EP4369984A1

EP4369984A1 - Rotatable accessory for a blowing hairstyling device

Info

Publication number: EP4369984A1
Application number: EP22741525.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Lionel Reyes
Original assignee: SEB SA
Current assignee: SEB SA
Priority date: 2021-07-13
Filing date: 2022-07-12
Publication date: 2024-05-22
Also published as: FR3125209B1; WO2023285448A1; KR20240033238A; CN117580485A; FR3125209A1

Abstract

An air guiding accessory (1) designed to transform a first substantially monodirectional flow of air (F1) of a hairstyling device (2) into a second flow of air (F2) scanning a plurality of different directions, the air guiding accessory comprising: a stator (11) extending along and around a stator axis (S-S') from a stator input plane (PES) to a stator output plane (PSS), a rotor (12) extending from a rotor input plane (PER) to a rotor output plane (PSR) and comprising an aeraulic drive device (121) designed to rotate the rotor (12) about the stator axis (S-S') by means of the first flow of air (F1), the rotor (12) comprising at least one portion extending along and around a scanning axis (R-R') that forms an angle of intersection (|3) with the stator axis (S-S') of between 5 and 40 degrees, characterised in that the point at which the scanning axis (R-R') intersects the stator axis (S-S') lies between the rotor input plane (PER) and stator output plane (PSS).

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: ROTARY ATTACHMENT FOR HAIRDRESSING APPLIANCE

BLOWING

Technical field [0001] The present invention relates to the field of blowing hairdressing appliances intended for shaping the hair, such as hair dryers, for example, as well as to their accessories for guiding or directing air.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to the technical field of air guide accessories designed to be mounted on an air outlet of a hairdressing device blowing a first substantially unidirectional air flow, the accessory being adapted to transform the first airflow into a second airflow sweeping a plurality of different directions. This type of accessory is commonly referred to as a rotating or oscillating nozzle.

[0003] The invention also relates to the technical field of hairdressing devices comprising a hairdressing appliance blowing a first substantially unidirectional airflow, such as a hair dryer, and an air guide accessory as defined previously.

State of the art

[0004] Blowing hairdressing appliances, such as hair dryers, are well known and allow a user to dry and/or shape his hair (if he uses the hairdressing appliance on himself) or hair (if using the hairdressing device on a third person). Most of these devices contain a motor driving a propeller, the latter creating an air flow between an air inlet and an air outlet which makes it possible to diffuse the air, often heated by an internal heating element, on the hair. These known devices traditionally have a handle allowing the user to grasp the device by the hand and a shaft grouping together the aforementioned components. Generally, the flow of air emitted by these hairdressing appliances is substantially unidirectional, that is to say that the flow of air is ejected in a single main direction, generally that of the longitudinal axis of the barrel of the device. Thus, the airflow emitted by the device is concentrated and limited to a relatively small area of the hair. This results in low hair drying efficiency, a risk of hair damage or even burns if the air flow is hot.

[0005] Consequently, if the user wishes to diffuse the air over another area of the hair or a larger area, he will have to move the hairdressing device, for example by moving his wrist, in particular in order to give the hairdressing appliance an oscillating movement. This wrist movement is moreover very frequently implemented by hairdressing professionals (hairdressers for example) who are well aware of the disadvantages of a one-way air flow over one and the same area of the hair, such as for example a risk of deterioration of the hair, even of burning, but also a limited drying efficiency. However, such a movement can prove to be tiring for the user, in particular if the latter manipulates the hairdressing device all day long (hairdressers for example). This results in user fatigue and even risks of injury (musculoskeletal disorders, for example).

[0006] In an attempt to improve the situation, the American patent application published under the number US5473824 has been proposed. This document proposes an accessory for a hair dryer comprising a rotary element driven in rotation by the flow of air from the hairdressing appliance. This rotating element is also offset with respect to the axis of the air flow of the hairdressing device so as to direct the air flow in different directions, according to a circular path. However, the solution proposed by this document can still be improved, particularly in terms of the area covered by the air flow, the size of the accessory, and the airflow performance and the compromise between these different elements.

Summary of the invention

The present invention therefore aims to improve, perfect and optimize blowing hairdressing appliances and their known accessories.

[0008] An object of the invention is to provide an accessory for a blowing hairdressing device making it possible to enlarge the area treated by the airflow of the device. blowing hairstyle, without the user having to provide any special effort.

Another object of the invention is to provide an accessory for a blowing hairdressing device which is particularly effective, whatever the area or the type of hair.

Another object of the invention is to provide an accessory for a blowing hairdressing device which is particularly simple, intuitive, comfortable and ergonomic to use, and this both for a user using the device on himself and for a user using the device on another person (user styling another person), regardless of the area or type of hair treated.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide an accessory for a blowing hairdressing device which is particularly safe.

Another object of the invention is to provide an accessory for a blowing hairdressing device which is particularly reliable and robust.

Another object of the invention is to provide an accessory for a blowing hairdressing device which is particularly economical to design and manufacture.

[0014]An object of the invention is also to provide a hairdressing device offering the user a large area treated by the airflow, without the user having to make any particular effort.

Another object of the invention is to provide a blowing hairdressing device which is particularly effective, regardless of the area or type of hair treated.

Another object of the invention is to provide a blowing hairdressing device which is particularly simple, intuitive, comfortable and ergonomic to use, both for a user using the device on himself and for a user using the device on another person (user styling another person), regardless of the area or type of hair. Another object of the invention is to provide a blowing hairdressing device which is particularly safe.

Another object of the invention is to provide a blowing hairdressing device which is particularly reliable and robust.

Another object of the invention is to provide a blowing hairdressing device which is particularly economical to design and manufacture.

[0020] In order to achieve these objectives, the invention relates to an air guide accessory designed to be mounted on an air outlet of a hairdressing device blowing a first substantially unidirectional air flow, said air guide being designed to transform said first airflow into a second airflow sweeping a plurality of different directions.

[0021] By air guide accessory is meant any part or set of parts, which allows (tent) to guide, direct, contain or diffuse an air flow, such as for example a nozzle or a diffuser. Preferably, the accessory is separate and removable from the hairdressing appliance. However, one could imagine an accessory that is an integral part of the hairdressing device, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0022] By hairdressing device blowing a first substantially unidirectional airflow, we mean any device blowing air in a single main direction, as is for example the case of a hair dryer. The direction of ejection of the first airflow is then generally parallel and coaxial with the main axis of said hairdressing device, as will be detailed later.

[0023] The hairdressing accessory therefore makes it possible to transform the first substantially monodirectional airflow emitted by the hairdressing device into a second multidirectional airflow, that is to say sweeping, covering, or describing different directions which are advantageously neither parallel nor aligned with the direction of the first air flow. This then results in a widening (that is to say an increase) of the zone covered by the flow of air, and therefore a widening of the zone treated by the flow of air. It is thus possible for the user to process a larger area of hair than if he only used the hairdressing device. In addition, this increase in the treatment area is carried out without any particular effort on the part of the user since it is the accessory which will automatically allow the second flow of air to sweep (or cover) several directions. The user can thus keep the hairdressing appliance stationary, which prevents him from any fatigue or even injury linked to any movement of the arm and/or wrist holding the hairdressing appliance.

[0024]According to the invention, said air guide accessory comprises an accessory air inlet designed to cooperate with the air outlet of the hairdressing appliance and an accessory air outlet making it possible to blowing said second airflow towards a user's head. In other words, the accessory air inlet that is the subject of the invention is designed to cooperate in a substantially sealed manner with the air outlet of the hairdressing device, for example by being designed to be mounted on the air outlet of the hairdresser. The air outlet of the accessory that is the subject of the invention is conversely a free outlet, that is to say not connected to the hairdressing appliance or to any object whatsoever and is designed to diffuse the second air flow in the direction of the surface to be treated, such as for example, without limitation, the hair and/or the head of the user.

[0025] According to the invention, said air guide accessory comprises a stator extending along and around a stator axis from a stator inlet plane to a stator outlet plane . In other words, the stator is a part of revolution. For example, the stator is cylindrical in shape, which allows it to cooperate easily with the air outlet of the hairdressing device, which is itself generally cylindrical in shape. The expressions “stator inlet plane” and “stator outlet plane” respectively designate fictitious planes delimiting the stator, whether at the level of its air inlet or its air outlet. Thus, the first air flow will enter the stator through the stator inlet plane and exit through the stator outlet plane.

[0026] Preferably, the stator comprises the accessory air inlet and is designed to be assembled on the air outlet of the hairdressing device. The stator is then fixed, immobile when it is connected to the hairdressing appliance. Advantageously, in this case, the stator inlet plane comprises the accessory air inlet, and, when the accessory is connected to the hairdressing appliance, said stator inlet plane, inlet of accessory air and air outlet of the hairdressing appliance are then mutually parallel and preferably coincident.

[0027] Preferably the accessory, more preferably the stator, is designed to be assembled on the air outlet of the hairdressing device in a removable manner, that is to say in a non-permanent manner. The air guide accessory is thus designed to be easily connected to, hooked to or reciprocally disconnected from, unhooked from, the hairdressing appliance by means of its stator, and this without special effort on the part of the user. In addition, the user does not need to use special tools to assemble or disassemble the air guide accessory object of the invention of the hairdressing device. This allows the user to use the hairdressing device without an accessory, with another accessory, or even to connect the accessory that is the subject of the invention to another hairdressing device.

[0028] According to the invention, said air guide accessory comprises a rotor extending from a rotor entry plane to a rotor exit plane and comprising an aeraulic drive device designed to drive said rotor in rotation around the stator axis thanks to said first air flow. In other words, the rotor is a part of revolution which is mobile in rotation around the stator axis, and it is the first unidirectional flow of air emitted by the styling device which will give the rotor its rotational movement. To this end, the rotor is preferably mounted in pivot connection with the stator. The expressions “rotor inlet plane” and “rotor outlet plane” respectively designate fictitious planes delimiting the rotor, whether at the level of its air inlet or its air outlet. Thus, the first airflow will enter the rotor via the rotor inlet plane and the second airflow will exit the rotor via the rotor outlet plane. By aeraulic drive device is meant any device making it possible to transform aeraulic energy (in this case that of the first flow of air) into a mechanical movement (in this case a rotation). Thus, by way of illustration and not limitation, the an aeraulic drive device can comprise a propeller, a turbine, one or more blades, one or more wings, etc. Thus, the aeraulic drive device being disposed in the first air flow, the latter will somewhat oppose its passage and thus set the rotor in rotation around the axis of the stator. However, the aeraulic drive device is advantageously designed to limit the aeraulic disturbances to a minimum (not to oppose too much the flow of the first flow of air) while guaranteeing the correct rotation of the rotor, as will be detailed later.

[0029] Advantageously, the rotor outlet plane includes the accessory air outlet. The accessory can then advantageously be defined by the accessory air inlet located on the stator, as mentioned above, and by the accessory air outlet located on the rotor.

According to the invention, the rotor comprises at least one portion extending along and around a scanning axis, said at least one portion being designed to direct the second airflow along said plurality of different directions. In other words, the rotor comprises a portion, that is to say a piece of rotor, which makes it possible to modify the direction of the first flow of air emitted by the hairdressing device. Said at least one portion may in particular comprise a cylinder or cylinder portion which is inclined with respect to the stator axis. Thus, said at least one portion will transform the first unidirectional airflow of the hairdressing device into a second multidirectional airflow, that is to say sweeping several different directions thanks to the rotational movement of the detailed rotor previously. Preferably, the plurality of different directions swept takes the trajectory of a circle, which makes it possible to increase the area treated by the air which then passes from a disc (the first unidirectional air flow) to a disc of diameter increased. This portion can either form the entire rotor or only part of the rotor. By scanning axis is meant the axis around which the second air flow will scan a plurality of different directions, during the rotation of the rotor. The scanning axis is then defined as a fictitious axis around which said at least one portion extends. Like the rotor, said at least one portion is preferably a part of revolution. According to the invention, said scanning axis forms an angle of intersection with the stator axis of between 5 and 40 degrees. The angle between said axes is thus strictly greater than 0 degrees, which makes it possible to obtain a second multidirectional air flow at the outlet of the accessory. In other words, the inclination between the axis of the rotor and the scanning axis causes the rotor, or more precisely said at least one rotor portion, which is rotated, to be able to rotate around the axis of the stator while the scanning axis describes a trajectory in the form of a circle thus making it possible to transform the first unidirectional airflow into a second multidirectional airflow. Thus, the more the angle of intersection between the said scanning axis and the stator axis moves away from the value of 0 degrees (the axes are parallel or coincident), the greater the scanning angle becomes, which widens the area of the hair swept away by the second airflow. However, the greater the sweep angle, the more the rotor opposes the airflow and thus causes a loss of airflow performance and efficiency. In this case, the forces generated on the rotor will also be greater, which risks causing premature wear of the rotor or of the air guide accessory in general. In addition, the noise emitted by the air guide accessory becomes very high, which degrades the comfort of use of the air guide accessory. Finally, the bulk of the air guide accessory also increases as a function of the angle of intersection. It is therefore important to find the right compromise between these different parameters. The inventors have determined that an angle of intersection between the stator axis and the scanning axis of between 5 and 40 degrees makes it possible to obtain the best compromise between drying (or styling) efficiency, size, reliability and comfort of use of the air guide accessory.

Advantageously, said angle of intersection is between 5 degrees and 25 degrees, and preferably equal to 18 degrees, or equal to 20 degrees, or equal to 22 degrees. This range of values, or each of these values for the angle of intersection, is considered to be the best possible compromise between drying (or styling) performance, size, reliability and comfort of use of the guide accessory. air (in particular noise level), as explained above. [0033] According to the invention, said stator and rotor are located between said accessory air inlet and accessory air outlet and interconnected by a substantially fluid-tight connection. This connection is necessary in order to avoid or at least limit leaks of the first and/or second air flow. Preferably, said substantially sealed connection comprises a guide device and a complementary guide device designed to achieve sealing between said stator and rotor and being located between the rotor inlet plane and the stator outlet plane. Said guide device and complementary guide device are, for example, made respectively by an edge of the stator which is housed in a shoulder of the rotor. The rotor, which is a rotating part, preferably has a functional clearance with the stator allowing it to rotate easily around the axis of the stator. However, this functional clearance should not be too detrimental to the fluid seal between the stator and the rotor.

According to the invention, the point of intersection of the scanning axis with the stator axis is between said rotor entry planes and stator exit plane. This makes it quite remarkable to limit the size of the hairdressing accessory while guaranteeing the widest possible area swept by the second air flow. Indeed, in the prior art, this point of intersection is located downstream (in the direction of flow of the air flow) of said rotor inlet plane and stator outlet plane, which has the consequence of produce a particularly long and therefore bulky rotor. By arranging the point of intersection of the scanning axis and the stator axis between said rotor entry plane and stator exit plane, the inventors have remarkably reduced the size of the guide accessory. air while offering excellent drying (or styling) performance, that is to say by offering a wide sweeping area by the second air flow.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rotor inlet plane is located upstream of the stator outlet plane in the direction of flow of the first air flow. In other words, the rotor inlet plane is located before the stator outlet plane, depending on the flow direction of the first air flow. This guarantees an overlap between the rotor and the stator and therefore an optimal assembly. between these two parts, and in particular advantageously, a substantially fluidically sealed connection.

Advantageously, the length of overlap, defined between the rotor entry plane and the stator exit plane, is between 1 mm and 5 mm, and is advantageously substantially equal to 3 mm. Such a length makes it possible to ensure the seal between the stator and the rotor in a remarkable manner while guaranteeing good guidance in rotation of the rotor relative to the stator and also maintaining a limited size of the air guide accessory.

[0037] Naturally, according to the invention, the stator and the rotor are located between said accessory air inlet and accessory air outlet and connected to each other by a substantially fluidically sealed connection, in order to avoid any excessive loss of the first and/or second air flow between the stator and the rotor.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the scanning axis and the stator axis intersect in a transition plane parallel to a rotor entry plane, said stator axis being orthogonal to said plane of transition. This means that the transition plane including the point of intersection is parallel to the rotor entry plane and the stator exit plane. Said stator entry plane, rotor entry plane and stator exit plane are parallel to each other and are orthogonal to the stator axis. Such an arrangement between these planes guarantees a particularly simple and compact construction of the accessory while guaranteeing good aeraulic performance.

Preferably, the distance between said transition plane and said rotor entry plane is less than 5 mm, preferably between 0 and 2.5 mm and optionally equal to 0 mm. Such a distance guarantees the compactness of the air guide accessory, without impacting aeraulic performance.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotor is cylindrical in shape, thus allowing a particularly simple and compact design. This shape of the rotor can be easily mechanically connected to the stator which is also cylindrical in shape.

[0041] Alternatively, according to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the rotor is of frustoconical shape, which makes it possible to accelerate the second flow of air, as will be detailed later. Preferably, the cone angle of the rotor is advantageously between 5 and 20 degrees and is preferably equal to 16 degrees, or equal to 14 degrees, or equal to 6 degrees, these values present the best compromises between the air speed, the size of the accessory, and airflow performance.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the stator comprises a hub carrier connected to an outer wall of the stator by at least one arm. Said at least one arm makes it possible to maintain the hub carrier preferentially in the center of the stator, along the stator axis. In order to increase the rigidity of the stator and of the hub carrier, the hub carrier is advantageously connected to the outer wall of the stator by three arms, preferably evenly distributed at 120° around the hub carrier.

[0043] Preferably, the aeraulic drive device comprises a hub connected to an outer wall of the rotor by at least one blade. The term blade designates any mechanical part or set of parts whose shape is such that it allows to transform aeraulic energy (that is to say resulting from an airflow, in this case the first airflow emitted by the hairdressing device) into a mechanical force. Thus, said blade can preferentially take the form of an inclined parallelepiped. The blade is advantageously placed in the first air flow and connected on the one hand to the hub and on the other hand to the external wall of the rotor. This blade then comes in part to oppose the passage of the air flow in the rotor, which will put the latter in rotation, as mentioned above. Preferably, the hub is connected to the external wall of the rotor by three blades, which makes it possible to properly distribute the aeraulic forces and to optimize the rotation of the rotor. The three blades are then advantageously distributed at 120° around the hub.

Advantageously, said hub is mounted in pivot connection with said hub carrier, said rotor hub and stator hub carrier thus ensuring excellent guidance in rotation between the rotor and the stator.

[0045] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the accessory of air guide comprises a casing around at least said rotor, said casing being integral with the stator and designed to protect said rotor from contact with a user. By casing is meant any part or set of parts forming a semi-closed box, such as a sheath for example and making it possible to protect the rotor without interfering in the free rotation of the rotor or interfering in the diffusion of the second air flow. .

Preferably, the casing is of frustoconical shape, advantageously having a casing cone angle of between 25 degrees and 60 degrees, preferably equal to 40 degrees. Indeed, a tapered shape guarantees the free rotation of the rotor, has little or no influence on the diffusion of the second air flow and has a relatively small size. The ranges of angles preferentially retained by the designers of the invention present the best possible compromise between compactness and influence on the second air flow, and this whatever the shapes and dimensions of the rotor as defined by the invention. The purpose of the housing is in particular to prevent or at least deter the user from touching the rotor in order to avoid injury to the user. Indeed, the rotor is a potentially hot and moving part.

[0047] The invention also relates as such to a hairdressing device comprising a hairdressing appliance blowing a first substantially unidirectional airflow, such as a hair dryer, and an air guide accessory as defined previously.

Preferably, the blowing hairdressing device comprises a main axis which is parallel to the stator axis and preferably coincides with the latter. In other words, the stator is arranged parallel to the main axis of said hairdressing appliance, or even is preferentially coincident with the latter. This makes it possible to provide a particularly compact hairdressing device (device and accessory). In addition, the hairdressing device is particularly ergonomic and intuitive to use for the user since he is naturally encouraged to position the air guide accessory (via its stator as mentioned above) in the continuity of the main axis hairdressing device. Brief description of figures

[0049] The [Fig 1] is a front view of a hairdressing device comprising a blowing hairdressing device equipped with an air guide accessory according to a first embodiment of the invention; [0050] The [Fig 2] is a sectional view of the hairdressing device of Figure 1 along the axis M-M';

[0051] The [Fig 3] is a detail view of Figure 2, showing in a sectional view the air guide accessory according to the first embodiment;

[0052] The [Fig 4] is a perspective and sectional view along the axis M-M 'of the hairdressing device of Figure 1;

[0053] The [Fig 5] is a sectional view along the axis M-M 'of an air guide accessory according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0054] The [Fig 6] is a schematic view of the main planes and axes of Figure 3. [0055] The [Fig 7] is a schematic front view of the trajectories described by the first and second airflows of the figure 1.

[0056] The [Fig 8a] is a schematic representation of the area treated and the temperature emitted by a hairdressing device equipped with an air guide accessory according to the invention. Such a representation can be obtained from a thermal photograph of a surface placed opposite the air guide accessory air outlet.

[0057] The [Fig 8b] is the same representation as Figure 8a, the hairdressing device being devoid of the air guide accessory (therefore it is the hairdressing device alone).

Description of embodiments

As can be seen in Figures 1 to 4, the invention relates to a air guide accessory 1 designed to be mounted on an air outlet 28 of a hairdressing appliance 2. The invention also relates to a hairdressing device comprising said hairdressing appliance 2 and said air guide accessory 1 .

The air guide accessory 1 comprises an accessory air inlet 117 designed to cooperate with the air outlet 28 of the hairdressing device 2, as can be seen in Figure 3. More specifically, when the air guide accessory 1 is mounted (assembled) on the air outlet 28 of the hairdressing appliance 2, the accessory air inlet 117 coincides with the outlet of air 28 of the hairdressing appliance 2. The air guide accessory 1 also comprises an accessory air outlet 127 allowing said second flow of air F2 to be blown in the direction of a user's head, as can be seen in Figure 3. This accessory air outlet 127 is for example of circular shape so as to form an air flow in cylindrical or conical shape.

[0060] The hairdressing device 2 is, according to the illustrated embodiments, a hair dryer, and comprises, in a manner known as such, a device air inlet 21, a propeller 23 set in rotation by a motor 24, as well as a heating element 25. The heating element 25 is advantageously designed to be able to be activated or deactivated or even adjusted to different power levels, according to techniques known to those skilled in the art which will therefore not be not detailed here. These various components are located inside a main body 22, also called a barrel, which extends longitudinally along a main axis F-F', as can be seen in FIG. 2. The main body 22 is a hollow solid of revolution, of substantially truncated conical shape as can be seen in FIG. disk.

The hairdressing device 2 makes it possible to generate a first flow of air F1, preferably hot, ejected from the hairdressing device 2 by the air outlet 28 which notably comprises a grid 26. Various parameters related to the flow of air, such as for example its speed and/or its temperature, can be adjusted by the user, in particular via a control device 291. The latter is preferably integrated into a handle 29 attached to the body main 22, said handle 29 allowing the user of the hairdressing appliance 2 to easily grasp and manipulate the latter in order in particular to dry his hair (or the hair of a third person) and/or shape it. As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the handle 29 (or handle) extends longitudinally along an axis of the handle M-M'. The latter is neither merged nor parallel to the main axis F-F'. For example, the axis of the handle M-M' has an angle of between 50° and 90° with respect to the main axis F-F'.

[0062] The hairdressing appliance 2 will then blow a first substantially unidirectional airflow F1, in a manner known as such. As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, said first airflow F1 is parallel to the main axis F-F'. The first flow of air F1 is unidirectional insofar as it substantially takes the form of a cylinder, the diameter of which corresponds substantially to the diameter of the air outlet 28. Thus, when this first flow of air F1 encounters a surface, such as for example the hair of the user (or of the person whose hair is to be dried), the area treated by the air flow is a disc whose diameter corresponds substantially to the diameter of the air outlet 28 .

[0063] The air guide accessory 1 comprises a stator 11, as can be seen in the various figures. The stator 11 extends along and around a stator axis S-S', so as to form a hollow part. The stator 11 extends longitudinally along the stator axis S-S' from a stator input plane PES to a stator output plane PSS, as can be seen in FIG. 3 or 5. In other words, the stator 11 is a hollow part having a certain length. The stator 11 also extends around the stator axis S-S', so as to form a hollow part of revolution.

According to the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the length of the stator 11 is between 5 mm and 30 mm, advantageously between 10 mm and 15 mm and for example being substantially equal to 13 mm.

According to the embodiment of Figure 5, the length of the stator 11 is between 20 mm and 60 mm, advantageously between 30 mm and 40 mm for example being substantially equal to 37 mm. Such length values each make it possible to ensure good guiding of the air while maintaining a relatively compact air guiding accessory 1.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the stator 11 is cylindrical in shape. Its diameter is preferably between 40 mm and 70 mm, advantageously between 55 mm and 60 mm and is for example substantially equal to 57 mm. Thus, the stator 11 is a hollow part of revolution and axis S-S' (stator axis) which comprises an outer wall of the stator 113, as can be seen in Figure 3 in particular. This outer wall of the stator 113 thus makes it possible to channel the first flow of air F1 inside the stator 11 when the air guide accessory 1, and more precisely the stator 11, is attached (i.e. i.e. connected, fixed, assembled or mounted) on the air outlet 28 of the hairdressing device 2.

As can be seen in the various figures, the stator 11 includes the accessory air inlet 117 and is designed to be assembled on the air outlet 28 of the hairdressing appliance 2, preferably in a removable manner, that is to say in a non-definitive, temporary manner, so that the user of the hairdressing appliance 2 and/or of the air guide accessory 1 can assemble or disassemble these elements with each other at will and without any particular effort or tool. To this end, various means of assembly can be used without departing from the scope of the invention, such as for example annular clipping, a so-called “bayonet” system, tight fitting, magnetic devices, etc.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the air guide accessory 1, and more specifically the stator 11, is temporarily assembled on the hairdressing appliance 2, more specifically on its outlet from air 28, by an annular clipping. For example, the outer wall of the stator 113 has a certain elasticity so as to be able to be temporarily deformed when it is attached to the hairdressing device 2. In order to guarantee the correct attachment of the air guide accessory 1 to the hairdressing device 2, the stator 11 comprises a first attachment device 114 intended to cooperate with a first complementary attachment device 224 belonging to the hairdressing device 2, and more precisely to the main body 22. The cooperation between said first attachment device 114 and first complementary attachment device 224 then takes place elastically and temporarily, when the air guide accessory 1 is mounted on the hairdressing appliance 2. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the first hooking device 114 comprises a hollow circular groove while the first complementary hooking device 224 comprises a solid circular rib.

As can be seen in Figures 3 or 5, the stator 11 comprises a hub carrier 1112 connected to the outer wall of the stator 113 by at least one arm 1111, more specifically by three arms 1111. As can be seen on the face

I, the three arms 1111 are diametrically distributed at 120° around the stator axis S-S'. This ensures the rigidity of all the stator parts

I I, in particular of the outer wall of the stator 113 and of the hub carrier 1112. Each arm 1111 is formed from a parallelepipedal part having its narrowest section in the first air flow F1 in order to limit air disturbances. The hub carrier 1112 is a hollow cylindrical part designed to receive a rotation guide device 1113, such as an axle or a screw, of a rotor 12, as will be detailed later.

[0070] The air guide accessory 1 also comprises a rotor 12 extending from a rotor entry plane PER to a rotor exit plane PSR, as can be seen in the different figures. In other words, the rotor 12 extends longitudinally between said rotor entry plane PER and rotor exit plane PSR, over a certain length.

[0071] In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the distance between said rotor entry plane PER and rotor exit plane PSR, that is to say the length of the rotor, is between 15 mm and 40 mm, advantageously between 22 mm and 28 mm.

In the embodiment of Figure 5, the distance between said rotor entry plane PER and rotor exit plane PSR, that is to say the length of the rotor, is between 10 mm and 50 mm, advantageously between 17 mm and 35 mm. [0073] As can be seen in the various figures, the PSR rotor outlet plane includes the accessory air outlet 127. When the air guide accessory 1 is assembled on the hairdressing appliance 2 , the path of the air flow is then the following. The first flow of air F1 leaves the hairdressing device 2 through the air outlet 28, enters the air guide accessory 1 through the accessory air inlet 117 (i.e. that is to say by the PES stator inlet plane), circulates in a relatively airtight manner between the PER rotor inlet plane and the PSS stator outlet plane, is transformed into a second multidirectional air flow F2 and is ejected from the air guide accessory 1 through the rotor exit plane PSR (i.e. through the accessory air outlet 127). The rotor output plane PSR is not perpendicular to the stator axis S-S', i.e. it forms with the stator axis S-S' an angle other than 90° (it also forms an angle other than 0°). Thus, the rotor exit plane PSR is not parallel to the rotor entry plane PER. In other words, the rotor 12 is a part which is not symmetrical with respect to the stator axis S-S'. In other words, the length of the rotor 12 is not identical according to its revolution around the stator axis S-S'. This particular shape of the rotor 12 and the rotor exit plane PSR then make it possible to define a scanning axis R-R' which will be detailed subsequently.

As shown in Figures 3 and 5 in particular, the rotor 12 also comprises an aeraulic drive device 121 designed to drive said rotor 12 in rotation around the stator axis S-S' thanks to said first air flow F1 . In other words, the rotor is designed to be automatically rotated by the first air flow F1 when the air guide accessory 1 is connected to the hairdressing device 2, as explained above. More precisely, the aeraulic drive device 121 comprises a hub 1212 connected to an outer wall of the rotor 125 by at least one blade 1211, more precisely by three blades 1211. The three blades 1211 are diametrically evenly distributed at 120° in order to guarantee good rigidity of the rotor 12 and of the hub 1212. The profile of each blade 1211 is a “pseudo-NACA” type aircraft wing profile, with an angle of incidence of 10°. The angle of attack and the profile of each blade 1211 have been chosen to obtain the best lift / glide ratio compromise at the usual speeds of hairdressing appliances. This translates into greater comfort in use. In particular, each 1211 blade has been designed to generate the least pressure drop (smoothness), provide sufficient rotational torque (lift) to set the rotor in motion, ie to overcome inertia and friction. In addition, the designers of the invention have demonstrated quite remarkably the existence, thanks to the profile of each blade 1211, of an induced suction. In other words, the profile of the blades 1211 makes it possible to create a suction phenomenon which is then added to the first flow of air F1. This thus creates an induced air flow, which is a bonus, free air flow, which contributes remarkably to limiting the loss of flow linked to the presence of the blades 1211 and/or the arms 1111 and therefore to improving the overall performance of the air guide accessory 1.

In the embodiment of Figure 3, the rotor 12 is of cylindrical section. This results in a particularly simple and economical design.

However, the embodiment of FIG. 5 in which the rotor 12 is of frustoconical shape may be preferred. More specifically, as can be seen in Figure 5, the rotor 12 has a section defining a truncated cone. Thus, the rotor 12 has a non-zero cone angle g, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 3. The cone angle g of the rotor 12 is between 5 and 20 degrees and is preferably equal to 16 degrees, or equal to 14 degrees, or equal to 6 degrees as will be detailed in the table below. Indeed, a shape of rotor 12 in the form of a truncated cone makes it possible to accelerate the second flow of air F2 and thus to improve the drying and/or styling performance, given that the speed of the air is a parameter important in the drying efficiency of hairdressing accessories and devices.

As can be seen in the various figures, the rotor 12 is mounted in a pivot connection with the stator 11. More specifically, said hub 1212 is mounted in a pivot connection with said hub carrier 1112. As can be seen in the Figure 3 or 5, the hub 1212 comprises a second guide device 1222, formed for example by a shoulder. This second guide device 1222 penetrates inside a second complementary guide device 1122, formed for example by a bore, belonging to the hub carrier 1112. A rotation guidance and a sliding pivot type connection. In order to lock the rotor 12 in axial translation with respect to the stator 11 and achieve said pivot connection, any known immobilizing device may be used, such as for example a screw, a clip, a pin, etc. (not shown). Naturally, the invention is in no way limited to one or the other of these mechanical mounting means which remain well known to those skilled in the art.

Whatever the embodiment of the invention, the rotor 12 comprises at least one portion extending along and around a scanning axis R-R'. This portion plays a capital role in the air guide accessory 1 object of the invention since it is it, in particular, which makes it possible to transform the first air flow F1 substantially monodirectional so as to orient it into a second air flow F2 according to a plurality of different directions, during the rotation of the rotor.

As can be seen in Figures 3 or 5, said at least one portion comprises the PSR rotor exit plane. The scan axis R-R' is defined as a fictitious axis perpendicular to the rotor exit plane PSR. Said at least one portion is then a part of revolution extending along and around said scanning axis R-R'. Thus, said scanning axis R-R' forms an intersection angle b with the stator axis S-S' which is different from 0°. It will be understood that this angle of intersection b is a maximum angle that the scanning axis R-R' can take during its movement. In other words, the scanning axis R-R' is neither merged nor parallel to the stator axis S-S'. Given this non-zero angle, and the fact that the rotor 12 is mounted in rotation with respect to the stator 11 along the stator axis S-S', the scanning axis R-R' will be, during the rotation of the rotor 12, driven in a sweeping motion along a circular trajectory around the stator axis S-S'. This trajectory is schematically illustrated in FIG. 7. The airflow is then no longer monodirectional but on the contrary multidirectional since each monodirectional component f1 of the first airflow F1 is now reoriented radially according to a component f2. Thus, the accessory that is the subject of the invention is designed to transform said first airflow F1 into a second airflow F2 sweeping a plurality of different directions, and therefore to widen the area treated by the airflow by the device of hairstyle 2.

The scanning axis R-R' is illustrated in dotted lines in two of its extreme positions in FIGS. 3 and 5. These latter are positions having the same angle of intersection b with the stator axis S-S '. The rotor exit plane PSR is also illustrated in dotted lines in two of its extreme positions in Figures 3 and 5. It can thus be seen that the rotor exit plane PSR and scanning axis R-R' remain perpendicular to each other. Thus, it is understood that, whatever the embodiment, the rotor 12 will sweep a plurality of different positions over time, between an initial position (illustrated in solid lines) and a final position (in dotted lines). This sweeping movement of the rotor results in a sweeping in several directions of the air flow and therefore finally the transformation of the first substantially monodirectional air flow F1 into a second air flow F2 sweeping a plurality of different directions. The intersection angle b is between 5 and 40 degrees, advantageously between 5 degrees and 25 degrees, and preferably equal to 18 degrees, or equal to 20 degrees, or equal to 22 degrees. Indeed, each of these values has been tested, validated and defined by the designers of the invention to guarantee an air guide accessory 1 which meets the previously stated objectives, in particular by offering the best possible compromises between compactness, performance aeraulics, and drying efficiency.

As can be seen in Figures 3 or 5, the point of intersection of the scanning axis R-R 'with the stator axis S-S' is between said rotor entry planes PER and PSS stator output plan. This makes it possible to guarantee good compactness of the air guide accessory 1 while providing a wide area swept by the second air flow F2, as can be understood from reading Figures 3 and 5. 'elsewhere define a scanning angle a between the extreme positions that the rotor 12 can take, on either side of the scanning axis R-R'. This scanning angle a can be calculated according to the following formula:

[Math 1 ] a = ( b - (y/ 2 )) ^* 2 As can be seen in the various figures, said scanning axis R-R' and said stator axis S-S' are secant in a transition plane T parallel to a rotor entry plane PER, said axis of stator S-S' being orthogonal to said transition plane T. More specifically, the distance d between said transition plane T and said rotor entry plane PER is less than 7 mm, preferably between 0 and 5 mm.

The designers of the air guide accessory 1 object of the invention have also carried out various measurements of drying indices according to standard IEC 61855 edition 1, whose title in English is "household electrical hair care appliances - methods of measuring performance”. This standard is well known to those skilled in the art and is frequently used to measure the drying indices of the various hairdressing appliances and therefore their overall performance. Various air guide accessories according to the embodiment of FIG. 5 were tested. Each prop had a different intersection angle b. These results are compared with the results of a device without an accessory.

[0085] [Table 1]

These results show for example that, for a substantially equal drying index, the accessory 2.1 makes it possible to increase the range of diffusion of the air flow by 24°, compared with a device without an accessory. This greatly improves the comfort of use for the user, who is less caused to move the hairdressing device 2.

[0087] Figures 8a and 8b also illustrate, schematically, the improvement in the uniformity of the temperature and the enlargement of the area treated by the second flow of air F2 from the guide accessory of air 1 object of the invention. In Figure 8b, we see schematically the thermal footprint of a hairdressing device 2 without air guide accessory 1. We can see a first moderately hot disc (illustrated in gray) whose diameter corresponds substantially to the diameter of the outlet 28 of the hairdressing appliance 2. However, the presence of two hotter zones within the airflow (shown in black) can be seen. These hotter zones are linked to the intrinsic construction of the hairdressing appliance 2 and in particular to the positioning and operation of its heating element. These areas are relatively uncomfortable for the user who will have to manually move the hairdressing device 2 to homogenize the air flow and widen the treatment area. In Figure 8a, we see schematically the thermal borrowing of the hairdressing device 2 of Figure 8b but this time equipped with an air guide accessory 1 as defined by the invention. Note that the mean diameter treated by the air flow has increased compared to that of FIG. 8b, thanks to the scanning carried out by the rotor 12 as explained previously. We also note that the temperature is much more homogeneous and that the two hot zones have disappeared since the air flow is constantly and automatically set in motion by the rotor 12, as explained above. Thus, the user no longer needs to manually set the hairdressing appliance 2 in motion. This results in increased comfort of use and less fatigue for the user.

[0088] Naturally, in order to guarantee the proper functioning of the invention, the stator 11 and the rotor 12 are located between said accessory air inlet 117 and accessory air outlet 127 and connected to each other by a substantially fluidically sealed connection 116, 126, in order to avoid any excessive loss of the first and/or second flow of air F2 between the stator 11 and the rotor 12. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the connection substantially fluidly sealed 116, 126 comprises on the one hand, a guide device 116 belonging to the stator 11, and on the other hand, a complementary guide device 126 belonging to the rotor 12. The guide device 116 more precisely comprises a circular edge intended to penetrate inside a circular shoulder formed by the complementary guide device 126. Furthermore, the complementary guide device 126, that is to say the shoulder according to the embodiment of FIG. 3, extends longitudinally along the stator axis S-S'. In other words, part of the rotor 12 penetrates inside the stator 11. Thus, the rotor entry plane PER is located upstream of the stator exit plane PSS according to the direction of flow of the first flow. of air F1. This makes it possible to guarantee a good seal between the stator 11 and the rotor 12 and therefore a good operation of the air guide accessory 1. More precisely, the length of overlap L, defined between the rotor entry plane PER and the PSS stator output plane, is substantially equal to 3 mm, which guarantees a good seal/size compromise, but also rotation guidance. Indeed, the overlap length L must not be too great so as not to hinder the correct rotation of the rotor 12 with respect to the stator 11. It is also possible to use, without departing from the scope of the invention, various well-known devices of those skilled in the art which make it possible to seal a mechanical connection, in particular between a moving part (in this case the rotor 12) and a fixed part (in this case the stator 11), such as for example an O-ring , while ensuring that this type of device does not impede the free rotation of the rotor 12.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the stator 11 is still a part of hollow revolution but its shape is more complex. In particular, the air guide accessory 1, and more precisely the stator 11, comprises a casing 13 which extends around at least the rotor 12. Either way, the casing 13 can be an integral part of the stator 11 or on the contrary a different room. In the illustrated embodiment, the casing 13 is monolithic with the stator 11, that is to say it is a one-piece piece, in continuity of material. In other words, the outer wall 113 of the stator forms the casing 13. This facilitates the assembly of the air guide accessory 1. The casing 13 is therefore integral with the stator 11 and designed to protect said rotor 12 of contact with a user. The casing 13 is of frustoconical shape advantageously having a casing cone angle Q of between 25 degrees and 60 degrees, preferably equal to 40 degrees, which makes it possible to guarantee the correct movement of the rotor 12 while maintaining a relatively compact air guide accessory 1. Thus, the rotor can freely perform its sweeping movement inside the casing 13 while being protected from the outside. The casing 13 is then particularly useful for preventing the user from touching the moving (and potentially hot) rotor 12 with his hands but also with his head, his hair, etc. The housing 13 will then remarkably increase the safety of use of the air guide accessory 1 by avoiding, for example, any risk of accidental contact between the moving rotor 12 and the hair of the user and therefore limiting any risk of hair tangling. The housing 13 will also increase the reliability of the air guide accessory 1 by protecting the rotor 12 during a fall of the air guide accessory 1.

Claims

Air guide accessory (1) designed to be mounted on an air outlet (28) of a hairdressing device (2) blowing a first substantially unidirectional air flow (F1), said guide accessory air (1) being designed to transform said first airflow (F1) into a second airflow (F2) sweeping a plurality of different directions, said air guide accessory (1) comprising: an inlet of accessory air (117) designed to cooperate with the air outlet (28) of the hairdressing device (2), an accessory air outlet (127) allowing said second air flow ( F2) towards a user's head, a stator (11) extending along and around a stator axis (S-S') from a stator entry plane (PES) to at a stator output plane (PSS), a rotor (12) extending from a rotor input plane (PER) to a rotor output plane (PSR) and comprising a device aeraulic trainer (121) designed to train in ro movement of said rotor (12) around the stator axis (S-S') thanks to said first air flow (F1), said rotor (12) comprising at least a portion extending along and around an axis (R-R'), said at least one portion being designed to orient the second airflow (F2) along said plurality of different directions, said scanning axis (R-R') forming an angle of intersection (b) with the stator axis (S-S') between 5 and 40 degrees, the stator (11) and the rotor (12) being located between said accessory air inlet (117) and outlet d accessory air (127) and interconnected by a substantially fluid-tight connection (116, 126), characterized in that the point of intersection of the scanning axis (R-R') with the axis of stator (S-S') is between said rotor input planes (PER) and stator output plane (PSS).

2. Air guide accessory (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rotor inlet plane (PER) is located upstream of the stator outlet plane (PSS) in the direction of flow of the first airflow (F1).

3. Air guide accessory (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the overlapping length (L), defined between the rotor entry plane (PER) and the stator exit plane (PSS), is between 1 mm and 5 mm, and is advantageously substantially equal to 3 mm.

4. Air guide accessory (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stator (11) comprises the accessory air inlet (117) and is designed to be assembled on the air outlet (28) of the hairdressing device (2), preferably in a removable manner.

5. Air guide accessory (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotor exit plane (PSR) comprises the accessory air outlet (127).

6. Air guide accessory (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said scanning axis (R-R') and the said stator axis (S-S') are secant in a plane of transition (T) parallel to a rotor entry plane (PER), said stator axis (S-S') being orthogonal to said transition plane (T).

7. Air guide accessory (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said intersection angle (b) is between 5 degrees and 25 degrees, and preferably equal to 18 degrees, or equal to 20 degrees, or equal to 22 degrees.

8. Air guide accessory (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotor (12) is of frustoconical shape.

9. Air guide accessory (1) according to the preceding claim characterized in that the cone angle (y) of the rotor (12) is between 5 and 20 degrees and is preferably equal to 16 degrees, or equal to 14 degrees, or equal to 6 degrees.

10. Air guide accessory (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stator (11) comprises a hub carrier (1112) connected to an outer wall of the stator (113) by at least one arm (1111), preferably by three arms (1111).

11. Air guide accessory (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aeraulic drive device (121) comprises a hub (1212) connected to an outer wall of the rotor (125) by at least one blade (1211), preferably by three blades (1211).

12. Air guide accessory (1) according to claims 10 and 11 characterized in that said hub (1212) is mounted in pivot connection with said hub carrier (1112).

13. Air guide accessory (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a casing (13) around at least said rotor (12), said casing (13) being integral with the stator ( 11) and designed to protect said rotor (12) from contact with a user.

14. Air guide accessory (1) according to the preceding claim characterized in that the housing (13) is of frustoconical shape advantageously having a housing cone angle (Q) of between 25 degrees and 60 degrees, preferably equal to 40 degrees.

15. Hairdressing device comprising a hairdressing appliance (2) blowing a first substantially unidirectional airflow (F1), such as a hair dryer, and an air guide accessory (1) according to any previous claims.