GB2637017A

GB2637017A - Haircare appliance

Info

Publication number: GB2637017A
Application number: GB2400114.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fang Chaoying; Mark Brett Coulton Robert
Original assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2024-01-04
Filing date: 2024-01-04
Publication date: 2025-07-09
Also published as: GB202400114D0; WO2025146642A1

Abstract

Haircare appliance including an air ioniser comprising a first electrode 251 generating positive ions, and a second electrode 252 generating negative ions. In use, the air ioniser ionises a flow of air moving over the air ioniser along a bulk flow axis, and a tip of the first electrode is offset from a tip of the second electrode in a direction parallel to the bulk flow axis. The tip of the first electrode may be located upstream of the tip of the second electrode. The electrodes may be moveable, e.g. rotatable in the airflow path, in response to input from a user or a sensor. There may be an electrically insulating material 253 mounted between the electrodes to inhibit electrical arcing between the electrodes, which may be a sleeve (457, figure 8) around the first electrode or have a planar body (253, figure 6). The ioniser may ionise air in a bleed outlet (760, figure 11) which may be located inwardly of an annular air outlet (732, figure 11).

Description

HAIRCARE APPLIANCE

BACKGROUND

Haircare appliances are typically used to dry and style hair. Such haircare appliances are typically held by a user and moved relative to the hair to obtain desired treatment or styling.

In haircare appliances, ionisers may be provided to produce ions. When the ions interact with target hair, they can neutralise static charges that can build up on hair during drying, reducing frizz and making the appearance of the target hair smoother. This smoothing effect of ions can make hair appear shinier and more manageable.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a haircare appliance comprising an air ioniser, the air ioniser comprising: a first electrode, configured to generate positive ions; and a second electrode, configured to generate negative ions; wherein, in use, the air ioniser ionises a flow of air moving over the air ioniser along a bulk flow axis, and a tip of the first electrode is offset from a tip of the second electrode in a direction parallel to the bulk flow axis.

This configuration may provide for improved distribution of ions from the haircare appliance relative to an arrangement where the first and second electrodes are located at a same distance along the bulk flow axis. In particular, the electrodes, for any given voltage, may not produce a balanced quantity of ions. In known solutions, to produce balanced ion counts, the voltage of at least one electrode may be adjustable. Such arrangements require two separate circuits, which occupies more volume within the haircare appliance and complicates the circuitry. In other known solutions, a fixed voltage is used and adjustment of the ion output amount is achieved by pulse-width modulation. This may require relatively complex circuitry.

The tip of the first electrode may be offset from the tip of the second electrode by a distance in the range of from 0.1 mm to 5 mm, or from 0.1 mm to 4 mm, or from 0.1 mm to 3 mm, or from 0.1 mm to 2 mm, or from 0.1 mm to 1 mm, or from 1 mm to 5 mm, or from 1 mm to 4 mm, or from 1 mm to 3 mm, or from 1 mm to 2 mm, or from 2 mm to 5 mm, or from 2 mm to 4 mm, or from 2 mm to 3 mm, or from 3 mm to 5 mm, or from 3 mm to 4 mm, or even from 4 mm to 5 mm.

For example, tip of the first electrode may be offset from the tip of the second electrode by a distance of 5 mm or less, or 4 mm or less, or 3 mm or less, or 2 mm or less, or 1 mm or less. Suitably, the tip of the first electrode may be offset from the tip of the second electrode by a distance of 0.9 mm or less, or 0.8 mm or less, or 0.7 mm or less, or 0.6 mm or less, or 0.5 mm or less, or 0.4 mm or less, or 0.3 mm or less, or 0.2 mm or less, or even 0.1 mm or less.

The first electrode and the second electrode may be located at different respective distances from the air outlet, along the airflow path.

The tip of the first electrode may be located upstream of the tip of the second electrode. This may provide for improved distribution of negative ions from the haircare appliance.

The first electrode and the second electrode may be fixedly mounted within the haircare such that the tips of the first and second electrodes cannot move within the haircare appliance. This may provide a relatively stable arrangement that is less complex and/or less prone to failure than an arrangement in which the first and second electrodes are movably mounted.

The first electrode and/or the second electrode may be moveable, for example to change an offset between the tips of the first and second electrodes. This may enable performance of the haircare appliance to be tuned post-manufacture, and/or in use by a user.

The first electrode and/or the second electrode may be rotatable within the airflow path. This may provide a relatively simple movement, and enable a relatively simple movement mechanism, by which the first and/or second electrode may be moved to change the respective distance from the air inlet. In use, air may move over the air ioniser along the bulk flow axis, and the first electrode and/or the second electrode may be rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the bulk flow axis. The first electrode and the second electrode may be movable together in response to one movement action. The first electrode and the second electrode may be fixedly mounted to a mount which is configured to rotate relative to the main unit of the haircare appliance.

The first electrode and/or the second electrode may be moveable in linear directions along the airflow path to change the respective distance from the air inlet.

The first electrode and/or the second electrode may be movable in response to input from a user of the haircare appliance. This may enable the user to vary performance of the haircare appliance by moving the first and/or second electrode. For example, the ion count produced by either electrode may reduce over the life of the haircare appliance due to the electrodes experiencing aging and fatigue over time, which may lead to changes in their properties because of erosion. After some time, the electrodes may require tuning by an end user to balance the ion count due to these changes, particularly if the aging of the electrodes occur at different rates to one another.

The user input may comprise a mechanical input, for example with a user utilising a knob or dial to rotate the first and/or the second electrode, or depressing a button to cause movement of the first and/or second electrode. The user input may comprise a user input to a user interface of the haircare appliance and/or a user input to a remote device in communication with the haircare appliance, for example with a controller of the haircare appliance configured to cause a movement mechanism to move the first and/or the second electrode in response to the user input. The movement mechanism may comprise a motor configured to drive movement of the first and/or the second electrode.

The haircare appliance may comprise a sensor, and a controller configured to cause movement of the first and/or second electrode in response to an output of the sensor. This may enable the first and/or the second electrode to be moved automatically, without input from the user of the haircare appliance. The sensor may comprise a voltage sensor configured to measure a voltage of the first and/or the second electrode. The sensor may comprise an ion counter configured to count a number of ions output by the first and/or the second electrode, for example a number of ions output by the first and/or the second electrode within a given time period.

The haircare appliance may comprise an electrically insulating material mounted between the first and second electrodes such that the electrically insulating material inhibits electrical arcing between the first and second electrodes. The term "electrical arcing" refers to the phenomenon of an electric discharge or spark jumping across a gap between two conductive surfaces, which can lead to the breakdown of electrical insulation and potential damage to the surfaces. Damage to surfaces of electrodes can reduce a sharpness of a tip of the electrodes, which can lower ion generating efficacy. The haircare appliance according to the first aspect of the present invention may provide a means of inhibiting electrical arcing between the first and second electrodes, which in turn can facilitate the first and second electrodes being placed in closer proximity to one another relative to an arrangement absent the electrically insulating material mounted between the first and second electrodes. Within the packing constraints of a haircare appliance, this can provide a more compact arrangement which reduces the volume occupied by the first and second electrodes.

The first electrode may comprise an anode, which attracts electrons from atoms or molecules. When electrons are drawn away from atoms or molecules, positive ions, which may otherwise be referred to as "cations", may be generated by the first electrode. The second electrode may comprise a cathode, which provides electrons to neutral atoms or molecules. When electrons are provided to the neutral atoms or molecules, negative ions, which may otherwise be referred to as "anions", may be generated by the second electrode.

The haircare appliance may comprise a housing, and the electrically insulating material may be mounted to the housing. The electrically insulating material may be mounted directly, or indirectly, to the housing. The air ioniser may be mounted to the housing. The first and second electrodes, and the electrically insulating material, may be located within the housing, for example such that the first and second electrodes and the electrically insulating material are not exposed to a user of the haircare appliance.

The electrically insulating material may be cooperatively movable with the first electrode and/or the second electrode within the airflow path. This may enable the insulating material to remain located between the first and second electrodes, and/or may enable a relatively simple mechanism that moves the ioniser sub-assembly within the airflow path in use.

The first electrode and the second electrode may be separated by less than 11 mm. The first electrode and the second electrode may be separated by less than 8 mm. The first electrode and the second electrode may be separated by less than 5 mm. The first electrode and the second electrode may be separated by less than 3 mm. Such a separation between the first and the second electrodes may provide a relatively compact arrangement, which may allow for a reduced size of haircare appliance, or may provide for increased room for other components in a haircare appliance of a given size.

The first electrode and/or the second electrode may be configured to operate at voltages of between +0.5kV and +10kV. The first electrode and/or the second electrode may be configured to operate at voltages of at least ±3kV, for example between ±3kV and ±4kV. The haircare appliance may comprise circuitry to step-up a voltage of power supplied to the haircare appliance, to provide the first and/or the second electrode with a voltage of at least ±3kV in use.

The electrically insulating material may comprise a planar body of electrically insulating material. Providing the electrically insulating material in the form of a planar body may provide a relatively simple structure that can easily be mounted between the first and second electrodes. A planar body may take-up less space than a non-planar body, which may enable the electrodes to be located relatively close to one another. The electrically insulating material may comprise a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape.

The first electrode may have a first length, the second electrode may have a second length, and the electrically insulating material may extend along substantially the entirety of the greater of the first and second lengths, or, where the first and second lengths are equal, substantially the entirety of the first and second lengths. This may inhibit electrical arcing along the full extent of the first and second electrode.

The electrically insulating material may extend past a tip of the first electrode and/or a tip of the second electrode in a length direction of the first and/or second electrode, for example, by a length in the range of from 0.1 mm to 5 mm, or from 0.1 mm to 4 mm, or from 0.1 mm to 3 mm, or from 0.1 mm to 2 mm, or from 0.1 mm to 1 mm, or from 1 mm to 5 mm, or from 1 mm to 4 mm, or from 1 mm to 3 mm, or from 1 mm to 2 mm, or from 2 mm to 5 mm, or from 2 mm to 4 mm, or from 2 mm to 3 mm, or from 3 mm to 5 mm, or from 3 mm to 4 mm, or even from 4 mm to 5 mm.

The electrically insulating material may extend past a tip of the first electrode and/or a tip of the second electrode in a length direction of the first and/or second electrode, for example, by a length of about 0.1 mm, or about 0.2 mm, or about 0.3 mm, or about 0.4 mm, or about 0.5 mm, or about 0.6 mm, or about 0.7 mm, or about 0.8 mm, or about 0.9 mm, or about 1 mm, or about 2 mm, or about 3 mm or about 4 mm, or even about 5 mm.

The first and/or second electrode may have a length of at least 10 mm, for example, in the range of from 10 mm to 40 mm. For example, the first and/or second electrode may have a length of about 10 mm, or about 15 mm, or about 20 mm, or about 25 mm, or about 30 mm, or about 35 mm, or even about 40 mm. Thus, the electrically insulating material may have a length in the range of from 10.1 mm to 45 mm.

The electrically insulating material may comprise a width that is greater than a width of the first and/or second electrode, for example such that that electrically insulating material extends to either side of the first and/or second electrode in a width direction. The electrically insulating material may extend past the first and/or second electrode in a width direction by a length in the range of from 0.1 mm to 5 mm, or from 0.1 mm to 4 mm, or from 0.1 mm to 3 mm, or from 0.1 mm to 2 mm, or from 0.1 mm to 1 mm, or from 1 mm to 5 mm, or from 1 mm to 4 mm, or from 1 mm to 3 mm, or from 1 mm to 2 mm, or from 2 mm to 5 mm, or from 2 mm to 4 mm, or from 2 mm to 3 mm, or from 3 mm to 5 mm, or from 3 mm to 4 mm, or even from 4 mm to 5 mm.

The first electrode may comprise a first cross-sectional area, the second electrode may comprise a second cross-sectional area, and the electrically insulating material may cover substantially the entirety of the greater of the first and second cross-sectional areas, or, where the first and second cross-sectional areas are substantially equal, substantially the entirety of the first and second cross-sectional areas. When the electrically insulating material extends along the entire length or cross-sectional area of either electrode, the electrically insulating material can create an insulating barrier between the electrodes that inhibits electrical current from flowing therebetween and maintain a more uniform electric field. This can provide more consistent performance of the electrodes by inhibiting voltage concentration. The electrically insulating material may comprise a cross-sectional area that is greater than both the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area.

The electrically insulating material may comprise a dielectric material. Such a material can help to prevent arcing by inhibiting the flow of electrical current. The electrically insulating material may comprise a dielectric constant of 5 or greater. The electrically insulating material may comprise, for example, ceramic, polymer, minerals, or crystals.

The electrically insulating material may comprise mica. Materials with increased dielectric constants can be used as effective electrical insulators as they provide improved insulation properties and prevent electrical conduction between conductive components, such as the first and second electrodes, which can facilitate the inhibition of electrical arcing.

The electrically insulating material may comprise a sleeve within which the first electrode is located. Use of a sleeve about the first electrode can guide the positive ions in a desired direction. This may inhibit the diffilsion of ions to surroundings of the first electrode, as it may inhibit a tendency of the ions to move towards regions of lower ion concentration. Haircare appliances and their attachments, typically being formed from materials which comprise their own triboelectric charge, can therefore comprise regions of lower ion concentration which attract the ions away from their intended path. By guiding the direction of expulsion of the ions, the sleeve may inhibit the diffusion of the ions to the materials of the haircare appliance or any associated attachments.

The second electrode may be located within the sleeve, and a planar body of electrically insulating material may define a first chamber within the sleeve in which the first electrode is located, and a second chamber within the sleeve in which the second electrode is located. This may enable guiding of ions produced by the first and second electrodes, whilst also providing electrically insulating material between the first and second electrodes. The sleeve and the planar body may be integrally formed. The sleeve and the planar body may be separately formed and attached to one another.

The electrically insulating material may comprise a further sleeve within which the second electrode is located. In such a case each electrode may be housed within its own sleeve, with electrically insulating material mounted between the first and second electrodes. This may enable guiding of ions produced by the first and second electrodes, whilst also providing electrically insulating material between the first and second electrodes.

The electrically insulating material may have a thickness of less than 2 mm, or less than 1 mm. This may provide sufficient electrical insulation between the first and second electrodes, without overly increasing a size of an assembly comprising the electrically insulating material and the first and second electrodes. The thickness of the electrically insulating material may be measured in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first length of the first electrode and/or the second length of the second electrode. The electrically insulating material may comprise opposing planar outer surfaces, and the thickness of the electrically insulating material may be measured in a direction substantially orthogonal to the opposing planar surfaces.

The first and second electrodes may each be separated from the electrically insulating material by 0.5 mm or less. This may provide a relatively compact arrangement, and may yield a relatively uniform electric field. The first and second electrodes may be equidistant from the electrically insulating material. The first and second electrodes may be substantially contiguous with the electrically insulating material.

The haircare appliance may comprise: an air inlet, through which a flow of air enters the haircare appliance; an air outlet, through which the flow of air exits the haircare appliance; and an airflow path between the air inlet and the air outlet, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in the airflow path downstream of the air inlet.

The haircare appliance may comprise: an air inlet, through which a flow of air enters the haircare appliance; an air outlet, through which a first portion of the flow of air exits the haircare appliance; and a bleed outlet through which a second portion of the flow of air exits the haircare appliance; wherein the air ioniser ionises at least the second portion of the flow of air. The bleed outlet may allow the second portion of the flow of air to be used for the expulsion of the ions, for example alongside the first portion of the flow of air that exits the haircare appliance via the air outlet. This configuration may allow the location of where the ions are expelled to be designed independently of the placement of the air outlet.

Furthermore, this may enable the portion of the flow of air to be modified to comprise different properties to the flow of air through the air outlet, or vice versa.

The haircare appliance may comprise a bleed outlet path along which the second portion of the flow of air is guided to the bleed outlet, and the air ioniser may be located within the bleed outlet path.

The haircare appliance may comprise a heater to heat the first portion of the flow of air, wherein the second portion of the flow of air bypasses the heater. Environments of increased temperature can adversely affect the ion count within haircare appliances. This effect can be mitigated by the second portion of the flow of air bypassing the heater for the expulsion of the ions. By doing so, cooler air can be bled for the expulsion of the ions, while the heated air may be used for the purpose of drying and styling hair. This arrangement can help to maintain an increased ion count while also providing an increased temperature of air for quicker drying of target hair and more effective hair styling.

The bleed outlet may comprise an inlet end and an outlet end. The first electrode may be located at a distance of at least 8mm from the outlet end of the bleed outlet. The second electrode may be located at a distance of at least 8mm from the outlet end of the bleed outlet. These distances may place the electrodes in closer proximity to where the ions are expelled from the haircare appliance, reducing the distance that the ions need to travel through the haircare appliance.

The air outlet may be annular, and the bleed outlet may be located inwardly of the air outlet.

The first portion of the flow of air may exit the air outlet as a first column of air. The second portion of the flow of air may exit the bleed outlet as a second column of air. The first column of air may surround the second column of air. The columns of air may comprise properties which are independent of one another. For example, the second column of air may be ionised and of a lower temperature, while the first column of air may be of a raised temperature.

The haircare appliance may comprise a central bore, and the bleed outlet may be located within the central bore. Providing the bleed outlet within the central bore may utilise otherwise unutilised space within the haircare appliance. The air ioniser may be located within the central bore. The first electrode and the second electrode may be located within the central bore.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a haircare appliance.

Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the haircare appliance shown in Figure I Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional rear view showing an air oniser arrangement in the haircare appliance of Figure 1.

Figure 4a illustrates a cross-sectional view of the air ioniser arrangement of Figure 3.

Figure 4b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the air ioniser arrangement of Figure 3 in a rotated position.

Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional front view of a second embodiment of a haircare appliance.

Figure 6 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of an air ioniser of the haircare appliance of Figure 5.

Figure 7 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of an alternative air ioniser comprising a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates cross-sectional view of a further alternative air ioniser.

Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a third embodiment of a haircare appliance.

Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a fourth embodiment of a haircare 20 appliance.

Figure 11 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a fifth embodiment of a haircare appliance.

Figure 12 illustrates a sixth embodiment of a haircare appliance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A first embodiment of a haircare appliance 100 is illustrated schematically in Figures 1 to 3. The haircare appliance 100 comprises a main unit 110 and an attachment 101. The attachment 101 is a concentrator nozzle. In use, the attachment 101 can be releasably attached to the main unit 110, with such a configuration illustrated schematically in Figure 2. Further details of the attachment 101 are not pertinent to the present invention, and so will not be described here for sake of brevity.

The main unit 110 comprises a handle portion 120, a head portion HO, an airflow generator 121 comprising an impeller 127 and a motor 126, user controls 123, 124, a controller 128, a heater 140, and an air ioniser 150.

The handle portion 120 is generally cylindrical and hollow in form, and houses the airflow generator 121. The handle portion 120 has an air inlet 122 in the form of a plurality of perforations at a first end of the handle portion 120.

The head portion 130 is generally cylindrical and hollow in form and is disposed at a second end of the handle portion 120, with a central axis of the head portion 130 orthogonal to a central axis of the handle portion 120 such that the main unit 110 is generally T-shaped in form. The head portion 130 houses the heater 140 and the air ioniser 150. The head portion 130 comprises a bore 135 through which air is entrained, and an air outlet 132. The air outlet 132 is generally annular in form about a periphery of the bore 135. The head portion 130 generally releasably connects the main unit 110 to the attachment 101.

User controls 123, 124 are provided on the handle portion 120, and comprise a first button 123 to power on and off the appliance 100 and a second button 124 to control the flow rate of the airflow. The controller 128 controls the haircare appliance 100 in response to inputs from the user controls 123, 124. For example, in response to inputs from the first button 123, the controller 128 may power on and off the appliance 100.

An airflow path extends between the air inlet 122 and the air outlet 132. A flow of air is generally drawn into the haircare appliance 100 by the impeller 127 through the air inlet 122 and travels along the airflow path to exit the haircare appliance 100 through the air outlet 132. A bulk flow axis A indicates a general direction along which airflow flows inside the head portion 130 in use, is illustrated in Figure 2. Airflow flows over the air ioniser 150 in a direction generally parallel to the bulk flow axis A in use, as will be described in more detail hereinafter. Within the haircare appliance 100, the heater 140 is arranged along the airflow path in order to raise the temperature of the flow of air.

The air ioniser 150 comprises a first electrode 151 configured to generate positive ions and a second electrode 152 configured to generate negative ions. The electrodes 151, 152 are attached to mounts 156 which are supports that attach the electrodes 151, 152 to an inner wall of the head portion 130 such that the electrodes 151, 152 are disposed within the airflow path along the head portion 130. The mounts 156 are attached to a rotatable support 157 which is attached to the main unit 110. The rotatable support 157 is configured to rotate relative to the main unit 110 in response to twisting of a knob 158 by a user. The knob 158 protrudes upwardly through an outer surface of the head portion 130, and is rigidly attached to the rotatable support 157.

In use, the motor 126 is controlled to drive the impeller 127 to generate a flow of air through the main unit 110, with the flow of air flowing through the main unit 110 along the airflow path between the air inlet 122 and the air outlet 132. The flow of air passes over the heater 140 and is heated, before also passing over the airflow ioniser 150.

Power is supplied to the first 151 and second 152 electrodes, via appropriate circuitry, so that the first 151 and second 152 electrodes generate positive and negative ions, which are entrained in the flow of air. The flow of air containing the positive and negative ions passes through the air outlet 132 into the attachment 101 Airflow is subsequently emitted from the attachment 101 and used to treat hair.

It may be the case that ion counts of the first 151 and second 152 electrodes are, or become, unbalanced during use. For example, the ion count produced by either electrode 151, 152 may reduce over the life of the haircare appliance 100 due to the electrodes 151, 152 experiencing aging and fatigue over time, which may lead to changes in their properties because of erosion. To tune the balance of ions, a user of the haircare appliance 100 can rotate the knob 158 to rotate the first 151 and second 152 electrodes within the airflow path. This is illustrated schematically in Figures 4a and 4b.

In the arrangement of Figure 4a, the first 151 and second 152 electrodes are aligned along the bulk flow axis A, and a central axis B of the air ioniser 150 is coincident with the bulk flow axis A. When a user twists the knob 158, the rotatable support 157, and hence the mounts 156 and the first 151 and the second 152 electrodes, rotate about an axis orthogonal to the bulk flow axis A. Such rotation causes the first 151 and second 152 electrodes to be offset relative to one another in a direction parallel to the bulk flow axis A. A tip 155 of the first electrode 151 is located upstream of the tip 155 of the second electrode 152, with a distance between the tips of the first 151 and second 152 electrodes in a direction parallel to the bulk flow axis A being from 0.1mm to 5mm. In the position of Figure 4b, the central axis B of the air ioniser 150 and the bulk flow axis A are at a non-parallel angle relative to one another.

By offsetting the first 151 and second 152 electrodes relative to one another along a direction parallel to the bulk flow axis A, improved distribution of ions from the haircare appliance 101 may be achieved relative to an arrangement where the first 151 and second 152 electrodes are not offset from one another in a direction parallel to the bulk flow axis A. By moving the electrodes 151,152 to balance the ion count within the airflow, a need to vary a voltage of at least one electrode may be avoided. This may reduce a complexity of circuitry needed for the haircare appliance, and may provide a relatively inexpensive arrangement.

In some examples, the offsetting of the first 151 and second 152 electrodes can be achieved during production of the haircare appliance, for example with the offset being tuned during manufacture before the haircare appliance is supplied to an end user. In such examples, the knob 158 may not be provided, and the haircare appliance may simply be supplied to the end user with a fixed offset between the first 151 and second 152 electrodes.

It will be appreciated that other forms of movement than rotation can be utilised to offset a position of the electrodes 151, 152 along the bulk flow axis A. In some examples, at least one of the first electrode 151 and the second electrode 152 may be moveable in a linear direction along the bulk flow axis A to offset the first and second electrodes 151, 152 relative to one another. When provided on separate mounts 156, for example, the first electrode 151 and/or the second electrode 152 may be moveable along an associated rail arrangement.

It will further be appreciated that other forms of mechanism for causing offsetting of the first 151 and second 152 electrodes are also envisaged. In some examples, the haircare appliance can comprise a controller configured to cause movement of at least one of the first 151 and second 152 electrodes, for example by actuating a motor to drive movement of the first 151 and/or second 152 electrodes. The controller may be controlled in response to a user input, for example via a user activating a user interface such as a button or a touchscreen or the like. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller may be controlled in response to an input from a sensor, for example a sensor configured to sense a voltage of at least one of the first 151 and second 152 electrodes and/or a sensor configured to sense ions output by the first 151 and/or second 152 electrodes.

A second embodiment of a haircare appliance 200 is illustrated in Figure 5. Similar to the first embodiment of the haircare appliance 100, the second embodiment of the haircare appliance 200 comprises a main unit 210 having a handle portion 220, a head portion 230, and an air ioniser 250. The head portion 230 houses the air ioniser 250. Other features of the second embodiment of the haircare appliance 200, such as a heater and an airflow generator, similar to those of the first embodiment of the haircare appliance 100, are not illustrated in Figure 5 for the sake of clarity.

The air ioniser 250 of the second embodiment of the haircare appliance 200 is shown schematically in Figures 5 and 6. The air ioniser 250 comprises a first electrode 251 configured to generate positive ions and a second electrode 252 configured to generate negative ions. The electrodes 251, 252 are attached to mounts 256 which are supports that attach the electrodes 251, 252 to an inner wall of the head portion 230 such that the electrodes 251, 252 are disposed within an airflow path along the head portion 230. A planar body 253 of electrically insulating material is mounted between first 251 and second 252 electrodes. The planar body 253 is formed from mica having a thickness of 1 mm. A central axis CA of the air ioniser 250 extends between the first electrode 251 and the second electrode 252. The central axis CA of the air ioniser 250 extends through a plane defined by the planar body 253 of electrically insulating material.

Each electrode 251, 252 comprises a cylindrical shaft 254 which is attached to a respective one of the mounts 256 at a first end, and a conical tip 255 which extends from a second end of the cylindrical shaft 254. The first electrode 251 and the second electrode 252 have a length of between 10mm to 40mm. The length of each electrode 251, 252 is measured from a first end, at which the electrode 251, 252 is attached to the respective mount 256, to a second end, at a furthest extent of the tip 255. In planes which are parallel to the plane defined by the planar body 253, the first electrode 251 covers a first cross-sectional area and the second electrode 252 covers a second cross-sectional area.

The planar body 253 extends further than the length of the electrodes 251, 252, and thus extends along the entirety of the length of the electrodes 251, 252. The planar body 253 of electrically insulating material covers a planar region which possesses a greater cross-sectional area than either of the first and second cross-sectional areas of the respective first 251 and second 252 electrodes. The distance between the first 251 and second 252 electrodes in a direction orthogonal to the central axis CA is 2mm. Distances of less than 11mm are envisaged.

The electrodes are configured to operate at around +3.6kV. In use, the planar body 253 inhibits the flow of electric current between the first electrode 251 and the second electrode 252. The planar body 253 may thereby provide a means of inhibiting electrical arcing between the first 251 and second 252 electrodes, which in turn can facilitate the first 251 and second 252 electrodes being placed in closer proximity to one another relative to an arrangement absent the electrically insulating material mounted between the first 251 and second 252 electrodes. Within the packing constraints of a haircare appliance, this can provide a more compact arrangement which reduces the volume occupied by the first and second electrodes.

It will be understood that, in alternative configurations, any material with a suitable dielectric constant, for example a dielectric constant greater than five, which can be fabricated into a suitably thin planar body can be used as the planar body 253 of electrically insulating material.

It will be also understood that the mounts 256 and the planar body 253 may alternatively be attached to a support which is attached to the head portion 230. In some configurations, the mounts 256 and the planar body 253 may be attached to a moveable support. The moveable support may comprise a rotatable support, in the manner of the first embodiment of the haircare appliance 100 described above, or may be moveable in a linear direction.

An alternative embodiment of an air ioniser 350 comprising three first electrodes 351 configured to generate positive ions, and three second electrodes 352 configured to generate negative ions, is illustrated in Figure 7. The three first electrodes 351 are arranged adjacent to one another in a linear arrangement, and the three second electrodes 352 are also arranged adjacent to one another in a linear arrangement. The first electrodes 351 are arranged parallel to the second electrodes 352, and a planar body 353 of electrically insulating material is mounted between the first electrodes 351 and the second electrodes 352. A central axis C of the air ioniser 350 extends parallel to and between the first electrodes 351 and the second electrodes 352. The central axis C of the air ioniser 350 extends through a plane defined by the planar body 353 of electrically insulating material Thus, the first electrodes 351 are arranged across a first total width, while the second electrodes 352 are arranged across a second total width. The first total width extends between the furthest extents of the first electrodes 351 in a direction parallel to the central axis C, while the second total width extends between the furthest extents of the second electrodes 352 in a direction parallel to the central axis C. Each of the electrodes in the set of first 351 and second 352 electrodes comprise an equal length. In a plane parallel to the planar body 353, the first set of electrodes 351 of the air ioniser 350 covers a first total cross-sectional area and the second set of electrodes 352 covers a second total cross-sectional area.

The planar body 353 possesses a greater length than the length of the electrodes 351, 352 and thus extends along the entirety of the length of the electrodes 351, 352. The planar body 353 possesses a greater width than the either of the first total width of the set of first electrodes 351, or the second total width of the set of second electrodes 352. The planar body 353 of electrically insulating material also covers a planar region which possesses a Greater cross-sectional area than either of the first and second total cross-sectional areas.

With such dimensions, the planar body 353 creates a barrier between the respective sets of electrodes 351, 352 that inhibits electrical current from flowing between them in a similar manner to that described for the air ioniser 250 illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. The inclusion of several electrodes to generate ions of a single polarity may increase the ion count produced by the air ioniser 350 for a given voltage. This can accelerate the effectiveness with which the flow of air is ionised and in turn make the ionisation of target hair quicker.

Figure 8 illustrates a further embodiment of an air ioniser 450 which comprises a sleeve 457 within which a first electrode 451 and a second electrode 452 are located. The sleeve 457 is tubular and disposed around the first and second electrodes 451, 452. The sleeve 457 is formed from electrically insulating material such as mica. The sleeve 457 extends along the entirety of the length of the first 451 and second 452 electrodes.

A planar body 453 of electrically insulating material extends across the interior of the sleeve 457 to define a first chamber 458 within the sleeve 457 in which the first electrode 451 is located. The planar body 453 also defines a second chamber 459 within the sleeve 457 in which the second electrode 452 is located. The first 458 and second chambers 459 each have a "D-shaped" cross-sectional profile. The sleeve 457 and the planar body 453 are separately formed and attached to one another. A central axis D of the air ioniser 450 extends between the first 451 and second 452 electrodes. The central axis D extends through a plane defined by the planar body 453 of electrically insulating material.

Use of the sleeve 457 can guide the generated ions in a desired direction by funnelling the generated ions. Being formed from electrically insulating material, the sleeve 457 inhibits the diffusion of ions to surroundings of the electrodes. Instead of being attracted, for example, to surfaces of an associated haircare appliance, the sleeve 457 is used to direct the ions more precisely into an airflow path, within which a flow of air can carry the ions to be expelled from the associated haircare appliance.

In other configurations, the sleeve 457 and the planar body 453 may be formed integrally, as a single component. This can provide a configuration which results in easier assembly of the final haircare appliance and reduces the potential points of wear and degradation. It will be understood that, in other configurations, it may be desirable to incorporate a sleeve 457 in order to funnel the generated ions without including the planar body 453. In these configurations, the sleeve 457 may define one tubular chamber within which both the first 451 and second 452 electrodes are located.

Figure 9 illustrates a haircare appliance 500 according to a third embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment of the haircare appliance 100, the third embodiment of the haircare appliance 500 comprises an attachment 501, and a main unit having a handle portion (not shown), a head portion 530, and an air ioniser 550. The third embodiment of the haircare appliance also comprises a bleed outlet 560 which is arranged internally within the head portion 530. The head portion 530 houses a heater 540 and an air ioniser 550. The head portion 530 also comprises a bore 535 and an air outlet 532. The air outlet 532 is generally annular in form about a periphery of the bore 535. An airflow path extends between an air inlet (not shown) and the air outlet 532. A bulk flow axis E indicates a general direction along which airflow flows inside the head portion 530 in use, is illustrated in Figure 9. Airflow flows over the air ioniser 550 in a direction generally parallel to the bulk flow axis E in use, as will be described in more detail hereinafter. The haircare appliance 500 comprises an attachment 501 in the form of a concentrator nozzle which is attached to the head portion 530.

The bleed outlet 560 is arranged within the head portion 530, downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the air outlet 532. The bleed outlet 560 defines a further outlet in the haircare appliance 500, and the air ioniser 550 is located upstream of the bleed outlet 560.

The bleed outlet 560 is configured to divert a portion of a flow of air therethrough to expel positive ions and negative ions, which are entrained in the flow of air, from the haircare appliance 500. By diverting a portion of the flow of air through the bleed outlet 560, the flow of air through the haircare appliance 500 is divided into two portions. The flow of air enters the haircare appliance 500 through the air inlet and a first portion of the flow of air exits the haircare appliance 500 through the air outlet 532 while a second portion of the flow of air exits the haircare appliance 500 through the bleed outlet 560. In this configuration, the flow of air is heated by the heater 540 before the second portion of the flow of air is expelled from the bleed outlet 560. The air ioniser 550 being located upstream of the bleed outlet 560 ionises the second portion of the flow of air such that the bleed outlet 560 expels ions to the target hair in a separate stream of air.

This configuration may improve the expulsion of ions from the haircare appliance 500 by reducing the distance that the ions need to travel through the haircare appliance 500, compared to an arrangement where the ions need to travel through the attachment 501, in turn reducing the likelihood of ions being attracted to surfaces of the haircare appliance 500 itself Further, the distance that the ions need to travel through the haircare appliance 500 may be independent of whether the haircare appliance 500 is used with the attachment 501, which may improve consistency of the ion count produced.

A fourth embodiment of a haircare appliance 600 is illustrated in Figure 10. The fourth embodiment haircare appliance 600 is substantially the same as the third embodiment of the haircare appliance, but comprises an internal wall 661 to divert airflow through the haircare appliance 600.

The haircare appliance 600 comprises a head portion 630 which houses a heater 640 and an air ioniser 650. The head portion 630 comprises a bore 635 through which air is entrained, and an air outlet 632. The air outlet 632 is generally annular in form about a periphery of the bore 635. A bleed outlet 660, within which the air ioniser 650 is located, is arranged within the head portion 630. An airflow path extends between an air inlet (not shown) and the air outlet 632 of the haircare appliance 600. The haircare appliance 600 comprises an attachment 601 in the form of a concentrator nozzle which is attached to the head portion 630. The internal wall 661 is arranged above the heater and is formed from thermally insulating material. The internal wall 661 extends along the entire length of the heater 640.

A flow of air, which is drawn into the air inlet of the haircare appliance 600 by an airflow generator (not shown) travels along the airflow path to exit the haircare appliance 600 through the air outlet 632 and the bleed outlet 660. The bleed outlet 660 is in fluid communication with the airflow path upstream of the heater 640. In the embodiment of Figure 10, a first portion of the flow of air is heated by the heater 640 while a second portion of the flow of air bypasses the heater 640 by being routed above the heater 640 over the internal wall 661, before passing through the bleed outlet 660. The internal wall 661 separates the heater 640 from a portion of the airflow path and prevents the heater 640 from heating the second portion of the flow of air.

This configuration may enable the second portion of the flow of air to have different properties to the flow of air through the air outlet 632. For example, it may be beneficial for the ions to be expelled by air of lower temperatures, while it may be preferable for the hair to be dried by air of higher temperatures. This configuration may therefore enable the second portion of the flow of air to he of lower temperature, while still raising the temperature of the first portion of the flow of air. Further, this may be achieved with the provision of a single air inlet, and so does not require a separate airflow path which would generally require the volume of the haircare appliance 600 to be increased.

It will be understood that the second portion of the flow of air may alternatively bypass the heater 640 by being routed below the heater 640 before passing through the bleed outlet 660.

Figure 11 illustrates a fifth embodiment of a haircare appliance 700 comprising an alternative bleed outlet 760. The fifth embodiment of the haircare appliance 700 comprises a head portion 730, a heater 740, and an air ioniser 750. The head portion 730 houses the heater 740 which is arranged along an airflow path toward an air outlet 732 of the head portion 730 in order to raise the temperature of the flow of air.

As illustrated, the bleed outlet 760 is located within a central bore 735 defined in the head portion 730. The bleed outlet 760 comprises an inlet end 761 and an outlet end 762. The inlet end 761 is in fluid communication with the airflow path upstream of the heater 740, and is arranged to bleed a second portion of the flow of air to the bleed outlet 760 for ionisation. The air ioniser 750 is arranged in the bleed outlet 760, between the inlet end 761 and the outlet end 762. Thus, the air ioniser 750 is located in the central bore 735 of the haircare appliance 700.

In this configuration, the bleed outlet 760 is provided as a passage which diverts the second portion of the flow of air out of the haircare appliance 700. The first portion of the flow of air exits the air outlet 732 as a first column of air while the second portion of the flow of air exits the bleed outlet 760 as a second column of air. In this configuration, the first column of air surrounds the second column of air. The columns of air comprise properties which are independent of one another. Specifically, the second column of air is ionised and of a lower temperature, while the first column of air is of a raised temperature.

Thus, in use, the second portion of the flow of air moves over the air ioniser 750 and expels ions from the outlet end 762 of the bleed outlet 760. This configuration may utilise otherwise unutilised space within the haircare appliance 700 and therefore may present an efficient packaging arrangement. Furthermore, this may dispose the bleed outlet 760 in a central position of the haircare appliance 700, which may make aiming the ions at the target hair easier for users. This configuration may also bleed ionised air at lower temperatures, while still providing heated air through the air outlet 732 for drying hair.

Figure 12 illustrates an alternative haircare appliance 800 of a sixth embodiment. The sixth embodiment of the haircare appliance 800 provides an alternative format of appliance relative to the first through fifth embodiments of the haircare appliance, whilst still utilising similar concepts.

The sixth embodiment of the haircare appliance 800 comprises a handle portion 820, an airflow generator 821 having a motor 826 and an impeller 827, a heater 840, an air ioniser 850, and a bleed outlet 860. The handle portion 820 has an air inlet 822 in the form of apertures, while an opposing end of the haircare appliance 800 comprises an air outlet 832.

An attachment 810 is removably attached to the handle portion 820 at the air outlet 832.An airflow path extends between the air inlet 822 and the air outlet 832.

The airflow generator 821 is located downstream of the air inlet 822 and the heater 840 is located downstream of the motor 821. The air ioniser 850 is located within the bleed outlet 860 which is arranged downstream of the air inlet 822. The haircare appliance 800 has a wall 861 formed from thermally insulating material which is arranged adjacent to the heater 840 and extends along the entire length of the heater 840. User controls 823, 824 are provided on the haircare appliance 800 and a controller 828 is provided for controlling the haircare appliance 800 in response to inputs from the user controls 823, 824.

The air oniser 852 can take the form of any of the air onisers 150,250,350 450 described herein.

In use, a first portion of the flow of air exits the haircare appliance 800 through the air outlet 832, while a second portion of the flow of air exits the haircare appliance 800 through the bleed outlet 860. The second portion of the flow of air moves over the air ioniser 850 as it exits the haircare appliance 800 and carries the ions in the flow of air generated by the air ioniser 850. The second portion of the flow of air is routed by the presence of the wall 861 which separates the heater 840 from a portion of the airflow path and prevents the heater 840 from heating the second portion of the flow of air.

In each of the examples described above, an air ioniser has a first electrode configured to generate positive ions, and a second electrode configured to generate negative ions.

Examples in which each of the first and second electrodes are configured to generate both positive and negative ions are also envisaged. For example, the first electrode may be configured to alternate between generating positive and negative ions, and the second electrode may be configured to alternate between generating negative ions and positive ions. The first electrode may be configured to generate positive ions whilst the second electrode is configured to generate negative ions, and vice versa. In each of these examples, one electrode is configured, at a certain point in time, to generate positive ions, whilst the other electrode is configured to generate negative ions.

Whilst particular examples have been described, it should be understood that these are illustrative examples only and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 2. 3. 5. 6.
A haircare appliance comprising an air ioniser, the air ioniser comprising: a first electrode, configured to generate positive ions; and a second electrode, configured to generate negative ions; wherein, in use, the air ioniser ionises a flow of air moving over the air ioniser along a bulk flow axis, and a tip of the first electrode is offset from a tip of the second electrode in a direction parallel to the bulk flow axis.
The haircare appliance according to claim I, wherein the tip of the first electrode is offset from the tip of the second electrode by a distance in the range of 0 I mm to 5.0mm.
The haircare appliance according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein tip of the first electrode is located upstream of the tip of the second electrode.
The haircare appliance according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first electrode and/or the second electrode are moveable.
The haircare appliance according to claim 4, wherein the first electrode and/or the second electrode are rotatable within the airflow path.
The haircare appliance according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the first electrode and/or the second electrode are movable in response to input from a user of the haircare appliance.
The haircare appliance according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a sensor, and a controller configured to cause movement of the first electrode and/or the second electrode in response to an output of the sensor. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, comprising an electrically insulating material mounted between the first and second electrodes to inhibit electrical arcing between the first and second electrodes.
The haircare appliance according to claim 8, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are separated by less than Ilmm, less than 8mm, less than 5mm, or less than 3mm.
The haircare appliance according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the electrically insulating material comprises a planar body of electrically insulating material.
The haircare appliance according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the first electrode has a first length, the second electrode has a second length, and the electrically insulating material extends along substantially the entirety of the greater of the first and second lengths, or, where the first and second lengths are equal, substantially the entirety of the first and second lengths.
The haircare appliance according to any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the electrically insulating material comprises a dielectric constant of 5 or greater.
The haircare appliance according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the electrically insulating material comprises a sleeve within which the first electrode is located.
The haircare appliance according to claim 13, wherein the second electrode is located within the sleeve, and a planar body of electrically insulating material defines a first chamber within the sleeve in which the first electrode is located, and a second chamber within the sleeve in which the second electrode is located.
The haircare appliance according to claim 13, wherein the electrically insulating material comprises a further sleeve within which the second electrode is located. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22.
The haircare appliance according to any of claims 8 to 15, wherein the electrically insulating material has a thickness of less than 2mm, or less than 1mm.
The haircare appliance according to any of claims 8 to 16, wherein the first and second electrodes are each separated from the electrically insulating material by 0.5mm or less.
The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, comprising: an air inlet, through which a flow of air enters the haircare appliance; an air outlet, through which a first portion of the flow of air exits the haircare appliance; and a bleed outlet through which a second portion of the flow of air exits the haircare appliance; wherein the air ioniser ionises at least the second portion of the flow of air.
The haircare appliance according to claim 18, comprising a bleed outlet path along which the second portion of the flow of air is guided to the bleed outlet, and the air ioniser is located within the bleed outlet path The haircare appliance according to claim 18 or claim 19, comprising a heater to heat the first portion of the flow of air, wherein the second portion of the flow of air bypasses the heater.
The haircare appliance according to any one of claims 18 to 20, the air outlet is annular and the bleed outlet is located inwardly of the air outlet.
The haircare appliance according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the first portion of the flow of air exits the air outlet as a first column of air, the second portion of the flow of air exits the bleed outlet as a second column of air, and the first column of air surrounds the second column of air.
23. The haircare appliance according to any preceding claim, comprising: a plurality of first electrodes; and/or a plurality of second electrodes.