WO2023111504A1

WO2023111504A1 - Attachment for a haircare appliance

Info

Publication number: WO2023111504A1
Application number: PCT/GB2022/052904
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ayrton PEEL; Robert Coulton; Stephen Courtney
Original assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
Priority date: 2021-12-16
Filing date: 2022-11-16
Publication date: 2023-06-22
Also published as: GB2613843A

Abstract

An attachment for a haircare appliance, the attachment having an air inlet, a primary air outlet, first and second secondary air outlets, a curved surface, a main body defining the primary air outlet and the curved surface. The curved surface extends around the main body from a first end of the curved surface adjacent to and downstream of a first side of the primary air outlet to a second, opposite end of the curved surface adjacent to and downstream of a second, opposite side of the primary air outlet. The attachment comprises a guide defining the first and second secondary air outlets, the guide arranged to direct air from the primary air outlet to both the first and second secondary air outlets and across the respective first and second ends of the curved surface simultaneously.

Description

ATTACHMENT FOR A HAIRCARE APPLIANCE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an attachment for a haircare appliance, and a haircare appliance.

of the Invention

Haircare appliances are typically used to dry and style hair. Users have different preferences for the type of airflow used to dry hair, for example depending on the length or thickness of the hair to be dried. Where haircare appliances are used to style hair to create a smooth appearance, the presence of shorter or broken hairs, sometimes referred to as flyaways, may impact on the desired smooth appearance.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an attachment for a haircare appliance, the attachment comprising an air inlet, a primary air outlet, first and second secondary air outlets, a curved surface, a main body defining the primary air outlet and the curved surface, the curved surface extending around the main body from a first end of the curved surface adjacent to and downstream of a first side of the primary air outlet to a second, opposite end of the curved surface adjacent to and downstream of a second, opposite side of the primary air outlet, and a guide defining the first and second secondary air outlets, the guide arranged to direct air from the primary air outlet to both the first and second secondary air outlets and across the respective first and second ends of the curved surface simultaneously.

In use, an airflow from the first secondary air outlet and an airflow from the second secondary air outlet may collide at a position on the curved surface downstream from the first and second secondary air outlets and travel away from the curved surface in a radial direction of the curved surface as a combined airflow.

The attachment according to the first aspect of the present invention may be advantageous as the inventors of the present application have determined that directing airflow in opposite directions around the curved surface simultaneously may generate a diffused airflow. This may provide a gentler airflow to the user compared to airflow exiting the primary air outlet directly. For example, the combined airflow may be wider than a width of the primary air outlet.

The main body may be movable relative to the guide between a first position in which airflow exiting the primary air outlet is directed by the guide, and a second position in which airflow exiting the primary air outlet is not directed by the guide and flows in a radially outward direction of the main body without flowing across the curved surface. For example, the main body may be rotatable relative to the guide. Accordingly, the attachment may be used in different drying modes depending on the position of the main body, providing airflow of differing characteristics, even with the same air flow rate at the primary air outlet. With the main body in the first position and the guide directing airflow through both the first and second secondary air outlets, a gentle, diffused airflow is generated. With the main body in the second position, a stronger, more concentrated airflow is generated.

The first and second positions may be 180 degrees apart from one another. This may aid weight distribution within the attachment as the main body is rotated between the first and second positions, increasing the ease of handling by a user. This may also enable a user to easily ascertain an operating mode in which the attachment is operating.

The main body may be generally cylindrical. This may help to aid a smooth rotation of the main body between the first and second positions. The main body may be configured to direct airflow exiting the primary air outlet in a radial direction. That is, the main body may be configured such that airflow exits the primary air outlet in a direction normal to the outer surface of the main body in which the primary air outlet is defined. This may aid in ease of use of the attachment when drying hair with the main body in the second position.

The guide may comprise a first channel defining the first secondary air outlet and a second channel defining the second secondary air outlet. The first and second channels may comprise arced surfaces for channelling airflow across the curved surface. This may help to reduce separation of the airflow to maintain a more laminar airflow.

The primary air outlet may have a greater open cross-sectional area than the first and second secondary air outlets. This may allow for a greater air velocity through the first or second channel compared to the main air outlet for the same air flow rate, which may be advantageous for hair styling when the main body is in the first position. Channelling airflow from a larger open cross-sectional area at the primary air outlet to a smaller open cross-sectional area at the first and second secondary air outlets may generate a converging airflow at the first and second secondary air outlets, which may reduce noise.

The guide may comprise a switching member for switching airflow between the first and second secondary air outlets, the switching member movable between a first switch position in which airflow from the primary air outlet passes through the first secondary air outlet across the first end of the curved surface and does not pass through the second secondary air outlet, a second switch position in which airflow from the primary air outlet passes through the second secondary air outlet across the second end of the curved surface and does not pass through the first secondary air outlet, and a third switch position in which airflow passes through both the first and second secondary air outlets across the respective first and second ends of the curved surface.

The attachment may be advantageous as the inventors of the present application have determined that directing airflow across the curved surface with the switching member in the first or second switch position may generate a negative pressure region adjacent to the curved surface which attracts long hairs toward the curved surface, with the airflow interaction with hair also pushing shorter hairs away from the curved surface. This may result in shorter hairs being pushed through the longer hairs, for example through the longer hairs toward the side of hair facing a user’s head, such that a smooth finish is provided.

The attachment may be configured such that, with the switching member in the first or second switch position, airflow exiting the respective first and second secondary air outlets generates a first force to attract hair toward the curved surface, and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface. This may achieve a smooth finish by attracting long hairs toward the curved surface whilst pushing short hairs away from the curved surface, through the long hairs, in the manner described above. The attachment may be configured such that a negative pressure region is generated in the vicinity of the curved surface in use.

The attachment may be advantageous as the attachment can be used in different operating modes depending on the position of the switching member and thus the direction of airflow across the curved surface. For example, the switching member may be placed in the first switch position to style hair on a first side of the head, in the second switch position to style hair on a second side of the head, and in the third switch position to gently dry hair.

The curved surface may comprise a Coanda surface, for example a convex surface along which airflow is attached as a result of the Coanda effect in use.

The curved surface may be substantially smooth and uninterrupted in form, for example free of projections and/or recesses. This may enable hair to wrap around the curved surface in use.

The curved surface may comprise a radius of curvature in the region of 10mm to 60mm. The applicant has found that such a radius of curvature may be particularly effective in generating an airflow along the curved surface that results in a first force to attract hair toward the curved surface, and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface. The curved surface may comprise a substantially constant radius of curvature.

The first and second secondary air outlets may be substantially equal in size and shape such that, in use with the switching member in the third switch position, airflow from the primary air outlet is split substantially equally between the first and second secondary air outlets to provide a substantially equal flow rate and airflow velocity across the respective first and second ends of the curved surface. This may help to ensure that airflow from the first and second secondary air outlets collides at a position substantially opposite the primary air outlet, on the opposite side of the main body. This may help a user to identify a direction of the combined airflow. Further, this may also help to ensure even styling on both sides of the head with the switching member in the first or second switch position.

The first and second air outlets may comprise rectangular slots, which may provide a more laminar airflow across the curved surface and allow a greater area of hair to be contacted by the airflow across the curved surface and thus styled by the attachment.

The switching member may comprise an arced surface for turning airflow toward the first or second secondary air outlet. That is, the switching member may be concave to help align airflow as it turns toward the first or second secondary air outlet to flow across the curved surface. The arced surface may help maintain a more laminar air flow.

The guide may be configured such that the second channel is blocked by the switching member when the switching member is in the first switch position and the first channel is blocked by the switching member when the switching member is in the second switch position. This may help to ensure that airflow can exit only the first or second air outlet, depending on the position of the switching member, to provide a greater airflow over the curved surface in the desired direction.

The switching member may form a seal between the first secondary air outlet and the second secondary air outlet when the switching member is in the first switch position and the second switch position, so that airflow can pass through only the respective first or second secondary air outlet. This may reduce air loss as air flows through the respective first or second secondary outlet, thus increasing the air flow rate across the curved surface and thereby increasing the performance of the attachment.

The switching member may be movable between the first switch position and the second switch position about a pivot. This may provide a simple and reliable way of moving the switching member, which may avoid catching of the switching member on other surfaces within the attachment during movement of the switching member, which may occur in an example in which the switching member is slid between the first and second switch positions.

The first switch position and the second switch position may be in the region of 18 degrees to 30 degrees from one another about the pivot. The inventions of the present application have established that this range of pivoting may be sufficient for switching airflow between the first and second air outlets whilst maintaining flow across the curved surface.

The switching member may be movable from either of the first and second switch positions to the third switch position in a radial direction relative to the curved surface. With the main body in the first position, this may increase the size of the channel between the primary air outlet and the first and second secondary air outlets, which may reduce noise.

The switching member may be movable to the third switch position by moving the pivot from a first pivot position, in which the switching member is pivotable between the first and second switch positions, and a second pivot position, in which the switching member is held in the third switch position. The second pivot position may be radially distal from the main body compared to the first pivot position.

The switching member may be elongate, having a length at least as long as a length of the first and second secondary air outlets. This may reduce air loss as air flows through the respective first and/or second secondary outlet, thus increasing the air flow rate across the curved surface and thereby increasing the performance of the attachment.

The first and second secondary air outlets may be fixed air outlets, for example air outlets of fixed cross-sectional area, length and/or width. This may ensure that airflow characteristics of the attachment are constant for a given flow rate of airflow generated by the airflow generator, thereby ensuring that, with the switching member in the first or second switch position, an airflow is generated along the curved surface that results in a first force to attract hair toward the curved surface, and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface. This may ensure a constant airflow along a length of the air outlet, allowing more aligned hair smoothing by the attachment. This may also provide a simpler attachment with fewer moving parts, and hence a reduced risk of failure, compared to an attachment with a variable air outlet.

The switching member may extend substantially parallel to a central axis of the attachment. With the switching member in the first or second switch position, this allows a greater portion of hair to be styled by the attachment at a given time.

The attachment may comprise a rib rigidly connected to the switching member and positioned such that the rib interacts with, for example bisects, airflow exiting the first or second secondary air outlet to align airflow. The rib may reduce noise created by airflow generated within the attachment be reducing flow separation of airflow flowing toward the first or second secondary air outlet. The rib may provide a more laminar airflow by smoothing airflow as it turns toward the first or second secondary air outlet across the respective first and second ends of the curved surface.

The switching member may comprise a single body, for example a single monolithic component. This may provide a simpler arrangement than, for example, a corresponding arrangement where the switching member comprises multiple bodies, which may reduce component count and cost, and may reduce a risk of failure in use. The atachment may comprise a pair of guide walls for guiding airflow along the curved surface, the pair of guide walls upstanding from the curved surface. By providing a pair of guide walls extending outwardly from the curved surface ambient air may be inhibited from impacting on a region of negative pressure generated by airflow flowing along the curved surface in use, and may result in increased attraction of hair toward the curved surface compared to, for example, a similar arrangement that does not utilise guide walls.

Each of the guide walls may be curved in form, for example with a curvature following a curvature of the curved surface. Guide walls of the pair of guide walls may oppose one another, for example such that a channel is defined therebetween, with the curved surface forming a bed of the channel. The pair of guide walls may be spaced apart along the curved surface from one another, for example spaced apart at opposing edges of the curved surface. A spacing between the guide walls may correspond substantially to a length of the first and second air secondary outlets or a length of the primary air outlet of the main body. The curved surface may be substantially smooth and uninterrupted between the pair of guide walls. This may enable hair to wrap around the curved surface between the pair of guide walls in use.

The pair of guide walls may comprise a height substantially equal to a height of the first and second secondary air outlets. This may ensure that a negative pressure region is maintained along substantially the entire height of a jet of air that exits the first and second air secondary outlets in use.

The guide walls may be comprised in the guide and extend around the main body from the first secondary air outlet to the second secondary air outlet. The main body may be configured to rotate within the pair of guide walls. This may help to stabilise the main body relative to the guide to ensure smooth motion of the main body between the first and second positions. The guide may comprise a retention mechanism for retaining the switching member in one of the first, second and third switch positions in the absence of an applied force to the switching member.

The attachment may be advantageous as the switching member may be retained in the first, second and third position by the retention mechanism in the absence of an applied force to the switching member by a user of the attachment, allowing the user to change an orientation of the attachment without the switching member moving between the first, second and third positions. This may enable the user to style curls into the hair by, for example, rotating the attachment.

The retention mechanism may be arranged to retain the switching member in the other of the first, second and third switch positions upon application of an applied force to the switching member by a user of the attachment. This may provide assurance to the user that the switching member is positioned correctly. This may also ensure a correct direction of airflow across the curved surface to provide better styling performance.

The retention mechanism may comprise a first pair of magnetic elements configured to retain the switching member in the first switch position and a second pair of magnetic elements configured to retain the switching member in the second switch position. Each magnetic element in a pair of magnetic elements is magnetically attracted to the other magnetic element of the pair. This may provide a simple mechanism for retaining the switching member in the desired first or second switch position and for a user to apply a force against the pair of magnetic elements to move the switching member of the other first or second switch position. For example, a first magnetic element of each of the first and second pairs of magnetic elements may be located in the switching mechanism and a second magnetic element of each of the first and second pairs of magnetic elements may be located in an adjacent location within the guide, the first magnetic elements being attracted to the second magnetic elements. The retention mechanism may comprise a releasable mechanical fastener for retaining the switching member in the first, second and/or third switch positions. For example, the releasable mechanical fastener may comprise a hook, detent or press stud. This may provide a simple way of retaining the switching member in position until application of a force by a user, which may reduce manufacture and assembly complexity.

The retention mechanism may comprise a biasing element for biasing the switching member to the first and second switch positions. For example, the retention mechanism may comprise a bi-stable spring that is stable when the switching member is in the first and second switch positions. The biasing element may help to ensure the switching member properly reaches the first and second switch positions to ensure proper switching of airflow between the first and second air outlets. The biasing element may also increase the force required to move the switching member between the first and second switch positions which may help to prevent inadvertent movement of the switching member.

An applied force for moving the switching member between the first, second and/or third switch positions may be a contact force applied to the switching member. This may provide the advantage that a user can clearly identify that the switching member has been moved because the user has applied a force directly to the switching member.

A minimum applied force required to overcome the retention mechanism to move the switching member may be in the region up to 5N. A minimum applied force required to overcome the retention mechanism to move the switching member may be in the region of 0.3N to 3N. The inventors of the present application have found that such forces may be suitable for a user to apply to the switching member with an intent to move the switching member and to prevent inadvertent movement of the switching member during normal use of the attachment.

The attachment may comprise a user interface operable by a user to select an operating mode of the attachment. The user interface may, for example, comprise one or more of a handle, high friction gripping surface, knob, push button, toggle, or touch screen. This may aid in simplifying a process for a user to move the main body and/or the switching member to change an operating mode of the attachment. The user interface may comprise a touchscreen located on the attachment, the haircare appliance to which the attachment is attached, or a smart device communicatively coupled to the attachment.

The user interface may be operable by a user to cause the main body to move between the first and second positions. For example, the user interface may comprise an element on an outer surface of the main body which may be actuated by the user to move the main body between the first and second positions, such as a handle, toggle or high-gripping surface.

The user interface may be operable by a user to cause the switching member to move between the first, second and/or third positions. For example, the user interface may comprise a handle on a side of the switching member that is distal from the main body, the handle being pivotable by a user about a pivot to move the switching member between the first and second switch positions, and slidable by a user relative to the main body to move the switching member to the third switch position. This may provide visual feedback to the user to indicate the position of the switching member.

The attachment may comprise a switching system for moving the switching member between the first, second and third switch positions and/or for moving the main body between the first and second positions in response to an input by a user of the attachment via the user interface. The switching system may be for moving the switching member between the first, second and third switch positions and/or for moving the main body between the first and second positions in response to an input by a user of the attachment via the user interface. This may enable the provision of a simple user interface without a user needing to understand the mechanical movements of the attachment that are required to change an operating mode of the attachment.

For example, the user interface may comprise a knob positioned on an outer surface of the attachment and movable, for example rotatable, between first, second and third knob positions corresponding to respective first, second and third switch positions of the switching member, and the switching system may be configured to cause the switching member to move between the first, second and third switch positions, respectively, in response to movement of the knob between the first, second and third knob positions by a user of the attachment.

For example, the attachment may comprise a spring plunger connected to the main body for locating the main body in the first and second positions. This may provide feedback to a user to confirm that the main body is in the first or second position. The attachment may further comprise a pair of ramps arranged to engage with the spring plunger for limiting a range of movement of the spring plunger.

The attachment may comprise a sensor for detecting a parameter of the attachment and outputting a signal indicative of the parameter, and the switching system may automatically switch the switching member between the first, second and/or third switch positions and the main body between the first and second positions in response to a determination that the signal meets a predetermined criterion. This may allow the attachment to be switched between different operating modes during use of the attachment and without input from the user.

The sensor may be arranged to detect an orientation of the attachment relative to a user’s head. A user typically holds a haircare appliance at a different orientation when drying their hair compared to when styling their hair. Accordingly, for example, the switching system may automatically cause the switching member to switch from the third switch position to the first or second switch position when an orientation between the attachment and the user’s head is determined to meet a predetermined criterion.

The sensor may be arranged to detect a temperature of airflow exiting the air outlet. A higher airflow temperature is typically employed for hair drying compared to hair styling. Accordingly, for example, the switching system may cause the main body to move from the second position to the first position when a temperature of the airflow exiting the air outlet is determined to be below a threshold temperature.

The determination that the signal meets the predetermined criterion may be performed by a controller configured to receive the signal. The controller may be comprised in the switching system.

The attachment may comprise a plurality of sensors for detecting a plurality of different parameters of the attachment. The controller may be configured to receive a signal from each of the plurality of sensors and determine a position to which the main body and/or the switching member should be moved.

The attachment may comprise an alert module configured to alert a user of a position of the main body and/or the switching member. This may enable a user to know which operating mode the attachment is operating in. For example, the alert module may provide a first indicium to indicate when the switching member is in the first switch position, a second, different indicium when the switching member is in the second switch position and a third, different still indicium when the switching member is in the third switch position. The alert module may comprise at least one of a haptic feedback module, a visual indicium, and an aural indicium. This may ensure that an alert is provided to a user irrespective of whether the attachment is visible to the user.

The attachment may comprise a heater for heating the airflow. This may provide increased styling flexibility and enable the airflow to provide a drying function.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a haircare appliance comprising an air inlet, a primary air outlet, first and second secondary air outlets, a curved surface, a main body defining the primary air outlet and the curved surface, the curved surface extending around the main body from a first end of the curved surface adjacent to and downstream of a first side of the primary air outlet to a second, opposite end of the curved surface adjacent to and downstream of a second, opposite side of the primary air outlet, an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to primary air outlet, and a guide defining the first and second secondary air outlets, the guide arranged to direct air from the primary air outlet to both the first and second secondary air outlets and across the respective first and second ends of the curved surface simultaneously

The haircare appliance may comprise a heater for heating the airflow. This may provide increased styling flexibility, and may, for example, enable the airflow to provide a drying function. The heater may be configured to operate at a particular temperature dependent on whether the main body is in the first or second position and/or dependent on whether the switching member is in the first, second or third switch position. The inventors of the present application have determined that airflow of a lower temperature than an airflow temperature typically used for drying hair is advantageous for providing the smooth finish described above during styling without inadvertent hair curling.

The haircare appliance may comprise a handle unit within which the airflow generator is housed, and an attachment according to the first aspect of the present invention, the attachment being releasably attachable to the handle unit. Providing a removable attachment may allow the functionality of the attachment described herein to be selectively provided by a user.

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

Figure 1 is a schematic view illustrating a haircare appliance according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view through a handle unit of the haircare appliance of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an attachment for the haircare appliance of Figure 1, illustrating the attachment in a first mode;

Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment of Figure 3, illustrating the attachment in the first mode;

Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the attachment of Figure 3, illustrating the attachment in a second mode;

Figure 6 is a schematic view illustrating forces created by airflow through the attachment of Figure 3 in use in the second mode;

Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment of Figure 3, illustrating the attachment in the second mode and a first switch position;

Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment of Figure 3, illustrating the attachment in the second mode and a second switch position;

Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the attachment of Figure 3, illustrating the attachment in a third mode; and

Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment of Figure 3, illustrating the attachment in the third mode.

Detailed Description of the Invention

A haircare appliance according to the present invention, generally designated 10, is shown schematically in Figure 1. The haircare appliance 10 comprises a handle unit 12, and an attachment 100 removably attachable to the handle unit 12.

The handle unit 12 comprises a housing 14, an airflow generator 16, a heater 18, and a control unit 20, as can be seen schematically in Figure 2.

The housing 14 is tubular in shape, and comprises an air inlet 22 through which an airflow is drawn into the housing 14 by the airflow generator 16, and an air outlet 24 through which the airflow is discharged from the housing 14. The airflow generator 16 is housed within the housing 14, and comprises an impeller 26 driven by an electric motor 28. The airflow generator is configured to generate airflow at a flow rate in the region of 8 to 18 L/S, for example in the region of 10 to 16L/s. An appropriate airflow generator is the Dyson V9 Digital Motor, produced by Dyson Technology Limited. The heater 18 is also housed within the housing 14, and comprises heating elements 30 to optionally heat the airflow.

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

The control module 34 is responsible for controlling the airflow generator 16, and the heater 18 in response to inputs from the user interface 32. For example, in response to inputs from the user interface 32, the control module 34 may control the power or the speed of the airflow generator 16 in order to adjust the airflow rate of the airflow, and the power of the heater 18 in order to adjust the temperature of the airflow.

The attachment 100 is shown schematically in Figures 3-5 and 7-10. The attachment 100 comprises a main body 102 comprising an air inlet 108, a primary air outlet 110, a curved surface 104, and a plurality of internal baffles (not shown). The curved surface 104 extends around the main body 102 from a first end 106 of the curved surface 104 adjacent to and downstream of a first side of 112 the primary air outlet 110 to a second, opposite end 107 of the curved surface 104 adjacent to and downstream of a second, opposite side 113 of the primary air outlet 110.

The main body 102 is configured to direct airflow exiting the primary air outlet 110 in a radial direction. The plurality of internal baffles are curved in form and extend in a direction from the air inlet 108 to the air outlet 110. The plurality of internal baffles are configured to turn airflow in a direction from the air inlet 108 to a direction toward the air outlet 110, such that airflow is turned through substantially 90 degrees from the air inlet 108 to the air outlet 110. This may enable the handle unit 12 to extend orthogonally relative to the air outlet 110, which may provide greater flexibility in design, and better ergonomics, than, for example a haircare appliance where the air outlet is aligned with a handle unit of the haircare appliance.

The attachment 100 comprises a guide 120 defining first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128. The guide 120 is arranged to direct air from the primary air outlet 110 to the first and/or second secondary air outlets 126, 128 and across the respective first and/or second end 106, 107 of the curved surface 104, dependent on a mode of operation of the attachment 100 as will be described herein.

The guide 120 comprises a switching member 140 for switching airflow between the first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128. The switching member 140 is movable between a first switch position (as shown in Figure 7) in which airflow from the primary air outlet 110 passes through the first secondary air outlet 126 across the first end 106 of the curved surface 104 and does not pass through the second secondary air outlet 128, a second switch position (as shown in Figure 8) in which airflow from the primary air outlet 110 passes through the second secondary air outlet 128 across the second end 107 of the curved surface 104 and does not pass through the first secondary air outlet 126, and a third switch position (as shown in Figures 3 and 4) in which airflow passes through both the first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128 across the respective first and second ends 106, 107 of the curved surface 104.

Figures 3 and 4 show the attachment 100 in a ‘gentle’ drying mode, with the switching member 140 in the third switch position. Figures 5, 7 and 8 show the attachment 100 in a styling mode, with the switching member 140 in either the first or second switch position. The dashed arrows 101 in Figures 4, 7 and 8 show the path of airflow directed by the guide 120 in the different operating modes.

In the ‘gentle’ drying mode, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the primary air outlet 110 is aligned with an aperture 133 defined in an inner casing 132 of the guide 120 and the switching member 140 is in the third switch position so that airflow exiting the primary air outlet 110 is directed to the first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128 and across the respective first and second ends 106, 107 of the curved surface 104 simultaneously, as best shown in Figure 4. In use, as denoted by the dashed arrows 101 in Figure 4, airflow from the first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128 collides and travels away from the curved surface 104 as a combined airflow.

The inventors of the present application have found that the combined airflow is wider than a width of the primary air outlet 110 so that, for the same flow rate at the primary air outlet 110, a lower air velocity is achieved compared to when airflow from the primary air outlet 110 is not directed by the guide 120. That is, in the ‘gentle’ drying mode a velocity profile of the airflow directed towards a user’s hair is wider and has a lower peak velocity compared to a velocity profile when airflow is not directed by the guide 120, for the same flow rate at the primary air outlet 110.

In the styling mode, as shown in Figures 5, 7 and 8, the primary air outlet 110 is aligned with the aperture 133 defined in the inner casing 132 of the guide 120 and the switching member 140 is in the first or second switch position so that airflow is directed through the respective first or second secondary air outlet 126, 128 and across the respective first or second end 160, 107 of the curved surface 104 in a circumferential direction of the main body 102. Airflow exiting the respective first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128 generates a first force to attract hair toward the curved surface 104, and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface 104.

The inventors of the present application have found that, with the attachment 100 in the styling mode, airflow attaches to the curved surface 104 via the Coanda effect. With reference to the schematic illustration of the interaction of forces shown in Figure 6, when a tress of hair is brought into the vicinity of the attachment 100, long hairs of the tress are attracted to, and at least partially wrapped about, the curved surface 104 by a force F PULL, as a result of a negative pressure region generated by the airflow over the curved surface 104. However, the pressure gradient across the tress also results in a force, F PUSH, which causes some airflow to pass directly through the tress. Due to the location of this force relative to the curved surface 104 and the rest of the tress, shorter hairs are only held loosely at this point compared to longer hairs which are held in place on the curved surface 104. The shorter hairs are blown through the tress toward a user’s head, whilst the longer hairs remain in place on the outside of the tress, i.e., the portion of the tress facing away from the user’s head. This provides a smooth finish for hair following interaction with the haircare appliance 10.

This effect can be optimised by appropriate modification of the geometries and parameters described herein. One such parameter that may provide increased effectiveness is the velocity of airflow at the primary air outlet 110 of the attachment 100. In particular, too great a velocity may result in shorter hairs sticking to the curved surface 104 and hence not being pushed away through longer hairs, whilst too low a velocity may not be sufficient to attract longer hairs to the curved surface 104 in the first instance.

The guide 120 comprises a pair of guide walls 134 for directing airflow along the curved surface 104 and are disposed on opposing edges of the curved surface 104. The guide walls 134 are upstanding from the curved surface 104. The guide walls 134 extend along the full arc length of the curved surface 104. That is, the guide walls 134 extend around the main body 102 from the first secondary air outlet 126 to the second secondary air outlet 128. The guide walls 134 have a height substantially corresponding to a height of the first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128, and have a constant height along their length.

As mentioned above, the pair of guide walls 134 extend along opposing edges of the curved surface 104. This effectively creates an airflow channel, with the pair of guide walls 134 acting as walls of the channel, and the curved surface 104 acting as a bed of the channel. The guide walls 134 inhibit ambient air from interacting with airflow flowing along the curved surface 104 in use, which may maintain the negative pressure region created by airflow flowing along the curved surface 104.

The first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128 are substantially equal in size and shape. Accordingly, in the ‘gentle’ drying mode, the airflow from the first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128 collides on an opposite side of the main body 102 to the primary air outlet 110 and travels away from the curved surface 104 as a combined airflow in a radial direction of the curved surface 104. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the secondary air outlets 126, 128 may be of differing size and/or shape such that the airflows collide at a different position on the curved surface 104.

The guide 120 comprises a first channel 122 defining the first secondary air outlet 126 and a second channel 124 defining the second secondary air outlet 128. The first channel 122 is arranged to direct airflow in a first direction across the curved surface 104. With respect to Figure 4, this is in an anti-clockwise direction. The second channel 124 is arranged to direct airflow in a second direction across the curved surface 104. With respect to Figure 4, this is in a clockwise direction.

The switching member 140 is movable between the first and second switch positions about a pivot 144 such that the switching member 140 rotates about a pivot 144. The switching member 140 rotates about the pivot 144 by an angle in the regions of 18 degrees to 30 degrees to move between the first and second switch positions, for example between 22 and 26 degrees.

The switching member 140 comprises an aperture 141 having a shape denoting a figure of eight and arranged to receive a pivot pin of the pivot 144. The pivot pin is movable from an outer portion of the aperture 141, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, to an inner portion of the aperture 141, as shown in Figure 4, to move the switching member 140 to the third switch position. The outer portion is further from a longitudinal axis 103 of the main body 102 than the inner portion. When the pivot pin is positioned in the outer portion of the aperture 141, the switching member 140 is pivotable about the pivot pin between the first and second switch positions. When the pivot pin in positioned in the inner portion of the aperture 141, the switching member 140 is not pivotable about the pivot pin.

The aperture 141 comprises a neck between the outer and inner portions. The neck has a width that is less than a width of the pivot pin such that the pivot pin is not freely movable between the outer and inner portions of the aperture 141.

The attachment 100 comprises a handle 142 positioned on the switching member 140. The handle 142 is movable by a user to move the switching member 140 between the first, second and third switch positions. The switching member 140 and the handle 142 form a single body. Accordingly, the handle 142 is movable between first, second and third handle positions corresponding to the first, second and third switch positions respectively. It will be appreciated that any other suitable user interface could be employed to move the switching member 140 between the first and second switch positions.

The handle 142 is positioned on an outer portion of the switching member 142, the outer portion being further from a longitudinal axis 103 of the main body 102 than the pivot 144. The handle is therefore more easily accessible to the user. In use, a user applies a force (denoted by arrow 153 in Figure 7) to the handle 142 to move the switching member 140 from the first switch position to the second switch position. It will be apparent that a force applied in an opposite direction can be applied to the handle 142 to move the switching member 140 from the second switch position to the first switch position. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the switching member 140 may move between the first and second switch positions in any suitable way, such as sliding of the switching member 140 relative to the air outlet 110.

In the third switch position, the switching member 140 is positioned radially outward from the main body 102 compared to when the switching member 140 is in the first or second switch positions. This can help to increase the cross-sectional area through with airflow can pass to the first and second channels 122, 124, which can help to reduce noise in the ‘gentle’ drying mode.

In use, a user applies a pulling force (denoted by arrow 152 in Figure 4) to the handle 142 to cause the pivot pin to move to the inner portion of the aperture 141, thus moving the switching member 140 to the third switch position. In use, a user applies a pushing force in an opposite direction to the direction denoted by arrow 152 to cause the pivot pin to move to the outer portion of the aperture 141, thus moving the switching member 140 away from the third switch position.

The switching member 140 is arranged to form a seal between the first secondary air outlet 126 and the second secondary air outlet 128 when the switching member 140 is in the first switch position and the second switch position, so that airflow can pass through only the respective first or second secondary air outlet 126, 128.

The switching member 140 is elongate, having a length at least as long as a length of the primary air outlet 110. The switching member 140 is at least as long as a length of the first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128. The switching member 140 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 103 of the main body 102. The inner casing 132 is arranged to contact the curved surface 104 at least when the main body 102 is in the first position. The inner casing 132 defines an aperture 133 corresponding to the primary air outlet 110 to allow airflow to flow from the primary air outlet 110 to the first and second channels 122, 124. The inner casing 132 comprises raised ridges on opposite sides of the aperture 133, the ridges defining convex curved surfaces for guiding airflow from the radial direction towards the curved surface 104 of the main body 102 to provide a smoother flow path for the airflow and thus help reduce turbulence in the airflow. In this embodiment, an edge of the switching member 140 is arranged to contact the inner casing 132 of the guide 120 to block airflow to the respective first or second channel 122, 124 and allow airflow to pass through the other of the first or second channel 122, 124.

The switching member 140 comprises an arced, or curved surface 146 for turning airflow toward the first and/or second secondary air outlet 126, 128. The switching member 140 thus forms a concave surface for guiding airflow from a radial direction of the main body 102 towards a tangential direction of the curved surface 104.

The attachment 100 comprises a retention mechanism 150. The retention mechanism is for retaining the switching member 140 in one of the first, second or third switch positions in the absence of an applied force to the handle 142 of the switching member 140 by a user of the haircare appliance 10. The retention mechanism 150 is arranged to retain the switching member 140 in another of the first, second and third switch positions upon application of an applied force to the handle 142 of the switching member 140 by a user of the haircare appliance 10. With reference to Figures 7 and 8, the retention mechanism 150 holds the switching member 140 in the first switch position shown in Figure 7 until a user applies a force (denoted by arrow 153) to the handle 142. Upon application of the force 152, the switching member 140 is released from the first switch position and moved to the second switch position shown in Figure 8, where it is held by the retention mechanism 150 until application of force to the handle 142 by a user. The retention mechanism 150 comprises a first pair of magnetic elements 154 configured to retain the switching member 140 in the first switch position and a second pair of magnetic elements 156 configured to retain the switching member 140 in the second switch position. A first magnetic element in each of the pairs of magnetic elements 154, 156 is located on an inner side of the respective flat surface 130 and a second magnetic element in each of the pairs of magnetic elements 154, 156 is located at an opposing location on the switching member 140 to the first magnetic element in the respective pair of magnetic elements 154, 156. In this example, the first magnetic element in each of the pairs of magnetic elements 154, 156 comprises a sheet metal and the second magnetic element in each of the pairs of magnetic elements 154, 156 comprises a magnet arranged to attract the sheet metal. It will be appreciated that the retention mechanism 150 may comprise other forms of retention, such as releasable mechanical fasteners and a biasing element.

The second magnetic element in each of the pairs of magnetic elements 154, 156 is positioned on an inner portion of the switching mechanism 140, the inner portion being closer to the longitudinal axis 103 of the main body 102 than the pivot 144. This may prevent a user from being able to access the magnetic elements and thus tamper with them.

The neck of the aperture 141 of the switching member 140 forms part of the retention mechanism 150. The relative widths of the neck of the aperture 141 and the pivot pin retain the switching member 140 in the third switch position until application of a force to cause the pivot pin to move into the outer portion of the aperture 141.

A minimum force 152 required to overcome the retention mechanism 150 to move the switching member 140 between the first, second and third switch positions is in the region up to 5N, more specifically 0.3N to 3N.

The attachment 100 comprises a rib 148, which, in this embodiment, is connected to the switching member 140. The rib 148 is positioned such that it interacts with airflow exiting the primary air outlet 110 to align the airflow exiting the primary air outlet 110, thus providing a more laminar flow at the respective first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128. The rib 148 is positioned relative to the first and second channels 122, 124 to smooth airflow in the first and second channels 122, 124 and thus provide a more laminar airflow at the first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128 before the airflow flows across the curved surface.

As airflow is turned, the airflow typically separates and thus becomes more turbulent and noisier. The rib 148 interacts with airflow exiting the primary air outlet 110 to provide a more aligned, smoother, more laminar flow at the first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128 which in turn provides a more cohesive airflow across the curved surface 104. The rib 148 has an upper and a lower surface along which airflow passes as it flows through the first and second channels 122, 124 which helps to reduce flow separation and thus turbulence and noise compared to an attachment 100 without the rib 148.

The air inlet 108 comprises a generally circular aperture formed in the main body 102, and the air inlet 108 is configured to receive airflow from the air outlet 24 of the handle unit 12 when the attachment 100 is attached to the handle unit 12 in use. A periphery of the air inlet 108 comprises attaching features for releasably attaching the attachment 100 to the handle unit 12. The attaching features may take many forms, are not pertinent to the present invention, and so will not be described for the sake of brevity.

The primary air outlet 110 comprises a generally rectangular slot formed lengthwise along the curved surface 104 of the main body 102. The primary air outlet 110 comprises a series of baffles extending across a width of the air outlet 110. The baffles may help to align airflow exiting the primary air outlet 110 and may help prevent hair from inadvertently entering the air outlet 110.

The first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128 comprise rectangular slots extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 103 of the main body. The primary air outlet 110 and the first and second air secondary outlets 126, 128 are fixed air outlets, each with a fixed cross-sectional area, length and width.

A cross-sectional view of the curved surface 104 is illustrated schematically in Figures 4, 7, 8 and 10. The main body 102 is generally cylindrical and the curved surface 104 is the circumferential surface of the main body 102. In the ‘gentle’ drying mode and the styling mode, the curved surface 104 comprises a continuous surface extending between the first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128.

The curved surface 104 is substantially smooth and uninterrupted in form, such that no projections, recesses or apertures are formed thereon. This may enhance the functionality of the attachment 100 which will be described hereafter. The curved surface 104 has a radius of curvature in the region of 10mm to 60mm, for example in the region of 15mm to 40mm. In a presently preferred embodiment, the curved surface 104 has a radius of curvature in the region of 20mm. The inventors of the present application have found that such a geometry of the curved surface 104 may provide advantageous effects, as will be described hereafter.

The first and second air secondary outlets 126, 128 have a smaller open cross-sectional area than an open cross-sectional area of the primary air outlet 110. With the attachment in the styling mode, this provides an increase in the velocity of airflow at the first and second air secondary outlets 126, 128 compared with the velocity of airflow at the primary air outlet 110 for the same air flow rate, and a converging airflow at the first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128.

The first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128 each have a length in the region of 50mm to 150mm, for example in the region of 75mm to 85mm, and a height in the region of 2mm to 5mm, for example in the region of 3.0mm to 4.5mm. This gives an overall open cross-sectional area of each of the first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128 in the region of 140mm² to 450mm², for example in the region of 225.0mm² to 382.5mm². In a presently preferred embodiment, the width of the first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128 is in the region of 77mm, and the height of the first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128 is in the region of 4.5mm. The open cross-sectional area of the first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128 is in the region of 346.5mm². The inventors of the present application have found that such dimensions for the first and second secondary air outlets 126, 128 may provide advantageous effects, as will be described hereafter.

The applicant has determined that a velocity in the region of 30m/s to 65m/s at the first or second secondary air outlet 126, 128 may be particularly effective in generating an airflow along the curved surface 104 that results in a first force that is sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 104 whilst also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface 104. In a presently preferred embodiment, the velocity of airflow at the first or second secondary air outlet 126, 128 is in the region of 55m/s.

Another parameter that may provide increased efficacy for smoothing hair in the manner described above is a ratio of the velocity of airflow at the first or second secondary air outlet 126, 128 to a flow rate of airflow generated by the airflow generator 16. In this embodiment, the ratio is in the region of 2.14 to 5.63, and in a particularly preferred embodiment the ratio is in the region of 2.89. The applicant has found that such a ratio may be particularly effective in generating an airflow along the curved surface 104 that results in a first force that is sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 104, whilst also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface 104.

Another parameter that may provide increased efficacy for smoothing hair in the manner described above is a ratio of flow rate of airflow generated by the airflow generator 16 to an open cross-sectional area of the first or second secondary air outlet 126, 128. In this embodiment, the ratio is in the region of 0.01 to 0.10, and in a particularly preferred embodiment the ratio is in the region of 0.04. The applicant has found that such a ratio may be particularly effective in generating an airflow along the curved surface 104 that results in a first force that is sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 104, whilst also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface 104.

A further parameter that may provide increased efficacy for smoothing hair in the manner described above is a ratio of a radius of curvature of the curved surface 104 to the velocity of airflow at the first or second secondary air outlet 126, 128. In this embodiment, the ratio is in the region of 0.33 to 2.00, and in a particularly preferred embodiment the ratio is in the region of 0.57. The applicant has found that such a ratio may be particularly effective in generating an airflow along the curved surface 104 that results in a first force that is sufficient to attract relatively long hair toward the curved surface 104, whilst also generating a second force to push relatively short hair away from the curved surface 104.

The main body 102 is rotatable about its central longitudinal axis 103 relative to the guide 120, between a first position in which airflow exiting the primary air outlet 110 is directed by the guide 120, as shown in Figures 3-5 and 7-8, and a second position in which airflow exiting the primary air outlet 110 is not directed by the guide 120, as shown in Figures 9 and 10.

The position of the main body 102 relative to the guide 120 determines an operating mode of the haircare appliance 100. With the main body 102 in the first position, the attachment 100 is operable in the ‘gentle’ drying mode or the styling mode and airflow is guided by the guide 120 across the first and/or second end 106, 107 of the curved surface 104, depending on a switch position of the switching member 140, as described above. With the main body 102 in the second position, the attachment 100 is operable in a ‘rough’ drying mode and airflow exits the primary air outlet 110 towards a user’s hair, as denoted by the dashed arrow 101 in Figure 10. In the ‘rough’ drying mode, a profile of air directed towards the user’s head is more concentrated compared to the ‘gentle’ drying mode described above. That is, for the same airflow at the primary air outlet 110, a greater air velocity is achieved in the ‘rough’ drying mode. Thus, the ‘gentle’ and ‘rough’ drying modes provide different drying experiences to a user, for the same flow rate through the primary air outlet 110.

The first and second positions of the main body 102 are 180 degrees apart from one another. That is, the main body 102 is rotated by 180 degrees relative to the guide 120 to move between the first and second positions. In other embodiments the first and second positions may be less than 180 degrees apart from one another. The main body 102 is rotatable within the guide walls 134.

The attachment 100 comprises a handle 114 protruding from a distal end of the main body 102. The distal end is an opposite end of the main body 102 to the air inlet 108. The handle 114 is rigidly attached to the main body and is rotatable by a user to rotate the main body 102 relative to the guide 120 between the first and second positions. It will be appreciated that the handle 114 could be provided in any suitable form for operation by a user to rotate the main body 102 relative to the guide 120, for example a toggle, push button or touch screen. The handle 114 is comprised in a cool tip which is relatively insulated from the heat of the airflow within the attachment.

Although shown with handles 114 and 142 movable by a user to move the main body 102 and the switching member 140 respectively, other embodiments of the attachment 100 may comprise a user interface operable by a user to select an operating mode of the attachment, and a motorised switching system for moving the switching member between the first, second and third switch positions and/or for moving the main body between the first and second positions in response to an input by a user of the attachment via the user interface.

The haircare appliance 10 comprises an alert module 36. The alert module is arranged to provide to alert a user that the main body 102 is in the first position or the second position and/or to alert a user that the switching member 140 is in the first, second or third switch position. The alert module 36 comprises one or more of a haptic feedback module, an audible indicium or a visual indicium. In this embodiment the alert module 36 is shown as being in the handle unit 12, but it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the alert module 36 may be comprised in the attachment 100. The haircare appliance 10 may comprise separate alert modules 36 for the main body 102 and the switching member 140.

In use, the attachment 100 is attached to the handle unit 12. The airflow generator 16 generates an airflow from the air inlet 22 of the handle unit 12 to the air outlet 24 of the handle unit 12, such that airflow passes from the air outlet 24 of the handle unit to the air inlet 108 of the attachment 100. Airflow flows from the air inlet 108 of the attachment through the main body 102, and is turned by the plurality of internal baffles toward the primary air outlet 110 of the attachment 100. If the main body 102 is in the first position, airflow exits the main body 102 via the primary air outlet 110, is directed by the guide to the first and/or second secondary air outlet 126, 128 and passes over the curved surface 104 in a substantially circumferential direction away from the respective secondary air outlet(s) 126, 128. If the main body 102 is in the second position, airflow flows in a radial direction of the main body 102.

In use, the guide 120 is rigidly held in position relative to the handle unit 12 and the main body 102 is rotatable relative to the handle unit 12 to move the main body 102 between the first and second positions. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the main body 102 may be rigidly positioned relative to the handle unit 12 and the guide 120 is rotatable relative to the handle 12 to move the main body 102 between the first and second positions.

Although described herein as being operable in the ‘rough’ drying, ‘gentle’ drying and styling modes, embodiments of the attachment are also envisaged where the main body is not movable relative to the guide so that the attachment provides only ‘gentle’ drying and styling. Still further embodiments of the attachment are envisaged where the guide does not comprise a switching member so that the attachment provides only ‘rough’ drying and ‘gentle’ drying. Although described herein as embodiments with releasable attachments, embodiments are also envisaged where, rather than the haircare appliance comprising a handle unit and an attachment the haircare appliance is a single-piece unit, for example taking the form of the combined handle unit and attachment previously described.

Claims

32 Claims

1. An attachment for a haircare appliance, the attachment comprising: an air inlet, a primary air outlet, first and second secondary air outlets, a curved surface, a main body defining the primary air outlet and the curved surface, the curved surface extending around the main body from a first end of the curved surface adjacent to and downstream of a first side of the primary air outlet to a second, opposite end of the curved surface adjacent to and downstream of a second, opposite side of the primary air outlet, and a guide defining the first and second secondary air outlets, the guide arranged to direct air from the primary air outlet to both the first and second secondary air outlets and across the respective first and second ends of the curved surface simultaneously.

2. An attachment according to Claim 2, wherein, in use, an airflow from the first secondary air outlet and an airflow from the second secondary air outlet collide at a position on the curved surface downstream from the first and second secondary air outlets, and travel away from the curved surface in a radial direction of the curved surface as a combined airflow.

3. An attachment according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the first and second secondary air outlets are substantially equal in size and shape.

4. An attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the main body is movable relative to the guide between a first position in which airflow exiting the primary air outlet is directed by the guide, and a second position in which airflow exiting the primary air outlet is not directed by the guide and flows in a radially outward direction of the main body without flowing across the curved surface.

5. An attachment according to Claim 4, wherein the main body is rotatable relative to the guide, and the first position and second position are 180 degrees apart from one another. 33

6. An attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the guide comprises a switching member for switching airflow between the first and second secondary air outlets, the switching member movable between a first switch position in which airflow from the primary air outlet passes through the first secondary air outlet across the first end of the curved surface and does not pass through the second secondary air outlet, a second switch position in which airflow from the primary air outlet passes through the second secondary air outlet across the second end of the curved surface and does not pass through the first secondary air outlet, and a third switch position in which airflow passes through both the first and second secondary air outlets across the respective first and second ends of the curved surface.

7. An attachment as claimed in Claim 6, wherein, with the switching member in the first or second switch position, airflow exiting the respective first and second secondary air outlets generates a first force to attract hair toward the curved surface, and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface.

8. An attachment as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7, wherein the switching member forms a seal between the first secondary air outlet and the second secondary air outlet when the switching member is in the first switch position and the second switch position, so that airflow can pass through only the respective first or second secondary air outlet.

9. An attachment as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the switching member is movable between the first switch position and the second switch position about a pivot.

10. An attachment as claimed in any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the switching member is movable from either of the first and second switch positions to the third switch position in a radial direction relative to the curved surface.

11. An attachment as claimed in any of claims 6 to 10, the guide comprising a retention mechanism for retaining the switching member in one of the first, second and third switch positions in the absence of an applied force to the switching member.

12. An attachment as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the retention mechanism is arranged to retain the switching member in another of the first, second and third switch positions upon application of an applied force to the switching member.

13. An attachment as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 12, comprising a user interface operable by a user to select an operating mode of the attachment, and a switching system for moving the switching member between the first, second and third switch positions and/or for moving the main body between the first and second positions in response to an input by a user of the attachment via the user interface.

14. An attachment as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the user interface comprises a knob positioned on an outer surface of the attachment and movable between first, second and third knob positions, and wherein the switching system is configured to cause the switching member to move between the first, second and third switch positions, respectively, in response to movement of the knob between the first, second and third knob positions by a user of the attachment.

15. A haircare appliance comprising an air inlet, a primary air outlet, first and second secondary air outlets, a curved surface, a main body defining the primary air outlet and the curved surface, the curved surface extending around the main body from a first end of the curved surface adjacent to and downstream of a first side of the primary air outlet to a second, opposite end of the curved surface adjacent to and downstream of a second, opposite side of the primary air outlet, an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to primary air outlet, and a guide defining the first and second secondary air outlets, the guide arranged to direct air from the primary air outlet to both the first and second secondary air outlets and across the respective first and second ends of the curved surface simultaneously.

16. A haircare appliance as claimed in Claim 15, comprising a handle unit within which the airflow generator is housed, and an attachment releasably attachable to the handle unit, the attachment comprising the main body and the guide.