FR3076190A1 - AUTOMATIC COIFFAGE APPARATUS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a styling apparatus (1) adapted to be grasped and manipulated by hand and comprising a main body (2) which carries at least one motorized roller (3) rotatably mounted relative to the main body for frictional movement. a lock of hair (C) to be capped relative to the main body (2), said styling apparatus (1) being characterized in that said main body (2) also includes guide means (5) for said lock of hair ( C) arranged relative to said motorized roller (3) for maintaining said lock of hair (C) pressed against said motorized roller (3) according to an angular contact sector (α) at least equal to 30 °. Styling devices

Description

The present invention relates to the general technical field of styling devices or hairstyling, preferably for household use, and more specifically to portable electric styling devices intended to ensure shaping of the hair, and in particular straightening of the latter.

The present invention relates more particularly to a styling device designed to be grasped and manipulated by hand and comprising a main body which carries at least one motorized roller rotatably mounted relative to the main body to set in motion by friction a lock of hair to be styled relatively to the main body.

Electric hair straighteners are well known. They are generally in the form of forceps with a V-shaped profile, in the general form of a "sugar tongs", the jaws of which consist of hot plates. These known straightening irons allow the user to come and exert, by means of the pliers in question, local pressure on a lock of hair while heating the latter, which makes it possible to smooth the lock of hair concerned.

These known devices, if they are generally satisfactory, nevertheless have certain drawbacks.

Firstly, these known devices have a purely manual character, for example forcing the user to move the straightening iron himself along a given lock to shape the latter over its entire length. This is not only tedious and uncomfortable for the user, but can also affect the final shaping result. Indeed, the way of using the device (manual pressure exerted, gesture ...) can vary from one user to another, and even, for a given user, from one wick to another.

These known devices, apart from the fact that they are impractical to use, therefore do not guarantee the obtaining of a constant and repeatable result.

The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to remedy the various drawbacks listed above and to propose a new styling device which is particularly easy and quick to use, and whose design allows not only to limit the manual intervention of the user, but also to allow styling a lock of hair over substantially its entire length.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new styling device whose design allows particularly reliable automatic operation.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new styling device which makes it possible to obtain particularly effective straightening of the hair, under comfortable conditions of use.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new styling device of particularly simple and compact construction.

Another object of the invention aims to propose a new styling device which is particularly robust and reliable.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new styling device of ergonomic design and particularly intuitive use.

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a styling device designed to be grasped and manipulated by hand and comprising a main body which carries at least one motorized roller rotatably mounted relative to the main body to set in motion by friction a strand of hair to be styled relative to the main body, said styling apparatus being characterized in that said main body also has means for guiding said strand of hair arranged relative to said motorized roller to keep said strand of hair pressed against said motorized roller according to an angular contact sector at least equal to 30 °.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent and will emerge in more detail on reading the description given below, with reference to the appended drawings, given purely by way of non-limiting illustration, in which:

- Figure 1 illustrates, in a perspective view, a styling device according to a first embodiment of the invention and whose clamping device is in the clamping configuration, said styling device constituting in this case an iron automatic smoothing.

- Figure 2 illustrates, according to a first schematic cutaway view, the apparatus of Figure 1.

- Figure 3 illustrates, in a second schematic cutaway view, where parts have been omitted for the sake of clarity, the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2.

- Figure 4 illustrates, in a perspective view, a detail of the apparatus of Figure 3.

- Figure 5 illustrates, in a front view, the device of Figure 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates, in a schematic view in cross section, the apparatus of FIGS. 1 to 5.

- Figure 7 is a partial top view, along a front sectional plane, of the apparatus of the preceding figures.

- Figure 8 illustrates, in a perspective view, the apparatus of the preceding figures with this time the clamping device in the insertion configuration.

- Figure 9 illustrates, in a schematic cutaway view, the apparatus of Figure 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates, in a front view, a detail of embodiment of the apparatus of FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 11 illustrates, in a schematic view in cross section, the apparatus of FIGS. 8 to 10.

- Figure 12 is a partial top view, along a front sectional plane, of the apparatus of Figures 8 to 11.

- Figure 13 is a schematic view, along a sagittal section plane, of the apparatus of Figures 8 to 12.

- Figure 14 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, a styling device according to a second embodiment of the invention with its clamping device in the clamping configuration.

- Figure 15 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, the styling apparatus of Figure 15 with its clamping device in the introduction configuration.

- Figure 16 schematically illustrates an apparatus according to the invention in use.

The styling device 1 according to the invention is designed to be grasped and manipulated by hand. It is therefore a portable and manual device, preferably intended for use in a domestic setting by a user who does not have professional skills in styling or hairstyling, that is to say setting in the form of hair, and in particular straightening of the hair. Preferably, and in accordance with the various embodiments illustrated in the figures, the styling device 1 forms a straightening iron which allows a user to straighten his hair, preferably by adding heat and pressure. Preferably and as illustrated, the apparatus 1 forms an automatic straightening iron, that is to say that the apparatus 1 is designed to limit the active intervention of the user, who has no technical gestures , specific, to perform, such as gestures and operations that a hairdresser could perform to obtain a similar result. The automatic nature of the device 1 allows in particular the device 1 to ensure by itself the relative movement of the lock of hair to be styled and of the device 1. Preferably, the device 1 is designed to be substantially fixed (relative to the head of the user) while moving the lock of hair.

The invention is not however limited to this specific embodiment, and it is for example entirely conceivable that the styling appliance 1 forms a curling iron, an embossing iron, or any other setting appliance. hair shape, automatic or not.

For the sake of brevity, the following description will nevertheless focus exclusively on a styling device 1 providing a smoothing function.

The apparatus 1 according to the invention comprises, as illustrated in the figures, at least one main body 2, which itself advantageously comprises a housing, produced for example from injected plastic. The main body 2 can be in the form of a monolithic part (as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 13) or alternatively in the form of an assembly of parts which may be movable relative to each other (variant of FIGS. 14 and 15 ). The device 1 advantageously comprises a handle 2A intended to be entered manually to handle the device 1. The handle 2A is advantageously formed by the rear part 200 of the aforementioned housing and is extended, for example itself backwards, by a cord power supply (not shown), and forwardly by an active part 201 intended to receive locks of hair Ç to shape them (in this case straighten them).

As illustrated in the figures, the main body 2 has at least one motorized roller 3 rotatably mounted relative to the main body 2 to set in motion by friction a lock of hair Ç to be styled relative to the main body 2. The motorized roller 3 advantageously has a shape substantially cylindrical with a circular directing curve. The motorized roller 3 is thus designed to scroll the lock of hair to be styled C relative to the main body 2, for example at a speed of, for example, between 1 and 5 cm / s, preferably equal to approximately 2 cm / s. On the one hand, it is therefore designed to establish a mechanical drive connection with the lock of hair Ç (in this case by friction, that is to say by local and temporary adhesion of the lock of hair Ç to the surface of the roller 3), and on the other hand connected to a motor 4, in order to be rotated by the latter and thus be able to impart movement to the lock of hair Ç to be shaped. The motorized roller 3 is capable of scrolling the wick Ç at an ideal speed (for example in accordance with the abovementioned values) to obtain a satisfactory styling result. The motorized roller 3 thus makes it possible to automate the styling operation, with a view for example to obtaining a smoothing effect (in accordance with the illustrated embodiment) by scrolling the lock of hair to be styled C between smoothing plates, as will be described in more detail below. The invention is however not limited to the implementation of smoothing and the motorized roller 3 may alternatively be intended to set in motion the lock of hair Ç in order to give the latter rather curling, waving or any other desired shaping effect. The motor 4 is for example an electric motor, and even more preferably a geared motor. The motor 4 thus comprises for example a rotary motor shaft 4A which can either be formed directly by the output shaft of the motor 4 (variant not illustrated), or be set in motion by the output shaft 4B of the motor (variant illustrated in Figures 1 to 13), preferably by means of a reduction system, which comprises for example two pinions 40A, 40B carried respectively by the drive shaft 4A and the output shaft 4B. As illustrated, the motorized roller 3 is rotatably mounted relative to the main body along a first axis of rotation XX ′ which preferably extends perpendicular to the mean direction of movement of the lock of hair Ç. In other words, the lock of hair Ç is driven by the motorized roller 3 in transverse displacement relative to the direction of longitudinal extension of the motorized roller 3.

To promote local adhesion of the lock of hair C to the motorized roller 3, the latter is at least superficially made of a suitable material, for example a material based on elastomer, rubber, silicone, foam (possibly impregnated with a care product or a cosmetic product for the hair) ... The use of other materials is however possible (metallic materials or plastics for example). As illustrated in the figures, the first axis of rotation X-X 'of the motorized roller 3 advantageously extends substantially parallel to the mean direction of longitudinal extension of the styling device 1, and in particular of its handle 2A.

In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the main body 2 also has guide means 5 for the lock of hair C arranged relative to the motorized roller 3 to hold the said lock of hair Ç pressed against said motorized roller 3 according to an angular sector of contact Ot at least equal to 30 °, independently of the orientation of the device 1 in space relative to the lock of hair Ç and relative to the head of the user. In other words, the guide means 5 are designed so that the lock of hair Ç comes to bear locally, preferably uniformly, against a surface portion of the motorized roller 3 which extends between two half-planes P _A , Pb sharing a common border constituted by the first axis of rotation X-X ', said two half-planes P _A , Pb being inclined with respect to each other by an angle a at least equal to 30 °.

Thanks to the guide means 5, which can take any suitable form, the lock of hair Ç thus locally surrounds the motorized roller 3 according to an angular sector sufficient for both:

allow sufficient local adhesion of the lock of hair Ç to the motorized roller 3 to implement a perfectly reliable and safe drive of the lock of hair Ç by the motorized roller 3;

and minimize the diameter of the motorized roller 3 in order to authorize the styling device 1 to engage the lock of hair Ç as close as possible to its root, that is to say as close as possible to the end of the lock of hair G connected to the user's skull.

The use of a specific guide leading to the implementation of an angular sector of contact has at least equal to 30 ° whatever the orientation of the device 1 relative to the user, guarantees a reliable training of the lock of hair. Ç and allows the lock of hair Ç to be engaged with the styling device 1 located closest to the skull, thus maximizing the length of the wick C subjected to the shaping treatment operated by the device 1. The invention thus makes it possible to benefit from an excellent compromise between reliability of driving the lock of hair Ç on the one hand and maximization of the length of straightened lock on the other hand. Advantageously, in order to favor the above compromise, the angular contact sector a is at least equal to 45 °, and even more preferably at least equal to 90 °. The angle a defines, as a function of the diameter of the motorized roller 3, the portion of the perimeter of the motorized roller 3 in contact with the hair. The value of the angle a and that of the diameter of the motorized roller 3 are advantageously chosen relative to each other (taking into account the tribological properties of the material forming the surface of the roller 3) to obtain the best possible compromise between reliability of hair training on the one hand and bulk on the other. For example, it has been demonstrated that a motorized roller 3 whose surface is made of silicone, having a diameter at least equal to 8 millimeters with a guide allowing an angular sector of contact at least equal to 90 ° is particularly satisfactory. both from the point of view of the reliability of the hair drive by the roller 3 as well as the practicality and the quality of the result (possibility of coming as close as possible to the skull).

It is also conceivable, in order to minimize the diameter of the motorized roller 3, to resort to an angular contact sector a still higher, for example at least equal to 120 °. In general, the smaller the diameter of the motorized roller 3, the larger the angular contact sector a will be chosen, in order to benefit from a reliable drive of the hair strand Ç. Indeed, the larger the angular contact area a between the hair and the motorized roller 3, the higher the adhesion between the hair and the roller 3, which promotes the reliability of the drive of the wick Ç by the motorized roller 3.

As illustrated in the figures, the main body 2 has a tightening device 6 for said strand of hair Ç to be styled. The clamping device 6 is intended to ensure the local shaping of the hair strand Ç, by exerting on the latter a mechanical stress (pressure), preferably accompanied by a thermal contribution, in order for example to ensure a straightening of the lock of hair Ç. The clamping device 6 advantageously comprises a first pressure surface 7 and a second pressure surface 8 which are movable relative to one another between:

on the one hand, an insertion configuration (FIGS. 8 to 13 and 15) according to which said first and second pressure surfaces 7, 8 are sufficiently spaced from one another to allow insertion of said wick between them hair Ç, and on the other hand a clamping configuration (Figures 1 to 7, 14 and 16) according to which said pressure surfaces 7, 8 are sufficiently close to enclose between them said lock of hair Ç, which then fits into a mean plane P _M corresponding to the interface of said first and second pressure surfaces 7, 8.

The clamping force exerted by said pressure surfaces 7, 8 is for example between 10 and 50 N, for example of the order of 30 N. The insertion configuration is therefore an opening configuration allowing the user to position one or more locks of hair Ç in the clamping device 6, while in the clamping configuration, the clamping device 6 exerts a clamping on the lock (s) of hair Ç concerned, that is to say that it exerts local pressure on the strand or strands of hair C received within it.

Each of said first and second pressure surfaces 7, 8, intended to come locally into contact with the lock of hair Ç to shape it, is advantageously substantially planar in order to provide a hair straightening effect. In this preferred embodiment, the first and second pressure surfaces 7, 8 are, at least in the clamping configuration, both parallel to the mean plane P _{M |} which materializes the contact plane, in the clamping configuration, of said first and second pressure surfaces 7, 8. The invention is of course absolutely not limited to the implementation of first and second pressure surfaces 7, 8 planes , and it is for example entirely conceivable that at least one of said pressure surfaces 7, 8 has for example an irregular, wavy surface (for example for making loops, waves or waves) or the like, to obtain a shaping effect different from a smoothing effect. At least one of said pressure surfaces 7, 8 may also include one or more protuberances, such as teeth or spikes for example. The pressure surfaces 7, 8 are preferably of complementary, conjugate shapes (for example one is convex and the other concave, or the surfaces 7, 8 have respective teeth arranged in staggered rows, or then, as illustrated, the two surfaces 7, 8 are substantially flat and planar).

Advantageously, the clamping device 6 is provided with a heating means for both clamping and heating the lock of hair Ç to be shaped. The heating means can for example be embedded in one and / or the other of said first and second pressure surfaces 7, 8, in order to preferably heat the hair by conduction while pressing it. In this case, the heating means advantageously comprises resistive heating elements, for example of the PTC heating element (Positive Temperature Coefficient) type. Preferably, each of said first and second pressure surfaces 7, 8 forms a heating surface regulated at a temperature advantageously between 100 and 200 ° C, for example regulated at about 170 ° C. Preferably, the motorized roller 3 is "cold", that is to say that it is not heated and is therefore substantially at room temperature, which promotes rapid cooling of the wick Ç at the outlet of the device. tightening 6. This cooling is favored by the use of an angular contact sector a at least equal to 30 °, which allows to benefit from a significant heat exchange surface. This cooling, to which the motorized roller 3 advantageously contributes, can contribute to improving the shaping carried out by the clamping device 6.

Advantageously, the first pressure surface 7 is mounted in circular translation relative to the main body 2 between an open position corresponding to the insertion configuration and a closed position corresponding to the clamping configuration. The use of such a circular translation movement, which is implemented in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 13, allows the first pressure surface 7, when it moves from its open position to its closed position (and reciprocally) to remain permanently parallel to itself. In other words, the first pressure surface 7 advantageously has in this case an orientation and a constant attitude relative to the main body 2. This characteristic makes it possible to exert a particularly homogeneous and uniform force on the lock of hair Ç to be put in shape, independently of the positioning of the wick of hair Ç in the clamping device 3. This makes it possible in particular to avoid any untimely pinching of some of the hairs constituting the wick Ç to be styled.

Preferably, in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 13, the second pressure surface 8 is also mounted movable relative to the main body 2 between open and closed positions corresponding respectively to the insertion configuration and to the clamping configuration. Even more preferably, said second pressure surface 8 is also mounted in circular translation relative to the main body 2 between its open and closed positions (and vice versa). Advantageously, in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 13, the first and second pressure surfaces 7, 8 are designed to move simultaneously in respective circular translational movements in opposite directions. This means that during the passage of the clamping device 6 from its clamping configuration to its insertion configuration, the first and second pressure surfaces 7, 8 move away from each other simultaneously, in respective symmetrical movements relatively to the mean plane Pm, until they reach their respective open positions corresponding to a maximum spacing between said first and second pressure surfaces 7, 8. The first and second pressure surfaces 7, 8 advantageously move in phase, so that when they are each in their respective closed position, the clamping device 6 then occupies its clamping configuration.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 13, the styling device 1 advantageously comprises a control means 9 mounted movably relative to the main body 2. The control means 9 is preferably connected to the clamping device 6 and can be actuated manually to pass said clamping device 6 from its clamping configuration (Figures 1 to 7) to its insertion configuration (Figures 8 to 13). The control means 9 comprises for example at least a first push button 90 (or a trigger) pivotally mounted relative to the main body 2 and intended to urge the first pressure surface 7 to pass it, in response to actuation manual of the first push button 90, from its closed position to its open position. Preferably, the control means 9 also includes a second push button 91 designed to control the movement of the second pressure surface 8 between its closed and open positions. For example, the main body 2 advantageously has a first link 10 and a second link 11 which each extend between a respective first end 10A, 11A connected (by an articulation, preferably by a pivot link) to said main body and a second respective end 10B, 11B connected (by an articulation, preferably by a pivot connection) to said first pressure surface 7. The implementation of such a deformable parallelogram mounting, by means of the first and second links 10, 11 allows thus moving the first surface 7 relative to the main body 2 between a deployed state (corresponding to the closed position) and a retracted state (corresponding to the open position). In this preferred embodiment, the first push button 90 and the first link 10 are provided with respective inter-engagement surfaces for transmitting to said first link 10 a manual control force applied by the user to the push button 90 , in order to pass the clamping device 6 from its clamping configuration to its insertion configuration.

Advantageously, the second pressure surface 8 is also mounted in circular translation relative to the main body 2 by means of a pair of rods 12, 13 in an arrangement which is preferably symmetrical to that used for the first pressure surface 7 described in the above. The main body 2 thus embeds a third and a fourth link 12, 13 which each extend between a respective first end 12A, 13A connected to the main body 2 and a respective second end 12B, 13B connected to the second pressure surface 8.

In order to implement the simultaneous and symmetrical displacement of the first and second pressure surfaces 7, 8 mentioned previously, the two push buttons 90, 91 are advantageously connected to each other by a force transmission means, formed for example by a transmission link 14, so that the actuating force exerted on one of the push buttons 90, 91 is automatically and concomitantly passed on to the other push button 91, 90 and vice versa. It is thus advantageously possible for the user to actuate the control means 9 with a single finger, while holding the device 1 with the rest of the same hand. The device 1 thus allows, in its particularly advantageous form illustrated in the figures, shaping of the hair (straightening for example) using one hand.

The use of first and second pressure surfaces 7, 8 mounted in circular translation relative to a fixed main body 2 is however not compulsory, and it is for example possible, without going beyond the framework of the invention, rather use, in accordance with the second embodiment illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, first and second pressure surfaces 7, 8 connected together by a hinge, so as to allow the relative pivoting of the first and second surfaces pressure 7, 8 instead of a circular translational movement. In the second alternative embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15, the main body 2 thus consists of two sub-assemblies 200, 210 articulated one relative to the other so as to form a clamp whose jaws bear in the species the first and second pressure surfaces 7, 8.

Advantageously, the clamping configuration of the clamping device 6 is a return configuration and the styling device 1 comprises for this purpose a return member of the clamping device 6 in the clamping configuration. In other words, the return member is designed to exert, directly or indirectly, a return force, preferably permanently, on the clamping device 6 to force the latter to remain in the clamping configuration in the absence of contrary stress from the user exerted via the control means 9. This means that at rest, the styling device 1 is designed so that its clamping device 6 is by default in the clamping configuration. In other words, the device 1 adopts, in the absence of external stresses, a natural closed / tight configuration corresponding to the tightening configuration. This provides an optimal hair shaping result independent of the user's skill and dexterity. For example, the return device is designed so that the clamping force exerted by the clamping device 5 in the clamping configuration is between substantially 10 and 50 N, and is preferably substantially equal to 30 N.

Thanks to this characteristic, the pressure exerted locally by the clamping device 6 on the lock of hair Ç to be shaped depends not on a manual force exerted by the user, but only on the return member. It is thus thus possible to get rid of the closing force applied by the user, which facilitates the use of the device 1 and promotes the obtaining of an optimal result whatever the know-how and the skills of the user. The latter can be in different forms, and for example exert an elastic restoring force, by means of a spring or other elastic body, or a magnetic restoring force (in accordance with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 13 ), by the joint use of a magnet (permanent or electromagnet) and an element made of ferromagnetic material cooperating with said magnet. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 13, each of the first and third links 10, 12 has a respective permanent magnet 15, 16 which cooperates with a plate made of respective ferromagnetic material 150, 160 fixedly attached to the main body. 2. Thus, in the absence of solicitation of the user on one and / or the other of the push buttons 90, 91, said first and third links 10, 12 are recalled, thanks to the respective magnets 15, 16 that they embark, against the plate of corresponding ferromagnetic material 150, 160, thus maintaining the first and second pressure surfaces 7, 8 pressed against each other according to the contact plane inscribed in the mean plane PmAvantageously, and in accordance in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the guide means 5 comprise said clamping device 6, that is to say that the clamping device 6 is part of the guide means and contributes to this ti be in ensuring adequate positioning of the hair strand Ç relative to the motorized roller 3 in order to locally maintain the said hair strand Ç in surface contact with the motorized roller 3 according to an angular contact sector a at least equal to 30 ° as previously described. In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the clamping device 6 is preferably arranged upstream of the motorized roller 3 in consideration of the direction of movement D of the lock of hair Ç relative to the main body 2. The motorized roller 3 is thus advantageously designed to pull the lock of hair Ç through the clamping device 6, so as to slide the lock of hair Ç between the first and second pressing surfaces 7, 8 in their respective closed positions corresponding to the clamping configuration ( see Figure 16). In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the motorized roller 3 is advantageously arranged so as to be substantially adjacent, and preferably immediately adjacent, to the clamping device 6, so that under the effect of the traction exerted by the motorized roller 3 on the lock of hair Ç, a portion of said lock of hair C which leaves the clamping device 6 then comes into contact with the motorized roller 3 which is located at the outlet of the clamping device 6 (in consideration of the direction D of movement wick C relative to the main body 2).

In accordance with the preferred embodiments illustrated in the figures, the guide means 5 are advantageously arranged relative to said motorized roller 3 and clamping device 6 so that the lock of hair Ç moves downstream of the angular contact sector a, in consideration the direction of movement D of said lock of hair Ç relative to the main body 2, in a mean direction A which intersects the mean plane Pm. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the lock of hair C will thus be directed downwards (cf. FIG. 16), in a direction A, under the effect of the rotation, in a first direction S1, of the motorized roller 3.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the angular contact sector a is substantially less than or equal to 135 °, to avoid marking the lock of hair or imparting to it an undesired shaping, for example a waving or curling, which would go against the expected result and the shaping (for example smoothing) performed by the pressure surfaces 7, 8. Even more preferably, the angular contact sector a is both substantially greater than or equal at 90 ° and substantially less than or equal to 135 °. This preferential range 90 ° - 135 ° in which the angular sector a is advantageously included makes it possible in particular:

- Maximize the length of contact arc between the hair strand Ç and the motorized roller 3, while avoiding to impart unwanted shaping (in particular of the curl or wavy type) to the hair or to “mark” these last ; the shaping (which is preferably a smoothing) is advantageously ensured by separate and distinct forming means of the motorized roller 3; said forming means are for example formed by a clamping device 6 described in the following.

- And / or to orient the wick en downwards from the device 1, in a clear direction (direction A advantageously corresponding to the desired direction of final positioning of the hair) which is advantageously parallel to the face, and corresponds substantially in the natural position of the wick, along the head.

Advantageously, said guide means 5 also comprise a pressing roller 17 intended to locally press the lock of hair Ç against the motorized roller 3 to advantageously allow, or at least promote, the friction drive of said lock of hair Ç by the motorized roller 3. As illustrated in the figures, the pressing roller 17 advantageously has a length substantially similar to that of the motorized roller 3 and is thus intended to act as a counter-cylinder so that the lock of hair C to be styled is locally interposed and pressed between the motorized roller 3 and the pressing roller 17 (cf. FIG. 16), according for example to the principle of two opposite rolls of a rolling mill. The pressing roller 17 is advantageously designed to be able to adopt at least one pressing configuration in which it is capable of coming to exert a pressure on the lock of hair Ç to press it against the motorized roller 3. Advantageously, the pressing roller 17 is also advantageously designed to be able to adopt a clear configuration according to which it is sufficiently distant from the motorized roller 3 so as not to contribute to pressing the lock of hair C against the latter. Preferably, the pressing roller 17 is in the pressing configuration when the clamping device 6 is in the clamping configuration, and in the released configuration when the clamping device 6 is in the insertion configuration.

The pressing roller 17, which, like the motorized roller 3 preferably has a cylindrical shape with a circular directing curve, advantageously has a diameter substantially identical to that of the motorized roller 3. It is however perfectly conceivable, without however going beyond of the scope of the invention, that the diameter of the pressing roller 17 is less (as illustrated in FIG. 7) or on the contrary greater than that of the motorized roller 3.

The pressing roller 17 is advantageously mounted with free rotation, that is to say that it is preferably not motorized and can rotate freely around a second axis of rotation Y-Y ', which is advantageously arranged parallel to the first axis XX 'of rotation of the motorized roller 3, in the pressing configuration.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 13, the second axis of rotation YY ′ of the pressing roller 17 is advantageously permanently arranged (that is to say both in the pressing configuration and in the disengaged configuration) in parallel to the first axis of rotation XX 'of the motorized roller 3. On the other hand, in the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15, the first and second axes of rotation X-X', YY 'are only mutually parallel when the roller press 17 is in the press configuration (Figure 14) and are instead inclined relative to each other (Figure 15) when the press roller 17 adopts its disengaged configuration.

Advantageously, the pressing roller 17 is arranged downstream of the angular contact sector a, in consideration of the direction of movement D of said lock of hair G relative to the main body 2. Thus, in a particularly advantageous manner, the contact zone (corresponding to the angular sector of contact a) between the lock of hair Ç and the motorized roller 3 is disposed between on the one hand the clamping device 6, which guides the lock of hair Ç upstream of the angular sector of contact a in an inlet direction (inscribed in the plane Pm), and on the other hand the pressing roller 17, which guides the lock of hair Ç downstream of the angular contact sector Ct in an outlet direction (direction A ), said directions of entry and exit being intersecting so as to allow the hair strand C to be pressed against the motorized roller 3 according to said angular contact sector (X, promoting a reliable drive by adhesion of the bit he of hair Ç by the motorized roller 3.

The pressing roller 17 is also preferably unheated, and is therefore substantially at room temperature, to promote the cooling of the wick mentioned above.

Advantageously, the pressing roller 17, when it is in the pressing configuration, therefore presses the lock of hair Ç against the motorized roller 3 thus allowing said motorized roller 3 to frictionally drive the lock C, the pressing roller 17 itself being driven in rotation by the lock of hair Ç thus set in motion, in a second direction S2 opposite to said first direction of rotation S1. The pressing roller 17, like the motorized roller 3, is preferably made of a material promoting local adhesion of the hair, for example a material of rubber, elastomer or foam type. In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the pressing roller 17 is freely rotatable, but it is perfectly conceivable, according to an alternative variant not illustrated, that the pressing roller 17 is also directly motorized.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, said motorized roller 3 and pressing roller 17 are respectively integral with the first and second pressure surfaces 7, 8, so that the motorized roller 3 advantageously moves with the first surface pressing roller 7, while the pressing roller 17 advantageously moves with the second pressing surface 8. Thus, the pressing roller 17 advantageously reaches its pressing configuration when the clamping device is in the clamping configuration, and reaches its configuration released when the clamping device 6 is in the insertion configuration. It is alternatively conceivable that the motorized roller 3 is secured to the second pressure surface 8 and that the roller 17 is secured to the first pressure surface 7.

Advantageously, the first axis of rotation XX ′ forms, in the clamping configuration, on the one hand the border of a first half-plane P1 which is parallel to said mean plane Pm and extends towards the outside of the device 1 , and on the other hand the border of a second half-plane P2 within which the second axis YY 'falls, said second half-plane P2 being either merged with the first half-plane P1 (case where the two rollers 3, 17 are side by side, with their first and second axes of rotation X-X ', YY' respective both inscribed in a plane parallel to the mean plane P _M ), or inclined relative to the latter by an angle β less than 60 °, preferably less than or equal to 45 °. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the first axis of rotation XX 'is in a first plane perpendicular to the mean plane Pm while the second axis of rotation YY' is in a second plane also perpendicular to the mean plane Pm and parallel to said foreground, the second plane in question being distinct from the first plane and further from the clamping device 6 than is the first plane, so that the first plane is interposed between the second plane and the clamping device 6. In other words, the pressing roller 17, when it is in the pressing configuration (advantageously corresponding to the clamping configuration of the clamping device 6) is advantageously not aligned vertically with the roller motorized 3, but on the contrary is disposed substantially laterally relative to the latter (see figures), so as to be more outside of the device 1 than is the motorized roller é 3. This means that the pressing roller 17 is offset towards the outside of the device 1 relative to the motorized roller 3 so that the contact plane Pc between the two rollers 3, 17, which is perpendicular to the plane P2 in which are inscribed both the first axis of rotation XX 'and the second axis of rotation Y-Y', is inclined relative to the mean plane P _M , for example by an angle (measured in the direction of the hands of a watch from the mean plane Pm to the contact plane P _c ) greater than 10 °, preferably greater than 45 °, and advantageously between 45 ° and 135 °. For example, the contact plane P _c (which is substantially tangent to both the motorized roller 3 and the pressing roller 17) is substantially perpendicular to the mean plane Pm, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 14. This arrangement makes it possible to 'orient the lock of hair Ç, at the exit from the interface zone of the rollers 3, 17, in a direction that is not coplanar with the mean plane P _M , preferably so as to orient the lock of hair Ç downwards, so automatically reposition the wick Ç in its natural position, along the head, after it has undergone a thermomechanical shaping treatment executed in this case in the middle plane P _M by the clamping device 6. This arrangement also makes it possible to promote a driving contact between the lock of hair Ç and the motorized roller 3 sufficiently large to guarantee a reliable setting in motion of the lock of hair Ç, without having to resort to a motorized roller 3 diameter too large which would make the device 1 and prevent cumbersome to approach the unit 1 closest to the skull of the user.

Advantageously, said pressing roller 17 and motorized roller 3 are designed to move relative to one another between:

a close position (Figures 1 to 7 and 14), advantageously corresponding to the tightening configuration of the tightening device 6, in which the pressing roller 17 is close enough to the motorized roller 3 to press said lock of hair Ç against said motorized roller 3 in order to establish a mechanical friction drive connection of said lock of hair 7, and a separated position (FIGS. 8 to 13 and 15) advantageously corresponding to the configuration of introduction of the clamping device 6, in which the roller pressing tool 17 is sufficiently distant from the motorized roller 3 so as not to press said lock of hair C against the motorized roller 3.

As illustrated in the figures, and as mentioned above, the motorized roller 3 is advantageously secured to the first pressure surface 7 so as to move with it, while the pressing roller 17 is secured to the said second pressure surface 8 so as to move with it, said close positions then being reached when said first and second pressure surfaces 7, 8 are in the clamping configuration, while the separated position is reached when said first and second pressure surfaces 7, 8 are in the introduction configuration.

Advantageously, and in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 13, the clamping device 6 comprises a first chassis 18 mounted movably relative to the main body 2 between a clamping position corresponding to the clamping configuration and an insertion position corresponding to the insertion configuration, said first chassis 18 carrying the first pressure surface 7 as well as the motorized roller 3. The first chassis 18 is thus advantageously designed to move in circular translation relative to the main body 2, in order to move the first surface pressure 7 between its clamping and insertion configurations (and vice versa) and the motorized roller 3 between its close and apart positions (and vice versa). Advantageously, the clamping device 6 furthermore comprises at least one second chassis 19 also mounted mobile relative to the main body 2 between a clamping position corresponding to the clamping configuration and an insertion position corresponding to the configuration of introduction of the clamping device 6. The second chassis 19 advantageously takes on said second pressure surface 8 as well as a support 20 which itself takes on the pressing roller 17. The first and second chassis 18, 19 advantageously form first and second jaws respectively movable relative to the main body 2 intended to grip the lock of hair Ç to be smoothed, while allowing sliding between said jaws of said lock of hair Ç under the effect of the displacement of the latter generated by the motorized roller 3 in cooperation with the pressing roller 17. The pressing roller 17 is rotatably mounted according to the second e axis YY 'relative to the support 20, the displacement of the second frame 19 relative to the main body 2 concomitantly causing the displacement of the pressing roller 17 and the second axis of rotation YY' relative to the main body 2. The support 20 is itself advantageously mounted movable relative to the second chassis 19 between at least one rest position that it occupies as long as the second chassis 19 is in the insertion position and an engagement position that it occupies when the second chassis 19 reaches its position of Tightening. Thanks to this faculty of mobility of the pressing roller 17, and therefore of the second axis of rotation YY ′ of the latter, relative to the second chassis 19, the styling device 1 can adapt to the characteristics of the lock of hair Ç, and in particular to the thickness of the latter, by adjusting, preferably automatically, the size of the interstitial space between the pressing roller 17 and the motorized roller 3, so as to promote local adherent contact, while avoiding possible jamming of the hair Ç between the rollers 3, 17.

More specifically, the support 20 is advantageously mounted for rotation along a third axis of rotation Z-Z 'integral with the second chassis 19 and which therefore moves with the latter. Preferably, the engagement position of the support 20 is thus floating, to adapt to the thickness of the lock of hair Ç. In other words, the support 20 is advantageously mounted floating relative to the second chassis 19, so as to be able to move freely relative to the second chassis 19, preferably pivoting along the third axis of rotation ZZ 'relative to the second chassis 19 between its rest and engagement positions. This makes it possible to adapt the position of the pressing roller 17 to the thickness of the lock of hair C interposed between said motorized rollers 3 and pressing roller 17.

Preferably, as illustrated in the figures, the support 20 and the main body 2 are provided with respective complementary engagement surfaces 201, 21 which cooperate to transform the displacement of the second chassis 19 (preferably in a circular translational movement) relative to the main body 2 in rotational movement of the support 20 relative to the second chassis 19, so as to control the passage of the support 20 from its rest position to its engagement position and vice versa. To this end, the interlocking surface 21 which is provided with the support 20 forms a cam path against and along which moves one or more cam follower (s) (for example of spherical shape as illustrated) forming the engagement surface 201 of the support 20. Preferably, an elastic return means is also provided for permanently recalling the engagement surfaces 201, 21 against each other. This return means is for example in the form of a spring which permanently forces the cam follower (s) integral with the support 20 against the cam surface 201 secured to the main body 2. This floating assembly controlled by cam thus makes it possible to automatically bring the pressing roller 17 into a perfectly functional position relative to the motorized roller 3 during the transition from the introduction configuration to the clamping configuration of the clamping device 6.

It is also alternatively conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, for the passage of the support 20 from its rest position to its engagement position to be obtained by direct engagement of the pressing roller 17 by the motorized roller 3, so that when the device 1 is closed (passage from the introduction configuration to the clamping configuration), the pressing roller 17 comes to roll against and on the motorized roller 3 so as to be thus pushed back laterally and reach its close position allowing the drive of the wick.

Preferably, in order to optimize the contact between the rollers 3, 17 and the lock of hair C, the rollers 3, 17 remain permanently parallel to each other, in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 13.

Preferably, the styling apparatus 1 comprises first and second complementary coupling parts 23, 24 attached respectively to the motor 4 and to the motorized roller 3. More specifically, the motor shaft 4A advantageously carries the first coupling part 23 , while a receiving shaft 3A secured to the motorized roller 3 carries the second coupling part 24. The first and second complementary coupling parts 23, 24 are advantageously movable relative to each other between on the one hand a coupled configuration (Figures 1 to 7), corresponding to the close position of said pressing rollers 17 and motorized roller 3, in which said first and second complementary coupling parts 23, 24 are in mutual contact to allow the motor 4 to put in motion the motorized roller 3, and on the other hand a decoupled configuration (Figures 8 to 7), corresponding to said position spaced from said pressing roller and motorized roller 3, in which said first and second complementary coupling parts 23, 24 are at a distance from each other, so that the motor 4 is then unable to set in motion the motorized roller 3. In other words, in the coupled configuration, the first and second complementary coupling parts 23, 24 are in contact with one another so as to generate between them a mechanical connection making it possible to transmit the movement of the motor 4 with motorized roller 3, so that the latter itself sets in motion the lock of hair Ç relative to the main body 2. On the contrary, in the uncoupled configuration the first and second complementary parts 23, 24 are kept apart one of the other, so as to no longer be in contact, which breaks the kinematic chain between the motor 4 and the motorized roller 3 and thus in fact prevents any transmission of any effo rt from motor 4 to rotary receiver shaft 3A. The passage from the coupled configuration to the uncoupled configuration is thus advantageously concomitant with the passage from the clamping configuration to the insertion configuration of the clamping device 6, and is also controlled by manual actuation of the control member 9. Advantageously , the styling device 1 also includes a torque limiter designed to automatically uncouple said motor shafts 4A and receiver 3A when the following two conditions are met:

said first and second complementary coupling parts 23, 24 are in the coupled configuration and the torque transmitted to the receiving shaft 3A reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold value, for example between 40 and 120 mN.m, preferably equal to 80 mN.m.

The torque limiter is therefore advantageously designed to play its role only when the first and second complementary coupling parts 23, 24 are coupled, and it allows in this case to automatically interrupt (without user intervention) the transmission between the motor 4 and the roller 3, if for example a jamming of the drive device formed by the rollers 3, 17 occurs. The torque limiter can take any known form, and consist, for example, of a friction torque limiter or of a frictionless, obstacle-limiting torque limiter (for example with teeth, rollers or balls). According to a particularly preferred embodiment and illustrated in the figures, the first and second complementary coupling parts 23, 24 themselves form, in their coupled configuration, said torque limiter. In this case, said first and second complementary coupling parts 23, 24 are advantageously, in the coupled configuration, interengaged by adhesion (to form a friction torque limiter) or by obstacle (to form a frictionless torque limiter , for example with teeth, balls or rollers), and slip one relative to the other as soon as the aforementioned threshold value is reached.

Preferably, the main body 2 also has a combing means 22 for said lock of hair Ç intended to be set in motion by said motorized roller 3. The combing means 22 is advantageously arranged upstream of the tightening device 6 relative to the direction of movement D of drill bit Ç. The combing means 22 comprises for example a plurality of teeth or bristles arranged in rows or tufts, so as to form a comb or a brush. The combing means 22 advantageously makes it possible to divide the wick Ç to be shaped into a plurality of small elementary wicks, and to distribute them well over the treatment surfaces formed by the pressure surfaces 7, 8. The combing means 22 thus allows the wick C to be well spread between the jaws to promote its shaping by the surfaces 7, 8, which are preferably heating. Preferably, the combing means 22 also performs a function of tensioning the lock of hair Ç, in particular by opposing a local resistance by friction of the lock of hair Ç to the traction operated by the couple motorized roller 3 / roller pressing 17 conjugates. In the preferred embodiment of Figures 1 to 13, the combing means 22 is itself pivotally mounted between a folded position which it occupies when the clamping device 6 is in the insertion configuration, in order to facilitate the installation of the drill bit C within the clamping device 6, and a raised position which it occupies when the clamping device 6 is in the clamping configuration. The passage from one of said folded and raised positions to the other is advantageously automatic and obtained for example by means of a cam-type drive to transform the movement of the first chassis 18 into movement of the combing means 22. For example, the combing means 22 is provided with a cam surface 22A which cooperates with a complementary surface 22B forming a cam follower integral with the first frame 18, the combing means 22 being advantageously permanently recalled, by means for example of a spring, in its raised position, and pushed back into its folded position by cooperation of the surfaces 22A, 22B when the first chassis 18 returns to its insertion position from its engagement position. It is however perfectly conceivable, in accordance with the alternative embodiment of Figures 14 and 15, that the combing means is mounted fixed. Mobile mounting such as that of FIGS. 1 to 13 is however preferred since it allows a particularly effective tensioning and combing.

The invention ultimately makes it possible, in particular in its preferred mode of FIGS. 1 to 14, to automatically straighten locks of hair in a particularly reliable, simple and rapid manner, while allowing positioning of the styling device 1 as close as possible to the user's skull to smooth strands of hair over a maximum length.

The invention thus relates to a styling device 1 which is preferably specifically intended for straightening the hair and whose closed position of the pressure surfaces 7, 8 corresponds to the natural configuration (resting configuration) of the device 1. In this natural rest position, which corresponds to the clamping configuration of the clamping device 6, the motorized 3 and pressing rollers 17 are in the close position, while the control means 9 is in a deployed position of elastic return.

The exercise of pressure on the control means 9, against the elastic restoring force which is exerted permanently on the latter, makes it possible to pass the apparatus 1 from its stable configuration of rest to a unstable open configuration in which the device 1 is held by manual action of the user on the control means 9 to force the latter to occupy its second position. Once the device 1 in the open configuration, the pressing roller 17 is at a distance from the motorized roller 3 (apart position), while the clamping device 6 is in the insertion configuration. As soon as the user releases the manual effort which he exerts on the control means 9, the device 1 spontaneously returns to its natural rest configuration (closed configuration described above).

The operation and use of the device 1 are for example the following.

The user first grasps a lock of hair C with one hand and grasps the device 1 with his other hand, preparing to position it against his scalp, or at least close to the latter, so that the motorized roller 3 and the pressing roller 17 are arranged near the scalp while the combing means 22 is disposed opposite said rollers 3, 17, as far from the scalp.

The user then actuates the control means 9 to thereby force the device 1 to leave its normally closed configuration to reach its unstable open configuration. The user can then move the device 1 to easily place the lock of hair C inside the device 1, both between the motorized roller 3 and the pressing roller 17 on the one hand and between the first and second pressure surfaces on the other hand, as well as between the teeth of the combing device 22. Once the lock of hair Ç in place inside the device 1, the user releases the control means 9 so that the device 1 is returned to its normally closed configuration, in which the drive means formed by the rollers 3, 17 is then capable of driving the lock of hair C to be shaped. The wick Ç will then run at an appropriate speed in the combing device 22, 5 then in the clamping device 6 (between the pressure surfaces 7, 8) which appropriately clamps the hair to smooth the wick Ç particularly durable, fast and automatic.

Claims (18)

1 - Styling device (1) designed to be grasped and manipulated by hand and comprising a main body (2) which carries at least one motorized roller (3) rotatably mounted relative to the main body to set in motion by friction a wick of hair (Ç) to be styled relative to the main body (2), said styling device (1) being characterized in that said main body (2) also has guide means (5) for said lock of hair (Ç) arranged relatively to said motorized roller (3) for keeping said strand of hair (Ç) pressed against said motorized roller (3) according to an angular contact sector (a) at least equal to 30 °. 2 - Styling device (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that said angular contact sector (a) is at least equal to 45 °, and even more preferably at least equal to 90 °. 3 - Styling device (1) according to claim 2 characterized in that said angular contact sector (a) is substantially less than or equal to 135 °. 4 - Styling device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that said main body (2) has a clamping device (6) of said lock of hair (Ç) to be styled, said guide means (5) comprising said clamping device (6). 5- styling device (1) according to claim 4 characterized in that said clamping device (6) is arranged upstream of said motorized roller (3) relative to the direction of movement (D) of said lock of hair (Ç ) relative to the main body (2). 6 - Styling device (1) according to claim 4 or 5 characterized in that said clamping device (6) comprises a first and a second pressure surface (7), (8) movable relative to each other Between : - On the one hand an insertion configuration according to which said first and second pressure surfaces (7), (8) are sufficiently spaced from one another to allow the insertion between them of said lock of hair (Ç ). - And on the other hand, a clamping configuration according to which said pressure surfaces (7), (8) are close enough to enclose between them said lock of hair (Ç) which then fits into a corresponding mean plane (Pm) at the interface of said first and second pressure surfaces (7), (8). 7 - Styling device (1) according to claims 5 and 6 characterized in that said guide means (5) are arranged relative to said motorized roller (3) and clamping device (6) so that the lock of hair (Ç) moves downstream of said angular contact sector (a), in consideration of the direction of movement (D) of said lock of hair (C) relative to the main body (2), in a mean direction (A) which cuts said medium plane (Pm). 8 - Styling device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7 characterized in that said clamping device (6) is provided with a heating means for both clamping and heating the lock of hair (Ç) . 9 - Styling device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 8 characterized in that said main body (2) also has a combing means (22) of said lock of hair (C) intended to be set in motion by said motorized roller (3), said combing means (22) being arranged upstream of the clamping device (6) relative to the direction of movement (D) of said wick (Ç). 10 - Styling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that said guide means (5) comprise a pressing roller (17) intended to locally press said lock of hair (Ç) against the motorized roller to allow friction drive of said lock of hair (Ç). 11 - Styling device (1) according to the preceding claim characterized in that said pressing roller (17) is arranged downstream of said angular contact sector (a), in consideration of the direction of movement of said lock of hair ( Ç) relative to the main body (2). 12-Styling device (1) according to claims 6 and 11 characterized in that said motorized roller (3) and pressing roller (17) are rotatable along respectively a first and a second axis of rotation (X-X ') and (Y-Y ') and are respectively integral with the first and the second pressure surfaces (7), (8), the first axis of rotation (X-X') forming in the clamping configuration on the one hand the border of a first half-plane (P1) which is parallel to said mean plane (Pm) and extends towards the outside of the apparatus (1) and on the other hand the border of a second half-plane (P2 ) within which the second axis (Y-Y ') is inscribed, said second half-plane (P2) being either merged with said first half-plane (P1), or inclined relative to the latter by a lower angle (β) at 60 °, preferably less than or equal to 45 °. 13 - Styling device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12 characterized in that said pressing roller (17) and motorized roller (3) are designed to move relative to each other between: a close position, in which the pressing roller (17) is close enough to the motorized roller (3) to press said lock of hair (Ç) against said motorized roller in order to establish a mechanical friction drive connection of said lock of hair (Ç). and a spread position, in which the pressing roller (17) is sufficiently distant from the motorized roller (3) so as not to press said lock of hair (Ç) against said motorized roller. 14 - Styling device (1) according to claims 6 and 13 characterized in that said motorized roller (3) is integral with said first pressure surface (7) so as to move with it, while said pressing roller ( 17) is integral with said second pressure surface (8) so as to move with it, said close position being reached when said first and second pressure surfaces (7), (8) are in the clamping configuration, while said spread position is reached when said first and second pressure surfaces (7), (8) are in the insertion configuration. 15- Styling device (1) according to claim 14 characterized in that said clamping device (6) comprises at least a second frame (19) mounted movable relative to said main body between a clamping position corresponding to the clamping configuration and an insertion position corresponding to the insertion configuration, said second chassis (19) embedding said second pressure surface (8) as well as a support (20) which itself embeds said pressing roller (17), said support (20) being itself mounted movable relative to said second chassis (19) between at least one rest position which it occupies as long as the second chassis (19) is in the insertion position and an engagement position that it occupies when the second chassis (19) reaches its clamping position. 16- Styling device (1) according to claim 15 characterized in that said engagement position is floating to adapt to the thickness of said lock of hair (Ç). 17 - Styling device (1) according to claim 15 or 16 characterized in that said support (20) is pivotally mounted relative to said second frame (19) between its rest and engagement positions. 18 -Hair styling apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it forms a straightening iron.