WO2024150091A1

WO2024150091A1 - Hair care appliance

Info

Publication number: WO2024150091A1
Application number: PCT/IB2024/050098
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacob Alexander; David TIBBETTS; Maria Fernanda RODRIGUEZ ARIZPE; Murray MCKENDRICK
Original assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2023-01-11
Filing date: 2024-01-05
Publication date: 2024-07-18
Anticipated expiration: 2025-07-11
Also published as: GB2626152A; CN120603515A

Abstract

Disclosed is a hair care appliance for styling a user's hair. The hair care appliance comprises a main body housing a drive motor and an airflow generator; and a sensor arrangement for sensing one or more of a hair parameter of a user's hair and an ambient parameter of an ambient environment of the haircare appliance. The hair care appliance also comprises an attachment releasably attached to the main body. The attachment comprises an air inlet for receiving airflow from the airflow generator, an air outlet for emitting the airflow, and a movable member releasably connected to the drive motor. The hair care appliance comprises a controller configured to control the drive motor to move the movable member between a first configuration for interacting with a user's hair and a second, different, configuration for interacting with a user's hair, in response to the one or more of the hair parameter and the ambient parameter.

Description

HAIR CARE APPLIANCE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a hair care appliance; attachments for a hair care appliance; and a main body of the hair care appliance.

Traditionally hair care appliances can include multiple different styling attachments. These styling attachments may direct airflow from an airflow generator in a main body to an outlet in multiple ways. To effectively style the hair, a user generally has to move the hair care appliance to control the direction of airflow from the outlet. To adapt features of the airflow itself, a user may toggle switches to choose temperature and airflow speed, often from pre-set options. In some cases, a user has to guess the appropriate time to make these changes. For example, guess when their hair is nearly dry to apply a cold shot (lower airflow) temperature to set a style. These issues, alone or in combination, can make hair styling difficult and frustrating for a user. It is an object of the present invention to at least partly mitigate some of these problems.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hair care appliance for styling a user’s hair, the hair care appliance comprising: a main body housing a drive motor and an airflow generator; a sensor arrangement for sensing one or more of a hair parameter of a user’s hair and an ambient parameter of an ambient environment of the haircare appliance; an attachment releasably attached to the main body the attachment comprising an air inlet for receiving airflow from the airflow generator, an air outlet for emitting the airflow, and a movable member releasably connected to the drive motor; and a controller configured to control the drive motor to move the movable member between a first configuration for interacting with a user’s hair and a second, different, configuration for interacting with a user’s hair, in response to the one or more of the hair parameter and the ambient parameter. Providing a releasable attachment may allow for a user to interchange different attachments depending on desired styling effects, as such this may provide a user with more flexibility for styling. Further, removing the attachment after use may allow the hair care appliance to be stored more easily and compactly.

It should be understood that in some examples either of the first or second configurations suitability for interacting with a user’s hair may encompass directing an airflow to bypass the user’s hair.

The drive motor may allow changing the moveable member of the attachment between the first and second configurations to be automated, and based on sensed parameters. These sensed parameters may include the hair temperature, ambient moisture readings, hair tension, distance to the user’s hair, etc. The movement of the moveable member may be in direct response to the one or more of the hair parameter and the ambient parameter, or may be in response to a parameter derived from the one or more of the hair parameter and the ambient parameter. The hair care appliance may therefore adjust to improve styling performance and reduce hair damage compared to known hair care appliances. The automation may make styling easier for a user. For parameters, which are not easily visible to a user this may have the added advantage of driving the change without requiring the attachment to be moved away from a user’s hair (such as lifting a diffuser bowl). By way of example, the sensor arrangement may determine that a hair parameter has moved above or below a predetermined limit and then automatically change the moveable member between the first and second configuration based on this sensed parameter.

Using a sensor arrangement to determine the one or more of the hair parameter and the ambient parameter and then drive motor driving the moveable member between the first and second configuration in response may negate any need for user input while achieving an improved styling result, compared with hair care appliances of the prior art. The sensor arrangement may be formed of a single sensor or a plurality of sensors. In the case of the plurality of sensors, the sensors may be the same or different types of sensor. The sensors may be spaced apart on the main body; attachment; or a combination thereof. In some examples, one or more sensors may be within the main body, for example, adjacent to a heater, to monitor an internal temperature of the hair care appliance. In some examples, one or more sensors may protrude from an exterior of the main body. These sensors may avoid obstruction by the main body when sensing the external parameter. The sensor arrangement may communicate with the controller through wired or wireless connections (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RF-communication, etc).

In some examples the main body may comprise a first sub-part housing an airflow generator, and a second sub-part housing the drive motor. For example, the second subpart may be releasably attachable to the first sub-part on a first side, and releasably attachable to the attachment on a second opposite side. This may advantageously allow a drive motor and attachment to be retrofittable to a haircare appliance. In these examples, the controller may be housed in the second sub-part or attachment.

In some examples, the hair care appliance may comprise a connection mechanism configured to selectively release the moveable member from the drive motor while the attachment is attached to the main body. The connection mechanism may comprise a clutch, which can release the moveable member. The connection mechanism may provide a protection mechanism to the drive motor and/or the moveable member during use. In some examples, the connection mechanism may form part of the attachment and be fixed to the moveable member while releasably connected to the drive motor. In some examples, the connection mechanism may be fixed to the drive motor and releasably connected to the moveable member. In some examples, the both the hair care appliance and attachment may comprise a respective connection mechanism which releasably connect together. For example, the drive motor may comprise a first clutch fixed thereto, and the moveable member may comprise a second clutch fixed thereto; and the first and second clutch may be configured to engage one another to provide a releasable connection. The hair care appliance may have an idle mode. In the idle mode, the hair care appliance may be on and running, and the moveable member may remain in a fixed configuration with the connection mechanism in a released position. In other words, the moveable member is disengaged and cannot move between positions. The hair care appliance may be useable in this idle mode. The fixed configuration may comprise either the first or second configuration. If a user physically manipulates the attachment in the idle mode, and thereby the moveable member, the presence of the connection mechanism may prevent the moveable member from acting against the drive motor, damaging the hair care appliance. The connection mechanism may be biased to return the hair care appliance to the idle mode.

The connection mechanism may be a clutch made from a material configured to reduce vibration and, in some cases, allow the drive motor to move the moveable member even with some slip therebetween. An example material may be silicone.

A control instruction to the drive motor (e.g., from the controller) may comprise a connection command to cause the drive motor to engage the moveable member via the connection mechanism and then a move command to move the moveable member between the first and second configurations. As an additional function, the controller may also control the connection mechanism to release the drive motor from the attachment. The controller may automate these functions, and/or the controller may comprise a switch for a user to actively release and/or engage the connection mechanism.

The controller may comprise a user override function. The user override function may be configured to receive user input and control the drive motor to move the moveable member between the first and second configurations independent of the one or more of the hair parameter and the ambient parameter.

A user override function may improve the useability of the hair care appliance, compared to hair care appliances, which only have an automatic mode. In some instances, regardless of the sensed hair or ambient parameters, a user may wish to control the hair care appliance, which may be provided by a user override function of the controller. To this end, the controller may comprise a user interface, such as a switch, or screen. A user interface may be toggleable between an automatic mode, which relies on the sensor arrangement and controller, or a manual mode, where the override function is engaged. In the override function, the controller may disconnect or bypass the sensor arrangement. The user may therefore be able to manually change between the first and second configurations.

In some examples of a user override function, a part of the sensor arrangement may continue to operate and control a parameter of the hair care appliance. For example, the controller and a temperature sensor may automatically adjust the temperature of the airflow while a user directs a position of the attachment.

The main body of the hair care appliance may comprise a bore. The drive motor may be positioned centrally within this bore. This may reduce disruption to the airflow generated by the airflow generator and or allow for the main body to have a compact nature (in place of a motor attached to the exterior of the main body). Compared with known devices, reducing the size of the main body may make user manipulation of the hair care appliance easier.

In some examples, the main body and the attachment may each comprise an attachment face. The attachment faces are configured to abut one another when the attachment is attached to the main body. Each respective attachment face may comprise an electrical connection, such that the main body and attachment are in an electrical connection when the attachment is attached to the main body. Providing an electrical connection between the main body and the attachment may facilitate communication between electrical components when the attachment is connected to the main body. For example, the above sensor arrangement and controller may communicate via the electrical connection. The attachment faces may form the method of attaching the attachment to the main body and may include one or more of: magnets; clips; or threaded engagements. In some examples, the main body and attachment may communicate wirelessly in addition or as an alternative. These communications may be Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RF-communication (RFID for example).

Further, the electrical connection to the attachment may mean the attachment does not require its own power source. In this way, electrical components (e.g., sensors, LEDs, further motors) in or on the attachment may be powered via the main body. This may reduce the charging requirements of the hair care appliance. In some examples the attachment comprises a rechargeable battery pack. In these examples, the electrical connection may provide more stable communications between the sensor arrangement, controller and or other components of the hair care appliance, when compared to reliance on wireless communication, for example.

In some examples, the sensor arrangement may comprise a moisture sensor and at least one of the hair parameter and the ambient parameter may comprise a moisture level. In some examples, this moisture value may be humidity, with the moisture sensor comprising a humidity sensor. The sensor arrangement and controller may therefore be capable of determining how dry a user’s hair is.

The controller may be configured to control, in one or both of the first and second configurations, and in response to the sensed moisture level, at least one of, a heater in the main body to change airflow temperature; or the airflow generator to change airflow speed. This may allow the hair care appliance to individualise the airflow temperature and/or speed for each use of the hair care appliance. This may improve a user experience, compared to previous hair care appliances.

The sensor arrangement may comprise a temperature sensor, and at least one of the hair parameter and the ambient parameter may comprise a temperature.

The motor may move the moveable member in response to the moisture parameter of a user’s hair or the ambient air; or the temperature of the hair or ambient air; or both. As such, the interaction between the moveable member and a user’s hair may be changed to an interaction best suited to the sensed moisture parameter and or temperature. This may therefore improve the styling process.

The controller may be configured to control, in one or both of the first and second configurations, and in response to the sensed temperature, at least one of, a heater in the main body to change airflow temperature; or the airflow generator to change airflow speed. Changing the airflow speed and temperature can protect hair from damage. In some cases, a cold shot where the airflow generator cools the airflow may help set a hairstyle. The controller may therefore control the temperature to lower for a predetermined time period, to deliver a cold shot.

In some examples, when the moveable member is in the first configuration the airflow is in a first direction out of the air outlet; and when the moveable member is in the second configuration the airflow is in a second, different direction out of the air outlet. Changing the direction of the airflow based on the moisture content and or the temperature may allow for improved styling, compared with previous hair care appliances. For example, changing the airflow direction during styling may improve smoothness or add extra volume to a user’s hair.

The second direction may be opposite to the first direction. In this way, the controller may reverse the direction of the airflow. Reversing the direction of the airflow may allow an attachment to have dual functionality on opposing sides. For example, the first configuration may function to substantially dry a user’s hair, then the second configuration may lift or add volume to a user’s hair.

The attachment may comprise an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion may be opposed to the upper portion and define a hair receiving space therebetween. The first direction may be toward the upper portion and the second direction may be toward the lower portion. Placing the hair between two portions with the changing airflow direction allows for the airflow to be directed at a user’s scalp for a root lifting function (to provide improved volume), but also accounts for the potential discomfort of heat on a user’s scalp and by directing the airflow away from a user’s scalp based on the sensed temperature and or the moisture parameter. As such, the styling experience of a user may be improved compared with previous hair care appliances.

In some examples, the attachment may comprise a diffuser bowl. In these examples, the first direction may be into the diffuser bowl and the second direction may be out of the diffuser bowl. The diffuser bowl may allow for improved styling, compared with a nozzle, for example by improving smoothness. Reversing the airflow direction by changing the moveable member, particularly towards the end of a drying process (determinable based on the temperature and or moisture parameter) may improve smoothness or help set a style compared to unidirectional airflow out of a diffuser bowl.

In some examples, the drive motor may be configured to move the moveable member from the first configuration to the second configuration when the moisture sensor determines the hair has reached a predetermined moisture value. Using a predetermined moisture value to trigger the drive motor may allow for reducing processing requirements of the hair care appliance, for example by negating the need for a decision matrix. For example, as the hair dries, the moisture of the hair or ambient surrounding will drop. The predetermined moisture value may therefore be a threshold value (e.g., a low moisture value indicating the hair is mostly dry), which once passed the controller controls the drive motor to move the moveable member between the first and second configurations. In some examples, a user may select the predetermined moisture value ahead of styling, allowing for increased customizability of the hair care appliance, compared with previous hair care appliances.

In some examples, the sensor arrangement may comprise a position sensor configured to sense one or more of a position and an orientation, of an external accessory relative to the attachment. The controller may be configured to control the drive motor to move the movable member between the first configuration and the second configuration, in response to the one or more of a position and an orientation of the external accessory.

Moving the moveable member between the first configuration and the second configuration may comprise rotating the moveable member between a first position in the first configuration and a second position in the second configuration, wherein the airflow is emitted from the outlet in a first direction in the first position and, wherein the airflow is emitted from the outlet in a second direction, different the first direction, in the second position. Rotation of the moveable member may adapt the air outlet position and change the direction of the airflow out of the air outlet. This may be particularly advantageous if the attachment includes features which concentrate the airflow. Changing the direction of the airflow out of the outlet may allow for the airflow to be targeted, for example toward the external accessory. This may allow the hair care appliance to be used in many different orientations and provide a good styling result. It should be understood the drive motor may be configured to rotate the moveable member such that the airflow out of the outlet is changeable about 360°. The rotation may be a continuous movement between a plurality of positions, such that the direction of the airflow from the attachment continuously alters.

Sensing a position in space (spatial position) of the external accessory may improve the ease of use of the hair care appliance in relation to its surroundings, thereby providing an improved styling capability, compared with previous hair care appliances.

The motor may move the moveable member between configurations to best match a spatial position of the external accessory. This may reduce the burden on a user to correctly position or hold the hair care appliance relative to the external accessory, compared with previous hair care appliances, which generally have a static direction of airflow, or oscillate in some automated manner.

The drive motor may additionally move a further moveable member between a third and fourth position, where the third and fourth positions are in a different plane to the first and second positions of the moveable member. This may allow for further flexibility of the airflow direction for the hair care appliance, compared with previous hair care appliances. The hair care appliance may therefore be configured to change the airflow direction along multiple axis. In some cases, this may allow improved tracking of an airflow toward an external accessory, compared with single plane tracking, which may further improve the useability of the device. The sensor arrangement may comprise one or more of: a sensor comprising a magnetic flux sensor configured to interact with a magnetic field of the external accessory; or an electromagnetic detector configured to detect electromagnetic waves from the external accessory; or an orientation sensor configured to communicate with a further orientation sensor in the external accessory to determine a relative orientation of the external accessory to the attachment; or a position sensor configured to communicate with a further position sensor in the external accessory to determine a relative position of the external accessory to the attachment.

The sensor arrangement may comprise a tension measurement sensor, such as a strain gauge, configured to determine a tension of a user’s hair in the attachment. In this case, the controller may be configured to control the drive motor to move the movable member between the first configuration and the second configuration, in response to the determined tension of a user’s hair. Providing a strain gauge allows the movable member to change configurations to reduce unwanted strain on the hair or increase strain to provide an improved styling experience, compared with previous hair care appliances. The tension measurement sensor may allow for the hair care appliance to automatically adjust the tension. This may speed up a reduction in tension and thereby improve user comfort by reducing tugging on the hair more quickly, compared with non-automated hair care appliances.

The attachment may comprise a plurality of fixed protrusions, and the moveable member may comprise a plurality of moveable protrusions interspaced between the plurality of fixed protrusions. Moving the movable member between the first configuration and the second configuration may comprise moving the plurality of movable protrusions with respect to the plurality of fixed protrusions to change a distance between each fixed protrusion and an adjacent movable protrusion. The fixed and moveable protrusions may give the attachment a comb-like appearance.

Changing the tension on a user’s hair which is positioned within the attachment may allow for improved styling and user comfort, compared with non-changeable attachments. Changing the tension may also allow for the attachment to be adaptable to different hair types.

Changing the distance between adjacent protrusions may provide the change of tension. Further, visible moving of the protrusions may clearly indicate to a user the tension is changing. This may therefore allow a user to actively see the changes, which may be informative (and in some cases reassuring) to a user.

The moveable member may in some cases be biased to the first configuration. That is, the moveable member may automatically return to the first configuration from the second configuration in the absence of a force applied by the drive motor. Biasing the moveable member to the first configuration may allow for a return mechanism, which does not require driving, and so may reduce power consumption of the motor, compared with motors, which drive to return the moveable member to the first configuration. The first configuration may be a specific configuration for the above-mentioned idle mode. In some examples, returning to the first configuration may speed set up of the hair care appliance in the proceeding use. That is, the first configuration may be the standard configuration needed for the attachment, with the second configuration being a change only required when the sensor arrangement determines necessary.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an attachment for a hair care appliance comprising: an air inlet for receiving airflow; an air outlet for emitting the airflow; and a movable member releasably connectable to a drive motor for moving the movable member. The movable member is movable between a first configuration for interacting with a user’ s hair and a second configuration for interacting with a user’ s hair, wherein the second configuration is different to the first configuration. The moveable member is moveable in response to the one or more of a hair parameter of a user’s hair and an ambient parameter of an ambient environment of the haircare appliance sensed by a sensor arrangement on the hair care appliance.

The attachment may improve the adaptability of a hair care appliance, compared with previous hair care appliances, and therefore improve the overall styling ability. The attachment may comprise a connection mechanism to release the moveable member from the drive motor, while the attachment is attached to the main body. The connection mechanism may be a clutch. Having a connection mechanism on the attachment may protect the attachment in the event of slippage between the drive motor (or a connection mechanism thereof). The connection mechanism may further facilitate a releasable attachment between the moveable member and the drive motor independent of any attachment mechanism between the attachment and main body. So, the attachment may be useable with the main body without being driven between a first and second position. In other words, the attachment may have an idle mode.

The connection mechanism may be a clutch made from a silicone material to reduce vibration and in some cases allow the drive motor to move the moveable member even with some slip therebetween.

The attachment may comprise at least one sensor of the sensor arrangement mounted thereon. Mounting at least some sensors of the sensor arrangement on the attachment means, in use, the sensors may be closer to the hair or ambient air they are sensing. This may improve the accuracy of the readings compared with hair care appliances with sensors mounted solely on a main body or elsewhere.

Further, interchangeable attachments may have different associated sensors. As such, mounting only associated sensors on a specific attachment may mean the main body does not require a plurality of different sensor types to be compatible with a plurality of attachments.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a main body for a hair care appliance, the main body comprising: a drive motor; an air inlet; an air outlet; an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; a sensor arrangement for sensing one or more of a hair parameter of a user’s hair and an ambient parameter of an ambient environment of the main body; and a controller configured to control the drive motor in response to the one or more of the hair parameter and the ambient parameter.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise expressly stated or inherently incompatible, all features disclosed herein are considered combinable.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure lis a schematic view of a first embodiment of a hair care appliance;

Figure 2a is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a hair care appliance;

Figure 2b is a perspective view of an attachment of the hair care appliance of Figure 2a;

Figure 3a is a schematic view of a third embodiment of a hair care appliance;

Figure 3b is a schematic top plan view of the hair care appliance of Figure 3a;

Figure 3c is a schematic perspective of an attachment of the hair care appliance of

Figure 3 a;

Figure 4a is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a hair care appliance;

Figure 4b is a perspective view of an attachment of the hair care appliance of Figure 4a; and

Figure 4c is a schematic front sectional view through the attachment of Figure 4b.

Detailed

Figure la schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a hair care appliance 10 and an external accessory 16. The hair care appliance 10 comprises a main body 12, and an attachment 14 releasably attachable to the main body 12.

The main body 12 comprises a handle portion 18, a head portion 20, an airflow generator 22, a heater 24, user interface 26, a controller 28, a drive motor 30, a clutch 32, a light source 34, and a sensor arrangement 36. The handle portion 18 is generally cylindrical and hollow in form, and houses the airflow generator 22. The handle portion 18 has an air inlet 38 in the form of a plurality of perforations at a first end 40 of the handle portion 18.

The head portion 20 is generally cylindrical and hollow in form, and is disposed at a second end 42 of the handle portion 18, with a central axis of the head portion 20 orthogonal to a central axis of the handle portion 18 such that the main body 12 is generally T-shaped in form. The head portion 20 houses the heater 24, the controller 28, the drive motor 30, and the clutch 32. The head portion 20 comprises a bore 44 through which air is entrained, and a flow path heading towards an air outlet 46. The air outlet 46 is generally annular in form about a periphery of the bore 44. The head portion 20 further comprises an annular magnet (not shown) for releasably connecting the handle unit 12 to the attachment 14. The annular magnet is positioned around a circumference of the air outlet 46. The head portion 20 comprises a projection 48 that extends into the bore 44, with the drive motor 30 held centrally within the bore 44 by the projection 48.

The user interface 26 is provided on the handle portion 18 and comprises an electronic interface with controls to turn the device on and off, and control one or both of a temperature, and flow rate of the airflow.

The controller 28 is responsible for controlling the airflow generator 22, the heater 24, the drive motor 30, the light source 34 and the sensor arrangement 36. For example, in response to inputs from the user interface 26, the controller 28 is configured to power on and off the airflow generator 22 and/or the heater 24. Additionally, the controller 28 is configured to control the power or speed of the airflow generator 22 in order to vary the flow rate of the airflow. Similarly, the controller 28 is configured to control the power of the heater 24 in order to vary the temperature of the airflow. The controller 28 further controls the drive motor 30 and the clutch 32 in response to sensed information from the sensor arrangement 36, as will be discussed in more detail hereafter. The user interface 26 or head portion 20 may also include controls to instruct the controller 28 to enter a user override mode and not to control any one of the airflow generator 22, the heater 24, and the drive motor 30 in response to the sensor arrangement 36. In such a user override mode, a user can manually control features of the attachment 14, as will be discussed in more detail hereafter.

The drive motor 30 is capable of driving a load at a rate in the region of 200rpm. The drive motor 30 comprises any appropriate motor for imparting a rotational force to an output of the drive motor 30. Extending substantially coaxially with the central longitudinal axis of the bore 44 is the clutch 32. The clutch 32 is a connection mechanism that connects the drive motor 30 to the attachment 14. The clutch 32 is configured to selectively disengage the drive motor 30 from the attachment, upon instruction from the controller 28, as a protective mechanism to the drive motor 30.

The light source 34 comprises an LED, which forms part of a position sensing system for the external accessory. The light source 34 is mounted on the head portion 20 at a position towards the outlet 42. The light source 34 is configured to emit light of a known wavelength toward the external accessory 16.

The sensor arrangement 36 comprises a light sensor mounted on the head portion 20 of the main body 12 adjacent to the attachment 14. The sensor arrangement 36 is configured to sense wavelength values and intensity values of light from the light source 44 reflected by a target 68 on the external accessory 16. The sensor arrangement 36 is in communication (e.g. wireless communication such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RF- communi cation, or wired communication) with the controller 28, so as to transmit these sensed values.

The attachment 14 is illustrated in isolation in Figure lb. The attachment 14 is a concentrator and comprises an inlet body 50, a nozzle 52, an outlet body 54, and a further drive motor 56 and a further sensor 58. The inlet body 50 is generally annular and comprises a magnetic strip (not shown) to magnetically couple with the head portion 20 at the air outlet 46. The inlet body 50 comprises an annular inlet which, when the attachment is attached to the head portion 20, fluidically connects to the air outlet 46.

The nozzle 52 is substantially hollow and tapers between the inlet body 50 at a first end toward an outlet end of the nozzle 52. The nozzle 52 is coupled to the inlet body 50 through tracks, which allows the nozzle 52 to rotate relative to the concentrator body 50 about an axis of rotation R that corresponds to an axis of rotation of an output of the drive motor 30. The nozzle 52 can therefore rotate between a plurality of different configurations. Within the nozzle 52 is a temperature sensor 62. The temperature sensor takes temperature readings of the airflow within the nozzle, and transmits, via wireless communication such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or RF -communi cation, , these temperature readings to the controller 28.

The nozzle 52 has a rigid member 64 that extends rearwardly from the nozzle 52 and through the inlet body 50, such that the rigid member 64 protrudes rearwardly of the inlet body 50. The rigid member 64 has a length, and a connection member (not shown) that enables the rigid member to releasably couple to the clutch 32 (and so the drive motor 30) when the attachment 14 is attached to the main body 12.

The outlet end of the nozzle 52 comprises an opening within which outlet body 54 is located. The outlet body 54 is generally cylindrical and hollow in form, and comprises first 60 and second 66 slots. The first slot 60 is in fluid communication with the nozzle 52 and is located generally opposite the second slot 66 on the outlet body 66 The second slot 66 defines an air outlet of the attachment 14. The outlet body 54 is rotatably mounted within the outlet end of the nozzle 52 by a rotational gear mechanism (not shown), with the outlet body 54 rotatable about a rotational axis S that is orthogonal to the rotational axis R of the nozzle 52.

The further drive motor 56 is mounted internally of the nozzle 52, and an output of the further drive motor 56 is coupled to the rotational gear mechanism such that the further drive motor 56 can cause rotation of the outlet body 54 relative to the nozzle 52. The further drive motor 56 is in communication with the controller 28 through the presence of a sub-controller (not shown) forming part of the further drive motor 56. The subcontroller communicates with the controller through either wired or wireless means such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RF-communication, etc.

The external accessory 16 is a comb that has a target 68 attached thereto. The target 68 is formed of a light reflective material.

In use, upon activation of the hair care appliance 10 (by the user inputting a command to the user interface 26), the controller 28 controls the airflow generator 22 to draw an airflow through the air inlet 38 through the handle portion 18 and into the head portion 20. The airflow travels over the heater 24 and from the air outlet 46 into the attachment 14. The airflow then travels through the attachment 24 and out of the second slot 66.

While the airflow is generated, the controller 28 controls the light source 34 to emit light of different wavelengths at a different angles with respect to the light source (e.g., light in the red spectrum may be emitted between 45° to 90°, and light in the blue spectrum may be emitted between 91° and 135°). As a user manoeuvres the external accessory 16 relative to the hair care appliance 10, different wavelengths of light hit the target 72 dependent on the targets relative angle to the light source 58, and this light is reflected by the target 68. The sensor arrangement 36 detects a wavelength and intensity of received reflected light and transmits these values to the controller 28.

The controller 28 then determines, based on the received wavelengths of reflected light the angle at which the external accessory 16 is to the light sensor. Using this determined angle, the controller instructs the drive motor 30 and further drive motor 56 to rotate the nozzle 52 and the outlet body 54, respectively. In such a manner airflow through the second slot 66 is directed to the determined angle of the external accessory 16.

Further, the controller 28 also receives the intensity value of the reflected light. The controller 28 calculates, using this value, a distance between the target 68 and the sensor arrangement 36. Based on the calculated distance, the controller 28 controls one or both of the airflow generator 22 and the heater 24 to change the airflow speed and/or temperature, respectively. For example, if the controller 28 determines that the calculated distance is below a pre-set threshold distance of say 15cm, the controller 28 lowers the temperature and air speed.

Instead of allowing the controller 28 to control the direction of the airflow from the attachment based on the sensor readings, the user may select the user override mode on the user interface 26. Upon selection of the user override mode, the controller 28 may instruct the clutch 32, to disengage with the rigid member 64 of the nozzle 52, and power down the light source 34 and sensor arrangement 36. Alternatively, in the user override mode the clutch 32 may still be engaged with the rigid member 64 of the nozzle 52, but rather than the controller 28 controlling movement of the nozzle 52 and/or outlet body 54, the user may manually control movement of the nozzle and/or outlet body via the user interface 26. This may still allow for a targeted airflow, but here with the targeting being user controlled, as opposed to automatically controlled.

In the embodiment of Figures la and lb, either of the nozzle 52 and the outlet body 54 can be considered a movable member that is moved in response to a determined position and orientation of the external accessory 16. Other embodiments of hair care appliances with attachments that have movable members driven in response to sensed parameters are also envisaged.

Figure 2a illustrates a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of a hair care appliance 100. The hair care appliance 100 comprises a main body 101 and an attachment 103.

The main body 101 is substantially similar to the main body 12 of the first embodiment of the hair care appliance 10 described above, and differs only in the absence of the light source 34 and the sensor arrangement 36. The attachment 103 is shown in perspective view in Figure 2b. The attachment 103 comprises an inlet body 102, a connector 104, a hair treatment bowl 106, a first set of manifolds 108, a second set of manifolds 110, and a sensor arrangement 112.

The inlet body 102 is generally hollow in form, and comprises an annular air inlet 114 The inlet body 102 acts as a plenum that receives airflow from the main body 101 of the hair care appliance 100 in use. The inlet body 102 comprises a valve arrangement 116 located within its hollow interior. The valve arrangement 116 is rotatable within the inlet body 102 to direct airflow through either the first set of manifolds 108 or the second set of manifolds 110, as will be discussed in more detail hereafter. A magnetic strip (not shown) extends annularly about the annular air inlet 114.

The connector 104 is generally cylindrical in form and extends generally rearwardly from the inlet body 102, such that the air inlet 114 is annular about an end of the connector 104. An outer diameter of the connector 104 corresponds substantially to a diameter of the bore 44 of the main body 101. The connector 104 comprises a rigid member 118 that extends rearwardly and has a length, and a connection member (not shown) that enables the rigid member 118 to releasably couple to the clutch 32 (and so the drive motor 30) when the attachment 103 is attached to the main body 101. An opposite end of the rigid member 118 to the end that couples to the clutch 32 extends into the inlet body, and is connected to the valve arrangement 116.

The first set of manifolds 108 extend away from the inlet body 102 toward an annular connecting portion 120, and are spaced equidistantly about the inlet body 102. Each manifold of the first set of manifolds 108 is substantially hollow in form, and is open at an end distal from the inlet body 102. The open end of each of the first set of manifolds 108 opens into the connecting portion 120, which is capped by an annular rim 122.

The hair treatment bowl 106 is concave in form, and comprises a wall 124 with a plurality of apertures 126 formed therein. The hair treatment bowl 106 depends from an inner edge of the connecting portion 120, and the annular rim 122 defines an opening 128 into the hair treatment bowl 106. The second set of manifolds 110 extend away from the inlet body 120 toward the annular connecting portion 120, but have a height shorter than a corresponding height of the first set of manifolds 108, such that the second set of manifolds 110 do not reach the annular connecting portion 120. Each manifold of the second set of manifolds 110 is hollow in form, and comprises a plurality of apertures 130 that are directed toward the wall 124 of the hair treatment bowl 106. The manifolds of the second set of manifolds 110 are spaced equidistantly about the inlet body 120, and each manifold of the second set of manifolds 110 is located intermediate adjacent ones of the first set of manifolds 108.

The sensor arrangement 112 is positioned within the hair treatment bowl 106, protruding from the wall 124. The sensor arrangement 112 comprises a moisture sensor, for example a humidity sensor, configured to, in use, determine a humidity value within the hair treatment bowl 106. The sensor arrangement 112 communicates wirelessly with the controller 28 via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or RFID to transmit the sensed moisture values to the controller 28.

During operation of the second embodiment of the hair care appliance 100, the user’s hair is placed in the hair treatment bowl 106, and the airflow generator 22 generates an airflow through the main body 101 and into the attachment 103. The controller 28 controls the drive motor 30 to place the valve arrangement 116 into a first configuration in which the valve arrangement 116 directs airflow into the first set of manifolds 108. Airflow flows through the first set of manifolds 108 in a direction away from the inlet body 102, before being directed into the hair treatment bowl 106 by the annular connecting portion 120 and the annular rim 122. Airflow is blocked from entering the second set of manifolds 110 by the valve arrangement 116 in the first configuration. Airflow leaves the hair treatment bowl 104, and hence the attachment 103, via the apertures 126 in the wall 124, in a direction generally toward the inlet body 102.

Whilst the valve arrangement 116 is in the first configuration, the sensor arrangement 112 monitors humidity levels within the hair treatment bowl 106, and transmits signals based on the monitored humidity level back to the controller 28 in the main body 101 of the hair care appliance 100. The humidity level is indicative of the moisture content of the hair contained within the chamber. The controller 28 compares the humidity level against a predetermined threshold humidity level for example 50% relative humidity. When the humidity level is above this threshold, the controller 28 controls the drive motor 30 to maintain the valve arrangement 116 in the first configuration. While a humidity sensor is described here, it should be understood that other sensors capable of determining the moisture content of a user’s hair are also envisaged.

Then, once the humidity level within the hair treatment bowl 104 drops below the predetermined threshold (indicating the hair is mostly dry) the controller 28 controls the drive motor 30 to rotate the valve arrangement 116 a second configuration.

In the second configuration, airflow is directed into the second set of manifolds 110, but is inhibited from entering the first set of manifolds 108. Airflow thereby is directed away from inlet body 102 along the second set of manifolds 110 and exits the second set of manifolds 110 via the plurality of apertures 130 of the respective manifolds. The airflow enters the hair treatment bowl 104 via the apertures 126 formed in the wall 124, and leaves the hair treatment bowl 104, in a direction away from the inlet body 102, through the opening 128. Thus airflow exits the hair treatment chamber in opposing directions when the valve arrangement 116 is in its first and second configurations.

At the same time as instructing the drive motor 30 to move the valve arrangement 116 into the second configuration, the controller 28 also controls the heater 24 to lower the air temperature of the airflow, and deliver a cold shot and set the hair style. In some examples, the controller 28 may space apart the instruction to the drive motor 30 and the instruction to the heater 24 for a set time period such as 30 seconds.

In the second embodiment of the hair care appliance 100 shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the valve arrangement 116, or at least a portion thereof, can be thought of as a movable member movable in response to an output of the sensor arrangement 112. Turning now to Figure 3a and 3b, a third embodiment of a hair care appliance 200 comprising a main body 201 and an attachment 203 is schematically illustrated. Figure 3b is a plan view of Figure 3a. A perspective view of the attachment 203 in isolation is shown in Figure 3c.

The main body 201 is substantially similar to the main body 101 of the second embodiment of the hair care appliance 100 described above.

The attachment 203 comprises a connector 202, a housing 204, a plurality of fixed protrusions 206, a plurality of moveable protrusions 208, and a sensor arrangement 210.

The connector 202 is generally cylindrical in form and extends generally rearwardly from the housing 204. An outer diameter of the connector 202 corresponds substantially to a diameter of the bore 44 of the main body 201. The connector 202 comprises a rigid member 212 that extends rearwardly and has a length, and a connection member (not shown) that enables the rigid member 212 to releasably couple to the clutch 32 (and so the drive motor 30) when the attachment 203 is attached to the main body 201. An opposite end of the rigid member 212 to the end that couples to the clutch 32 extends into the housing 204, and is connected to a transfer mechanism 214 for transferring motion to the plurality of movable protrusions 208.

The housing 204 is generally hollow in form, and comprises an annular air inlet 216 that is annular about an end of the connector 202. The housing 204 acts as a plenum that receives airflow from the main body 201 of the hair care appliance 200 in use. A magnetic strip (not shown) extends annularly about the annular air inlet 216, and is used to releasably connect the attachment 203 to the main body 201. Apertures (not shown) are formed in an opposite end of the housing 204 and define an air outlet of the attachment 203.

The transfer mechanism 214 is located within the housing 204, and comprises a toothed ring 218, an arm 220, a pinion 222, and a rack 224. The toothed ring 218 is annular in form, and comprises teeth that engage with teeth (not shown) on an end of the rigid member 212. The arm 220 is engaged at one end with the teeth of the toothed ring 218, and with the pinion 222 at a second opposite end. The pinion 222 is meshed with the rack 224, and the rack 224 is connected to the plurality of movable protrusions 208, as will be discussed further hereafter.

The plurality of fixed protrusions 206 are spaced apart across a width of the housing 204, and extend outwardly away from the housing 204. Each of the plurality of fixed protrusions 206 is substantially identical and tapers in height and width along its length, decreasing in height and width from a proximal end 226 of the housing 204 to a distal end 228 of the housing. This gives the attachment 214 a comb-like appearance. Apertures that define the air outlet 203 are located intermediate the plurality of fixed protrusions 206, although examples in which the apertures are located on the plurality of fixed protrusions 206 themselves are also envisaged.

The plurality of movable protrusions 208 are fixedly connected to the rack 224, and extend outwardly through the housing 204 within the apertures that define the air outlet of the attachment 203. The plurality of movable protrusions 208 are located such that each movable protrusion 208 sits between a pair of adjacent fixed protrusions 206, and each movable protrusion 208 has a length shorter than a length of the adjacent fixed protrusions 206.

The sensor arrangement 21 Ois located on a fixed protrusion 206 at the end of the row defined by the plurality of fixed protrusions 206. The sensor arrangement 210 includes a strain gauge, which is configured to sense tension of a user’s hair when the user’s hair is located between the plurality of fixed protrusions 206 and the plurality of movable protrusions 208 in the attachment 203. The sensor arrangement 210 is configured to transmit a sensed tension value to the controller 28 in the main body 201 via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or RFID communication. The sensor arrangement 210 may also comprise further sensors such as temperature sensors in the flow housing 204 which are not shown in this example. During operation of the hair care appliance 200, the plurality of fixed protrusions 206 and the plurality of movable protrusions 208 can be used to comb through hair of a user. The controller 28 controls the airflow generator 22 to generate an airflow through the main body 201, into the attachment 203 and out of the apertures that define the air outlet of the attachment 203 to dry the hair as it is combed. During the combing, the strain gauge of the sensor arrangement 210 transmits sensed tension values to the controller 28. The controller 28 compares these measured values to a predetermined tension value that is considered comfortable by the user (this predetermined tension value may be pre-set by the user via the user interface 26). Based on the comparison the controller 28 controls the drive motor 30 to rotate. Rotation of the drive motor 30 rotates the rigid member 212, which in turn drives rotation of the toothed ring 218. Rotation of the toothed ringl l8 drives rotation of the arm 220, which in turn drives rotation of the pinion 222. Rotation of the pinion 222 drives linear translation of the rack 224, which in turn drives linear movement of the plurality of movable protrusions 208.

In such a manner, the drive motor 30 can cause a distance between a respective one of the plurality of fixed protrusions 206 and a respective one of the plurality of movable protrusions 208 to vary, which can in turn result in a variation in tension as the attachment 203 is moved through the user’s hair in use. In particular, rotation of the drive motor 30 in a first direction increases the tension on the user’s hair, and rotation of the drive motor 30 in a second, opposite, direction decreases the tension on the user’s hair. As such, if the controller 28 determines that the sensed tension value is above or below the threshold value, then the controller 28 instructs the drive motor 30 to rotate in an appropriate direction to modify the tension on the user’s hair.

In the third embodiment of the hair care appliance 200 shown in Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c, the plurality of movable protrusions 208, can be thought of as a movable member movable in response to an output of the sensor arrangement 210.

A fourth embodiment of a hair care appliance 300 is illustrated schematically in Figure 4a. The hair care appliance 300 comprises a main body 301 and an attachment 303. The attachment 303 is shown in isolation in Figures 4b (perspective view) and 4c (front view).

The main body 301 is substantially similar to the main body 101 of the second embodiment of the hair care appliance 100 described above.

The attachment 303 comprises a connector 302, a housing 304, a projection 306, a hairreceiving space 308, a valve arrangement 310, and a sensor arrangement 312.

The connector 302 is generally cylindrical in form and extends generally rearwardly from the housing 304. An outer diameter of the connector 302 corresponds substantially to a diameter of the bore 44 of the main body 301. The connector 302 comprises a rigid member 314 that extends rearwardly and has a length, and a connection member (not shown) that enables the rigid member 314 to releasably couple to the clutch 32 (and so the drive motor 30) when the attachment 303 is attached to the main body 301. An opposite end of the rigid member 314 to the end that couples to the clutch 32 extends into the housing 304, and is connected to the valve arrangement 310.

The housing 304 is generally hollow in form, and comprises an annular air inlet 316 that is annular about an end of the connector 302. The housing 304 acts as a plenum that receives airflow from the main body 301 of the hair care appliance 300 in use. A magnetic strip (not shown) extends annularly about the annular air inlet 316, and is used to releasably connect the attachment 303 to the main body 301.

An end of the housing 304 distal to the annular air inlet 316 comprises a plurality of hollow fingers 318 arranged in a row. The hollow fingers 318 each comprise an upper internal flow path 320, an upper air outlet 322, a lower internal flow path 324, and a lower air outlet 326. The upper internal flow path 320 is in fluid communication with the upper air outlet 322, and the lower internal flow path 324 is in fluid communication with the lower air outlet 326. The upper air outlets are on an upper surface of the hollow fingers 318, and fluidically connect the upper internal flow path 320 to the hair receiving space 308. The lower air outlets 326 are located on lower portions of sidewalls of the hollow fingers 318, and are shaped to direct airflow away from the hair receiving space 308

The projection 306 is spaced from, and connected to, the housing 304 by a spacing element 328 at the end of the housing 304 which is adjacent to the connector 302. The spacing element 328 extends away from the flow housing 304, and the projection and the hollow fingers 318 defines the hair receiving space 308 therebetween. The projection 306 comprises a hair-receiving surface facing the housing 304 and a plurality of apertures to allow airflow therethrough.

The valve arrangement 310 is located within the housing 304, and comprises a blocking member 334 fixedly connected to the rigid member 314. The blocking member 334 is shaped and dimensioned to cover entrances to all of the upper internal flow paths 320 simultaneously, or to cover entrances to all of the lower internal flow paths 324 simultaneously. For example, the blocking member 334 can be asymmetrically distributed within the housing 304, such that rotation of the blocking member 334 within the housing 304 causes either an upper side, or a lower side, of an end of the housing 304 to be blocked.

The sensor arrangement 312 comprises a first sensor 336 and a second sensor 338. The first sensor, 336 is a moisture sensor and the second sensor 338 is a temperature sensor. The first sensor 336 is positioned facing towards the projection 306 on an upper surface of one of the hollow fingers 318.

The second sensor 338 is positioned on one of the hollow fingers 318 facing in a direction opposite to the first sensor 338, away from the projection 306, so that it faces towards a user’s scalp in use.

During operation, the controller 28 controls the airflow generator 22 to drive the airflow through the main body 301 and into the housing 304. The drive motor 30 positions the blocking member 334 of the valve arrangement 310 in a first configuration to inhibit airflow through the lower internal flow paths 324, whilst enabling airflow through the upper internal flow paths 320. In such a manner airflow is inhibited through the lower air outlets 326 whilst enabled through the upper air outlets 322, and hence toward the projection 306. Hair located within the hair receiving space 308 is thus blown away from the hollow fingers 318 toward the projection 306, with the shape of the projection imparting a styled finish to the hair.

At the same time, the controller 28 actives the first sensor 336 and continually receives a moisture value from the first sensor 336. This value is compared to a predetermined threshold value. The predetermined threshold value indicates a moisture value at which a user’s hair is considered nearly dry, and is pre-set. As such, when the controller 28 determines the user’s hair is nearly dry, the controller 28 controls a heater 22 in the main body 312 to lower the temperature of the airflow.

The controller 28 also controls the drive motor 30 to position the blocking member 334 of the valve arrangement 310 in a second configuration to inhibit airflow through the upper internal flow paths 320, whilst enabling airflow through the lower internal flow paths 324. In such a manner airflow is inhibited through the upper air outlets 322 whilst enabled through the lower air outlets 326, and hence away from the projection 306 toward a user’s scalp. This acts to dry and lift the roots of the user’s hair.

When the blocking member 334 is in the second configuration (directing airflow toward a user’s scalp) the controller controls the second sensor 338 to send temperature values and, to save power, controls the first sensor 336 to deactivate. If the controller 28 determines the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold value which would be considered uncomfortable for a user (e.g., 70 °C), the controller 28 controls the drive motor 30 to move the blocking member 334 back the first configuration and to reactivate the first sensor 336. The controller 28 also controls the heater 24 to lower the temperature. This means that the risk of overheating or burning a user’s scalp may be reduced. In the fourth embodiment of the hair care appliance 400 shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the blocking member 334 of the valve arrangement 310, can be thought of as a movable member movable in response to an output of the sensor arrangement 312.

The above-described attachments 14,103,203,303 should be considered as interchangeable on a single main body. To this end, the clutch of the main body is able to releasably connect to multiple different attachments. It will also be appreciated that alternatives to the first embodiment of the haircare appliance 10, where sensors are provided on the attachment 14 rather than the main body 12, are envisaged, and that such an attachment can be utilised interchangeably with any of the main bodies 101,201,301 of the second through fourth embodiments of the hair care appliance described herein.

The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged.

The sensor arrangement may comprise any combination of sensors which may be positioned on the attachment, within the bore of the main body, or exterior of the main body. These sensors are not limited to the sensors described herein, and may comprise additional sensors including (but not limited to) proximity sensors, motion sensors. External accessories may also comprise sensors which communicate with the controller or sensors on the main body.

Although described above as the sensors of the sensor arrangements communicating with the controller via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or RF-communications (such as RFID) other communications are envisaged. In some cases, the connection between the attachment and main body may include electrical connections to facilitate communication between the attachment and main body. Further, these electrical connections may provide power to electrical components of the attachment through the main body (which is typically connected to a power source or comprises batteries). Generally, the attachment has been described above as having a part which rotates, it is however envisaged that in some examples of the invention the attachment as a whole is rotatable with respect to the main body. Put another way, the attachment as a whole can be considered as a moveable member. In some examples, a connection between the attachment and main body may include an anti-rotation feature such as a locating pin, key way or spline to prevent the drive motor rotating the entire attachment as opposed to the moveable member.

It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A hair care appliance for styling a user’s hair, the hair care appliance comprising: a main body housing a drive motor and an airflow generator; a sensor arrangement for sensing one or more of a hair parameter of a user’s hair and an ambient parameter of an ambient environment of the haircare appliance; an attachment releasably attached to the main body the attachment comprising: an air inlet for receiving airflow from the airflow generator, an air outlet for emitting the airflow, and a movable member releasably connected to the drive motor; and a controller configured to control the drive motor to move the movable member between a first configuration for interacting with a user’s hair and a second, different, configuration for interacting with a user’s hair, in response to the one or more of the hair parameter and the ambient parameter.

2. The hair care appliance of claim 1, wherein the hair care appliance comprises a connection mechanism configured to selectively release the moveable member from the drive motor while the attachment is attached to the main body.

3. The hair care appliance of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the main body comprises a bore, and wherein the drive motor is positioned centrally within the bore.

4. The hair care appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the controller further comprises a user override function, a user override function configured to receive a user input and control the drive motor to move the moveable member between the first and second configurations independent of the one or more of the hair parameter and the ambient parameter.

5. The hair care appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the main body and attachment each comprise an attachment face, the attachment faces configured to abut one another when the attachment is attached to the main body, and wherein each respective attachment face comprises an electrical connection, such that the main body and attachment are in electrical connection when the attachment is attached to the main body.

6. The hair care appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises a moisture sensor and at least one of the hair parameter and the ambient parameter comprises a moisture level.

7. The hair care appliance of claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to control, in one or both of the first and second configurations, and in response to the sensed moisture level, at least one of: a heater in the main body to change airflow temperature, or the airflow generator to change airflow speed.

8. The hair care appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises a temperature sensor and at least one of the hair parameter and the ambient parameter comprises a temperature.

9. The hair care appliance of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to control, in one or both of the first and second configurations, and in response to the sensed temperature, at least one of: a heater in the main body to change airflow temperature, or the airflow generator to change airflow speed.

10. The hair care appliance of any preceding claim, wherein, when the moveable member is in the first configuration the airflow is in a first direction out of the air outlet, and wherein in the second configuration the airflow is in a second direction out of the air outlet, wherein the second direction is different to the first direction.

11. The hair care appliance of claim 10, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

12. The hair care appliance of claim 11, wherein the attachment comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion opposed the upper portion and defining a hair receiving space therebetween, wherein the first direction is toward the upper portion and the second direction is toward the lower portion.

13. The hair care appliance of claim 11 , wherein the attachment comprises a diffuser bowl, and wherein the first direction is into the diffuser bowl and wherein the second direction is out of the diffuser bowl.

14. The hair care appliance of claim 6 to 13, wherein the drive motor is configured to move the moveable member from the first configuration to the second configuration when the moisture sensor determines the hair has reached a predetermined moisture value.

15. The hair care appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises a position sensor configured to sense one or more of a position and an orientation, of an external accessory relative to the attachment, and wherein the controller is configured to control the drive motor to move the movable member between the first configuration and the second configuration, in response to the one or more of a position and an orientation of the external accessory.

16. The hair care appliance of any preceding claim, wherein moving the moveable member between the first configuration and second configuration comprises rotating the moveable member between a first position in the first configuration and a second position in the second configuration, wherein the airflow is emitted from the outlet in a first direction in the first position and, wherein the airflow is emitted from the outlet in a second direction, different the first direction, in the second position.

17. The hair care appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises one or more of: a sensor comprising a magnetic flux sensor configured to interact with a magnetic field of the external accessory; or an electromagnetic detector configured to detect electromagnetic waves from the external accessory; or an orientation sensor configured to communicate with a further orientation sensor in the external accessory to determine a relative orientation of the external accessory to the attachment; or a position sensor configured to communicate with a further position sensor in the external accessory to determine a relative position of the external accessory to the attachment.

18. The hair care appliance any preceding claim, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises a tension measurement sensor configured to determine a tension of a user’s hair in the attachment, and wherein the controller is configured to control the drive motor to move the movable member between the first configuration and the second configuration, in response to the determined tension of a user’s hair.

19. The hair care appliance of claim 18, wherein the attachment comprises a plurality of fixed protrusions, and the moveable member comprises a plurality of moveable protrusions interspaced between the plurality of fixed protrusions, wherein moving the movable member between the first configuration and the second configuration comprises moving the plurality of movable protrusions with respect to the plurality of fixed protrusions to change a distance between each fixed protrusion and an adjacent movable protrusion.

20. The hair care appliance of any preceding claim, wherein the moveable member is biased to the first configuration, such that the moveable member automatically returns to the first configuration from the second configuration in the absence of a force applied by the drive motor.

21. An attachment for a hair care appliance comprising, an air inlet for receiving airflow; an air outlet for emitting the airflow; and a movable member releasably connectable to a drive motor for moving the movable member, wherein the movable member is movable between a first configuration for interacting with a user’s hair and a second configuration for interacting with a user’s hair, wherein the second configuration is different to the first configuration, and wherein the moveable member is moveable in response to the one or more of a hair parameter of a user’s hair and an ambient parameter of an ambient environment of the haircare appliance sensed by a sensor arrangement on the hair care appliance.

22. The attachment as claimed in claim 21, wherein the attachment further comprises a connection mechanism to release the moveable member from the drive motor, while the attachment is attached to the main body.

23. The attachment as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein the attachment comprises at least one sensor of the sensor arrangement mounted thereon.

24. A main body for a hair care appliance, the main body comprising: a drive motor; an air inlet; an air outlet; an airflow generator for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; a sensor arrangement for sensing one or more of a hair parameter of a user’s hair and an ambient parameter of an ambient environment of the main body; and a controller configured to control the drive motor in response to the one or more of the hair parameter and the ambient parameter.