CN117752165A - Devices and methods for drying and styling hair - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for drying and styling hair, comprising: a first arm and a second arm opposite each other, the arms being adapted to move between an open configuration for receiving a length of wet hair between the two arms and a closed configuration adjacent the hair such that, in use, an inter-arm chamber is formed through which the hair passes when the arms are in the closed configuration, and wherein an air flow conduit is provided within and along at least one of the first and second arms; and means for delivering the gas stream along a conduit within at least one of the first arm and the second arm, and subsequently delivering the gas stream into the inter-arm chamber. A method of drying (and optionally simultaneously styling) hair using such a device is also provided.

Description

Apparatus and methods for drying and styling hair

This application is a divisional application of the patent application with application number 2020800553747, the filing date being July 29, 2020, and the invention title being "Device and Method for Drying and Styling Hair".

Technical field

The present disclosure relates to a device for drying and styling human (or conceivably animal) hair, for example after washing the hair or as part of a styling process. That is, the hair is wet (or "towel-dried") prior to use of the present disclosure and can then be dried and styled using the present disclosure. Such drying and styling of hair may be performed, for example, by the user for his or her own hair, or by a hairstylist. It should also be noted that the term "wet" as used herein should be broadly construed to include not only hair moistened with water, but also hair moistened with liquids other than water. For example, hair can be moistened with solvent-based colorants that can be dried using the present disclosure.

Background technique

It is known that conventional handheld hair dryers contain electric fans for blowing out a flow of cold or hot air to dry human hair. The fan draws ambient air into the body of the hair dryer and directs the air flow toward the hair to be dried. When blowing hot air, an electric heating element, usually incorporated into the body of the hair dryer, is used to heat the air flow before it leaves the hair dryer. Optionally, the hair dryer can be equipped with a concentrator nozzle attachment to enhance and direct the air flow, or a diffuser attachment to deliver air more gently.

However, traditional hair dryers can often be noisy, heavy, and bulky. Additionally, conventional hair dryers can be difficult to use and can be difficult for users (especially home users who deal with their own hair) to achieve desired results, particularly in drying the hair while styling it at the same time. For example, hair dryers are often used with a hairbrush or comb or other styling equipment to style the hair during the drying process. The styling process may be, for example, straightening the hair or providing "body and volume" to the hair (if desired, applying styling products such as mousses, gels, waxes, gels, etc. before or after styling). Simultaneously maneuvering a hairdryer and brush (or comb, etc.) around the head can be inconvenient for the user and often requires a certain degree of skill to achieve the desired results.

Therefore, while using a conventional hair dryer is the quickest way to dry hair, it can be very difficult and/or time consuming to achieve the desired end result in terms of styling, and the user must use a brush and/or additional hair styling tools to do this.

As an alternative to a traditional hair dryer, some people use products such as a hot air brush or a hot air paddle brush when styling their hair. However, while this product is easy to use, it dries hair very slowly.

Another category of products that are quick and easy to use are so-called "wet tostraight" hair straighteners. This product dries and straightens hair by pulling wet hair between a pair of heated plates mounted on opposite arms of the device. These devices tend to use conductive heating on wet hair at high temperatures (typically 185°C to 230°C) but may damage the hair and/or cause denaturation due to cavitation sounds (hissing) or use of wet hair Elevated temperatures near temperatures can be perceived as damaging to hair.

Contents of the invention

The present disclosure is intended to provide an alternative to conventional handheld hair dryers and methods for drying hair by combining the functions and advantages of a traditional hair dryer with those of a hair straightener in a handheld sized device. Thus, advantageously, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device for drying and styling hair as a single handheld device that is simple to use and more flexible than simultaneously maneuvering a conventional hair dryer and a brush, comb, or other styling device around the head.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a device for drying and styling hair is provided, comprising:

first and second arms opposing each other, the first and second arms adapted to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the open configuration being adapted to receive a length of wet hair between the first and second arms, The closed configuration is adjacent the hair so that in use, when the first arm and the second arm are in the closed configuration, an inter-arm compartment is formed for the hair to pass through, and wherein the hair is disposed within at least one of the first arm and the second arm. There is an airflow duct, and the airflow duct is disposed along the at least one of the first arm and the second arm; and

Means for delivering the airflow along the ducting within at least one of the first and second arms and subsequently delivering the airflow into the inter-arm chamber.

The term "chamber" as used herein should be interpreted broadly to include chambers that are partially open on at least one side as well as closed chambers.

The construction of the device, including at least one airflow duct and the arm compartment formed by the arms in a closed configuration, enhances air delivery to the hair, allowing the hair to be dried/styled quickly and easily, and also improves energy efficiency.

Preferably, one or both of the first arm and the second arm further comprise an air flow guide structure arranged to receive the air flow from the corresponding duct and guide the air flow from the first direction to the second direction, thereby directing the air flow from the first direction to the second direction. Airflow is directed into the inter-arm compartment in a first direction substantially parallel to the length of the respective arm and in a second direction from the respective arm towards the opposite arm. The arrangement of this airflow guiding structure further enhances air delivery to the hair, further facilitates the drying/styling process, and enables further improvements in energy efficiency.

In a particular embodiment, each of the first and second arms includes a respective duct and a respective airflow guiding structure, and the means for delivering airflow are arranged along each of the first and second arms. The air is conveyed through ducts within the arm and subsequently conveyed through the corresponding air flow guide structure and into the inter-arm chamber. This enables air to be delivered to the hair in the device from both above and below simultaneously, thereby enhancing the drying/styling process.

Each airflow directing structure may be offset from an imaginary centerline intermediate the first and second arms when the first and second arms are in the closed configuration. This deviation advantageously creates an airflow restriction between the air and the hair when used to increase the airflow velocity around the hair, thereby speeding drying. In one particular embodiment, each airflow guide structure is offset by approximately 2 mm relative to the imaginary centerline (i.e., the airflow guide structures are separated from each other by a distance of approximately 4mm).

The arms or ducts in each arm may advantageously serve as plenums through which air flows into the corresponding air flow guide structure and thus into the inter-arm chamber. This promotes uniformity of airflow from the arm or each arm through the corresponding airflow guide structure and into the inter-arm chamber.

Preferably, the airflow guiding structure in the or each arm includes a divided structure configured to guide the airflow from a first direction to a second direction, the divided structure including a plurality of airflow guides extending in the second direction into the corresponding plenum. cell wall.

The depth of the cells into the corresponding plenum can gradually increase as the distance along the corresponding arm increases. This configuration advantageously diverts incoming airflow in a first direction away from the plenum in a second direction and into the interarm chamber at a uniform airspeed.

Alternatively or additionally, the diameter of the arms or cells of the airflow guiding structure in each arm may gradually decrease with increasing distance along the respective arm. It has been found that this configuration provides a more uniform airflow distribution along the airflow guiding structure.

In the presently preferred embodiment, the cell structure has a hexagonal (honeycomb) structure. The inventors have found that this facilitates maximizing the opening area through the guide structure while minimizing the area occupied by the cell walls and thereby minimizing the airflow resistance caused by the cell walls.

The or each airflow guiding structure may further include a plurality of airflow redirecting channels configured to convey airflow from the second direction to the third and fourth directions, the third direction and the fourth direction. is the direction outward from the device and substantially perpendicular to the length of the arm. By discharging air in these third and fourth directions, the air can be easily directed towards the roots of the hair, thereby drying the roots and enabling root lift to be produced.

In a presently preferred embodiment, the airflow redirecting channels extend between the longitudinal edges and corresponding longitudinal sides of the airflow guiding structure.

The apparatus may further include opposing plates arranged on the first and second arms, the opposing plates being arranged to come together when the first and second arms are in the closed configuration. More particularly, the first and second plates may be arranged on the first arm, and corresponding opposing first and second plates may be arranged on the second arm. At least one of the plates may include means for applying heat to a length of hair when the first and second arms are in a closed configuration, thereby aiding the drying/styling process.

An airflow duct extending behind the first and second plates of the respective arms may be provided to receive air from the airflow redirection channel and to direct the airflow behind the first plate and to direct the airflow substantially in a third direction through the device the vents along the edge of the device and direct the airflow behind the second panel and direct the airflow outward substantially in a fourth direction through the vents along the edge of the device.

In some embodiments, the airflow guiding structure including the sectional structure and the airflow redirecting channels and the outward vents in the third and fourth directions may be formed as a unitary structure (eg, by 3D printing).

Advantageously, the outward vents may be oriented at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the plane of the board to enhance the degree of root lift produced.

The apparatus may further include an air flow separator arranged to divide the air flow in the first direction into the ducts within the first and second arms. Optionally, the gas flow separator may comprise a flexible member.

The means for delivering the air flow may include a fan. The fan may advantageously include a brushless motor designed to operate at high speed (eg over 30,000 rpm) and low power (eg 15W maximum, 3W during normal operation) and may be driven by a DC power supply. It has been found that this high speed and low power parameter of the fan provides excellent drying performance, drying hair as quickly as a 2000W conventional hair dryer, but using significantly less power.

Presently preferred embodiments also include, for example, means for heating the air flow, such as one or more heating elements or electric heating coils.

Advantageously, the device may further comprise an air flow separator arranged to direct the incoming air flow towards the heating coil, thereby increasing the efficiency of heat transfer from the coil to the incoming air flow during use. For example, the gas flow separator may have a tapered or conical shape.

Furthermore, the apparatus may further comprise means for performing pulse width modulation of the electrical power applied to the means for heating the gas flow. This can advantageously be used to regulate the heat output of the heating device regardless of changes in the supply voltage (eg due to local changes in power grid voltage around the world).

In order to promote a generally uniform air temperature distribution throughout the airflow, the device may also include means for inducing turbulence (such as one or more baffles within the airflow, or conical or tapered airflow mixing members) for The turbulence-inducing device induces turbulence in the heated airflow before the airflow reaches the inter-arm chamber. Alternatively, the means for heating the air flow may comprise an air flow guide structure formed from a material which generates heat when an electric current is applied thereto.

Optionally, the device may further comprise one or more sets of flexible bristles on the first arm and/or the second arm, outside or within the interarm compartment, the flexible bristles being arranged to facilitate passage through the interbrachial compartment during use. Apply even tension to the hair.

Advantageously, in order to prevent air from escaping through the end of each of the first and second arms, the device may further comprise mutually opposite spring-loaded sealing elements at the distal ends of said arms.

Additionally, the device may include at least one airflow deflector on an outer surface of at least one of the arms, the airflow deflector being shaped and positioned to deflect any rearwardly flowing escaping air away from the user's hands. Such flow deflectors may advantageously be ramp-shaped.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of drying hair using the device of the first aspect.

The method may also include using the device described above to style the hair substantially while drying the hair.

Description of the drawings

The embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the attached picture:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a combination hair dryer/styler apparatus including means for blowing and heating air, an air flow separator and mutually opposing drying/styling arms in an open configuration, wherein each arm respectively includes an air flow guide structure and a pair of heating plates;

Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1 with the arms in a closed configuration;

Figure 3 shows the device of Figure 1 in use;

Figure 4 is a longitudinal perspective cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 1 showing some exemplary internal components;

Figure 5 is a longitudinal plan cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a close-up perspective view of the arms of the device of Figure 1 in an open configuration;

Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view through the airflow guide structure of the arms of the device of Figure 1 in an open configuration, showing that the airflow guide structure of each arm has a divided structure, wherein the depth of the cells increases with the depth of the airflow guide structure. gradually increases with increasing distance along the corresponding arm;

Figure 8 is a side cross-sectional view as shown in Figure 7 but with the arms in a closed configuration and also showing the direction of airflow along and between the arms;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the arms of the device of Figure 1 with the arms closed around the illustrated plurality of wet hair strands;

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view through an arm of the device of Figure 1 in a closed configuration and also showing the direction of air flow;

Figure 11 is a transverse cross-sectional view through the arms of the device in a closed configuration (around hair) corresponding to Figure 10 and showing further detail;

Figure 12 is a longitudinal perspective cross-sectional view along the arms of the device of Figure 1 in a closed configuration around hair, illustrating changes in airflow direction due to airflow directing structures in each arm;

Figure 13 is a transverse perspective cross-sectional view through the arms of the device of Figure 1 in a closed configuration around hair, again showing changes in airflow direction;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the arm assembly of the device of Figure 1 without the plate, again showing the change in airflow direction;

Figure 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional perspective view of the arm assembly shown in Figure 14, again showing an airflow guide structure having a divided structure (having hexagonal cells), wherein the depth of the cells increases with the depth along the corresponding structure. Gradually increases with increasing distance;

Figure 16 is a longitudinal perspective cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a divided airflow guide structure, in this case having a rectangular cell in a linear dimension (the depth of the cells also increases gradually with distance along the corresponding structure) ;

Figure 17 is a longitudinal perspective cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of a divided airflow guiding structure, in this case having rectangular cells in two linear dimensions (the depth of the cells also increases with distance along the respective structure). gradually increase);

Figure 18 is a close-up longitudinal perspective cross-sectional view of the flow separator of the apparatus of Figures 1 to 15 and also showing a plurality of baffles and diffuser grilles;

Figure 19 is another view of part of the apparatus of Figure 1, showing in particular the plurality of baffles between the fan and the arms;

Figure 20 is a graph showing the relationship between hair sample temperature and drying time, which helps to understand the background principle;

Figure 21 is a plan view of an example of an arm component in which the cells of the airflow guide structure are equal in diameter;

Figure 22 shows airflow distribution along the length of the airflow guide structure of Figure 21;

23 is a plan view of another example of an arm member in which the diameter of the cells of the airflow guiding structure decreases along the structure;

Figure 24 shows airflow distribution along the length of the airflow guide structure of Figure 23;

FIG. 25 provides exemplary dimensions of the hexagonal cells of the airflow guide structure of FIG. 23 by way of example only;

Figure 26 is a side cross-sectional view of an example of an arm assembly in which heated air and cold air are not mixed before reaching the airflow guide structure;

Figure 27 is a side cross-sectional view of another example of an arm assembly in which heated air and cold air pass through an airflow mixer before reaching the airflow guide structure;

Fig. 28 is a perspective view of a heater assembly having a central air flow mixer (in the form of an air flow splitter);

Figure 29 is a transverse plan view of the heater assembly of Figure 28;

Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view through the arms of a variant of the device of Figure 1 in a closed configuration and showing the direction of air flow (air flow originating from one arm only);

Figure 31 is a perspective view of a sealing element at one end of an arm of a variant of the disclosed device;

Figure 32 is a side cross-sectional view of two opposing arms of a combination hair dryer/styler device in a closed configuration, wherein each arm has a sealing element as shown in Figure 31 that meets to prevent air from escaping from the end of the device. part escapes;

Figure 33 is a side cross-sectional view of two opposing arms of a combination hair dryer/styler device, one arm (in this case the upper arm) having a ramp feature behind the heating plate to deflect airflow away from the user's hands;

Figure 34 is a close-up perspective view of the ramp feature of Figure 33;

Figure 35 is a side cross-sectional view of the air heater of a combination hair dryer/styler device showing (filled with solid black on the left side of the figure) the air flow mixer (air flow separator) shown in Figures 27 and 28 ) to mix the air before it reaches the airflow guide structure; and shows (filled with solid black on the right side of the figure) an initial airflow splitter to direct the incoming airflow toward the heating coil of the device;

Figure 36 shows a graph of the internal air temperature over time in the area of the thermostat (lower line) and thermal fuse (upper line) in the equipment associated with the equipment of Figure 35, spanning the period from when the equipment is switched on. switches to the point where it disconnects and the internal fan stops; and

Figure 37 shows by comparison a graph corresponding to Figure 36 in the absence of the initial flow separator of Figure 35.

In the drawings, identical elements are designated by the same reference numerals throughout.

Detailed ways

The disclosed embodiments represent the best way known to the applicants to put this disclosure into practice. However, these ways are not the only ways to implement the disclosure.

Combination hair dryer/styler equipment overview

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a combination hair dryer/styler device 10 according to a first embodiment with arms 14, 16 in an open configuration, and Figure 2 shows the same device with arms 14, 16 closed (in use, e.g. As shown in Figure 3). Figures 4 to 15 show further views of parts of the device 10, and Figures 8 to 14 show parts of the device in use.

Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, device 10 is an all-in-one handheld device that can be used to dry hair quickly and easily while also styling the hair (e.g., straightening the hair, or adding "volume" to the hair). ).

The device 10 includes a body portion 12 and mutually opposing first and second arms 14, 16 arranged in a manner generally similar to the arms of a handheld hair styler. The first arm 14 and the second arm 16 are adapted to move between an open configuration (shown in Figure 1) and a closed configuration (shown in Figure 2) for receiving a length of wet hair between the two arms, The closed configuration is adjacent the hair to create tension in the hair so that in use, when the arms 14, 16 are in the closed configuration, the arms 14, 16 form an inter-arm plenum (13, Figure 10) through which the hair passes.

Turning momentarily to FIG. 7 , a first airflow duct 15 is provided within and along the first arm 14 , and a second airflow duct 17 is provided within and along the second arm 16 . In alternative embodiments (eg, as shown in Figures 27, 30, and 35), only one arm may contain such air flow conduits.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 , the device further includes a fan assembly 38 within the body portion 12 for delivering airflow along the first duct 15 in the first arm 14 and the second duct 17 in the second arm 16 . The fan assembly 38 has an impeller and is typically also provided with a filter.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 , 4 , 5 , 7 , and 8 , each of the first arm 14 and the second arm 16 further includes a corresponding airflow guide structure 24 , and the airflow guide structure 24 is arranged from the corresponding airflow guide structure 24 . The first duct 15 or the second duct 17 receives the air flow and directs (i.e. turns) the air flow from a first direction (D1, Figure 8) substantially parallel to the length of the corresponding arm (i.e. the incoming air is longitudinal along the device) To a second direction (D2, Figure 8) from the respective arm towards the opposite arm, ie inwards into the inter-arm plenum 13 formed by the first arm 14 and the second arm 16 in the closed position. In an alternative embodiment, only one of the arms 14, 16 may be provided with such air flow guide structure 24 if only one arm contains an air flow duct. The construction and function of airflow guide structure 24 will be described in greater detail below. In other variations, the airflow directing structure(s) 24 may be omitted entirely.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the first arm 14 is a continuation of the body portion 12 and the second arm 16 is coupled to the body portion 12 by a hinge 18 through which the first arm 14 and the second arm 16 can be relative to each other. Move (in the embodiment shown, by moving the second arm 16 toward the first arm 14). Thus, in use, a user can bring first arm 14 and second arm 16 together, in a closed configuration (as shown in Figure 2), or move them apart, in an open configuration (as shown in Figure 1). In the embodiment shown, each of the arms 14, 16 is respectively widened relative to the body portion 12 to form a "head" of the device 10 remote from the body portion 12, although the head is not widened in the manner shown. Other embodiments are also possible.

Hinge 18 may contain any suitable means to allow movement of first arm 14 and second arm 16 relative to each other.

Preferably, hinge 18 also contains spring means configured to bias first arm 14 and second arm 16 into an open configuration such that the user is required to apply pressure to the arms to close them together (overcoming the action of the spring means) , and so that once the pressure is removed, the arms 14, 16 automatically open under the action of the spring device. For example, hinge 18 may include a leaf spring or a coil spring.

The hinge 18 and the spring device may be the same part. For example, the spring arrangement itself may be used to couple the second arm 16 to the body portion 12, thereby avoiding the need to provide a separate mechanical hinge and simplifying the overall construction of the device.

As shown in the close-ups of Figures 1 and 6, in the embodiment shown, the inner surface of first arm 14 contains first and second elongated heating plates 20a, parallel to each other and the length of arm 14 20b. The second arm 16 also includes a first elongated heating plate 22a and a second elongated heating plate 22b at positions corresponding to the heating plates 20a and 20b (not visible in Figures 1 and 6, but for example in Figures 10 and 20b). shown in Figure 11). Each heating plate is provided with a corresponding electric heating element operable to heat the corresponding heating plate. In the embodiment shown, the operating temperature of the heating plate is typically about 120°C to 130°C.

The first and second arms 14 and 16 and the first and second heating plates on each arm are arranged such that when the device 10 is in the closed configuration, the first and second heating plates 20a and 20a of the first arm 14 The plate 20b is in contact with the first and second heating plates 22a, 22b of the second arm 16. Preferably, the heating plates 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are made of a material with relatively high thermal conductivity, and are preferably provided with one or more temperature sensors (for example, one for each plate, or serving multiple temperature sensors respectively). one or more temperature sensors for each heating plate).

Optionally, flexible bristles may be provided beside the heating plates 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. More specifically, flexible bristles may be positioned on either or both sides of first arm 14, and/or on either or both sides of second arm 16, adjacent hair entering/exiting heating plates 20a, 20b, 20c , 20d entrance/exit. Alternatively or additionally, flexible bristles may be provided in or around the airflow guide structure 24, between the heating plates. Such bristles enable a more uniform tension to be applied to the hair fibers within the hair section passing through the chamber 13 formed by the arms 14, 16 in the closed position.

As shown in Figure 1, a control button or switch 23 may be provided on the device 10 so as to be turned on or off together with an indicator light to indicate whether power is on. Sounds may also be played by a sound generator (not shown) when the device 10 is switched on and ready for use.

As shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 4 and 5 , the fan assembly 38 is installed toward the end of the main body 12 away from the first arm 14 . The motor-driven fan 38 is operable to draw air from the surrounding environment and convey air flow along the interior of the body portion 12; and then the air flow enters and is conveyed along the ducts 15, 17 in the arms 14, 16; and the air flow then enters and passes through The inter-arm plenum 13 formed by the arms 14, 16 in the closed position surrounds and passes through the hair to be dried.

Advantageously, the fan 38 may include a brushless motor designed to operate at high speed (eg, over 30,000 rpm) and low power (eg, 15W maximum, 3W during normal operation), and may be driven by a DC power supply. It has been found that this high speed and low power parameter of the fan provides excellent drying performance, drying hair as quickly as a 2000W conventional hair dryer, but using significantly less power.

In the part 30 towards the end of the body part 12 close to the first arm 14 there is provided an electric heating coil (or other electric heating element) operable to heat the air sucked in by the fan 38 .

The heating plates 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b serve a variety of purposes during use of the device 10. First, the user clamps a length of wet hair between opposing plates 20a and 22a and between opposing plates 20b and 22b (i.e., laterally through the gap formed by first and second arms 14, 16 in a closed configuration). Inflation chamber 13), and by pulling the device along the section of wet hair, the heating plates 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b subject the wet hair to a scraping action, removing excess unbound water, and also heating the hair to accelerate subsequent evaporation of the water. Secondly, the heating provided by the heating plates 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b causes the walls of the plenum 13 to be heated (by thermal conduction) and also helps to maintain the temperature of the air flow delivered through the plenum 13 by the fan 38. Again, as an integral part of the drying process, the heating plates 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b can be used for styling hair.

Preferably, the heating plates 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b are constructed as ceramic floating plates with springs having a low spring rate or stiffness, thereby providing good control of the hair tension.

Taking into account the airflow heating coil (or other heating element) and heating plates 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b and fan 38, the total power consumption of the device 10 is about 600W to 800W, which is significantly less than a 2000W conventional hair dryer.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the electrical and electronic circuitry of device 10 is housed within body portion 12 and first and second arms 14, 16 (although primarily within body portion 12 and first arm 14). In the example shown, printed circuit board assembly 36 is disposed within body portion 12 . Power is provided to the device 10 by a power source located at the end of the body portion 12 remote from the first arm 14 . In the embodiment shown, the power source is AC mains power. However, in alternative embodiments, the power source may comprise one or more DC batteries or battery cells (which may be rechargeable, e.g. rechargeable from the power grid or from a DC source via charging leads), thereby enabling the device 10 to be a cordless product .

Among them, the circuit board assembly 36 includes four TRIACs 37, each TRIAC is used to power a corresponding one of the heating plates 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b.

Airflow guidance

The device 10 contains several features that direct airflow from the fan 38 to the user's hair 11, thereby enabling the hair to be dried and styled. These features will now be described in detail with specific reference to Figures 7-15.

As described above, and as shown, for example, in FIG. 7 , in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first arm 14 and the second arm 16 (at the head of the device 10 remote from the body portion 12 ) includes a corresponding The first duct 15 or the second duct 17 is in airflow communication with the divided airflow guide structure 24 . The first duct 15 and the second duct 17 serve as a plenum to supply air through the guide structure 24 of each of the first arm 14 and the second arm 16 .

Air is supplied to the first duct 15 and the second duct 17 via the column member 30 under the action of the fan 38 . Component 30 includes a heating element for heating the air, as well as a set of elongated baffles 32 (angled in cross-section, essentially star-shaped) as shown in the close-up of Figure 18, a flow splitter 34 and a diffuser Appliance grille 31.

The elongated baffles 32 are arranged to mix the air to reduce hot spots from the heater in the area between the inlet of the air heater and the outlet of the divided airflow guide structure 24 . This is important to achieve a uniform air temperature at the outlet of the divided air flow guide structure 24 and thus uniform drying over the entire hair section within the chamber 13 . It also prevents the formation of hot spots in the air that can damage hair. Therefore, in the absence of such baffles, it may be necessary to reduce the hair heating power and therefore the drying speed of the device.

The gas flow separator 34 is aligned across the diameter of the cylindrical member 30 and is arranged to split the incoming gas flow into separate upper and lower gas flows that are fed directly into the first and second ducts 15 , 17 . Advantageously, the air flow separator 34 is shaped such that air is directed into the first duct 15 and the second duct 17 without causing howling of the air, thus providing acoustic benefits.

More particularly, the component 30 has a circular cross-section, the lower half of which (located below the gas flow separator 34 ) corresponds to the cross-sectional geometry of the first duct 15 . The upper half of the component 30 (located above the gas flow separator 34 ) corresponds to the cross-sectional geometry of the second duct 17 . As shown in cross-section in Figure 8, when the second arm 16 is in the closed position, the second duct 17 fits closely around the upper half of the component 30 so that the air flow can pass both below and above the air flow separator 34 Component 30, enters the first pipe 15 and the second pipe 17 without leakage.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8 , air enters the first duct 15 and the second duct 17 in a first direction D1 that is substantially parallel to the length of each of the first arm 14 and the second arm 16 .

As also shown in Figure 8, and as shown in the longitudinal perspective section of Figure 15, the airflow guide structure 24 within each of the first and second arms 14, 16 includes a divided structure having a plurality of cell walls. In the embodiment shown, the cell structure has a hexagonal (honeycomb) structure, although this geometry is not required and other geometries may be used instead (eg, as shown in Figures 16 and 17) . However, it has been found that a hexagonal (honeycomb) structure is advantageous in maximizing the opening area through the guide structure 24 while minimizing the area occupied by the cell walls and thereby minimizing the airflow resistance caused by the cell walls. In the embodiment shown, the cell width is approximately one-tenth the cell length.

It should be noted that the depth of the cells of the airflow directing structure 24 into the respective ducts/plenums 15, 17 gradually increases with increasing distance along the respective arms 14, 16 in a direction away from the hinge 18 towards the distal end of the device . With this arrangement, air entering along the first direction D1 is diverted from the first direction D1 to a second direction D2 substantially perpendicular to the first direction D1, flowing inward towards the space between the arms formed by the arms 14, 16 in the closed position. Room 13.

More particularly, the gradual change in the depth of the cells of the airflow guiding structure 24 into the respective plenums 15, 17 advantageously results in the incoming airflow in direction D1 being diverted and exiting the plenum in direction D2 and entering between the arms at uniform airspeed. Room 13.

Figure 8 also shows that when the arms 14, 16 are in the closed position, the inner surface of each airflow guide structure 24 is offset by 0.5mm to 4mm (preferably about 2mm) relative to the imaginary centerline intermediate the first arm 14 and the second arm 16 )distance. The location of the imaginary centerline is where the hair 11 would span the interbrachial chamber 13 under tension in use (eg, as shown in Figure 9). This deviation of each airflow guide structure 24 from the imaginary centerline advantageously creates an airflow restriction between the air and the hair in use to increase the airflow velocity around the hair, thereby speeding drying.

As best shown in FIG. 14 , the airflow guide structure 24 also includes a plurality of airflow redirection channels 28 extending between the longitudinal edges of the airflow guide structure 24 and corresponding longitudinal sides. These channels 28 are configured to convey airflow from the second direction D2 to third and fourth directions D3 and D4 outwardly from the device substantially perpendicular to the lengths of the arms 14 , 16 direction, the fourth direction D4 is opposite to the third direction D3. Figure 13 also shows the air flow directions D3 and D4. Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 14 , the airflow guiding structure 24 including the sectional (eg honeycomb) structure and the airflow redirecting channel 28 , and the outward vents 26 in the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4 can be, for example, It is formed into an integral structure through 3D printing.

Turning now to Figure 10, there are shown other directions of air flow through the arms 14, 16 of the device 10 when viewed in cross-section facing the main body portion 12 of the device.

Starting from the center of Figure 10, it can be seen that air flowing in direction D2 enters the inter-arm chamber 13 from the plenums 15, 17 via the cells of the air flow guide structure 24.

The air then diffuses laterally and enters the airflow redirection channels 28 before passing along the airflow ducts 19a, 19b, 21a and 21b, via ventilation in opposite directions D3 (through the ducts 19a and 21a) and D4 (through the ducts 19b and 21b). Port 26 leaves the device. As shown in Figure 10, the air flow ducts 19a, 19b, 21a and 21b extend behind the heating plates 20a, 20b, 22a and 22b respectively installed on the first arm 14 and the second arm 16.

For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that while the airflow directions D3 and D4 upon exiting the vents 26 can be said to be "substantially perpendicular" to the lengths of the arms 14, 16, when the air passes through the airflow redirection channels 28 and along the airflow The overall path that the air follows as it flows through the ducts 19a, 19b, 21a and 21b and then passes through the vent 26 is not linear.

Advantageously, the vents 26 direct outgoing air towards the roots of the hair to dry the roots and create root lift.

Figure 11 is a transverse cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 10 of the device 10 with the arms 14, 16 in a closed configuration (around the hair 11) and facing the body portion 12 of the device. Looking along the channels 15 and 17 towards the body portion 12, one can see features of the columnar member 30, including a diffuser grille 31 and an elongated baffle 32 at the end. Other features of Figure 11 correspond to those identified in Figure 10 and described above.

12 and 13 illustrate (in longitudinal and transverse cross-sectional perspective views, respectively) the changes in airflow direction caused by the airflow guide structure 24 of the device 10 and other features in each arm 14, 16.

As mentioned above, as the air passes through the baffle 32 and enters the first and second ducts (plenums) 15, 17 in the respective first and second arms 14, 16, the first airflow direction D1 is substantially parallel to the first airflow direction D1. The length of each of the first arm 14 and the second arm 16. The divided airflow guide structure 24 then directs (i.e., turns) the airflow inwardly from the first direction D1 to the second direction D2 and inwardly into the inter-arm chamber 13 formed by the arms 14, 16 in the closed position, in use. , hair 11 passes through the interbrachial compartment.

The air then diffuses sideways and enters the airflow redirection channels 28 before passing along the airflow ducts 19a, 19b, 21a and 21b behind the heating plate, exiting the device via the vents 26 in opposite directions D3 and D4.

Technical principles

As used herein, the expressions "to dry the hair," "dry the hair" and the like shall be understood to refer primarily to the removal of "unbound" water present on the exterior of the hair when moistened. This "unbound" water should be contrasted with "bound" water, which is present within individual hairs and can interact with the hair during heat styling. In the context of this disclosure, this "bound" water does not need to be removed when the hair is dried, although some bound water may be removed during the drying process. Bound water is usually further removed during the styling process.

Figure 20 is a graph of hair sample temperature versus drying time, which is helpful in understanding the technical principles related to this study. As described below, as the hair temperature increases, the hair undergoes a preheating period, and then undergoes a first drying period and a second drying period. The first drying period is primarily concerned with the removal of unbound water, and the second drying period is primarily concerned with the removal of bound water.

· "Preheating period": In this stage, the ceramic heating plate is used to increase the temperature of the hair to the temperature at which the phase change of the liquid occurs during the drying period (points A to B). The plate surface cannot be operated at temperatures between 100°C and 135°C (120°C nominal) before water cavitation (hissing) occurs on the plate.

· "Drying phase 1": This phase is supported by a heated air flow to dry the unbound water on the hair (points B to C). Without the newly heated airflow to support evaporation, the hair will cool quickly and dry at a slower rate.

• "Drying phase 2": This phase (points C to E) occurs when the bound water on the hair evaporates and the bound water is driven out of the hair fibre.

· Styling/straightening is achieved when force is applied to the fibers and dislodges both bound and unbound water.

Problems and solutions provided by this study

In this study, the inventors considered the following issues (among other issues) and provided the following solutions:

Issue 1 - Reduce fan airflow and air heating power to fit in user's hand

The inventors have determined that drying hair with heated air is generally an inefficient use of energy, although conventional hair dryer technology is efficient at converting electrical energy into high temperature airflow. Furthermore, using heated air alone to dry hair is very inefficient, with most of the energy being dissipated from the heated air to the atmosphere. To dry hair faster, traditional hair dryers use air heating to increase drying rates by employing increasingly high-speed motor and fan technology, using higher air pressure and greater volumetric flow. However, this results in lower energy efficiency, higher unit costs and higher noise levels.

On the other hand, using a conductive heating plate is a very effective way of heating water and hair to be dried, helping to promote a fast drying, compact and quiet product. However, at temperatures between ~100°C and 143°C (nominal), liquid water in contact with the metal plate causes an audible cavitation sound (hissing), which leads to the perception of damage. Hair temperature exceeding 143°C may cause hair degeneration.

One possible solution to this is to combine heated air blown over conductive heating panels, but this would create very large airflow resistance, posing additional challenges. Therefore, inefficient high-speed motor technology will be required to achieve the airflow pressure required to move hair through the hair and plates).

The solution provided by this study is to enclose the hair in a heated air plenum 13 between conductive heating plates 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b. This allows the hair to be efficiently heated to evaporate more quickly toward the phase change temperature of water at plate temperatures of ~100°C to 143°C (nominally 120°C), thus avoiding cavitation and damage. Furthermore, the heated plenum temperature of 125°C to 175°C (nominally 150°C) enables efficient support and maintenance of phase changes and evaporation without cavitation.

Problem 2 - Minimization of air temperature range and air heating power due to large changes in hair airflow resistance

The inventors have determined that hair, especially wet hair, has a large variation in airflow resistance depending on the size and moisture content of the section. Therefore, a solution is needed to avoid excessive temperature rise (hair damage) and large changes in air heater power and fan pressure requirements.

The solution provided by this study is to seal the air chamber 13 around the hair so that heated air can pass around the hair (not just through the hair section), thereby reducing the airflow resistance range of the system. This helps reduce the heater power and power requirement range required to regulate air temperature, thereby increasing energy efficiency and reducing product size and cost.

By reducing the resistance range of the system's airflow requirements, this in turn enables the use of lower speed motors/fans, thereby helping to increase the fan's energy efficiency and reduce sound and cost.

In addition, by designing the system resistance to accurately meet the airflow and temperature requirements for drying hair when closed, the air temperature of the product is lower when open, thereby helping to improve the user's drying experience and reduce energy loss and reduce air heating. physical size of the device, otherwise the product would be larger and difficult to use.

Question 3 - Achieving uniform air velocity and changing the direction of air at the hair-air interface

The inventors have determined that achieving uniform air temperature and velocity throughout the hair-air interface is beneficial in maintaining drying efficiency. However, achieving this in the context of this product form requires a method of diverting air at a uniform air velocity and pressure at the hair-air interface.

The solution provided by this study is to set up an airflow path that contains various features to guide or divert the airflow, including:

• Air flow separator 34, which separates the air flow to the first arm 14 and the second arm 16. The flow separator 34 also prevents excessive or uneven temperature rise at the edges of the sections. It should be noted that the airflow separator 34 can also be made larger and made of flexible material to expel air to the second arm 16 when the device is in the open position. This prevents air from blowing hair away from the heating plates 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b when the device is on, and prevents hair from restricting the air outlet while the device is on, causing airflow restrictions and increased resistance in the system that might otherwise result. Overheating and hair damage.

• Pleons 15, 17 in each arm 14, 16, plenums 15, 17 shaped to allow airflow to fill each arm 14, 16, thereby making the airflow leaving the cells of the divided airflow guide structure 24 more uniform.

·The divided airflow guide structure 24, the cross-sectional width of the divided airflow guide structure 24 is reduced relative to the width of the arms 14, 16 where it is located.

· An airflow guide structure 24 for each arm 14, 16 having a celled (e.g. honeycomb or louver) structure extending into the plenum 15, 17 within the respective arm, where the depth of the cells varies from the depth of the arm. The depth increases from the end near the hinge 18 to the end of the arm remote from the hinge 18 . This gradual change in cell depth causes the airflow to be directed towards and away from the plenums 15, 17 at a uniform airspeed.

·An opening offset distance of 0.5mm to 4mm (nominally 2mm) from the nozzle outlet of the airflow guide structure 24 to the hair (when the first and second arms are in the closed configuration), which distance is used to separate the air and hair. Creates airflow restriction in between to increase the airflow speed around the hair, thereby speeding up drying. The open cross-sections between these features allow air to pass around the hair to the plenum outlet without having to pass through the hair (which might otherwise restrict airflow).

Question 4 – Achieving uniform air temperature in airflow

The inventors have determined that if the air heater windings are placed on the outer perimeter of the air duct, as is conventionally done, it may be difficult to achieve uniform air temperature across the entire air flow. This causes the air temperature at the periphery of the airflow to be higher relative to the air temperature in the center of the airflow, resulting in uneven heat distribution throughout the airflow.

The solution provided by this study is to place features such as baffles 32 in the airflow on the outside of the ring at the heater outlet, or on the inside of the airflow, to induce turbulence in the heated airflow and promote separation of air in the airflow as it passes through the airflow 34 for better mixing. As a result, a more uniform air temperature distribution throughout the airflow can be achieved.

Problem 5 – Drying the roots and creating root lift

The inventors have determined that, for example, in order to produce a root lift, it is desirable to dry the hair at the roots.

The solution provided in this study is to provide air outlet vents 26 on the sides and/or rear of the conductive heating panels 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b. These vents 26 direct outgoing air towards the roots of the hair to dry the roots and create root lift.

Question 6 - Limitations of plate cavitation (sizzling) for very wet hair around 100°C to 125°C

The inventors have determined that plate cavitation (hissing) of very wet hair around 100°C to 125°C limits drying speed.

The solution provided in this study is based on the understanding that as unbound water on the hair evaporates, the plate temperature can be increased to a higher temperature to heat and dry the hair faster and more efficiently.

Thus, a method is provided to measure the level of unbound water on the hair (moisture sensing), enabling the plate and/or air temperature to be increased to further increase the drying rate. This can be achieved by placing a temperature sensor in the device 10, for example:

·Position “A” – upstream of the air-hair interface

·Position “B” – downstream of the air-hair interface

·Position "C" - Sensing conductive heating plate temperature, and/or power sensing

A very large temperature difference between these sensors will open the indicating arms 14, 16 as the air will not be directed through position B. The open state of the arms 14, 16 can also be sensed by measuring the electrical power required to raise the air temperature, as the airflow system resistance will also change between open, closed and hair-closed states.

The thermal load on the board at position C will indicate the presence of hair in the product (from power and/or temperature sensing).

The difference in high temperature between the sensors will indicate that the water is evaporating (drying the hair) and therefore the hair is wet. On the other hand, a low temperature difference between the plates will indicate that minimal phase change is occurring and therefore the hair is "dry".

Question 7 – Increasing the cooling rate of the heating plate

As discussed above, the present inventors have determined that increasing the heating plate temperature in response to the presence of unbound water in the hair enables faster drying. However, if the user moves the device to a wetter section of hair, the plate of product ideally needs to be cooled very quickly to prevent cavitation (sizzling) and/or hair damage.

This study provides a solution to this problem based on actively cooling the heating plate using air passing over the heating plate (from a fan). This enables accelerated cooling of the plate back to 100°C to 125°C. The air temperature can be controlled, for example, using NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) equipment and TRIAC control of the air heater.

PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heaters can also be beneficial to implement simple and compact conduction heaters with air heat sinks.

Question 8 - Regulating the temperature of the air contacting the hair in the open position

The inventors have determined that it may be advantageous to regulate the maximum temperature rise of the hair when the air outlet is restricted by the hair during loading to prevent damage to the hair, and/or to minimize energy losses dissipated to the atmosphere , thereby delivering cooler-feeling air to users. It is also desirable to regulate the air temperature to achieve rapid drying and minimal hair damage.

To address this problem, the solution provided in this study is to place an NTC (negative temperature coefficient) device at the outlet of the air heater, between the air heater and the hair contact surface, with the preferred location closest to the hair interface at the outlet nozzle. This allows the NTC to respond to changes in airflow resistance caused by hair restriction, or increased temperature differences caused by increased airflow resistance when the arms are open. If the upper temperature limit is reached, TRIAC control can be used to adjust the power provided to the air heater.

Question 9 – Rejuvenating hair when it’s not washed

The present inventors have determined that users may desire a freshly washed and blow-dried feel when they do not have the time, ability, or inclination to wash and dry their hair.

In response to this problem, the solution provided in this study is to enable the fragrance to be emitted into the airflow generated by the device 10, thereby giving the hair a fresh smell. To achieve this, a user-replaceable piezoelectric atomizer and/or a simpler fragrance reservoir and wick can be used to achieve phase exchange (liquid to gas) into the air stream and thus onto the user's hair .

Question 10 - Manufacturing a compact air heater to create a compact overall product form

The inventors have determined that mains powered electric air heaters are typically heated wire resistors formed to maximize the heating surface area in the air flow. This also adds complexity, size and cost due to the need for thermal fuses.

In response to this problem, the solution provided by this study is to realize that PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heaters can realize a new type of air heater that merges the fractional (such as honeycomb) air flow guide structure 24 and the air heater into a single product component. Therefore, this merges the functionality of both parts, making the entire product smaller and more compact. Additionally, this eliminates the need for additional thermal fuses (and their associated costs) due to the PTC effect.

Question 11 – Portability

The present inventors have determined that consumers desire products suitable for use "on the go", eg away from home, or in any situation away from an outlet (eg in the bathroom).

With the energy savings mentioned above, this study enables low voltage (LV) devices 10 to be used for safe operation in bathrooms, and/or enables the device 10 to be used cordless (eg with rechargeable batteries) and/or with a compact stand-alone power source.

Modifications and substitutions

Detailed embodiments and some possible alternatives have been described above. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, many modifications and other substitutions may be made to the above-described embodiments while still benefiting from the disclosure embodied therein. Therefore, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments and includes modifications apparent to those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

In the above embodiment, the first arm 14 and the second arm 16 respectively include corresponding air flow ducts 15 and 17, and are provided with corresponding air flow guiding structures 24. However, in alternative embodiments, only one of the arms 14, 16 may be provided with the airflow duct and airflow guide structure 24. Examples of such variations will be described below and are shown by way of example in Figures 27, 30 and 35. In other variations, the airflow directing structure(s) 24 may be omitted entirely.

In the above embodiment, the heating plates are symmetrically arranged on either side of each of the arms 14, 16. However, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, both plates need not be heated, and in alternative embodiments, only one plate may be heated, or neither plate may be heated. In some cases, without heating one or both of the plates, the scraping effect of the plates may be enough in combination with the airflow to dry the hair. Additionally, unheated plates can be used to apply tension to the hair to provide a degree of styling. However, it is preferred to have at least one heated plate as this aids the drying/styling process. Furthermore, the use of a pair of heating plates, as in the embodiments described above, advantageously allows bi-directional/ambidextrous use of the device.

In the above embodiment, the airflow guide structure 24 of each of the first arm 14 and the second arm 16 includes a divided structure having hexagonal (honeycomb) cells configured to direct the airflow from the first arm 14 to the second arm 16 . One direction D1 leads to a second direction D2. However, in alternative embodiments, the cells of the airflow guiding structure may have different shapes. For example, Figure 16 shows a longitudinal perspective cross-sectional view of an alternative divided airflow guide structure 24a, in this case having rectangular cells in one linear dimension (the depth of the cells gradually increases with distance along the structure, In the same manner as for the hexagonal cells above). As another example, Figure 17 shows a longitudinal perspective cross-section of an alternative fractional airflow guide structure 24b, in this case having rectangular cells in two linear dimensions (the depth of the cells also varies along the structure). gradually increases as the distance increases).

In the embodiment described above, the air flow is heated, for example, by a heating element in the device body 12 downstream of the fan 38 . However, in alternative embodiments, the means for heating the airflow may include the airflow guide structure 24 itself, the airflow guide structure 24 being formed from a material that generates heat when an electric current is applied thereto. In other alternative embodiments, the device may not heat the air but instead rely on delivering air at a high enough flow rate to dry the hair.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "include" and "includes," and variations of the word, such as "includes" and "includes," mean "including, but not limited to," and are not intended to (and Not) to the exclusion of other parts, integers or steps.

Other alternative features have been developed in relation to the above-described embodiments to solve specific additional problems or to provide specific additional functionality. These other alternative features will now be described in detail (and, where used, the specific problems they solve or the additional functionality they provide).

First, in order to achieve fast drying and high-quality styling (i.e., high levels of shine, color retention, and style longevity), hair tresses that pass through the active styling zone (i.e., the head of the styler) should be consistent throughout the tress. Subject to uniform drying and heating across the width. To do this well, the following five considerations have been found to be important:

(1) The airflow distribution through the effective styling area (i.e., the head of the styler) should be as uniform as possible.

(2) The temperature distribution of the air passing through the modeling area should be as uniform as possible.

(3) Root lift vents should be arranged to optimize their function.

(4) When the styler is closed around the hair and used, air should not be allowed to escape from the ends of the styler.

(5) The styler should work equally well in any country. There are often small differences in mains voltage between countries, which may cause variations in motor speed and power available to the air heater, so the energy delivered to the hair may be different. This problem should be solved so that energy transfer is the same in any country, regardless of grid voltage, thus ensuring consistent and uniform performance worldwide.

Of course, product safety and quality are also extremely important, so the following issues have also been considered and solved:

(6) When the styler is operated, hot air should not be allowed to flow to the user's hands.

(7) The accumulation of waste heat in air heating components (and related electronic devices) should be avoided to prevent accidental shutdown or failure of heat-sensitive components such as thermal fuses, especially when the equipment is switched from on to off.

The above points (1) to (7) are solved by the following additional features, which are as follows:

Other Features 1 - Provides more even airflow distribution across the entire effective styling area (i.e. styler head)

In the embodiments described above, the design of the sectional airflow guide structure 24 attempts to provide uniform airflow through the use of a honeycomb (or other sectional) structure in which the depth of the cells is oriented toward the device. The distal tip tapers to effectively "snoop" more air as it travels down the length of the head in a direction perpendicular to the cell depth direction. While this technique is helpful, with the fractional airflow guide structure 24 described above, it has been found that a disproportionate amount of airflow is still injected near the distal end of the device.

To illustrate this point, Figure 21 shows the above-mentioned divided air flow guide structure 24 in the lower arm 14 of the device, in which the diameters of the hexagonal cells are equal. Consistent with Figure 21, Figure 22 shows the airflow distribution along the length of the airflow guide structure 24, ie, the average jet at each longitudinal position along the airflow guide structure 24 (from the tip end to the handle end along the head of the device) air velocity. It can indeed be seen from Figure 22 that a disproportionate amount of airflow exits the airflow guide structure 24 near the distal end of the device as the airflow accumulates towards the end of the device. This is not conducive to even styling and can result in less glossy hair and individual strands of hair being blown in undesirable directions (so-called "flyaway" strands) due to the faster jet air velocity at that location. , especially near the end of the device.

To address this problem, referring now to Figure 23, in an alternative (improved) airflow guide structure 24, the diameter of the honeycomb cells tapers toward the distal end of the device to restrict airflow. As mentioned above, the depth of the cells also gradually increases toward the distal end of the device. Figure 24 shows the airflow distribution obtained along the length of the airflow guide structure 24. It can be seen from the figure that a more uniform airflow distribution is achieved, in which the peak airflow is located at the midpoint of the airflow guide structure 24 (i.e., the head of the device). (midway between the end of the end and the end of the handle). This airflow distribution results in more even styling, brighter hair shine, and fewer individual strands of hair being blown in undesired directions.

Figure 25 provides exemplary dimensions of the hexagonal cells of this alternative airflow guide structure 24. As can be seen, the cell diameter near the styler handle is 4.2 mm, the cell diameter near the midpoint of the airflow guide structure 24 is 3.9 mm, and the cell diameter near the distal end of the device is 3.3 mm. These dimensions are examples only and may be different in other embodiments (while still tapering in cell diameter toward the distal end of the device). For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the gradual reduction in cell diameter need not be continuous along the length of the airflow guiding structure 24, but may be reduced stepwise, ie in discrete stages.

Additional Feature 2 - Provides more uniform temperature distribution of air across the styling area (i.e. styler head)

The temperature of the air passing through the head of the styler should be as uniform as possible to ensure even drying throughout the hair lock, better hair fiber alignment and improved shine and style longevity. It has been found that the above structure allows air to pass from the component 30 into the first air flow duct 15 (disposed in and along the first arm 14) and into the second air flow duct 17 (disposed in and along the second arm 16). (See, for example, Figure 7) does not provide the desired uniform temperature distribution. The reason for this lies in the way the air flow into the ducts 15, 17 is generated, and in the design of the heater, in particular the annular configuration of the heating element which results in a cooler central core of the air flow.

The result of this problem is that a temperature difference of more than 30° C. in the spray air can be observed from one end of the airflow guide structure 24 to the other end. For example, in representative experimental testing, a jet air temperature of 51°C was measured near the proximal end of the airflow guide structure 24 (i.e., near the handle), a temperature of 71°C was measured near the midpoint of the airflow guide structure 24, and A temperature of 86°C was measured near the distal end of the airflow guide structure 24 (ie, the end of the device).

A similar situation is shown in FIG. 26 , where heated air is injected near the distal end of the airflow guide structure 24 and cool air is injected near the proximal end of the airflow guide structure 24 . This is because the annular configuration of the heating element 40 (within the heater assembly 44) results in areas of heated air being created near the heating element 40 and a central core of cooler air between the heated areas.

Incidentally, it should be noted that Figure 26 (and subsequently Figures 27, 30 and 35) shows a variant of the first arm 14 in which all incoming airflow is directed along the first airflow duct 15, and thereby through the airflow guiding structure 24 . That is, in this example, the second arm 16 does not include a second airflow duct for delivering air to the styler head (but may still include an airflow guide structure in communication with the inter-arm chamber 13 for receiving air from the air injected by the first arm 14). Conversely, in another variant, all incoming airflow may be directed along the second airflow duct 17 within the second arm 16 and not along the first arm 14 . This modification can make the entire device easier to manufacture and can also improve the airflow performance, since the opposite airflows from the first duct 15 and the second duct 17 are avoided from colliding with each other and causing turbulence within the inter-arm chamber 13, It also provides a clearly defined "escape route" for moisture-laden air.

Referring to Figure 27, the above problem of uneven temperature distribution can be solved by providing an airflow mixer 42 before the airflow duct 15 and near the end of the heater assembly 44. In this case, the airflow mixer is an airflow diverter or separator. The form of the device. The airflow mixer 42 mixes heated air (coming from near the heating element) with a central core of cooler air, thereby providing a more uniform flow of heated air along the airflow guide structure 24 . The airflow mixer 42 may be generally tapered or conical as shown, or otherwise shaped to create turbulence and mixing of air within the airflow.

Because the airflow mixer 42 removes or reduces the cold air core, the temperature difference in the spray air from one end of the airflow guide structure 24 to the other can be significantly reduced. For example, in controlled experimental testing in the presence of the airflow mixer 42, a jet air temperature of 68°C was measured near the proximal end of the airflow guide structure 24 (i.e., near the handle) and 82°C was measured near the midpoint of the airflow guide structure 24. °C, and a temperature of 80 °C was measured near the distal end of the airflow guide structure 24 (i.e., the end of the device). Therefore, in this case, the temperature difference from one end of the air flow guide structure 24 to the other is only 12°C.

Figure 28 is a perspective view of the heater assembly 44 shown in Figure 27, showing the flow mixer 42 in the center. Similarly, FIG. 29 is a transverse plan view of the heater assembly 44 of FIG. 28 and also shows an illustration of the heating coil 40.

Other Feature 3 - Improved functionality of root lift vents

In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, for example, the root lift vents 26 are provided along either side of the head of the styler head and extend parallel to the plane of the heating plates 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b.

However, referring now to Figure 30, further development work has discovered that if the air leaves the vent 26 in directions D3' and D4' at approximately 45° to the plane of the heating plates 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b, rather than parallel to the heating The flat surface of the plate allows for improved hair root lift. This means that the air flow directions D4' and D3' are not opposite on either side of the styler head (unlike the directions D3 and D4 shown in Figure 10). In contrast, airflow directions D3' and D4' are approximately 90° to each other on either side of the styler head. Other angles between the airflow directions D3' and D4' ejected from the root lift vent are also possible.

It has been found to be advantageous to orient the root lift vents 26 at an angle that is not parallel to the plane of the heating plates 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b, as "fly-off" has been found to occur when the root lift airflow is parallel to the heating plates. strands and reduces hair fiber alignment, which ultimately results in reduced shine and style durability. Therefore, an angle of approximately 45° has been found to reduce the creation of "flyaway" tresses while still providing a flow angle that allows the user to easily create root lift. If the angle is much greater than 45°, it becomes more difficult to create a root lift.

From the cross-sectional view of Figure 30, it should also be noted that in this variant of the styler head, the incoming airflow flows only along the first airflow duct 15 and then (in direction D2) through the airflow guide structure 24 and into the inter-arm chamber 13. Thus, in this variation, the second arm 16 does not include a second airflow conduit for delivering air to the styler head, but still includes an airflow redirection channel 28 for receiving the airflow from the first arm 14 and through The guide structure 24 conveys some of the air through the interarm chamber 13 .

The air then diffuses laterally from the inter-arm chamber 13 (for example by means of the angled surface 46 incorporated within the second arm 16) and enters the airflow redirection channel 28, and then passes along the airflow ducts 19a, 19b, 21a and 21b, Exit the device via vents 26 in 45° directions D3' (via ducts 19a and 21a) and D4' (via ducts 19b and 21b). As shown in Figure 30, the air flow ducts 19a, 19b, 21a and 21b extend behind the heating plates 20a, 20b, 22a and 22b installed on the first arm 14 and the second arm 16 respectively.

Additional Feature 4 – Reduces air escaping from the far end of the styler

In the embodiments described above, it has been found that when the styler is closed with hair between the heating plates, air may escape from the distal end of the styler, particularly the ends of the heating plates. It has been found that because there is less air passing through the locks, this reduces the drying rate and can also cause fiber alignment issues.

However, referring now to Figures 31 and 32, after further development work, the problem of air escaping from the distal end of the styler has been solved by the top styler arm 14 and the bottom styler at the distal end of the device. Opposite spring-loaded, thermally non-conductive (eg plastic) sealing elements 48 are provided on the arms 16 . The sealing elements 48 are flat and are also raised above adjacent heating plates (e.g. 20a, 20b) to ensure that when the heating plates are loaded with hair, the top and bottom sealing elements 48 come together to form a seal, thereby preventing air Escape from the end of the styler along the heated plate. The spring through which each sealing element 48 is mounted allows different amounts of hair to be placed between the heating plates and still maintain a seal.

Additional Feature 5 - Achieve consistent performance around the world

The expectation is that styler products should have essentially the same performance wherever they are used in the world, even though mains voltage may vary from country to country. Mains voltage changes particularly affect the temperature of the heated air within the device, since the air is heated using standard resistance wire heaters, and the electrical power consumed by such heaters and converted into heat is a function of voltage. Therefore, it is desirable to ensure that the energy delivered to the air is the same regardless of where the device is in the world, thereby ensuring that the drying rate is the same and that the product does not damage the hair fiber.

Control of the energy delivered to the air can be achieved in various ways - for example by varying the fan speed (which is undesirable as it affects airflow), or by using a variable resistor in the heater (which is also undesirable). Expected). Another option that has been found to work well is to control the temperature of the heater via electrical switching technology while keeping the fan speed constant. For example, standard zero-crossing switching techniques using triacs can be used to control the number of power grid cycles per second across the heater, essentially performing pulse width modulation of the electrical power supplied to the heater. In this way, the heat output of the heater element (and more generally of the device) can be controlled regardless of changes in the local power grid voltage.

Other Feature 6 - Prevents hot air from flowing to the user's hands when operating the styler

For safety and comfort, assuming that the air temperature can exceed 100°C, the air should not flow back to the user's hands. During internal testing with an early prototype of the styler, it was discovered that hot air could escape from the end of the heating plate closest to the handle/hinge while styling and risked causing discomfort to the user.

To address this problem, and referring to Figures 33 and 34, a ramped airflow deflector feature 50 (also shown in Figure 32) has been developed for inclusion in pairs of heated plates (i.e. plates 20a and 20b, or plates 20a and 20b, or plates 20a and 20b). The proximal end (i.e., the handle end) of each of 22a and 22b) to prevent hot air from escaping rearwardly toward the user's hand. The slope-like shape of the deflector 50 is important for two reasons: to prevent air from passing backward and not to capture the user's hair during styling. In contrast, standard "block" formats run the risk of creating pinch points that pull and trap the user's hair. The sloped design of the deflector 50 prevents this and also redirects return air (which would otherwise escape towards the user) towards the opposite arm of the device to prevent user hand discomfort.

Other Feature 7 - Avoids waste heat accumulation in air heating components (and associated electronics), especially when the device is switched from on to off

For safety reasons, styler devices often contain thermostats and thermal fuses, either of which will cause the device to stop working if it trips (or in the case of a thermal fuse, if it blows). The thermostat is resettable and designed to prevent accidental blockage of the air inlet to the unit or insufficient filter cleaning. If the thermostat trips, the unit can be used again once it has cooled down.

However, a blown thermal fuse is a more permanent problem (requiring replacement of the thermal fuse), and thermal fuses are designed to avoid uncontrollable catastrophic failure of equipment, such as the triac driving an air heater Commutation failure in the component. A failed thermal fuse will render the product unusable until the thermal fuse is replaced. Therefore, thermal fuses are not expected to fail during normal and safe use.

In internal tests using an early prototype of the styler, it was found that when the unit is switched from on to off (i.e. at the end of the usage period) and the internal fan stops as a result, the temperature of the air heating components in the area of the thermostat and thermal fuse Peaks may reach high temperatures. Over multiple operating cycles and extended periods of time, this temperature spike can cause a thermostat to trip or a thermal fuse to blow, especially in extreme cases where the filter is clogged. (Additionally, the activation temperatures of both components are significantly different from the nominal activation temperatures and degrade with age.) Tripping of such a thermostat or blowing of a thermal fuse can cause an otherwise functioning safety device to malfunction. Expected failure.

One way to solve this problem is to have the internal fan continue to operate in a so-called "ramp-down" mode when the device switches from on to off. Therefore, the fan continues to run for a shorter period of time to reduce waste heat in the heating components and associated electronics. That is, a fan in ramp-down mode removes waste heat from the system by passing airflow over the components.

However, it has been found that if one unplugs the device rather than simply turning the product off using its on/off switch, the temperature can spike as previously described, as the fan is unable to enter ramp-down mode at this point.

Referring to Figure 35, this problem has been solved by providing an initial air flow separator 52 at the inlet of the heater assembly 44. The airflow separator 52 has a generally tapered or conical shape to direct incoming airflow from the fan toward the heating coil 40 (rather than simply passing along the center of the heater assembly 44). By directing the incoming air flow specifically to the heating coil 40 in this manner, more efficient heat transfer from the coil 40 to the incoming air flow is provided during use. Additionally, because the coil 40 operates more efficiently, more heat is transferred from the coil to the incoming airflow, so less heat accumulates in the coil (and associated electronics) itself, making it generally cooler. Therefore, less residual heat is present in the heating system when the device switches from on to off. Therefore, even if the fan suddenly shuts down, components such as thermostats and thermal fuses are exposed to less severe temperature spikes and thus do not trip or blow.

To further illustrate this point, Figure 36 shows a graph of internal air temperature as a function of time in the area of the thermostat (lower line) and thermal fuse (upper line) in a styler device with air flow separator 52. The graph spans the point where the device switches from on to off and the internal fan stops. It can be seen that at the moment when the device is disconnected and the fan is stopped, the thermostat and thermal fuse near the thermostat and thermal fuse experience a moderate thermal spike of approximately 80°C, reaching a maximum temperature of approximately 140°C. This thermal spike is within the allowed operating temperatures of these components and will not cause the components to trip or fuse.

As a comparison, Figure 37 shows a corresponding graph of the internal air temperature as a function of time in the area of the thermostat (lower line) and thermal fuse (upper line) in a test styler device without air flow separator 52. Again, the graph spans the point where the device switches from on to off and the internal fan stops. It can be seen that at the moment when the device is disconnected and the fan stops, a more significant thermal spike of approximately 100°C is experienced near the thermostat and thermal fuse. A maximum temperature of approximately 160°C is reached in the vicinity of the thermal fuse, which in some cases is sufficient to cause the component to melt. Therefore, this problem is prevented by providing the air flow separator 52 .

Figure 35 also shows the gas flow mixer 42 according to Figures 27 to 29, although the gas flow mixer 42 and the gas flow separator 52 are not necessarily present at the same time. However, if both the airflow mixer 42 and the airflow separator 52 are present, synergistic advantages may be achieved in terms of more efficient heating of the incoming air and more even delivery of heated air to the user's hair.

In fact, by implementing all the above-mentioned "other features" 1 to 7 in a single device, a well-functioning styler device with many synergistic advantages can be obtained. However, any one of "other features" 1 to 7 can be omitted if desired. Indeed, in the broadest sense, none of the "other features" 1 to 7 should be regarded as essential to the disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims (29)

1. A device for drying and styling hair, comprising:

first and second mutually opposed arms adapted to be moved between an open configuration for receiving a length of wet hair between the first and second arms, and a closed configuration adjacent the hair such that, in use, an inter-arm chamber is formed through which the hair passes when the arms are in the closed configuration, and wherein an air flow duct is provided within at least one of the first and second arms and along the at least one of the first and second arms;

Means for delivering a gas flow along the conduit within the at least one of the first arm and the second arm and subsequently delivering the gas flow into the inter-arm chamber; and

a first plate and a second plate disposed on the first arm, and respective opposing first and second plates disposed on the second arm, wherein the mutually opposing plates disposed on the first and second arms are disposed together when in the closed configuration;

wherein the arm compartment is located between the first and second plates of the first and second arms when the arms are in the closed configuration;

wherein at least one of the plates on each arm comprises means for applying heat to the length of hair in use when the first and second arms are in the closed configuration; and

wherein one or both of the arms further comprises an air flow guiding structure arranged to receive the air flow from the respective conduit and to guide the air flow from a first direction to a second direction, the first direction being substantially parallel to the length of the respective arm and the second direction being a direction from the respective arm towards the opposite arm, thereby guiding the air flow into the inter-arm chamber.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second arms includes a respective duct and a respective airflow directing structure, and the means for delivering airflow is arranged to deliver air along the duct within each of the first and second arms and then deliver the air through the respective airflow directing structure and into the inter-arm chamber.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein each airflow directing structure is offset from an imaginary center line intermediate the first and second arms when the first and second arms are in the closed configuration.

4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the conduit in the or each arm acts as a plenum through which the air flows into the respective air flow directing structure and thereby into the inter-arm chamber.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the airflow directing structure in the or each arm comprises a cellular structure configured to direct the airflow from the first direction to the second direction, the cellular structure comprising a plurality of cell walls extending into the respective plenum in the second direction.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the depth of the cells into the respective plenums increases progressively with increasing distance along the respective arms.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 or 6, wherein the cellular structure has a honeycomb structure.

8. A device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the or each airflow directing structure further comprises a plurality of airflow redirecting channels configured to convey the airflow from the second direction to a third direction and a fourth direction, the third and fourth directions being directions outwardly from the device substantially perpendicular to the length of the arm, the fourth direction being opposite to the third direction.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the airflow redirection channel extends between a longitudinal edge and a respective longitudinal side of the airflow directing structure.

10. The device of claim 8 or 9, further comprising an airflow duct extending behind the first and second plates of the respective arms, and the airflow duct is arranged to receive air from the airflow redirection channel and direct airflow behind the first plate and out through vents along an edge of the device substantially in the third direction and direct the airflow behind the second plate and out through vents along an edge of the device substantially in the fourth direction.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the airflow directing structure including the cellular structure and the airflow redirecting channel, and the outward vents in the third and fourth directions are a unitary structure.

12. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising an air flow separator arranged to divide the air flow into the ducts within the first and second arms in the first direction.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the airflow separator comprises a flexible member.

14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the means for delivering an air flow comprises a fan.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the fan comprises a brushless motor.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the brushless motor is operable at speeds in excess of 30000 revolutions per minute.

17. The apparatus of claim 15 or 16, wherein the brushless motor has a power consumption of no more than 15W.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the brushless motor consumes about 3W of power during normal operation.

19. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising means for heating the air stream.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising means for inducing turbulence in the heated air flow before the air flow reaches the inter-arm chamber.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the means for inducing turbulence comprises one or more baffles within the airflow.

22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the means for heating the airflow comprises the airflow directing structure formed from: the material generates heat when a current is applied to the material.

23. The device of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more sets of flexible bristles on the first and/or second arms, outside or within the interarm chamber, the flexible bristles being arranged to facilitate in use the application of uniform tension to hair passing through the interarm chamber.

24. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein heated air is arranged to blow or pass through the plate to exchange heat between the air and the plate.

25. The device of claim 1, wherein the first arm includes a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end defining a handle, the distal end defining a head, the head including the first and second plates of the first arm,

wherein the handle comprises the air flow conduit, wherein a fan is provided within the air flow conduit for drawing air into the handle, wherein a heater is provided within the air flow conduit for heating air drawn into the handle by the fan, wherein the air flow guiding structure is provided in the first arm and comprises a portion that guides the air flow from the handle into the head of the first arm,

wherein the second arm comprises a proximal end coupled to the handle of the first arm and a distal end defining a head comprising the first and second plates of the second arm, wherein the second arm comprises a recess for receiving the portion of the airflow directing structure that directs airflow from the handle of the first arm into the head of the first arm when the first and second arms are in the closed configuration.

26. The device of claim 5 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein cell walls at a distal end of the cellular structure are angled back relative to other cell walls of the cellular structure.

27. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second plates on each arm extend along the respective arm and are angled inwardly such that a spacing between the first and second plates at a distal end of the arm is less than a spacing between the first and second plates at a proximal end of the arm.

28. A method of drying hair using a device according to any preceding claim.

29. The method according to claim 28, further comprising using said device to style said hair substantially simultaneously with drying said hair.