EP3845091A1 - Improved hair-styling appliance forming an oscillating blower brush - Google Patents

Abstract

- The invention relates to a hairdressing device (1) comprising a blower (5) for generating an air flow, a handle (2) and an accessory (6) connected to the handle (2), the accessory (6) comprising a hair engagement element (12) and first and second air outlets (15, 16) positioned on either side of the engagement element, the apparatus comprising a distribution duct (21) ) air stationary relative to the handle, said duct comprising two air distribution outlets in different directions, the accessory being rotatably mounted relative to the handle to occupy a configuration allowing a variable angular orientation of the accessory relative to the handle within a predetermined angular range, and in which configuration the accessory can move between a first position in which one of the air distribution outlets is in aeraulic communication with the first air outlets, and a second position in which the other outings air distribution is in aeraulic communication with the second air outlet. - Hairdressing devices.

Description

The present invention relates to the general technical field of hairdressing devices, for example for domestic use, and more precisely to the field of portable hairdressing devices designed to blow an air flow in order to dry and / or facilitate shaping. hair.

In the field of hairdressing devices, devices of the blower hairbrush type are already known. The latter generally comprise a brush head connected to a gripping handle, and provided, over all or part of its surface, with brush bristles. Blowing holes are provided at the brush bristles so that a flow of air, hot or cold, can be blown through the brush head towards the hair. Such blower hairbrushes are intended to allow a certain degree of drying of the hair while achieving one or more styling effects, or shaping of the hair.

If such known blowing hairbrushes are generally satisfactory, they nevertheless remain perfectible. Indeed, the hairstyling effects on the hair that the user is supposed to be able to obtain using the latter are not always easy to achieve in practice, in particular for users who do not have any particular knowledge of hairstyling. Such known blowing hairbrushes can also be of particularly complex design, which in particular tends to impact their reliability and ease of use. Furthermore, the lack of compactness of certain known blower hairbrushes makes them not very ergonomic and not very conformable to handle.

What is more, if such known hairdressing devices of the blower hairbrush type are intended to replace a plurality of separate devices, by combining a brushing function with a hair drying function, in particular they are not particularly useful in practice. well suited to the achieving satisfactory drying of the hair, the drying being in this case necessarily linked to the styling or brushing of the hair. Known hairdressing devices of the blower hairbrush type do not, on their own, make it possible to efficiently carry out a plurality of separate operations for drying, styling and shaping the hair, so that the use of an appliance additional hairstyling is generally necessary in order to carry out all the desired hair styling operations satisfactorily.

The objects assigned to the invention are therefore aimed at providing a novel portable hairstyling device making it possible to easily obtain particularly satisfactory styling and shaping effects for the hair, even for a user without skills. particular professional hairstyling.

Another object of the invention aims to provide a novel portable hairdressing device the use of which is at the same time particularly practical, intuitive and simple, even for a user lacking particular professional skills in terms of styling. .

Another object of the invention aims to provide a novel portable hairdressing device of particularly simple and reliable design.

Another object of the invention aims to provide a novel portable hairdressing device of particularly compact construction.

Another object of the invention aims to provide a novel portable hairdressing device allowing a user to easily and efficiently perform a plurality of distinct operations, without requiring the use of an external complementary hairdressing device.

Another object of the invention aims to provide a novel portable hairdressing device which makes it possible to obtain particularly effective drying and shaping of the hair under comfortable conditions of use.

• une première position angulaire, dans laquelle une première desdites sorties de distribution d'air du conduit de distribution d'air est en communication aéraulique avec la première sortie d'air de l'accessoire, et
• une deuxième position angulaire dans laquelle une deuxième desdites sorties de distribution d'air du conduit de distribution d'air est en communication aéraulique avec la deuxième sortie d'air de l'accessoire.

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a portable hairdressing device comprising a blower module for generating an air flow, a manual gripping handle and an accessory connected to the handle, said accessory comprising an element main mechanical engagement of the hair and at least first and second air outlets distinct from each other and positioned on either side of the main mechanical engagement element of the hair, said device comprising a air distribution duct which is mounted stationary relative to the handle and which extends from one end of the handle, said distribution duct comprising two separate air distribution outlets spaced apart from each other for distributing the air flow generated by the blower module in different average directions, said accessory being mounted to rotate with respect to the handle along an axis of rotation to occupy at least a first angular configuration area allowing a variable angular orientation of the accessory relative to the handle within a predetermined angular range, and in which first angular configuration said accessory is able to move between:

• a first angular position, in which a first of said air distribution outlets of the air distribution duct is in aeraulic communication with the first air outlet of the accessory, and
• a second angular position in which a second of said air distribution outlets of the air distribution duct is in aeraulic communication with the second air outlet of the accessory.

• La figure 1 illustre, selon une vue latérale, un mode de réalisation d'un appareil de coiffure conforme à l'invention, l'accessoire de l'appareil occupant une première configuration angulaire par rapport au manche, dans laquelle ledit accessoire est verrouillé par un moyen de verrouillage que comprend avantageusement l'appareil ;
• La figure 2 illustre, selon une vue de face, l'appareil de coiffure de la figure 1 ;
• La figure 3 illustre, selon une vue latérale, l'appareil de coiffure des figures 1 et 2, l'accessoire de l'appareil occupant cette fois une deuxième configuration angulaire par rapport au manche, dans laquelle ledit accessoire est verrouillé par le moyen de verrouillage que comprend avantageusement l'appareil ;
• La figure 4 illustre, selon une vue de face, l'appareil de coiffure de la figure 3 ;
• La figure 5 illustre, selon une vue en coupe transverse au niveau de l'accessoire, un détail de conception de l'appareil de coiffure des figures 1 et 2, l'accessoire de l'appareil occupant une deuxième position angulaire de la première configuration angulaire ;
• La figure 6 illustre, selon une vue en coupe transverse au niveau de l'accessoire, un détail de conception de l'appareil de coiffure des figures 1 et 2, l'accessoire de l'appareil occupant une troisième position angulaire de la première configuration angulaire ;
• La figure 7 illustre, selon une vue en coupe transverse au niveau de l'accessoire, un détail de conception de l'appareil de coiffure des figures 3 et 4 (deuxième configuration angulaire) ;
• La figure 8 illustre, selon une vue de face, un détail de conception de l'appareil de coiffure des figures 1, 2 et 5 (première configuration angulaire), certains éléments de l'accessoire ayant été omis ou mis en transparence, pour mettre en lumière certains aspects de conception avantageux ;
• La figure 9 illustre, selon une vue interne de face, un premier élément de boîtier du boîtier de l'accessoire de l'appareil de coiffure des figures 1 à 8 ;
• La figure 10 illustre, selon une vue tronquée, le premier élément de boitier illustré à la figure 9, en relation avec une partie du manche et du conduit de distribution d'air de l'accessoire de l'appareil de coiffure. Le canal de guidage d'air et le conduit de distribution d'air de l'appareil ont été mis en transparence ;
• La figure 11 illustre, selon une vue interne de face, un deuxième élément de boitier du boitier de l'accessoire de l'appareil de coiffure des figures 1 à 8 ;
• La figure 12 illustre, selon une vue en coupe transverse au niveau de l'accessoire et à proximité de l'interface entre le manche et l'accessoire, un détail de conception de l'appareil de coiffure des figures 1, 2, 5 et 8 (première configuration angulaire) ;
• La figure 13 illustre, selon une vue en coupe transverse au niveau de l'accessoire et à proximité de l'interface entre le manche et l'accessoire, un détail de conception de l'appareil de coiffure des figures 3, 4 et 7 (deuxième configuration angulaire).

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear and emerge in greater detail on reading the description given below, with reference to the appended drawings, given solely by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, among which:

• The figure 1 illustrates, in a side view, an embodiment of a hairdressing appliance according to the invention, the accessory of the appliance occupying a first angular configuration with respect to the handle, in which said accessory is locked by means of locking that the device advantageously comprises;
• The figure 2 illustrates, in a front view, the hairdressing device of the figure 1 ;
• The figure 3 illustrates, in a side view, the hair styling apparatus of figures 1 and 2 , the accessory of the device occupying this time a second angular configuration relative to the handle, in which said accessory is locked by the locking means that the device advantageously comprises;
• The figure 4 illustrates, in a front view, the hairdressing device of the figure 3 ;
• The figure 5 illustrates, in a cross-sectional view at the level of the accessory, a design detail of the hairdressing appliance of the figures 1 and 2 , the accessory of the apparatus occupying a second angular position of the first angular configuration;
• The figure 6 illustrates, in a cross-sectional view at the level of the accessory, a design detail of the hairdressing appliance of the figures 1 and 2 , the accessory of the apparatus occupying a third angular position of the first angular configuration;
• The figure 7 illustrates, in a cross-sectional view at the level of the accessory, a design detail of the hairdressing appliance of the figures 3 and 4 (second angular configuration);
• The figure 8 illustrates, in a front view, a design detail of the hairdressing appliance of the figures 1 , 2 and 5 (first angular configuration), certain elements of the accessory having been omitted or made transparent, to highlight certain advantageous design aspects;
• The figure 9 illustrates, in an internal front view, a first housing element of the housing of the accessory of the hairdressing appliance of the figures 1 to 8 ;
• The figure 10 illustrates, in a cutaway view, the first case element illustrated on figure 9 , in connection with part of the handle and the distribution duct air from the styling appliance accessory. The air guide channel and the air distribution duct of the device have been made transparent;
• The figure 11 illustrates, in an internal front view, a second housing element of the housing of the accessory of the hairdressing appliance of the figures 1 to 8 ;
• The figure 12 illustrates, in a cross-sectional view at the level of the accessory and close to the interface between the handle and the accessory, a design detail of the styling appliance of the figures 1 , 2 , 5 and 8 (first angular configuration);
• The figure 13 illustrates, in a cross-sectional view at the level of the accessory and close to the interface between the handle and the accessory, a design detail of the styling appliance of the figures 3 , 4 and 7 (second angular configuration).

The hairdressing appliance 1 according to the invention is a portable hairdressing appliance, designed to be grasped and manipulated by hand. It is a hairdressing device preferably intended for use in a domestic setting by a user without specific professional skills in hairdressing, that is to say both in terms of drying that of styling, shaping the hair. Preferably, the hairdressing appliance 1 is designed so that the user uses the appliance 1 on himself, that is to say on his own hair. However, it is perfectly possible for the device 1 to be designed for use by the user on the hair of a third person, without departing from the scope of the invention.

The hairdressing device 1, a non-limiting embodiment of which is illustrated in the figures, comprises a handle 2 (or handle) for manual gripping, which is intended to be gripped manually by the user to manipulate the hairdressing device 1. . The handle 2 typically extends between a first end 3 and an opposite second end 4, preferably longitudinally along a (first) axis A-A '. The hairdressing appliance 1 also comprises a blower module 5, advantageously on-board, and designed to generate an air flow F (forced), and an accessory 6 connected to the handle 2, and through which the air flow F generated by the blower module 5 is advantageously intended to be directed out of the hairdressing appliance 1 in order to be able to be projected towards the user's hair. The hairdressing appliance 1 is provided with an air inlet 7, through which ambient air can be drawn in by the blower module 5 with a view to being blown in the direction of the user's hair. Said blower module 5, which advantageously comprises in a known manner a fan driven by an electric motor, can advantageously be arranged within the handle 2 or within the accessory 6. More preferably, however, the blower module 5 of the hairdressing appliance 1 is assembled to the handle 2 at the second end 4 of the latter, so that the blower module 5 advantageously extends the handle 2 beyond the second end 4 of the latter. Advantageously, the accessory 6 of the device 1 is for its part connected to the handle 2 at the level of the first end 3 of the latter. The blower module 5 is therefore preferably offset from the accessory 6 and from the handle 2. It is thus possible to size the blower module 5 so as to generate an air flow F with a high flow rate, in an economical manner, and without impacting the general size of the accessory 6 and of the handle 2. In addition, such an arrangement of the blower module 5 advantageously makes it possible to better balance the weight of the hairdressing appliance 1, by distributing the masses. on either side of the handle 2, which contributes to the ergonomics and comfort of use of the latter. In the case where the blower module 5 is thus arranged within the handle 2, or is assembled to the handle 2 at the level of the second end 4 of the latter as envisaged above and illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing device 1 can then advantageously comprise a guide channel 8 ( figure 8 ), formed inside the handle 2, to guide the air flow F generated by the blower module 5 out of the handle 2 in the direction of the accessory 6.

Preferably, the hairdressing appliance 1 also comprises a heating element provided to raise the temperature of the air flow F generated by the blower module 5. Embedded inside the hairdressing appliance 1, the heating element is arranged so as to be interposed in the air flow F generated by the blower 5. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the heating element is advantageously positioned inside said guide channel 8 of the air flow F provided in the sleeve 2 ( figure 8 ), as discussed above. Known as such, the heating element is typically an electric heating element, operating on the principle of the Joule effect, and comprising at least one electric heating resistor formed of an electrically conductive wire (not shown) wound around it. an insulating core 9. Alternatively, the heating element could be housed inside the accessory 6, to the detriment, however, of the compactness of the latter in particular.

Advantageously, the hairdressing appliance 1 comprises means for controlling and / or adjusting 10 manually, by the user, the operation of the hairdressing appliance 1, and in particular of the blower module 5 and / or of the heating element of the latter. These are adjustment means, for example of the toggle switch type, push button type and / or slide or wheel variator type 10, as in the example illustrated in figures 1 to 4 , on which the user can directly act in order to electrically activate / deactivate the hairdressing appliance 1 and to modify the speed of rotation of the fan of the blower module 5, and therefore the speed / flow rate of the air flow F blown by the accessory 6, and / or the heating temperature of the heating element. Such manual control / adjustment means, known as such, can be positioned, for example, at the level of the handle 2 or at the level of the blower module 5, when the latter is assembled at the second end 4 of the latter. as in the example shown in figures 1 to 4 . Advantageously constituting a portable electric appliance, the hairdressing appliance 1 is preferably designed to be supplied electrically from the mains, via a power cord 11. Alternatively, the hairdressing appliance 1 could be supplied by a power source. on-board energy, such as for example an electric accumulator battery, which could then be housed in handle 2.

The accessory 6 of the hairdressing appliance 1 according to the invention comprises a main element 12 for mechanical engagement of the hair, capable of interacting mechanically with the user's hair so in particular to brush, style and / or comb them. The accessory 6 typically comprises a support 13, provided with a support surface 14 oriented towards the outside of the appliance 1, and to which is secured, optionally in a removable manner, said main element 12 for mechanical engagement of the hair. For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, said main mechanical engagement element 12 may comprise a plurality of rows or strips 12A, 12B, 12C of brush bristles (or pins), fixed to said support 13 and protruding. of said support surface 14, preferably in a direction substantially normal to the latter. Alternatively, the main mechanical engagement element 12 could for example comprise brush bristles (or pins) which are integral with said support 13. The support surface 14 can be substantially flat, or as in the illustrated embodiment. in the figures, bulging outwards from the accessory 6.

The accessory 6 also comprises at least first and second (main) air outlets 15, 16, through which the air flow F is capable of being blown by the accessory 6 in the direction of hair. the user. Said first and second air outlets 15, 16 are distinct from each other, and therefore not coincident and not contiguous, and are positioned on either side of the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair. . As illustrated in the figures, said first and second air outlets 15, 16 are thus advantageously positioned at the edge of the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair, along opposite lateral edges of the main mechanical engagement element. 12 hair.

As can be seen from figures 5 to 7 in particular, the presence of said first and second air outlets 15, 16 is a permanent presence, that is to say non-alternative. In other words, the first and second outlets 15, 16 are always present on either side of the main element 12 for mechanical engagement of the hair; the first and second outputs 15, 16 are not ephemeral.

According to a variant not shown in the figures, said accessory 6 may optionally include one or more secondary elements for mechanical engagement of the hair. For example, the accessory 6 could comprise a first secondary element for mechanical engagement of the hair, arranged in such a way that said first air outlet 15 is positioned between said first secondary element and said main element 12 for mechanical engagement of the hair. , and a second secondary element for mechanical hair engagement, arranged such that said second air outlet 16 is positioned between said second secondary element and said primary element for mechanical engagement 12 of the hair.

Preferably, the accessory 6 comprises a housing 17, an outer surface of which advantageously defines the general external shape and contour of the accessory 6. Said housing 17 is advantageously connected to the handle 2 at the level of the first end 3 of the latter. , so that said housing 17 (and therefore accessory 6) advantageously extends said handle 2 directly beyond said first end 3 of the latter. The outer surface of the housing 17 thus advantageously defines the general outer shape and contour of an end portion of the styling appliance 1 which extends the handle 2 of said styling appliance 1. As illustrated as an example in the figures, said housing 17 preferably comprises at least a first face 18A, a portion of which advantageously forms said support 13 of the main element 12 for mechanical engagement of the hair. Fixed to said support 13, the main element 12 for mechanical engagement of the hair is therefore advantageously integral with the housing 17 and immobilized with respect to the latter. Advantageously, the first face 18A of the housing 17 carries the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6, so that said first and second air outlets 15, 16 are integral with the housing 17 and the main element 12 for mechanical engagement of the hair, said first and second air outlets 15, 16 being stationary with respect to the latter. The housing 17, the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair and the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory thus advantageously form a single kinematic sub-assembly of the hairdressing appliance 1.

Particularly advantageously, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the first face 18A of the housing 17 can be defined by all or part of an outer face of a first element 17A of a monolithic housing. The support 13 of the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair and the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 are thus advantageously integral with the first housing element 17A. The design and manufacture of the accessory 6 is thereby particularly simplified, said first housing element 17A being easily able to be manufactured by injection-molding of a plastic material, for example.

Advantageously, as illustrated in the figures, said housing 17 (and more generally the accessory 6) extends longitudinally along a (second) average axis BB ', between a lower end 19 at which said housing 17 advantageously extends the handle 2 beyond the second end 4 thereof, and an opposite upper end 20. Said first and second air outlets 15, 16 are advantageously each defined by an elongated continuous opening, such as a slit, which extends advantageously longitudinally respectively along one and the other of the side edges of the 'main element of mechanical engagement 12 of the hair, in an average direction which is generally oriented along said axis BB' of extension of the housing 17. However, other conformations and orientations of the first and second outlets 15, 16 of air may alternatively be considered without departing for this from the scope of the invention.

The hairdressing appliance 1 also comprises an air distribution duct 21, and which extends from one end 3 of the handle 2, in this case from the first end 3 of the handle 2 in the mode. embodiment illustrated in the figures. Said air distribution duct 21 comprises two air distribution outlets 22, 23, which are separate and distant from each other, and are provided to distribute the air flow F generated by the blower module. 5 out of the air distribution duct 21 in different average directions. As can be seen from figures 5 to 7 , the air distribution outlets 22, 23 are advantageously diametrically opposed. Preferably, said air distribution duct 21 comprises only two air distribution outlets 22, 23, which advantageously have respective useful air passage sections which are substantially identical. In the case where the blower module 5 is arranged within the handle 2 or at the level of the second end 3 of said handle 2, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the air distribution duct 21 may advantageously comprise a air inlet 24, connected to the guide channel 8 formed inside the handle 2, to collect the air flow generated by the blower module 5. The air distribution duct 21 thus advantageously extends said channel guide 8 of air beyond the first end 3 of the latter. Advantageously, the air distribution duct 21 and the air guide channel 8 within the handle 2 may form a single, monolithic part, so as to further simplify the design and manufacture of the device 1 of hairstyle. For example, said air distribution duct 21 may comprise a hollow tube 25, of cylindrical shape or even frustoconical, as will be described below, open at one of its ends, said distribution outlets 15, 16 d 'air being provided through a wall of tube 25, which wall is substantially airtight.

According to the invention, the accessory 6 is mounted to rotate, to pivot, relative to the handle 2 along a (third) axis CC 'of rotation to occupy at least a first angular configuration, that is to say a first predefined spatial arrangement of the accessory 6 with rotation relative to the handle 2, allowing a variable angular orientation of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2 within a predetermined angular range. In other words, said first angular configuration corresponds to a plurality of different angular orientations (or positions) that the accessory 6 is likely to occupy relative to the handle 2 by rotation around the axis CC 'of rotation, in a predetermined and advantageously limited angular range. Thus, when the accessory 6 occupies such a first angular configuration called "with variable angular orientation", the accessory 6 has a certain latitude of rotation about the axis CC 'of rotation and is therefore capable of being able to pivot, oscillate, relative to handle 2 in said predetermined, limited angular range, while blowing the air flow out of the hairdressing appliance 1 via one and / or the other of said first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6.

• une première position angulaire (non illustrée), dans laquelle une première 22 desdites sorties de distribution 22, 23 d'air du conduit de distribution 21 d'air est en communication aéraulique avec la première sortie 15 d'air de l'accessoire 6, et
• une deuxième position angulaire (distincte de ladite première position angulaire, illustrée à la figure 5), dans laquelle la deuxième 23 desdites sorties de distribution 22, 23 d'air du conduit de distribution 21 d'air est en communication aéraulique avec la deuxième sortie 16 d'air de l'accessoire 6.

More specifically, the device 1 according to the invention is designed and configured so that, when the accessory 6 occupies said first angular configuration, said accessory 6 is able to move in rotation between:

• a first angular position (not shown), in which a first 22 of said air distribution outlets 22, 23 of the air distribution duct 21 is in aeraulic communication with the first air outlet 15 of the accessory 6, and
• a second angular position (distinct from said first angular position, illustrated on figure 5 ), in which the second 23 of said air distribution outlets 22, 23 of the air distribution duct 21 is in aeraulic communication with the second air outlet 16 of the accessory 6.

Thus, when the user uses the hairdressing appliance 1 and the accessory 6 of the latter occupies said first angular configuration called “with variable angular orientation”, the interaction between the user's hair and the element d 'mechanical engagement 12 of the hair of the accessory 6 may cause the accessory 6 to pivot relative to the handle 2 along the axis CC' of rotation, under the effect of a tensile force exerted by the hair of the user on the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair. This will then have the effect of blowing the air flow F selectively through one and / or the other of the first and second air outlets 15, 16 according to the direction of brushing or styling of the hair, and therefore according to the direction of pivoting of the accessory 6 about said axis CC 'of rotation in the direction of one or the other of said first and second angular positions. In this way, the air flow F will advantageously always be blown as close as possible to the user's hair, and in a direction that is always optimal depending on the direction of movement of the device 1, without requiring any particular action by the part of the latter, other than brushing his hair using the device 1. In this case the air flow will thus always be blown in a direction going from the hairline to the tip of the hair, this meaning being particularly interesting for certain operations of shaping the hair or for disentangling operations. The hairdressing appliance 1 in accordance with the invention thus makes it possible to easily obtain particularly satisfactory styling and shaping effects on the hair, including for users who do not have specific hairstyling knowledge.

Preferably, the first and second angular positions capable of being adopted by the accessory 6, by rotation of the latter relative to the handle 2, are opposite extreme positions of the first angular configuration, said predetermined angular range being included between 20 ° and 60 °, and preferably 50 °. Such a value range contributes to giving the device 1 a particularly ergonomic character in use, by optimizing the amplitude of the rotation, that is to say the displacement stroke resulting from the tensile force exerted. by the hair on the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair necessary for reaching one of said first and second angular positions from the other of said first and second angular positions.

Advantageously, said first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 are provided to blow the flow F of air out of the device 1 in the direction of the main element 12 for mechanical engagement of the hair. and substantially tangential to said support surface 14 of said main hair mechanical engagement member 12. In other words, as illustrated in particular in figures 5 to 7 , said first and second air outlets 15, 16 are both shaped and configured, with respect to the support 13 of the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair, to direct, orient, the flow F of air in the direction of the main hair mechanical engagement element 12 which is positioned between said first and second air outlets 15, 16 and substantially tangential to the surface 14 of the support 13 of said hair mechanical engagement primary element 12.

The average trajectory of the air flow F capable of being blown by one and / or the other of the first and second air outlets 15,16 of the accessory 6 is therefore advantageously secant (and not parallel) to the direction in which the bristles or brush pins of the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair protrude from the surface 14 of the support 13 of the latter. In this way, the air flow F can be advantageously blown as close as possible to the user's hair which is engaged with the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair, which makes it possible to further improve the effect. styling, brushing or even straightening of the hair which can be obtained using said device 1.

Advantageously, the device 1 is designed and configured so that the aeraulic communication of the second air outlet 16 of the accessory 6 with the second air distribution outlet 23 of the air distribution duct 21 is prohibited when the accessory 6 occupies said first angular position. Conversely, the device 1 is advantageously designed and configured so that the aeraulic communication of the first air outlet 15 of the accessory 6 with the first air distribution outlet 22 of the air distribution duct 21 is prohibited. when the accessory 6 occupies said second angular position ( figure 5 ). Thus, all of the air flow F generated by the blower 5 module can be alternately blown by one or the other only of said first and second distribution outlets 22, 23 of the air distribution duct 21 of air, respectively according to the first or second angular position occupied by the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2. Such a characteristic advantageously makes it possible in particular to simplify the design of the accessory 6, and to make the distribution of air to the air more reliable. first or second air outlet 15, 16 from accessory 6 while limiting pressure drops.

Advantageously, the device 1 is designed and configured so that when the accessory 6 occupies said first angular configuration, the accessory 6 is able to occupy a third angular position, illustrated in FIG. figure 6 , which is angularly intermediate to said first and second angular positions and in which the first and second air distribution outlets 22, 23 of the air distribution duct 21 are simultaneously in aeraulic communication with the first and second outlets 15, 16 d air from accessory 6. Thus, when the accessory 6 occupies said third angular position, the air flow generated by the blower module 5 can be simultaneously blown by the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6. This makes it possible to release of air flow F on either side of the main element 12 for mechanical engagement of the hair, which is particularly advantageous at the start of the styling operation, when the user places the hair for the first time. hairdressing appliance 1 in contact with a lock of hair. Indeed, the entire region of the lock of hair is then treated before the user sets the device 1 in motion and the hair exerts traction on the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair, and therefore before that the air flow F is blown only by the first or second air distribution outlet 22, 23. Advantageously, said third angular position is an angularly median position of said first and second angular positions within said predetermined angular range. The amplitude of rotation of the accessory 6 between the first and third angular positions is then identical to the amplitude of rotation of the accessory 6 between the second and third angular positions (for example, an amplitude of 25 ° on both sides and other of said third angular position).

More advantageously still, the third angular position is a rest position, the accessory 6 comprising a return means, preferably elastic, provided to automatically return said accessory 6 to said third angular position, when the accessory 6 occupies one or the other of said first and second angular positions. Thus, in the absence of any force exerted on the accessory 6 by interaction between the user's hair and the main element 12 for mechanical engagement of the hair, the accessory 6 advantageously returns automatically by itself into said third intermediate angular position, called the rest position. The force and the amplitude of rotation of the accessory 6 by interaction between the user's hair and the main element 12 for mechanical engagement of the hair of the accessory 6 which will subsequently be necessary to reach the one or the other of said first and second angular positions are thus advantageously reduced, which further improves the ease and comfort of use of the device 1.

Said return means preferably comprises a pair of tension springs 26, 27 arranged to work in opposition to one another. Advantageously arranged in a plane orthogonal to the axis CC 'of rotation of the accessory 6, each of said springs 26, 27 is connected by one of its ends to the handle 2 or, as will be detailed below, to a part intermediate 28 capable of being at least temporarily immobilized relative to the handle 2. Each of said springs 26, 27 is connected by the other of its ends to the accessory 6, and for example to a respective bearing surface of the housing 17 of the last. If the implementation of such a pair of springs 26, 27 proves to be particularly effective and robust in ensuring such an automatic return function of the accessory 6 in such a third intermediate angular position of rest, other means suitable, elastic (leaf spring, torsion spring, etc.) or not (pair of magnets, etc.), may however be used alternately for this purpose. Advantageously, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, said return means is arranged outside the air flow circulating within the device 1, so on the one hand that said return means cannot not cause disturbance of said air flow F and, on the other hand, so that said air flow does not disturb the correct operation of the return means, in particular when it has been heated by said heating element device 1.

Preferably, the device 1 according to the invention is designed and configured so that substantially all of the air flow F, which is generated by the blower module 5 and distributed by the air distribution duct 21, is blown. respectively via the first air outlet 15 of the accessory 6 when the accessory 6 occupies said first angular position, via the second air outlet 16 of the accessory 6 when the accessory 6 occupies said second angular position and, where appropriate, simultaneously via said first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 when the latter occupies said third angular position. However, optionally, the accessory 6 of the device 1 may include an auxiliary air outlet (not shown), separate from the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6, and intended to be in aeraulic communication with the first air distribution outlet 22 of the air distribution duct 21 and / or with the second air distribution outlet 23 of the air distribution duct 21, depending on whether the accessory 6 occupies said first angular position, said second angular position or also optionally said third angular position. Thus, when the accessory 6 occupies said first angular position in said first angular configuration, the air flow generated by the blower module 5 can be advantageously blown in priority, mainly, by means of the first outlet 15 of air from the accessory 6, while nevertheless being capable of being blown at least in part by means of said auxiliary outlet. Conversely, when the accessory 6 occupies said second angular position in said first angular configuration, the air flow generated by the blower module 5 can be advantageously blown in priority, mainly, via the second outlet 16 of air from the accessory 6, while nevertheless being capable of being blown at least in part by means of said auxiliary outlet. Thus, in the particular assumption where one or the other of said first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 unfortunately comes to be obstructed, for example by the presence of the user's hair, the air flow F can still escape from the device 1 via the auxiliary outlet of the accessory 6. Such an exhaust solution thus prevents the device 1 from overheating, but also limits any risk of burning the user's hair or scalp. The presence of such an auxiliary air outlet can also be advantageous in the case where the useful section of one and / or the other of said first and second air outlets 15, 16 turns out to be insufficiently dimensioned in terms of sight of a very high flow rate of air flow F capable of being generated by the blower module 5 when the latter operates at very high air flow rate. Indeed, this limits in particular a risk of damage to the blower module 5 under the effect of an internal back pressure generated in the device 6, as well as a risk of burning the user's hair (when said air flow is heated by the heating element) under the effect of an abnormal heating and an acceleration of the air flow F due to a restriction of the useful section of the first or second outlets 15, 16 by the user's hair, or to an “undersizing” of said useful section. The term “auxiliary” is understood here to mean the fact that said auxiliary outlet does not constitute an air outlet through which the main part of the air flow is intended to be primarily blown out, in normal use of the vehicle. device 1, but on the contrary constitutes a non-priority outlet - called a “bypass” or “safety” - in the event that the air flow cannot be properly blown by one or the other of said outlets 15, 16 d main air of the accessory 6. In other words, the device 1 is therefore advantageously designed and configured so that the air flow circulating within said device 1 is essentially and primarily guided, from the distribution duct 21 of air to one or the other of said air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 (depending on the angular position occupied by the accessory 6 with respect to the handle 2), the auxiliary air outlet being for its part configured so as to allow the escape of at least part of the air flow q ui does not manage to exit as expected by one or the other of said air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6. As such, said auxiliary outlet will advantageously be dimensioned so that in the absence of any unforeseen particular restriction of the useful air passage section of the first and second air outlets, at least 60% of the flow rate of the air flow F is capable of being blown through the first and / or second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6, regardless of the angular position occupied by the accessory 6 when the latter is in said first angular configuration.

Such an auxiliary air outlet will preferably be positioned between said first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6, at the level of the main element 12 for mechanical engagement of the hair. The auxiliary air outlet may typically be formed from one or more auxiliary orifices, formed through the support 13 of the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair, between the rows or bars 12A, 12B, 12C brush bristles of the latter, so that when at least part of the air flow escapes through said auxiliary air outlet, the air is nevertheless blown in a controlled manner towards the user's hair (and not, for example, towards the face or towards the hand with which the user holds the handle 2 of the device 6). Optionally, such an auxiliary output could be equipped with a valve system, configured so that at least part of the air flow F is capable of being blown by said auxiliary outlet only when a threshold pressure is reached, said threshold pressure being for example chosen representative of a level predefined obstruction of one or other of said first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6. It is also possible, as a variant, for said auxiliary air outlet to be formed by the third outlet 33 air which will be described later.

Advantageously, the air distribution duct 21 extends longitudinally, from said first end 3 of the handle 2, along a (fourth) axis DD 'of extension which coincides with the axis CC' of rotation of the 'accessory 6 relative to the handle 2. Thus, the accessory 6 can be advantageously mounted to rotate relative to the handle 2 around the air distribution duct 21, which contributes in particular to the simplicity of design and operation of the 'apparatus 1. As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the air distribution duct 21 can thus advantageously extend inside the housing 17 of the accessory 6, the axes B-B', DD ' respective extension of the housing 17 and of the air distribution duct 21 being advantageously parallel to each other or coincident. It is then advantageous to provide for the implementation of one or more ball bearings between the air distribution duct 21 and the housing 17 of the accessory 6, to facilitate the rotation of the housing 17 around said air duct. 21 air distribution. Optionally, although less advantageously in terms of design in particular, it could possibly be envisaged that the axis DD ′ of extension of the air distribution duct 21 is parallel to the axis CC ′ of rotation of the accessory 6 and more or less shifted from the latter. Advantageously, the axis CC ′ of rotation around which the accessory 6 is mounted to rotate relative to the handle 2 coincides with the axis AA ′ of extension of the handle 2, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures. Nevertheless, the axis CC ′ of rotation could alternatively be parallel to said axis AA ′ of extension of the handle 2 and more or less offset with respect to the latter. The kinematics of the accessory 6 is thus simple and reliable, and allows intuitive handling of the hairdressing device 1 by the user. Alternatively again, it could be envisaged that the axis CC 'of rotation of the accessory 6 is secant to the axis AA 'of extension of the handle 2 at an angle for example between 5 and 15 °. Particularly advantageously, as in the example illustrated in the figures, the axis AA 'of extension of the handle 2 coincides with the axis CC' of rotation of the accessory 6 and with the axis DD 'of extension of the air distribution duct 21. However, it could also be envisaged, for example, that the axis CC ′ of rotation of the accessory 6 and the axis DD ′ of extension of the air distribution duct 21 are coincident with one another, while while being intersecting with the axis AA 'of extension of the handle 2, at an angle for example between 5 and 15 °, or for example substantially equal to 90 °.

As already mentioned above, the first and second distribution outlets 22, 23 of the air distribution duct 21 of the hairdressing appliance 1 according to the invention and are provided to distribute the flow F of air generated. by the blower module 5 in different mean directions, advantageously opposite, and therefore not in substantially parallel directions. The air flow F can thus be easily distributed in the direction of the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6, with a minimum of pressure drop, which makes it possible to maintain a good speed and a good flow rate. of the air flow F, and therefore better efficiency of the hairdressing appliance 1. Advantageously, and in particular in the case where the axis CC ′ of rotation of the accessory 6 coincides with the axis DD ′ of longitudinal extension of the air distribution duct 21, said first and second air outlets. distribution 22, 23 are more specifically provided, particularly in terms of conformation and arrangement, to distribute said flow F the air in different average directions which form with said axis DD 'of extension of the distribution duct 21 of air an angle between 165 ° and 195 °.

• la première sortie de distribution 22 est, en tant que telle, apte à souffler le flux d'air selon une première direction moyenne, lorsque l'accessoire 6 occupe la première position angulaire, et
• la deuxième sortie de distribution 23 est, en tant que telle, apte à souffler le flux d'air selon une deuxième direction moyenne, lorsque l'accessoire 6 occupe la deuxième position angulaire,

lesdites première et deuxième directions moyennes sont respectivement inscrites dans des plans sécants suivant l'axe D-D' d'extension du conduit de distribution 21 d'air, de manière à former avec ledit axe D-D' d'extension un angle compris entre 165° et 195°.In other words, said first and second distribution outlets 22, 23 are provided so that

• the first distribution outlet 22 is, as such, capable of blowing the air flow in a first mean direction, when the accessory 6 occupies the first angular position, and
• the second distribution outlet 23 is, as such, suitable for blowing the flow of air in a second mean direction, when the accessory 6 occupies the second angular position,

said first and second mean directions are respectively inscribed in secant planes along the axis DD 'of extension of the air distribution duct 21, so as to form with said axis DD' of extension an angle of between 165 ° and 195 °.

As such, said first and second distribution outlets 22, 23 are thus advantageously positioned in a globally diametrically opposed manner with respect to the axis D-D ′ of extension of the air distribution duct 21. Such a configuration advantageously makes it possible in particular to simplify the design of the device 1 and to optimize its aeraulic operation, while keeping the size of the accessory 6 limited.

In the embodiment illustrated as an example in the figures, and as can be seen in particular in the figures 8 and 10 , the air distribution duct 21 comprises a substantially frustoconical hollow tube 25 (as envisaged above), an axis of revolution of which is advantageously formed by the axis DD 'of extension of the distribution duct 21. The axis DD 'extension of the distribution duct 21 is here merged with the axis AA' of extension of the handle 2. The respective extension axes A-A ', DD' of the distribution duct 21 and of the handle 2 are themselves the same combined with the axis CC 'of rotation of the accessory 6, as preferably envisaged above. Said distribution duct 21 is advantageously housed inside the housing 17 of the accessory 6, when the latter is connected to the handle 2, said housing 17 being mounted to rotate around the tube 25 of the air distribution duct 21 ( figure 10 ). The air distribution duct 21 advantageously extends the air guide channel 8 formed inside the handle 2, via a large base of the frustoconical tube 25, at which the inlet is arranged. air 24 from the air distribution duct 21. The useful section of passage of the air flow F inside the tube 25 thus decreases along the axis DD 'of extension of the distribution duct 21, moving away from the handle 2. The air distribution duct 21 advantageously comprises two single distribution outlets 22, 23 of air, of Identical respective working sections, which are formed through the side wall 29 of the hollow tube 25, which wall 29 is airtight. Each of said air distribution outlets 22, 23 takes, in this example, the form of an oblong slot which extends longitudinally in a plane bearing the axis DD 'of extension of the distribution duct 21. In this example , said first and second air distribution outlets 22, 23 are arranged substantially diametrically opposed with respect to the axis DD 'of extension of the distribution duct 21. The substantially frustoconical shape of the tube 25 of the distribution duct 21 air advantageously provided to homogenize the profile of the air flow F, which circulates inside the tube 25 along the axis DD 'of extension of the distribution duct 21 and escapes through the outlets 22, 23 air distribution. The air distribution duct 21 advantageously furthermore comprises deflector flaps 30 positioned at the level of the air distribution outlets 22, 23, to facilitate the distribution of air via the latter in radial directions, c 'that is to say advantageously orthogonal to the axis DD' of extension of the distribution duct 21, and homogenize the profile of the air flow D thus distributed. In return, the accessory 6 advantageously comprises, in the embodiment illustrated as an example in the figures, a first and a second pipe portions 31, 32 provided to ensure an air communication of the first and second distribution outlets 22, 23 air from the air distribution duct 21 respectively with the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6, when the latter occupies said first angular configuration with respect to the handle 2. As illustrated as an example in figures 5 to 7 in particular, the first and second pipe portions 31, 32 can be advantageously formed through the first housing element 17 of the housing 17 of the accessory 6. Advantageously, as is apparent in particular from the figures 5 to 7 , close cooperation in rotation of the air distribution duct 21 with a corresponding interior surface of the housing 17 of the accessory 6 makes it possible, in the embodiment of the illustrated in the figures, to alternately prohibit the aeraulic communication of the second air outlet 16 of the accessory 6 with the second air distribution outlet 23 of the air distribution duct 21 and vice versa of the first air outlet 15 of the accessory 6 with the first air distribution outlet 22 of the air distribution duct 21, according to said first or second angular position ( figure 5 ) occupied by the accessory.

According to an advantageous variant, retained in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the accessory 6 furthermore comprises a third (main) air outlet 33, distinct from the first and second air outlets 15, 16 (and preferably from said auxiliary air outlet, if applicable), and the accessory 6 is mounted to rotate with respect to the handle 2 along said axis CC 'of rotation of the accessory 6 to occupy - alternately to said first angular configuration described above- before - a second angular configuration, in which said accessory 6 is then able to blow the air flow only through said third air outlet 33. Said accessory 6 is thus advantageously mounted to rotate, to pivot, relative to the handle 2 about the axis CC 'of rotation, to move between at least said first angular configuration ( figures 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 10 and 12 ) described above, in which the air flow is blown by the accessory 6 via one and / or the other of the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 , and a second angular configuration ( figures 3 , 4 , 7 and 13 ) in which the air flow is blown by the accessory 6 via only said third air outlet 33. In other words, the accessory 6 is mounted relative to the handle 2 in a pivot connection, so as to be able to rotate relative to the handle 2, and the hairdressing appliance 1 is advantageously designed and configured to allow the user, by pivoting the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2, so as to alternately select either the first and / or second air outlets 15, 16 or the third air outlet 33 of the accessory 6 through which the air flow will be blown by said accessory 6.

• lorsque l'accessoire 6 adopte ladite première configuration angulaire, aucune des première et deuxième sorties 22, 23 de distribution d'air du conduit de distribution 21 d'air de l'appareil 1 n'est en communication aéraulique avec la troisième sortie 33 d'air de l'accessoire 6, tandis que
• lorsque l'accessoire 6 adopte ladite deuxième configuration angulaire, au moins l'une des première et deuxième sorties 22, 23 de distribution d'air du conduit de distribution 21 d'air de l'appareil 1 est en communication aéraulique avec la troisième sortie 33 d'air, et aucune desdites première et deuxième sorties 22, 23 de distribution d'air n'est en communication aéraulique avec l'une et / ou l'autre desdites première et deuxième sorties 15, 16 d'air (et / ou sortie d'air auxiliaire, le cas échéant) de l'accessoire 6.

As such, the hairdressing appliance 1 is advantageously designed and configured so that:

• when the accessory 6 adopts said first angular configuration, none of the first and second air distribution outlets 22, 23 of the air distribution duct 21 of the device 1 is in aeraulic communication with the third air outlet 33 of accessory 6, while
• when the accessory 6 adopts said second angular configuration, at least one of the first and second air distribution outlets 22, 23 of the air distribution duct 21 of the device 1 is in aeraulic communication with the third outlet 33 air, and none of said first and second air distribution outlets 22, 23 is in aeraulic communication with one and / or the other of said first and second air outlets 15, 16 (and / or auxiliary air outlet, if applicable) of the accessory 6.

For example, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, such a characteristic is ensured by close cooperation in rotation of the air distribution duct 21 with a corresponding interior surface of the housing 17 of the accessory 6 ( figures 5 to 7 ).

Thus, by rotating the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2, the user can advantageously switch from a “blower brush” mode of use, in which the accessory 6 occupies said first angular configuration and can move between said first and second angular positions for blowing air through one and / or the other of said first and second air outlets 15, 16, to another mode of use which corresponds to the occupation of said second configuration angular by the accessory 6 and in which the air flow is then essentially blown through the third air outlet 33 of the accessory 6.

Advantageously, as illustrated as an example in the figures, said housing 17 of the accessory 6 comprises a second face 18B carrying said third air outlet 33. Advantageously, the first and second faces 18A, 18B of the housing 17 are then positioned on either side of the axis CC 'of longitudinal extension of the housing 17 of the accessory 6, and of the axis CC' of rotation. of the accessory 6 with respect to the handle 2. The accessory 6 further preferably comprises a third portion 34 of pipe, provided to ensure air communication between at least one of said first and second distribution outlets 22, 23 of air from the air distribution duct 21 and said third air outlet 33 of the accessory 6, when the latter is in said second angular configuration. Advantageously, the useful section of said third air outlet 34 of the accessory 6 can be defined, as illustrated in figures 5 to 7 , by a contour of an outlet end 35 of the third portion 34 of pipe. Advantageously, the housing 17 of the accessory 6 comprises a second housing element 17B, monolithic or not, which is secured (for example by screwing or by snapping) to the first housing element 17A mentioned above, and stationary relative to the latter. . Said second housing element 17B can then comprise said third portion 34 of pipe, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, or be fixedly secured to said second housing element 17B by any suitable means.

As illustrated in particular on figure 4 , said third air outlet 33 may advantageously have an opening of generally oblong, elongated shape (flow of air exiting in the form of an air knife). Alternatively, said third air outlet 33 could have, for example, an opening of generally circular shape (air flow exiting in a substantially cylindrical or frustoconical shape). Thus, when the accessory 6 occupies said second angular configuration relative to the handle 2, the hairdressing appliance 1 can advantageously be used to dry the user's hair (“hair dryer” mode). Advantageously, the second angular configuration then corresponds to a single predetermined angular orientation (or position) (and therefore not variable within a predetermined angular range) of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2. Thus, when the accessory 6 n 'is not oriented according to this unique predetermined orientation or angular position relative to the axis CC' of rotation, the air flow can advantageously not be blown by the accessory 6 via said third air outlet 33 . The accessory 6 is thus advantageously able to blow the air flow through the third air outlet 33 in a single, predefined mean direction. Obviously, the third air outlet 33 of the accessory may have one or more openings of a general shape different from that set out above, and the accessory 6 may be more generally provided to be able to be used other than for drying. hair, when it occupies such a second angular configuration with respect to the handle 2. Furthermore, the device 1 may be alternately configured so that said second angular configuration allows a variable (and no longer unique) angular orientation of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2 in an angular range predetermined.

The hairdressing appliance 1 thus advantageously constitutes a multifunction appliance, combining a “blower brush” operating / use mode and at least one other alternative operating / use mode (so-called “two-in-one” hairstyling appliance. "), Which is preferably a" hair dryer "mode as has just been explained in connection with the embodiment illustrated in the figures, in particular according to the conformation of the third air outlet 33 chosen.

In order to maintain a simplicity of design and manufacture, the device 1 is advantageously designed and configured so that the passage of the accessory 6 from one to the other of said first and second angular configurations can be carried out manually. by the user. In particular, the housing 17 of the accessory 6 is advantageously shaped to allow easy manual gripping by the user so that the latter, by holding the handle 2 of the hairdressing appliance 1 with one hand and grasping the other hand said housing 17, can print directly by hand to said housing 17 (and therefore to the accessory 6), a pivoting movement about the axis CC 'of rotation of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2 , to ensure the passage of the accessory 6 from one to the other of said first and second angular configurations.

Advantageously, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing appliance 1 is designed and configured to allow passage of the accessory 6 from one to the other of said first and second angular configurations by rotation of the accessory 6 around the axis CC 'of rotation at an angle equal to 90 °. This angle value is however not limited in practice, and the passage from the first angular configuration to the second angular configuration of the accessory 6 could for example alternatively correspond to a rotation of the accessory 6 around the axis CC 'of rotation by an angle equal to 180 °.

In the preferred case where the hairdressing appliance 1 is advantageously designed so that the accessory 6 can alternately occupy said first and second angular configurations described above, the hairdressing appliance 1 preferably comprises a locking means of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2, which is provided to prevent the accessory 6 from leaving said first angular configuration ("blower brush" mode), by rotation about the axis CC 'of rotation, when said accessory 6 occupies the latter. However, said locking means does not, of course, prevent the rotation of the accessory 6 around the axis C-C ′ of rotation according to said predetermined angular range. More preferably still, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, said locking means is furthermore provided to reciprocally prevent the accessory 6 from leaving said second angular configuration (“hair dryer” mode, for example), by rotation around the axis CC 'of rotation, when the accessory 6 occupies the latter respectively. The hairdressing appliance 1 then advantageously also comprises a control member 36 to allow the user of the hairdressing appliance 1 to control the locking and / or unlocking of the accessory 6 by said locking means.

• une configuration verrouillée, dans laquelle ledit moyen de verrouillage inhibe mécaniquement toute possibilité d'entraîner l'accessoire 6 en rotation relativement au manche 2, selon l'axe C-C' de rotation, pour faire quitter à l'accessoire 6 ladite première configuration angulaire (et de préférence réciproquement ladite deuxième configuration angulaire) dans laquelle il se trouve verrouillé, et
• une configuration déverrouillée, dans laquelle ledit moyen de verrouillage autorise au contraire une mise en rotation de l'accessoire 6 relativement au manche 2 selon ledit axe C-C' de rotation, de sorte qu'il devient alors mécaniquement possible de faire quitter à l'accessoire 6 ladite première configuration angulaire (et de préférence réciproquement ladite deuxième configuration angulaire) dans laquelle il se trouve, pour l'amener avantageusement dans la deuxième configuration angulaire qu'il est susceptible d'occuper alternativement (et de préférence réciproquement dans la première configuration angulaire).

Said locking means is thus advantageously designed to change, in a reversible manner, between:

• a locked configuration, in which said locking means mechanically inhibits any possibility of driving the accessory 6 in rotation relative to the handle 2, along the axis CC 'of rotation, to cause the accessory 6 to leave said first angular configuration ( and reciprocally preferably said second angular configuration) in which it is locked, and
• an unlocked configuration, in which said locking means allows on the contrary a setting in rotation of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2 along said axis CC 'of rotation, so that it then becomes mechanically possible to cause the accessory 6 to leave said first angular configuration (and reciprocally said second angular configuration) in which it is located, to bring it advantageously into the second angular configuration that it is likely to occupy alternately ( and preferably vice versa in the first angular configuration).

The passage from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, and vice versa from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, then requires a positive action on the part of the user on, against, the control member 36 of the locking. / unlocking the accessory 6. Indeed, once locked in one and / or the other first and second angular configurations relative to the handle 2, the accessory 6 will therefore not be able to leave the angular configuration in which it is, in the absence of prior positive action on the part of the user on the control member 36 to control the unlocking of the locking means. In particular, any manual rotation of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2 is made impossible when the accessory 6 is in one and / or the other of said first and second angular configurations and the locking means is in locked configuration. Advantageously, said control member is functionally independent of the handle 2 and of the accessory 6. In other words, although the control member 36 can be carried by, integrated in, the handle 2 and / or the accessory 6 as will be detailed below, the latter do not as such constitute said control member 36. In particular, the unlocking of the accessory 6 cannot be controlled by the user by exerting a force on the handle 2 and / or the accessory 6 as a whole.

The possibility thus preferably offered by the device 1 of locking the angular configuration of the accessory 6 in “blower brush” mode (first angular configuration) makes it possible in particular to prevent the user from brushing his hair using of the appliance 1, the interaction between the user's hair and the mechanical engaging element 12 of the hair of the accessory 6 results in a sufficient force to rotate the accessory 6 around of the axis CC 'of rotation and thus cause it to leave its first angular configuration "blower brush". Conversely, the additional possibility preferably offered by the device 1 of locking the angular configuration of the accessory in “hair dryer” mode for example (second angular configuration) makes it possible in particular to advantageously prevent the accessory 6 from rotating by inertia and unexpectedly leaves its first angular configuration "hair dryer", when the user dries his hair using the device 1 by performing an alternating rotational movement of the wrist of the hand which holds the handle 2 of the apparatus 1. The implementation of such a means for locking the angular configuration occupied by the accessory 6 with respect to the handle 2 thus advantageously makes it possible to avoid the user a certain number of practical inconveniences in use. and contributes to a high reliability of use of the hairdressing appliance 1. Furthermore, said locking means contributes to ensuring particularly safe operation of the hairdressing appliance 1, insofar as it makes it possible in particular to prevent the unexpected projection of a flow of hot air in an unexpected direction, and by example in the direction of the eyes of the user, due to an unwanted rotation of the accessory 6 which would cause it to suddenly change its angular configuration. By virtue of the locking means, the risk of overheating and damage to the device 1 which could possibly occur due to an unwanted rotation of the accessory 6, which would bring the latter in a angular position outside of said first and second angular configurations, and which would have the effect of restricting too strongly, or even completely prohibiting, the projection out of the hairdressing appliance 1 of the air flow generated by the blower module 5. Thus, the The hairdressing device 1 can advantageously be used according to a plurality of different modes of use (multifunction device), not only in a particularly simple and practical manner since it suffices for the user to modify the configuration / orientation of the accessory 6 compared to the handle to switch from one mode of use to another, but also particularly reliable and safe insofar as the hairdressing device 1 cannot leave the configuration angular which it occupies, during operation, without the user having desired it.

Optionally, in the event that the hairdressing appliance 1 does not include such a means for locking the accessory 6, said appliance 1 may however advantageously comprise a means for limiting the rotation of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2 for limit, without however completely prohibiting, the ability of the accessory 6 to leave the angular configuration that it occupies. Said limiting means could, for example, be formed of a pair of magnets, potholes, or the like. Advantageously, said limiting means could moreover play the role of indexing means, allowing the user to know that the accessory 6 is indeed in the angular configuration concerned. However, it will remain possible to cause the accessory 6 to leave said angular configuration, by exerting a sufficient torque against the accessory 6 and the handle 2. For example, the hairdressing appliance 1 may include a locking means. , as envisaged above, to prevent the accessory 6 from leaving the first angular configuration (“blower brush” mode) when said accessory 6 occupies the latter, and a limiting means in accordance with the above to limit, without however completely prohibiting the ability of the accessory 6 to leave the second angular configuration (“hair dryer” mode, for example) when said accessory 6 occupies the latter.

Advantageously, the unlocked configuration of the locking means is an unstable configuration, so that said locking means tends to return naturally, by itself, to its locked configuration when it is the unlocked configuration. The safety of the hairdressing appliance 1 is thereby increased, since in the absence of positive action by the user on the control member 21 of the locking means, the latter will tend to naturally resume its locked configuration. and therefore to block the accessory 6 (provided that the accessory 6 then occupies one of said first and second angular configurations capable of being locked). The locked configuration of the locking means is thus advantageously a rest configuration, which the locking means is capable of naturally occupying in the absence of any stress on the control member 36 by the user.

In order to allow the locking means to lock the accessory 6 in the first angular configuration ("blower brush" mode) while however allowing the latter to move in rotation in said predetermined angular range between said first and second angular positions described above, said locking means may advantageously comprise a bolt 37 and an angular groove 38, that is to say an opening (or slot) in the form of an arc of a circle as can be seen on the figures 12 and 13 , which is shaped to receive within it said bolt 37 between two opposite ends 39, 40 of said angular groove 38 forming stops. The length of said angular groove 38 is advantageously chosen so as to delimit, limit, said predetermined angular range. Once the bolt 37 is housed in said angular groove 38 in the locked configuration of the locking means, the relative movement of the bolt 37 and of the angular groove 38 (and therefore the pivoting of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2) is thus limited. by the opposite ends 39, 40 of the angular groove 38. In the unlocked configuration of the locking means, the bolt 37 is no longer capable of cooperating with the angular groove 38, so that there is no longer any obstacle to the setting in rotation of the accessory 6 and that this the latter is then likely to leave the first angular configuration. Advantageously, the angular groove 38 is integral with the accessory 6, while the bolt 37 is integral with the handle 2, which makes it possible in particular to simplify the design of the accessory 6. As illustrated in the figures, the bolt 37 can advantageously take the shape of a rigid rod (or "pin") of circular section, which extends along a longitudinal axis along which said rod is intended to move in translation, in sliding, between at least one position in which at least one portion of the rod is positioned inside the angular groove 38 (locked configuration) and a position in which the rod is on the contrary positioned completely outside said angular groove 38 (unlocked configuration).

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the accessory 6 advantageously comprises an intermediate part 28, as introduced previously, movably mounted to slide inside said angular groove 38. Said intermediate piece 28 is mechanically connected to the accessory 6 by by means of the two traction springs 26, 27 which advantageously comprises the means for automatically returning the accessory 6 to said third intermediate angular position, in accordance with the explanations provided above. As shown in figures 12 and 13 , a respective end of said springs 26, 27 bears against a first internal bearing surface of the housing 17 of the accessory 6, and another respective end is connected, secured, to said intermediate piece 28. Said springs 26, 27 thus work in opposition to one another in such a way that the intermediate piece 28 is capable of oscillating inside the angular groove 38, between a first extreme position, in which one end of the intermediate piece 28 is in abutment against one of said ends 39, 40 of the angular groove 38, and a second extreme position, in which an opposite end of the intermediate piece 28 is in abutment against the other of said ends 39, 40 of the groove 38 angular. The intermediate piece 28 is furthermore provided, advantageously equidistant from the ends of the latter, with a first hole 41 shaped to closely receive the bolt 37 within it, to thus lock the accessory 6 in said first angular configuration ( figure 12 ) while therefore leaving the accessory 6 a certain latitude of rotation along said axis CC 'of rotation.

Said first and second extreme positions of the intermediate piece 28 within the angular groove 38 advantageously correspond respectively to said first and second angular positions between which the accessory 6 can move when it occupies said first angular configuration relative to the handle 2. Thus , when the accessory 6 is locked in the first angular configuration by cooperation of the bolt 37 and the angular groove 38, said first and second angular positions advantageously constitute extreme stop positions delimiting the amplitude of the free rotation, oscillation, of the accessory 6 around the axis C-C ', when said accessory 6 occupies said first angular configuration.

Optionally, the angular groove 38 may advantageously be provided with a second orifice (not illustrated), for example positioned equidistant from the ends 39, 40 of the angular groove 38, and in which a distal end portion of the bolt 37 will be capable of being tightly received when the accessory 6 is locked in the first angular configuration. In this way, the accessory 6 could advantageously be locked in said third angular position already mentioned above, by cooperation of the bolt 37 with said second orifice made in the angular groove 38 (as well as with said first hole 41 of the intermediate part 28 when the latter is implemented). It would thus be advantageously possible, if the user so wishes, to prevent the accessory 6 from pivoting within said predetermined angular range when the accessory 6 is locked in said first angular configuration.

It should be noted that, in the case where the accessory 6 is not intended to occupy such a third intermediate rest position when it is in the first configuration (“blower brush” mode), the intermediate piece 28 can possibly be omitted and the bolt 37 may be provided to abut directly (and no longer indirectly) against the ends 39, 40 of the angular groove 38.

In the embodiment illustrated as an example in the figures, the second angular configuration (“hair dryer” mode for example) advantageously corresponds to a single predetermined angular orientation of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2. Thus, so that said means of locking can also advantageously reciprocally prevent the accessory 6 from leaving said second angular configuration when said accessory 6 occupies the latter, as envisaged above, said locking means can advantageously also comprise a third hole 42, made in the housing 17 of the accessory 6, and which is shaped to closely receive the bolt 37 therein, to lock the accessory 6 in said second angular configuration ( figure 13 ). In the locked configuration of the locking means, the bolt 37 is then captured inside the third hole 42, without significant play in the direction of rotation of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2.

On the assumption that the device 1 is designed so that each of said first and second angular configurations of the accessory 6 (and no longer just the first angular configuration) allows angular orientation of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2 which is variable within a predetermined angular range (of extent not necessarily identical for each of the angular configurations), and in which it is desired to be able to lock the accessory 6, the locking means may advantageously comprise at least one bolt and two corresponding angular grooves distinct. Each of these angular grooves will then be shaped to alternately receive said bolt 37 within it, in accordance with the above, depending on whether the accessory 6 is in the first or in the second angular configuration in which the accessory 6 must be locked. .

Preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the control member 36 of the locking means is a manual mechanical control member 36, which is connected to the bolt 37 (directly or not) so that the user can ensure the locking and / or unlocking of the accessory 6 by the locking means by direct manual action on the control member 36. Said manual mechanical control member 36 is thus advantageously mounted to move at least between a locking position in wherein the locking means occupies said locked configuration and an unlocked position in which the locking means occupies said unlocked configuration, under the effect of said control member 36. Such a variant has the advantage of a relatively simple implementation , inexpensive and reliable. Alternatively, it could be an automatic control member, on which the user would act indirectly to control the locking and / or unlocking of the accessory 6 by the locking means. Such an automatic control member could then for example comprise an electromechanical relay connected on the one hand to the locking means and on the other hand to the means for controlling and / or manually adjusting, by the user, the operation of the device. hairdressing device 1. Thus, when the user turns on the hairdressing appliance 1 by acting on the means of control and / or adjustment 10, the automatic control member can for example automatically control the locking of the locking means in the angular configuration that the accessory 6 occupies. The change in angular configuration of the accessory 6 may then require the user to stop the operation of the hairdressing appliance 1 by again acting on the control and / or adjustment means 10, so as to command an automatic unlocking. of the accessory 6.

Preferably, the manual mechanical control member 36 of the locking means is movably mounted on the handle 2, and not on the accessory 6. In this way, the user can advantageously manipulate the manual mechanical control member 36 to using a finger of the hand with which he holds the handle 2 of the device 1, which contributes to giving the hairdressing device 1 a particularly ergonomic character. Again preferably, said manual mechanical control member 36 is mounted at one end of the handle 2 from which the accessory 6 extends the handle 2, in this case at said second end 4 of the handle 2, in the example illustrated in the figures. Such a positioning of the manual mechanical control member 36 therefore as close as possible to the interface between the rotary accessory 6 and the handle 2 allows in particular a simpler, more reliable and less bulky design of the mechanical connection between the member. manual mechanical control 36 and the locking means, in particular by limiting the need to resort to complex linkage means. Different kinematics of the manual mechanical control member 36 can be envisaged. According to a particularly simple variant, retained in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the manual mechanical control member 36 is advantageously mounted to move in rectilinear translation, preferably along the axis AA 'of longitudinal extension of the handle 2. The manual mechanical control member 36 is then advantageously formed of a slider 36 slidably mounted in a slideway 43 formed in the handle 2. Alternatively, the manual mechanical control member 36 could be mounted so as to be able to rotate, preferably around the handle. 'axis AA' of longitudinal extension of the handle 2. Alternatively again, the manual mechanical controller 36 can be mounted movable in translation and rotation, preferably along and around the axis AA 'of longitudinal extension of the handle 2, that is to say therefore in a helical connection. In these two alternatives, the manual mechanical control member 36 could be formed of an annular ring mounted in rotation or in translation-rotation within a corresponding annular groove or groove formed in the handle 2. According to yet another alternative , less advantageous, the manual mechanical control member 36 could be mounted movable in translation in a secant direction (and for example orthogonal) to the axis AA 'of longitudinal extension of the handle 2. In this case, the control member manual mechanical control 36 could be formed of a push button.

Advantageously, the hairdressing appliance 1 comprises a return means provided to automatically return the manual mechanical control member 36 to said locking position of the locking means when said manual mechanical control member 36 occupies said unlocking position of the device. locking means (and that the user ceases any direct action on the manual mechanical control member 36). This ensures the advantageously unstable nature, considered above, of the unlocked configuration of the locking means. Preferably, said return means is an elastic return means comprising at least one spring, arranged to work in traction or in compression, to elastically return the manual mechanical control member 36 to the locking position when it occupies said position. unlocking. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, said return means is such an elastic return means, which in this case advantageously comprises a pair of tension springs 44, 45 arranged between a surface of the handle 2 and a respective surface of the handle. 'manual mechanical controller 36, as is apparent from the transparency of the manual mechanical controller 36 on the figure 8 . Obviously, other return means, elastic (spring blade (s), compression spring (s), etc.) or not (pair of magnets, etc.), could be used alternately to ensure a such automatic return function of the manual mechanical control member 36 in said locking position of the locking means.

According to another variant (not illustrated) of the hairdressing appliance 1 of the invention, the accessory 6 is mounted to rotate with respect to the handle 2 along said axis CC 'of rotation of the accessory 6 to occupy only said first angular configuration, which allows a variable angular orientation of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2 in said predetermined angular range, and therefore to be able to oscillate in rotation between said first and second angular positions to blow the air flow through said first and / or second air outlets 15, 16 of accessory 6 (“blower brush” mode only). In particular, the accessory 6 of the latter therefore does not include, according to this variant, a third air outlet 33 through which the accessory 6 is able to blow the air flow when said accessory 6 occupies a second angular configuration, as described above. In this case, it is advantageous to provide that said first and second angular positions constitute extreme stop positions. As such, the hairdressing appliance 1 may then include complementary stop means, designed and arranged to mechanically delimit the predetermined angular range, and therefore mechanically limit the latitude of rotation, of oscillation, of the accessory 6 with respect to at handle 2.

According to a variant (not illustrated), the accessory 6 is designed to be connected, assembled, removably to the handle 2, so that the user can separate the accessory 6 from the handle 2, for example for cleaning or for cleaning. replace said accessory 6. According to another variant, retained in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the accessory 6 is designed to remain permanently connected, secured, to the handle 2 of the hairdressing appliance 1, and therefore is not not intended (in normal use) to be separated from the handle 2 of the hairdressing device 1 by the user. This simplifies both the design and the use of the hairdressing appliance 1. As such, in the example illustrated in the figures, the air distribution duct 21 is advantageously provided, in the vicinity of the first end 3 of the handle 2 with an annular peripheral lip 46, which extends in an orthogonal plane. to the axis AA 'of extension of the handle 2. The accessory 6 advantageously comprises an annular groove complementary to said annular peripheral lip 46 and designed to receive the latter at sliding within it. Such a complementary annular groove can typically comprise groove portions 47A, 47B, respectively carried by the first and second housing elements 17A, 17B of the housing of the housing 17 of the accessory 6 ( figures 9 and 11 ), so as to capture said annular peripheral lip 46 and thus ensure the rotational assembly of the accessory 6 when said first and second housing elements 17A, 17B are fixed to one another.

Claims (16)

Portable hairdressing device (1) comprising a blower module (5) for generating an air flow (F), a handle (2) for manual gripping and an accessory (6) connected to the handle (2), said accessory ( 6) comprising a main element for mechanical engagement (12) of the hair and at least first and second air outlets (15, 16) distinct from each other and positioned on either side of the main mechanical engagement member (12) of the hair, said apparatus (1) comprising an air distribution duct (21) which is mounted stationary with respect to the handle (2) and which extends from one end (3) of the handle (2), said distribution duct (21) comprising two air distribution outlets (22, 23) separate and distant from each other to distribute the flow (F) of air generated by the blower module (5) in different mean directions, said accessory (6) being mounted to rotate relative to the handle (2) along an axis of rotation (C-C ') to occupy r at least a first angular configuration allowing a variable angular orientation of the accessory (6) relative to the handle (2) in a predetermined angular range, and in which first angular configuration said accessory (6) is able to move between: - a first angular position in which a first of said air distribution outlets (22, 23) of the air distribution duct (21) is in aeraulic communication with the first air outlet (15) of the accessory ( 6), and - a second angular position in which a second of said air distribution outlets (22, 23) of the air distribution duct (21) is in aeraulic communication with the second air outlet (16) of the accessory ( 6). Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the first and second angular positions are opposite extreme positions of the first angular configuration, said predetermined angular range being between 20 ° and 60 °, and preferably 50 °. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the aeraulic communication of the second air outlet (16) of the accessory (6) with the second air distribution outlet (23) of the air duct. distribution (21) of air is prohibited when the accessory (6) occupies said first angular position, and the aeraulic communication of the first air outlet (15) of the accessory (6) with the first distribution outlet ( 22) air from the internal duct (21) is prohibited when the accessory (6) respectively occupies said second angular position. Apparatus (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second air outlets (15, 16) of the attachment (6) are provided to blow the air flow out of the apparatus ( 1) in the direction of the main hair mechanical engagement element (12) and substantially tangential to a support surface (14) of said hair mechanical engagement primary element (13). Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the accessory (6) occupies said first angular configuration, the accessory (6) is adapted to occupy a third angular position, which is angularly intermediate to said first and second angular positions, and in which the first and second distribution outlets (22, 23) of the air distribution duct (21) are simultaneously in aeraulic communication with the first and second outlets (15, 16) of accessory air (6). Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the third angular position is a rest position, said accessory (6) comprising return means (26, 27) for automatically returning said accessory (6) to said third angular position when 'it occupies one or the other of said first and second angular positions. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the return means (26, 27) comprises a pair of tension springs (26, 27) arranged to work in opposition to one another. Apparatus (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said air distribution duct (21) extends longitudinally along an axis (D-D ') of extension which is parallel or coincident with the axis (C-C ') of rotation of the accessory (6) relative to the handle (2). Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said directions (D1, D2), according to which said first and second air distribution outlets (22, 23) are provided for distributing said air flow (F), form with said axis (D-D ') of extension of the air distribution duct (21) at an angle of between 165 ° and 195 °. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the axis (C-C ') of rotation of the attachment (6) with respect to the handle (2) coincides with an axis (A-A' ) longitudinal extension of said handle (2). Apparatus (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said accessory (6) comprises an auxiliary air outlet, separate from the first and second air outlets (15, 16) of the accessory (6) and designed to be in aeraulic communication with the first air distribution outlet (22) and / or with the second air distribution outlet (23) of the air distribution duct (21), depending on whether the accessory ( 6) occupies said first angular position or said second angular position. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said auxiliary air outlet is positioned between said first and second air outlets (15, 16) of the accessory (6), at the level of the main element of the accessory (6). mechanical engagement (12) of the hair. Apparatus (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said accessory (6) comprises a third air outlet (33), separate from the first and second air outlets (15, 16) of the accessory ( 6), said accessory (6) being mounted to rotate relative to the handle (2) along said axis (C-C ') of rotation to occupy a second configuration angular in which said accessory (6) is adapted to blow the air flow only through said third air outlet (33). Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said second angular configuration corresponds to a single predetermined angular orientation of the attachment (6) relative to the handle (2). Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 8 and 9, which apparatus (1) further comprises means for locking the accessory (6) relative to the handle (2) provided to prevent the accessory (6) to leave said first angular configuration when said accessory (6) occupies the latter, and a control member (36) to allow a user of the device (1) to control the locking and / or unlocking of the accessory ( 6) by said locking means. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said locking means is further provided to prevent the accessory (6) from leaving said second angular configuration when the accessory (6) occupies the latter.

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