repeatedly passing between frame elements 172 and 174 in this way, heating elements 66 densely cover the area through which air flows when hair styling device 10 is in use.

In other implementations, the heating element may extend repeatedly across the space or spaces between frame elements 172, 174 and be secured in place using clamps, screws, or any other suitable retaining means. Alternatively or additionally, the heating element may be held in place by notches or holes in the frame elements 172, 174. Tension on the heating element may optionally help hold the heating element in place.

The heating element may take any other suitable form, including resistive tape, traces, wire, etc., and optionally may include corrugations, castellations, undulations, fins, etc. to cover increased area. and can improve heat transfer.

Frame elements 72 and 74 have an additional upstream heating zone 106 and an additional downstream heating zone 106 defined by heating elements passing from one frame element to the other in a similar manner as described for frame elements 172 and 174. and a heating zone including zone 108.

16-19, multiple configurations of hair styling appliances are shown, where common features are referred to by like reference numerals. These configurations are schematic and exemplary only, and those skilled in the art will understand that many other configurations and arrangements may be employed.

Each hair styling device of Figures 16-19 has a plurality of elements that are movable relative to each other. The plurality of elements includes a first arm (12) and a second arm (14).

In Figure 16, the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 are mounted to rotate about the hinge 17. There are no additional major elements associated with the mechanism that allows the first and second arms 12, 14 to pivot relative to each other about the hinge axis defined by the hinge 17.

17 a base 16 is provided with first and second arms 12, 14. In this case, the base 16 is sandwiched between the first and second arms 12 and 14 so that when the first and second arms 12 and 14 are pushed together, the base 16 is wrapped between them. In other embodiments, base 16 may be positioned differently relative to the first and second arms, such as being partially external to one or both of the first and second arms.

In Figure 18, the first and second arms 12, 14 extend downward beyond the hinge 17 to form a scissors arrangement.

19 , the base 16 is an integral part of the second arm 14, while the first arm 12 is relative to the second arm 14 and the base 16 about the hinge axis of the hinge 17. It rotates.

It will be appreciated that hair styling devices can take many different general forms and configurations. For example, instead of hinges, flexible springs, and/or articulated arrangements that allow relative movement between the first and second arms may be employed.

20-23, an example of a hair styling device is shown that uses a sensor array to detect relative movement between at least two elements of the hair styling device. Relative motion may be, for example, the angle and/or distance between two elements. The two elements whose relative movement, angle or distance are sensed may be the first and second arms 12, 14, or one of the arms and another element of the hair styling device. For example, when base 16 is used, the relative movement, angle and/or distance between base 16 and one of the first and second arms 12, 14 may be sensed.

A sensor arrangement is provided that includes at least a first sensor component mounted on at least one of the at least two elements of a hair styling device, capable of detecting relative movement, angle and/or distance between the elements. When a single sensor component is used, it is mounted on one element of the hair styling appliance and measures movement, distance and/or angle relative to another element of the hair styling appliance.

Any suitable sensor based on mechanical, electromechanical, electronic, capacitive, inductive, magnetic, sonic, electromagnetic, or any other technology may be employed in this sensor arrangement. Alternatively, first sensor component 76 may be a combined transmitter/receiver, such as an ultrasonic transmitter/receiver unit that uses the same transducer for transmission and reception.

20-23, the sensor arrangement includes a first sensor component 76 and a second sensor component 78. The first and second sensor components 76, 78 may include any combination of sensors based on mechanical, electromechanical, electronic, capacitive, inductive, magnetic, sonic, electromagnetic, or any other technology. It can be included. For example, the first and second sensor components 76, 78 may take the form of complementary transmitters and receivers. For example, the second sensor component 78 may be an ultrasonic transmitter, an emitter, or a magnetic field generator (e.g., a magnet), and the first sensor component 76 may be a complementary ultrasonic receiver, an optical receiver (e.g., For example, it may be a light-dependent resistor) or a Hall effect sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the second sensor component 78 may take the form of a reflector, such as a mirror or acoustically reflective area, which may be shaped to selectively focus the reflected signal.

In another alternative, first component 76 may take the form of a receiver, sensor, or scanner that interacts with features, aspects, or characteristics of second sensor component 78. For example, the first component 76 may take the form of an image sensor, and the second sensor component 78 may be a target, reticle, or scale that can be sensed by the image sensor to determine a distance or angle. Or it may take other forms.

In another alternative, the first component 76 may take the form of a Hall effect sensor and the second component 78 may take the form of a magnet. The Hall effect sensor is configured to detect the position and/or direction of the magnet depending on the angle or distance between each of the first and second components 76 and 78 on which they are mounted.

In another embodiment, one or both of the first and second sensor components 76, 78 may be one or more mechanical elements, components, linkages and/or devices that allow angles or distances to be measured in relative or absolute units. May include machines. For example, a machine could be provided to convert the relative movement between the first and second arms 12, 14 into rotational movement, which could be sensed using a rotary encoder. Alternatively or additionally, first and/or second sensor components 76 and 78 may include one or more variable resistors, capacitors, inductors, switches, or combinations thereof. The first and/or second components may also include interactive components that interact with elements of one or more variable resistors, capacitors, inductors, switches, or combinations thereof.

First sensor component 76 outputs a first signal representative of the angle and/or distance between first arm 12 and second arm 14 based on the sensed angle and/or distance. In this context, the term “representing angle and/or distance” does not require that the signal directly or explicitly encodes angle and/or distance. For example, the first signal may indirectly or implicitly indicate the distance between the first sensor component and the second sensor component. The first signal therefore “indicates” the distance and implicitly the angle between the first arm 12 and the second arm 14, but there is no need to convert the signal into an actual distance or angle. Instead, the value passed in the first signal can be used directly as input without conversion to another format.

Similarly, distances and angles between elements of a hair styling device are described as interchangeable, but in practice neither distances nor angles need be explicitly sensed or determined. For example, if the first sensor component 76 is an ultrasonic receiver and the second sensor component 78 is an ultrasonic transmitter, the first signal is an ultrasonic signal generated by the second component 78. It may indicate the time it takes to reach the sensor component 76. Although time represents the distance an ultrasound signal has traveled, there is no need to convert time to distance and/or angle.

Additionally, it may be sufficient to determine that some threshold has been met in terms of the value sensed by the first sensor component 76, regardless of whether the threshold is converted to an actual distance or angle.

The first signal may be output to one or more processors, such as microprocessor 82, for example. Microprocessor 82 selectively adjusts, amplifies, filters, or processes the first signal as needed and then uses it as an input to control hair styling device 10. Alternatively, processing circuitry (not shown) and/or one or more processors may form part of a sensor array that generates the first signal.

Actions may be taken based on the first signal. For example, if the first signal indicates that the angle and/or distance between first arm 12 and second arm 14 has fallen below the first threshold angle, microprocessor 82 may allow the user to It can be concluded that the hair 22 between the first and second arms 12 and 14 within 20 is compressed. Accordingly, the microprocessor 82 will operate the heater 66 and the motor 32 so that heated air is discharged from the first and second slots 48 and 52 to dry the hair within the drying cavity 20.

If the first signal indicates that the angle and/or distance between the first and second arms 12, 14 subsequently increases above the second threshold angle, the microprocessor 82 causes the user to remove the hair bundle 22. It can be concluded that . Accordingly, the microprocessor 82 stops the operation of the heater 66 and the motor 32 and prevents heated air from being discharged from the first and second slots 48 and 52 any longer. Alternatively, only the heater 66 is deactivated and the motor 32 continues to operate for at least some time after the second threshold angle is exceeded. This may, for example, reduce intermittent on/off switching of the fan motor 32, which can be disruptive to the user and increase wear and tear on internal components of the hair care device 10.

Optionally or alternatively, the fan may be controlled depending on the position of the arm. For example, instead of turning off the motor 32 and/or heater 66 in response to the second threshold being met, reduce the motor power to slow the airflow to save power and remove the hair strands from the drying cavity 20. (22) can reduce the amount of air escaping from the device when not compressed.

The first and second threshold angles and/or distances may be the same. Alternatively, a hysteresis function may be applied such that the first threshold angle and/or distance is less than the second threshold angle and/or distance. For example, this prevents rapid transitions if the user holds the first and second arms very close to a common threshold.

However, other thresholds may also be used. For example, a third threshold between the first and second thresholds may be used, wherein the heater 66 is turned off and the motor 32 remains on, and the heater 66 and motor 32 are kept on. ) turns off when the second threshold is exceeded.

Microprocessor 82 may also accept user input, such as the state of a switch (not shown) that can be actuated by the user. For example, upon detecting that a first threshold angle and/or distance has been exceeded, the microprocessor 82 may turn on the motor 32, while the heater 66 may only be turned on by the user pressing a switch.

Depending on the application, different combinations of thresholds, inputs, and controls may be implemented.

The first signal may indicate the angle and/or distance between the first and second arms 12, 14 by indicating a condition relative to one or more thresholds. For example, the first signal may be a first voltage (e.g., 0V DC) when the first arm and the second arm are closed above a first threshold angle, and the first arm and the second arm are closed above a second threshold angle. There may be a second voltage (e.g. 12V) when the arm is opened. If the first and second critical angles are different, such as when hysteresis is used, first sensor component 76 may include circuitry (not shown) that implements hysteresis without the need for microprocessor 82 to be included. . Alternatively, hysteresis may be implemented by a microprocessor based on the first signal.

20 shows an arrangement in which the first component 76 is mounted on the first arm 12 and the second component 78 is mounted on the second arm 14. As the first and second arms 12, 14 become closer together, the distance between the first and second sensor components 76, 78 decreases. The first sensor component 76 senses the distance 81 between the first and second arms 12, 14 using any suitable technique such as those described above. The first sensor component 76 then outputs a first signal indicating the angle and/or distance between the first arm and the second arm based on the sensed angle and/or distance.

21 shows an arrangement in which the first component 76 is mounted on the first arm 16 and the second component 78 is mounted on the second arm 14. The distance 81 in this arrangement is approximately half of the distance 81 in the arrangement of Figure 5. Taking this into account, the first signal itself is modified, or the interpretation of the first signal by the microprocessor 82 is adjusted accordingly.

22 shows an arrangement in which both first component 76 and second component 78 are mounted on first arm 12. The second component 78 is a transmitter, such as an ultrasonic transmitter or a light-emitting device, and the first component 76 is a complementary receiver, such as an ultrasonic receiver or a light-dependent device. The signal output by second component 78 reflects off section 84 of second arm 14 before being received by first component 76. The distance 81 in this arrangement is approximately twice the distance 81 in the arrangement of Figure 5. Taking this into account, the first signal itself is modified or the interpretation of the first signal by the first microprocessor 82 is adjusted accordingly. Mounting both components on the same arm can simplify construction, especially if both components require wiring.

Figure 23 shows the arrangement in which the linkage 86 is provided. The linkage 86 includes a first link 88 pivotally connected to the first arm 12, a second link 90 pivotally connected to the first link 88 and the second arm 14, and a second link 88 pivotally connected to the first arm 12. It includes a third link 92 connected to the junction between the first link 88 and the second link 90. The third link 92 is constrained to slide up and down by an arrangement of slots and tabs (not shown) complementary to the base 16 as the first and second arms 12 and 14 separate and move together. Receive. The relative lengths and general arrangement of linkage 86 may be selected to provide mechanical amplification of any movement between first and second arms 12, 14. This may improve the sensitivity and/or reliability of detection. It will be understood that any other suitable connection may be used.

Any other arrangement or mechanism may be used to allow the distance or angle between the first and second arms 12, 14 to be inferred.

Additionally, if the distance or angle between the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 is not measured per se due to the relative positions of the first and second sensor components 76 and 78, then the first and second arm 14 It may be sufficient to infer the distance or angle without explicitly converting it to an actual distance or angle between the second arms 12, 14. For example, in the hair styling device of FIG. 21 , the distance measured between first sensor element 76 and second sensor element 78 actually corresponds to corresponding portions of first and second arms 12, 14. is about half the distance between There is no need to explicitly convert the measured distance between the first sensor component 76 and the second sensor component 78 to the actual distance between the corresponding portions of the first and second arms 12, 14. does not exist. Instead, the relationship between the distance or angle between corresponding portions of the first and second arms 12, 14 is inferred based on the known relationship between them and the first signal.

24-27, a tension plate arrangement 110 is shown extending along the trailing edges of the first and second arms 12 and 14 upstream of the slots 48 and 50. Tension plate arrangement 110 includes a first tension plate 112 and a second tension plate 114 . The first tension plate 112 is elastically biased towards the second tension plate 114 by the metal leaf spring 116 . The first tension plate 112 is mounted within a slot of the first arm 12 such that it can move away from the second tension plate 114 against the tension of the spring 116 within the slot.

In the illustrated example, the first tension plate 112 includes a first guide 118 at one end and a second guide 120 at the other end, between which a first contact surface 119 extends. . The second tension plate 114 includes a third guide 122 at one end and a fourth guide 124 at the other end, and a second contact surface 123 extends between them. The first and second contact surfaces 119, 123 are coated with a low friction coating to reduce friction, but any other suitable material may be used.

In the illustrated implementation, the first, second, third and fourth guides 118, 120, 122, 124 are tapered tongue-like made of an elastic material such as silicone that allows the guides to bend. It takes the form of a protrusion. The first guide 118 and the third guide 122 are positioned in a straight line with each other, and the second guide 120 and the fourth guide 124 are also positioned in a straight line with each other.

In use, when the first and second arms 12, 14 are pushed together to trap the hair tress 22 within the drying cavity 20, the first guide 118, the third guide 122, and the third guide 118 The opposing tips of the second guide 120 and the fourth guide 124 contact each other and are bent as shown in FIG. 27. The contact between each pair of guides prevents the hair of the hair tuft 22 from exiting the drying cavity 20, for example due to the force of the airflow entering the drying cavity.

Further movement of the first and second arms towards each other traps the hair bundle 22 between the first and second contact surfaces 119, 123, while the pressure on the hair bundle 22 is maintained by the spring 116. limited. When the user pulls the hair from the scalp and passes it through the hair styling device 10, the pressure applied to the hair bundle 22 by the first contact surface 119 and the second contact surface 123 provides tactile feedback to heat the hair bundle. It helps the dried hair move smoothly as it exits the drying area (20).

Optionally, the hair care device can be used to dry hair like a conventional hair dryer. This mode (which may be selected automatically or manually) uses airflow 59 from ducts 56, 60 to dry the user's hair in the same way as air from a conventional hair dryer. This option can be useful when "rough-drying" your hair, allowing you to reduce moisture levels before using the product in subsequent styling operations.

Although several embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the invention is not limited to these embodiments.

Claims (15)

As a hair styling device,
a first arm and a second arm coupled together for reciprocal movement towards and away from each other and arranged to receive hair within an area between each other;
a plenum disposed within at least one of the first arm and the second arm, the plenum including an air inlet for receiving an airflow from the fan unit and an air outlet for discharging the airflow to the area; and
At least one air deflector disposed along at least one of the first arm and the second arm, the air deflector configured to deflect at least a portion of the airflow out of the area. According to claim 1,
wherein the at least one air deflector at least partially defines at least one duct through which the air stream travels. According to claim 2,
The hair styling device, wherein the duct is curved in a direction away from the area along at least a portion of the duct length. According to claim 2 or 3,
The hair styling device, wherein the duct converges in a downstream direction in cross-section. According to any one of claims 2 to 4,
and the duct is defined at least in part by an outer surface of at least one of the first arm and the second arm disposed opposite the air deflector. According to claim 5,
The hair styling device, wherein the outer surface is curved in cross-section in a direction away from the area. The method of claim 5 or 6,
A hair styling device comprising at least one vane disposed between the outer surface and the air deflector. According to claim 7,
The at least one vane is angled and/or curved with respect to the longitudinal axis of at least one of the first arm and the second arm to direct the airflow exiting the duct when in use. A hair styling device that deflects hair toward the tip. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The first arm and the second arm each have a leading edge at which the hair enters the area while in use the hair is pulled through the hair styling device and a leading edge at which the hair in use is pulled through the hair styling device. a trailing edge through which the hair exits the area while being pulled, wherein the air outlet is positioned closer to the trailing edge than the leading edge, and wherein the air deflector is configured to direct the hair toward the trailing edge. A hair styling device that is placed closer to the leading edge. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
wherein the plenum extends longitudinally through at least one of the first arm and the second arm and is tapered along at least a portion of the length of the plenum onto a cross-section parallel to the plane of the hair in the region. Styling device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A hair styling appliance comprising a longitudinally extending heating element for heating the air stream before it is discharged from the air outlet. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
Each of the arms includes the plenum, the air outlet, the air inlet and the air deflector. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The hair styling device, wherein the first arm and the second arm are pivotally mounted on a base. According to claim 13,
The hair styling device, wherein the fan unit is disposed within the base. According to claim 14,
A hair styling appliance comprising bellows connecting the plenum or each plenum to the fan unit.