Improved hair styling device forming a vibrating spray brush

Abstract

To propose a new portable hair styling apparatus that easily produces an effect of styling and bundling of hair.SOLUTION: A hair styling apparatus (1) includes an attachment (6) connected to a handle (2), the attachment including a hair engagement element (12) and a first and second air outlets (15, 16) positioned on both side of the engagement element. The apparatus includes an air distribution duct (21) fixed to the handle. The duct includes two air distribution outlets along different directions. The attachment is rotatably attached to the handle in order to take a configuration enabling variable angle orientation of the attachment with respect to the handle in a predetermined angle range. The attachment is movable between a first position at which one of the air distribution outlets aerodynamically communicates with the first air outlet and a second position at which the other of the air distribution outlets aerodynamically communicates with the second air outlet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field of, for example, household hair styling devices, and more particularly to the field of portable hair styling devices designed to blow an air stream in order to facilitate drying and / or gathering of hair.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of hair styling devices, blow-on hair brush type devices are already known. They generally include a brush head connected to a gripping handle and provided with brush bristles on the whole or part of its surface. The blowing orifice is provided at the location of the brush bristles such that warm or cold air is blown in the direction of the hair by the brush head. Such blow-on hair brushes are intended to enable a certain amount of hair drying while performing one or more hair styling effects or gathering the hair.

[0003] Even if such known blow-on hair brushes are generally satisfactory, there still remains room for improvement. In fact, the hair styling effects that users can obtain using them are not necessarily easy to actually achieve, especially for users without special knowledge in the field of hair styling. Such known blow-on hair brushes can further have a particularly complex design, which tends to affect especially their reliability and their ease of use. Moreover, if some known blow-on hair brushes lack compactness, their ergonomic properties deteriorate and they become less suitable for handling.

[0004] Furthermore, known hair styling devices of the spray brush type, even if intended to replace multiple different devices by combining brushing and drying functions, are not particularly suitable for achieving satisfactory hair drying in practice. This is because drying is necessarily related to hair styling or brushing in this case. It is clear that known hair styling devices of the spray brush type cannot effectively accomplish multiple different tasks of drying, styling, and taming hair on their own, and as a result, it is generally necessary to rely on supplementary hair styling devices to achieve a satisfactory overall hair styling result. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to propose a novel portable hair styling device that enables even users without special professional skills in the field of hair styling to easily achieve particularly satisfying results in styling and taming their hair.

[0006] Another objective of the present invention is to propose a novel portable hair styling device that is particularly practical, intuitive, and easy to use for users who do not possess special professional skills in the field of hair styling.

[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to propose a novel portable hair styling device with a particularly easy and reliable design.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to propose a novel portable hair styling device, particularly one with a compact structure.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to propose a novel portable hair styling device that enables the user to easily and effectively perform multiple different tasks without the need to rely on supplemental external hair styling devices.

[0010] Another object of the present invention aims to propose a novel portable hair styling device that enables particularly effective drying and styling of hair under comfortable usage conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] An object given to the present invention is a portable hair styling device comprising a blower module for generating airflow, a handle for hand gripping, and an accessory connected to the handle, wherein the accessory comprises a main mechanical engagement element for hair and at least first and second air outlets, distinct from each other and positioned on either side of the main mechanical engagement element for hair, the device comprises an air distribution duct fixedly mounted to the handle and extending from one end of the handle, the distribution duct comprises two distinct and separated air distribution outlets for distributing the airflow generated by the blower module along different mean directions, the accessory is rotatably mounted to the handle along a pivot axis to take on at least one first angular configuration that allows for variable angular orientation of the accessory relative to the handle within a predetermined angular range, and in the first angular configuration, the accessory is, - The first air distribution outlet of the air distribution duct is in a first angular position where it aerodynamically communicates with the first air outlet of the accessory, - This is achieved using a device in which the second air distribution outlet of the air distribution duct can move between a second angular position that aerodynamically communicates with the second air outlet of the accessory.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described and explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are given exclusively as non-limiting examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This figure illustrates an embodiment of a hair styling device according to the present invention, in a side view, wherein the device's accessories are configured at a first angle relative to the handle, and the accessories are preferably locked by a locking mechanism included in the device. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the hair styling device shown in Figure 1 from a front view. [Figure 3] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the hair styling device in a side view, where the device's accessories are configured at a second angle relative to the handle, and the accessories are preferably locked by a locking mechanism included in the device. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the hair styling device shown in the front view. [Figure 5] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the design details of the hair styling device, illustrating them with cross-sectional views of the accessories, where the device accessories take on a second angular position in a first angular configuration. [Figure 6] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the design details of the hair styling device, illustrating them with cross-sectional views of the accessories, where the device accessories take on a third angular position in a first angular configuration. [Figure 7] Figures 3 and 4 (second angle configuration) illustrate the design details of the hair styling device with cross-sectional views of the accessories. [Figure 8] Figures 1, 2, and 5 (first angle configuration) illustrate the design details of the hair styling device by front view, with some elements of the accessories omitted or made transparent to illustrate several preferred design aspects. [Figure 9] Figures 1 to 8 illustrate the first housing element of the housing of the accessories for the hair styling device, shown in an internal front view. [Figure 10] Figure 9 illustrates a first housing element, shown in a cutaway view, in relation to the handle and accessories of the hair styling device and a portion of the air distribution duct, where the device's air guide channel and air distribution duct are transparent. [Figure 11] Figures 1 to 8 illustrate the second housing element of the accessory housing of the hair styling device, shown in an internal front view. [Figure 12] Figures 1, 2, 5, and 8 (first angular configuration) illustrate the design details of the hair styling device, with cross-sectional views of the accessories near the interface between the handle and the accessories. [Figure 13] Figures 3, 4, and 7 (second angle configuration) illustrate the design details of the hair styling device, with cross-sectional views of the accessories near the interface between the handle and the accessories. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The hair styling device 1 according to the present invention is a portable hair styling device designed to be held and handled by hand. It is a hair styling device preferably intended for use within the home by a user without special professional skills in the field of hair styling, i.e., drying, styling, and shaping hair. Preferably, the hair styling device 1 is designed for the user to use on themselves, i.e., on their own hair. However, it is entirely foreseeable that the device 1 may be designed for use by a user on the hair of a third party without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0015] A non-limiting embodiment of the hair styling device 1 illustrated in the figures includes a hand-gripping handle 2 (or hilt) intended to be grasped by the user in order to handle the hair styling device 1. The handle 2 typically extends longitudinally between a first end 3 and a second end 4 on the opposite side, preferably along a (first) axis A-A'. The hair styling device 1 also preferably includes a built-in blower module 5 designed to generate a (forced) airflow F, and an accessory 6 connected to the handle 2, preferably intended to be directed out of the hair styling device 1 so that the airflow F generated by the blower module 5 can be discharged through the accessory 6 towards the user's hair. The hair styling device 1 includes an air inlet 7 into which ambient air can be drawn by the blower module 5 to be blown towards the user's hair. Preferably, the blower module 5, which includes a ventilator driven by an electric motor as is known, may be preferably located inside the handle 2 or inside the accessory 6. However, more preferably, the blower module 5 of the hair styling device 1 is assembled to the handle 2 at its second end 4, so that the blower module 5 preferably extends the handle 2 beyond its second end 4. Preferably, with respect to the accessory 6 of the device 1, it is connected to the handle 2 at its first end 3. Thus, the blower module 5 is preferably separated from the accessory 6 and the handle 2. In this way, it is possible to determine the dimensions of the blower module 5 to generate a large airflow F economically and without affecting the overall external dimensions of the accessory 6 and the handle 2. Moreover, such arrangement of the blower module 5 contributes to ergonomics and user comfort by placing the weight of the hair styling device 1 in a better balance, preferably by distributing the mass to both sides of the handle 2.As discussed above and illustrated in the figures, when the blower module 5 is positioned inside the handle 2 in this manner, or assembled to the handle 2 at its second end 4, the hair styling device 1 may preferably include a guide channel 8 (Figure 8) provided inside the handle 2 to guide the airflow F generated by the blower module 5 out of the handle 2 in the direction of the accessory 6.

[0016] Preferably, the hair styling device 1 also includes a heating element provided to increase the temperature of the airflow F generated by the blower module 5. The heating element is housed inside the hair styling device 1 and positioned to intersect with the airflow F generated by the blower module 5. In the embodiment illustrated in the figure, the heating element is positioned inside a guide channel 8 for the airflow F, preferably provided in the handle 2 (Figure 8), as mentioned above. The heating element is an electroheating element, known as itself, which generally operates on the principle of the Joule effect and includes at least one heating electrical resistor formed from conductive wire (not shown) wound around an insulating core 9. Alternatively, the heating element may be housed inside the accessory 6, particularly at the expense of its compactness.

[0017] Preferably, the hair styling device 1 includes a user-operated manual control and / or adjustment means 10 for the operation of the hair styling device 1 and, in particular, its blower module 5 and / or heating element. It is an adjustment means 10 of the rocker switch, push-button switch type and / or slide or knurled variator type, as illustrated in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, which the user can directly interact with to electrically start / stop the hair styling device 1 and change the rotational speed of the ventilator of the blower module 5, and therefore the speed / flow rate of the airflow F blown by the accessory 6, and / or the heating temperature of the heating element. Known as itself, such manual control / adjustment means 10 may be positioned, for example, in the handle 2 or in the blower module 5, as illustrated in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, when it is assembled to the second end 4 of the handle. The hair styling device 1 preferably constitutes a portable electrical device and is designed to be powered by a power outlet via a power cord 11. Alternatively, the hair styling device 1 may be powered by a built-in energy source, such as a storage battery, which may be housed in the handle 2.

[0018] The accessory 6 of the hair styling device 1 according to the present invention includes a main mechanical engagement element 12 for hair that can mechanically interact with the user's hair, particularly to brush, style, and / or comb the user's hair. The accessory 6 generally includes a support 13 having a support surface 14 oriented outward from the device 1, and into which the main mechanical engagement element 12 for hair is optionally removable. For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figure, the main mechanical engagement element 12 may include multiple rows or rod-shaped members 12A, 12B, 12C of brush bristles (or pins) fixed to the support 13 and protruding from the support surface 14, preferably in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto. Alternatively, the main mechanical engagement element 12 may include, for example, brush bristles (or pins) integrally molded with the support 13. The support surface 14 may be substantially flat or convex outward from the accessory 6, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figure.

[0019] The accessory 6 also includes at least first and second (main) air outlets 15, 16 through which an air flow F can be blown by the accessory 6 in the direction of the user's hair. The first and second air outlets 15, 16 do not coincide and are not adjacent, are different from each other, and are positioned on both sides of the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair. As illustrated in the figure, the first and second air outlets 15, 16 are thus preferably positioned at the edges of the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair, along the opposite side edges of the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair.

[0020] As can be seen particularly from FIGS. 5 to 7, the presence of the first and second air outlets 15, 16 is a permanent, i.e., non-alternative presence. In other words, the first and second outlets 15, 16 are always present on both sides of the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair, and the first and second outlets 15, 16 are not temporary.

[0021] According to a variant not illustrated in the figure, the accessory 6 may optionally include one or more secondary mechanical engagement elements of the hair. For example, the accessory 6 may be a first secondary mechanical engagement element of the hair, and the first air outlet 15 is arranged to be positioned between the first secondary element and the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair, and a second secondary mechanical engagement element of the hair, and the second air outlet 16 is arranged to be positioned between the second secondary element and the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair.

[0022] Preferably, the accessory 6 includes a housing 17 whose outer surface preferably defines the overall external shape and contour of the accessory 6. The housing 17 is preferably connected to the handle 2 at its first end 3 so that the housing 17 (and therefore the accessory 6) extends the handle 2 directly beyond its first end 3. The outer surface of the housing 17 thus preferably defines the overall external shape and contour of the end portion of the hair styling device 1 that extends the handle 2 of the hair styling device 1. As illustrated in the embodiment in the figure, the housing 17 preferably includes at least one first surface 18A which preferably partly forms a support 13 for the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair. Thus the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair is fixed to the support 13, preferably integral with and fixed to the housing 17. Preferably, the first surface 18A of the housing 17 supports the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 such that the first and second air outlets 15, 16 are integrated with the housing 17 and the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair, and the first and second air outlets 15, 16 are fixed to them. The housing 17, the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair, and the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory thus preferably form a unified kinematic subassembly of the hair styling device 1.

[0023] Particularly preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figure, the first surface 18A of the housing 17 may be defined by all or part of the outer surface of the first element 17A of the integrated housing. The support 13 of the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair and the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 are thus preferably integrally molded with the first element 17A of the housing. The design and manufacture of the accessory 6 are thereby particularly simplified, and the first element 17A of the housing can be easily manufactured, for example, by injection molding from a plastic material.

[0024] Preferably, as illustrated in the figure, the housing 17 (and more generally the accessory 6) extends longitudinally along the (second) intermediate axis B-B' between a lower end 19 that preferably extends the handle 2 beyond its second end 4 and an upper end 20 on the opposite side. The first and second air outlets 15, 16 are preferably defined by elongated, continuous openings, such as slits, that extend longitudinally along both sides of the lateral edges of the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair, respectively, in the mean direction that is oriented as a whole along the extension axis B-B' of the housing 17. However, other forms and orientations of the first and second air outlets 15, 16 can be selectively considered without thus departing from the framework of the present invention.

[0025] The hair styling device 1 similarly includes an air distribution duct 21 extending from one end 3 of the handle 2, in the embodiment illustrated in the figure, from the first end 3 of the handle 2. The air distribution duct 21 includes two air distribution outlets 22, 23, which are distinct from and separated from each other and designed to distribute the airflow F generated by the blower module 5 out of the air distribution duct 21 along a different mean direction. As seen in Figures 5 to 7, the air distribution outlets 22, 23 preferably face each other in the diametrical direction. Preferably, the air distribution duct 21 includes exclusively two air distribution outlets 22, 23, which preferably have substantially identical effective cross-sections of air passages. If the blower module 5 is located inside the handle 2, or at the height of the second end 3 of the handle 2, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figure, the air distribution duct 21 may preferably include an air inlet 24 connected to a guide channel 8 provided inside the handle 2 to collect the airflow generated by the blower module 5. The air distribution duct 21 thus preferably extends the air guide channel 8 beyond its first end 3. Preferably, the air distribution duct 21 and the air guide channel 8 inside the handle 2 can form a single, integrated component to further simplify the design and manufacture of the hair styling device 1. For example, the air distribution duct 21 may include a cylindrical or frustoconical hollow tube 25 with one end open, as described later, and the air distribution outlets 15, 16 are provided through the wall of the tube 25, the wall being substantially impermeable to air.

[0026] According to the present invention, the accessory 6 is rotatably and pivotally mounted to the handle 2 along the (third) axis of rotation C-C' in order to take up at least one first angular configuration, i.e., a predetermined first spatial arrangement of the accessory 6 that rotates relative to the handle 2, which enables variable angular orientation of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2 within a predetermined angular range. In other words, the first angular configuration corresponds to a plurality of different angular orientations (or positions) that the accessory 6 can take relative to the handle 2 by rotation around the axis of rotation C-C' within a predetermined and preferably bounded angular range. Thus, when the accessory 6 takes up such a first angular configuration, called a “variable angular orientation”, the accessory 6 has a certain range of rotational tolerance around the axis of rotation C-C', and is therefore capable of pivoting and vibrating relative to the handle 2 within a predetermined, bounded angular range while blowing airflow outside the hair styling device 1 through one and / or the other of the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6.

[0027] More specifically, in the apparatus 1 according to the present invention, when the accessory 6 takes a first angular configuration, the accessory 6 is - The first air distribution outlet 22 of the air distribution outlets 22 and 23 of the air distribution duct 21 is in a first angular position (not shown) where it is aerodynamically in communication with the first air outlet 15 of accessory 6, - The second air distribution outlet 23 of the air distribution outlets 22 and 23 of the air distribution duct 21 is in a second angular position (different from the first angular position illustrated in Figure 5) that aerodynamically communicates with the second air outlet 16 of accessory 6. Designed and configured to allow rotational movement between them.

[0028] In this way, when a user uses the hair styling device 1 and its attachment 6 takes a first angular configuration called "variable angular orientation," the interaction between the user's hair and the mechanical hair engagement element 12 of the attachment 6 is influenced by the tensile stress exerted by the user's hair on the main mechanical hair engagement element 12, which can cause the attachment 6 to pivot relative to the handle 2 along the rotation axis C-C'. This has the effect of selectively blowing an airflow F from one and / or the other of the first and second air outlets 15, 16, depending on the direction of brushing or styling the hair, and therefore depending on the direction of pivoting of the attachment 6 around the rotation axis C-C' toward one or the other of the first and second angular positions. As a result, the airflow F is preferably always blown as close as possible to the user's hair and always in the optimal direction depending on the direction of movement of the device 1, without requiring any special action from there, other than the act of brushing the hair with the device 1. In this case, the airflow is always blown in the direction from the hair root to the hair tip, and this direction is of particular interest with respect to several tasks of styling the hair or detangling it. The hair styling device 1 according to the present invention thus makes it easy to obtain particularly satisfactory hair styling and hair styling effects, even for users who do not have special knowledge in the field of hair styling.

[0029] Preferably, the first and second angular positions that can be adopted by the rotation of the handle 2 by the accessory 6 are opposite extremes of the first angular configuration, and the predetermined angular range is from 20° to 60°, preferably 50°. Such a range of values ​​helps to optimize the amplitude of rotation, i.e., the travel stroke resulting from the tensile stress applied by the hair to the main mechanical engagement element 12, which is necessary to reach one of the first and second angular positions from the other of the first and second angular positions, thereby giving the device 1 a particularly ergonomic character in use.

[0030] Preferably, the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 are designed to blow an airflow F out of the device 1 in the direction of the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair, and substantially tangentially to the support surface 14 of the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair. In other words, as illustrated particularly in Figures 5 to 7, both the first and second air outlets 15, 16 are adapted and configured with respect to the support surface 13 of the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair in order to direct and orient the airflow F in the direction of the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair, which is positioned between the first and second air outlets 15, 16, and substantially tangentially to the surface 14 of the support surface 13 of the support surface 13 of the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair.

[0031] Therefore, the average trajectory of the airflow F that can be blown by one and / or the other of the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of accessory 6 preferably divides (and is not parallel to) the direction in which the brush bristles or pins of the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair protrude from the surface 14 of its support 13. As a result, the airflow F can preferably be blown as close as possible to the user's hair that engages with the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair, which makes it possible to further improve the hair styling, brushing, or hair polishing effect obtained using the device 1.

[0032] Preferably, when the accessory 6 is in a first angular position, the device 1 is designed and configured to prevent aerodynamic communication between the second air outlet 16 of the accessory 6 and the second air distribution outlet 23 of the air distribution duct 21. Conversely, preferably when the accessory 6 is in a second angular position (Figure 5), the device 1 is designed and configured to prevent aerodynamic communication between the first air outlet 15 of the accessory 6 and the first air distribution outlet 22 of the air distribution duct 21. In this way, the entire airflow F generated by the blower module 5 can be alternately blown by only one or the other of the first and second air distribution outlets 22, 23 of the air distribution duct 21, depending on the first or second angular position taken by the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2. This feature preferably simplifies the design of the accessory 6 and ensures reliable air distribution to the first or second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 while limiting pressure loss.

[0033] Preferably, the device 1 is designed and configured such that when the accessory 6 takes a first angular configuration, the accessory 6 can take a third angular position illustrated in Figure 6, the third angular position being angularly intermediate with respect to the first and second angular positions, and in the third angular position, the first and second air distribution outlets 22, 23 of the air distribution duct 21 are aerodynamically in communication with the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 simultaneously. In this way, when the accessory 6 takes the third angular position, the airflow generated by the blower module 5 can be blown simultaneously by the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6. This allows the airflow F to be directed out on both sides of the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair, which is particularly preferable at the start of the hair styling work when the user first positions the hair styling device 1 in contact with the mesh of hair. In practice, the hair mesh in the entire area is processed before the user moves the device 1 and before the hair exerts tension on the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair, and therefore before the airflow F is blown by only the first or second air distribution outlets 22, 23. Preferably, the third angular position is angularly central to the first and second angular positions within a predetermined angular range. The rotational amplitude of the accessory 6 between the first and third angular positions is, in this case, the same as the rotational amplitude of the accessory 6 between the second and third angular positions (e.g., an amplitude of 25° on both sides of the third angular position).

[0034] More preferably, the third angular position is a stationary position, and the accessory 6 includes preferably elastic return means designed to automatically return the accessory 6 to the third angular position when the accessory 6 takes one or the other of the first and second angular positions. In this way, when there is no stress on the accessory 6 due to the interaction between the user's hair and the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair, the accessory 6 preferably automatically returns on its own to a third intermediate angular position called the stationary position. The stress and amplitude that rotate the accessory 6 due to the interaction between the user's hair and the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair of the accessory 6, which is later required to reach one or the other of the first and second angular positions, are thus preferably reduced, which further improves the ease of use and comfort of the device 1.

[0035] The return mechanism includes, preferably, a pair of tension springs 26, 27, arranged to act in opposite directions. Preferably, they are positioned in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis C-C' of the accessory 6, and each of the springs 26, 27 is connected by one end to the handle 2, or, as will be detailed later, to an intermediate member 28 that can be fixed at least temporarily to the handle 2. Each of the springs 26, 27 is connected by the other end to the respective bearing surfaces of the accessory 6 and, for example, its housing 17. Although the use of such a pair of springs 26, 27 proves to be particularly effective and robust in ensuring such automatic return function of the accessory 6 at such third stationary intermediate angular positions, other suitable return mechanisms, whether elastic (spring blades, torsion springs, etc.) or inelastic (a pair of magnets, etc.), may be used as alternatives for this purpose. Preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figure, the return means is positioned outside the airflow circulating inside the device 1 so as not to cause turbulence in the airflow F, and on the other hand so as not to disrupt the good function of the return means when the airflow is heated, particularly by the heating element of the device 1.

[0036] Preferably, the apparatus 1 according to the present invention is designed and configured such that substantially the entire airflow F generated by the blower module 5 and distributed by the air distribution duct 21 is blown through the first air outlet 15 of the accessory 6 when the accessory 6 is in a first angular position, through the second air outlet 16 of the accessory 6 when the accessory 6 is in a second angular position, and, if necessary, through the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 simultaneously when it is in a third angular position. However, optionally, the accessory 6 of the apparatus 1 may include an auxiliary air outlet (not shown) that differs from the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 and is designed to aerodynamically communicate with the first air distribution outlet 22 of the air distribution duct 21 and / or the second air distribution outlet 23 of the air distribution duct 21, depending on whether the accessory 6 is in a first angular position, a second angular position, or optionally a third angular position. In this way, when the accessory 6 takes the first angular position in the first angular configuration, the airflow generated by the blower module 5 can preferably be blown primarily preferentially through the first air outlet 15 of the accessory 6, but it can also be blown at least partially through the auxiliary outlet. Conversely, when the accessory 6 takes the second angular position in the first angular configuration, the airflow generated by the blower module 5 can preferably be blown primarily preferentially through the second air outlet 16 of the accessory 6, but it can also be blown at least partially through the auxiliary outlet. In this way, assuming that one or the other of the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 happens to be blocked, for example, by the presence of the user's hair, the airflow F can still be discharged outside the device 1 through the auxiliary outlet of the accessory 6. In this way, such a discharge solution prevents the device 1 from overheating, but also limits any risk of burns to the user's hair or scalp.The presence of such auxiliary air outlets may also be of interest if it becomes apparent that the effective cross-sections of one and / or the other of the first and second air outlets 15, 16 are inadequately sized compared to the very high flow rate of airflow F that may be generated by the blower module 5 when the blower module 5 is operating at a very large airflow rate. That is, it thus particularly limits the risk of damage to the blower module 5 due to the effects of internal back pressure generated within the accessory 6, as well as the risk of burns to the user's hair (when the airflow is heated by the heating element) due to the reduction of the effective cross-section of the first or second air outlets 15, 16 by the user's hair, or the effects of abnormal heat and acceleration of airflow F resulting from the "small dimensions" of the effective cross-section. Here, the term “auxiliary” means that, in cases where the airflow cannot be adequately blown by one or the other of the primary air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6, the auxiliary outlet does not constitute an air outlet intended to be preferentially blown by the majority of the airflow in the normal use of the device 1, but conversely constitutes a non-preferential outlet referred to as “detour” or “safety.” In other words, the device 1 is thus preferably designed and configured such that the airflow circulating inside the device 1 is primarily and preferentially directed from the air distribution duct 21 (depending on the angular position the accessory 6 takes relative to the handle 2) towards one or the other of the air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6, and with respect to the auxiliary air outlet, it is configured to allow the discharge of at least a portion of the airflow that does not end up exiting one or the other of the air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 as expected. For this reason, the auxiliary outlet is preferably sized such that, when the accessory 6 is in the first angular configuration, whatever angular position it takes, at least 60% of the flow rate of the airflow F can be blown through the first and / or second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6, without any unforeseen special reduction of the effective cross-section of the respective air passages of the first and second air outlets.

[0037] Such auxiliary air outlets are preferably positioned between the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 on the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair. The auxiliary air outlets may generally be formed from one or more auxiliary orifices provided between the rows of bristles or rod members 12A, 12B, 12C of the main mechanical engagement element 12 of the hair, passing through the support 13 of the hair, so that when at least a portion of the airflow is discharged from the auxiliary air outlet, the air is nevertheless controlled and blown in the direction of the user's hair (and, for example, not towards the face or the hand that the user is gripping the handle 2 of the device 6). Optionally, such auxiliary outlets may include a valve mechanism configured such that at least a portion of the airflow F is blown by the auxiliary outlet only when a threshold pressure is reached, the threshold pressure being selected to represent, for example, a predefined level of occlusion of one or the other of the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6. In a modified example, it is equally conceivable that the auxiliary air outlets are comprised of a third air outlet 33, as described below.

[0038] Preferably, the air distribution duct 21 extends longitudinally from the first end 3 of the handle 2 along a (fourth) extension axis D-D' that coincides with the rotation axis C-C' of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2. In this way, the accessory 6 may be rotatably mounted relative to the handle 2, preferably around the air distribution duct 21, which contributes in particular to the simplicity of design and operation of the device 1. As in the embodiment illustrated in the figure, the air distribution duct 21 may thus preferably extend inside the housing 17 of the accessory 6, and the respective extension axes B-B' and D-D' of the housing 17 and the air distribution duct 21 are preferably parallel to or coincide with each other. In this case, it is preferable to assume the use of one or more ball bearings between the air distribution duct 21 and the housing 17 of the accessory 6 in order to facilitate the rotation of the housing 17 around the air distribution duct 21. In some cases, and although not particularly desirable in the field of design, it may be considered that the extension axis D-D' of the air distribution duct 21 be parallel to and slightly offset from the rotation axis C-C' of the accessory 6. Preferably, the rotation axis C-C' on which the accessory 6 is rotatably attached to the handle 2 coincides with the extension axis A-A' of the handle 2, as illustrated in the figure. However, the rotation axis C-C' may also be parallel to and slightly offset from the extension axis A-A' of the handle 2. The movement of the accessory 6 is thus simple and reliable, allowing the user to intuitively operate the hair styling device 1. Alternatively, it may be considered that the rotation axis C-C' of the accessory 6 divides the extension axis A-A' of the handle 2 at an angle of, for example, 5 to 15°. Particularly preferable, as illustrated in the figure, the extension axis A-A' of the handle 2 coincides with the rotation axis C-C' of the accessory 6 and the extension axis D-D' of the air distribution duct 21. However, it can also be considered that, for example, the rotation axis C-C' of accessory 6 and the extension axis D-D' of air distribution duct 21 coincide with each other, while dividing the extension axis A-A' of handle 2 according to angles such as, for example, 5 to 15°, or approximately equal to 90°.

[0039] As already mentioned, the first and second air distribution outlets 22 and 23 of the air distribution duct 21 of the hair styling device 1 are designed to distribute the airflow F generated by the blower module 5 along different mean directions, which are opposite to each other and therefore not along substantially parallel directions, in accordance with the present invention. The airflow F can thus be easily distributed towards the first and second air outlets 15 and 16 of the accessory 6 with minimal pressure loss, which allows for good velocity and flow rate of the airflow F, and therefore for even better effectiveness of the hair styling device 1. Preferably, especially when the rotation axis C-C' of the accessory 6 coincides with the longitudinal extension axis D-D' of the air distribution duct 21, the first and second distribution outlets 22 and 23 are designed to distribute the airflow F along different mean directions, which form an angle of 165° to 195° with the extension axis D-D' of the air distribution duct 21 in the field of form and arrangement.

[0040] In other words, the first and second distribution outlets 22 and 23 are, - When accessory 6 takes the first angular position, the first distribution outlet 22 can, on its own, blow airflow along the first mean direction, and - When accessory 6 takes the second angular position, the second distribution outlet 23 can, on its own, blow airflow along the second mean direction. Designed to do so, the first and second mean directions are marked on the dividing plane along the extension axis D-D' of the air distribution duct 21, such that they form angles of 165° to 195° with the extension axis D-D', respectively.

[0041] For this reason, the first and second distribution outlets 22 and 23 are thus preferably positioned to be diametrically opposed as a whole with respect to the extension axis D-D' of the air distribution duct 21. This configuration preferably allows for the simplification of the design of the device 1 and the optimization of its aerodynamic performance, while maintaining the limited external dimensions of the accessory 6.

[0042] In embodiments illustrated in the figures, and particularly in Figures 8 and 10, the air distribution duct 21 includes a substantially frustoconical hollow tube 25 (as discussed above), whose pivot axis is preferably formed by the extension axis D-D' of the distribution duct 21. The extension axis D-D' of the distribution duct 21 here coincides with the extension axis A-A' of the handle 2. The respective extension axes A-A' and D-D' of the distribution duct 21 and the handle 2 coincide with the pivot axis C-C' of the accessory 6, as preferred above. The distribution duct 21 is preferably housed inside the housing 17 of the accessory 6 when the accessory 6 is connected to the handle 2, and the housing 17 is rotatably mounted around the tube 25 of the air distribution duct 21 (Figure 10). The air distribution duct 21 preferably extends an air guide channel 8 provided inside the handle 2 via the large base of a frustoconical tube 25, where the air inlet 24 of the air distribution duct 21 is located. The effective cross-section of the passage for the airflow F inside the tube 25 thus decreases along the extension axis D-D' of the distribution duct 21 as it moves away from the handle 2. The air distribution duct 21 preferably includes two independent air distribution outlets 22, 23, each having the same effective cross-section, provided through the side wall 29 of the hollow tube 25, the wall 29 being impermeable to air. In this embodiment, each of the air distribution outlets 22, 23 takes the form of an elongated hole extending longitudinally in the plane having the extension axis D-D' of the distribution duct 21. In this embodiment, the first and second air distribution outlets 22, 23 are positioned substantially diametrically opposite to the extension axis D-D' of the distribution duct 21. The substantially frustoconical shape of the pipe 25 of the air distribution duct 21 is suitably designed to uniformly distribute the airflow F that circulates inside the pipe 25 along the extension axis D-D' of the distribution duct 21 and is discharged therefrom through the air distribution outlets 22, 23. The air distribution duct 21 also includes deflection flaps 30 positioned at the height of the air distribution outlets 22, 23, preferably in the radial direction, i.e., preferably in a direction perpendicular to the extension axis D-D' of the distribution duct 21, to facilitate the distribution of air through the air distribution outlets 22, 23 and to uniformly distribute the airflow D thus distributed.Conversely, accessory 6 preferably includes first and second portions 31, 32 of a piping system designed to ensure aerodynamic communication between the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of accessory 6 and the first and second air distribution outlets 22, 23 of the air distribution duct 21, respectively, when it takes a first angular configuration relative to the handle 2, as illustrated in the embodiments shown in the figures. Particularly as illustrated in the embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 7, the first and second portions 31, 32 of the piping system may preferably be provided through the first housing element 17 of the housing 17 of accessory 6. Preferably, as can be seen particularly from Figures 5 to 7, the close cooperation between the corresponding inner surface of the housing 17 of the accessory 6 and the rotation of the air distribution duct 21 makes it possible, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, to alternately prevent the second air outlet 16 of the accessory 6 from aerodynamically communicating with the second air distribution outlet 23 of the air distribution duct 21, and conversely, the first air outlet 15 of the accessory 6 from aerodynamically communicating with the first air distribution outlet 22 of the air distribution duct 21, depending on the first or second angular position taken by the accessory (Figure 5).

[0043] According to a preferred modification taken up in the embodiment illustrated in the figure, the accessory 6 further includes a (main) third air outlet 33 (and, if necessary, preferably an auxiliary air outlet) distinct from the first and second air outlets 15, 16, and the accessory 6 is rotatably mounted on the handle 2 along the axis of rotation C-C' of the accessory 6 to take a second angular configuration in place of the first angular configuration described above, such that the accessory 6 is blown with airflow only through the third air outlet 33. Therefore, the accessory 6 is preferably rotatably and pivotally mounted on the handle 2 around a pivot axis C-C' to move between at least a first angular configuration described earlier (Figures 1, 2, 5, 6, 10, and 12) in which the airflow is blown by the accessory 6 through one and / or the other of the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6, and a second angular configuration (Figures 3, 4, 7, and 13) in which the airflow is blown by the accessory 6 only through the third air outlet 33. In other words, the accessory 6 is mounted on the handle 2 by a pivot coupling so as to be rotatable relative to the handle 2, and the hair styling device 1 is preferably designed and configured so that the user can alternately select between the first and / or second air outlets 15, 16 or the third air outlet 33 of the accessory 6 through which the airflow is blown by the accessory 6, by pivoting the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2.

[0044] For that reason, the hair styling device 1 is preferably, - When accessory 6 adopts the first angle configuration, neither the first nor the second air distribution outlets 22 and 23 of the air distribution duct 21 of device 1 are aerodynamically connected to the third air outlet 33 of accessory 6, on the other hand, - When accessory 6 adopts the second angle configuration, at least one of the first and second air distribution outlets 22, 23 of the air distribution duct 21 of device 1 is aerodynamically in communication with the third air outlet 33, and neither of the first and second air distribution outlets 22, 23 is aerodynamically in communication with one and / or the other of the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of accessory 6 (and / or auxiliary air outlets if necessary). It is designed and configured in this way.

[0045] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, such features are ensured by the close cooperation of the air distribution duct 21 with the corresponding inner surface of the housing 17 of the accessory 6 with respect to the rotation (Figures 5 to 7).

[0046] In this way, by rotating the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2, the user can suitably transition from an embodiment of a "spray brush" in which the accessory 6 takes on a first angular configuration and can move between first and second angular positions to blow air through one and / or the other of the first and second air outlets 15, 16, to another embodiment in which the accessory 6 takes on a second angular configuration and the airflow is then primarily blown through the third air outlet 33 of the accessory 6.

[0047] Preferably, as illustrated in the embodiment shown in the figures, the housing 17 of the accessory 6 includes a second surface 18B having a third air outlet 33. Preferably, the first and second surfaces 18A, 18B of the housing 17 are positioned on either side of the longitudinal extension axis C-C' of the housing 17 of the accessory 6 and the rotation axis C-C' of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2. The accessory 6 also preferably includes a third portion 34 of a piping system designed to ensure aerodynamic communication between at least one of the first and second air distribution outlets 22, 23 of the air distribution duct 21 and the third air outlet 33 of the accessory 6 when in the second angular configuration. Preferably, the effective cross-section of the third air outlet 34 of the accessory 6 may be defined by the contour of the outlet end 35 of the third portion 34 of the piping system, as illustrated in Figures 5 to 7. Preferably, the housing 17 of accessory 6 includes a second, integrated or non-integrated, housing element 17B that is integrated with and fixed to the first element 17A of the housing mentioned above (e.g., by screw fastening or a ratchet mechanism). The second element 17B of the housing may include a third portion 34 of the piping system, as illustrated in the figure, or may be fixed and integrated with the second element 17B of the housing by any suitable means.

[0048] In particular, as illustrated in Figure 4, the third air outlet 33 may preferably have an elongated, elongated overall shape (the airflow flows out in the shape of a thin sheet of air). Alternatively, the third air outlet 33 may have, for example, a circular overall shape (the airflow flows out in a substantially cylindrical or frustoconical shape). In this way, when the accessory 6 takes the second angular configuration with respect to the handle 2, the hair styling device 1 can preferably be used to dry the user's hair ("hair dryer" mode). Preferably, the second angular configuration corresponds in that case to a single predetermined (and therefore not variable within a predetermined angular range) angular (or positional) orientation of the accessory 6 with respect to the handle 2. In this way, when the accessory 6 is not oriented in this single predetermined angular orientation or position with respect to the rotation axis C-C', the airflow can preferably not be blown by the accessory 6 through the third air outlet 33. The accessory 6 can thus preferably blow an airflow through the third air outlet 33 along a single, predetermined average direction. Quite obviously, the third air outlet 33 of the accessory may have one or more openings of an overall shape different from that described above, and the accessory 6 may more generally be designed to be used for purposes other than drying hair when taking such a second angular configuration with respect to the handle 2. Moreover, the device 1 may instead be configured such that the second angular configuration allows for variable (and not single) angular orientations of the accessory 6 with respect to the handle 2 within a predetermined angular range.

[0049] The hair styling device 1 thus constitutes a multifunctional device that preferably combines the “spray brush” operating / usage mode with at least one other alternative operating / usage mode (a hair styling device referred to as a “two-in-one” device), which is preferably the “hair dryer” mode, as described in connection with the embodiment illustrated in the figure, depending on the form of a particularly selected third air outlet 33.

[0050] To maintain its simplicity of design and manufacture, the device 1 is preferably designed and configured so that the transition of the accessory 6 from one of the first and second angular configurations to the other can be performed manually by the user. In particular, the housing 17 of the accessory 6 is preferably adapted so that it can be easily grasped by the user so that the user can directly transmit to the housing 17 (i.e., the accessory 6) the pivotal motion of the accessory 6 around the axis of rotation C-C' relative to the handle 2, by holding the handle 2 of the hair styling device 1 with one hand and grasping the housing 17 with the other hand, in order to ensure the transition of the accessory 6 from one of the first and second angular configurations to the other.

[0051] Preferably, as illustrated in the figure, the hair styling device 1 is designed and configured to allow the attachment 6 to transition from one of the first and second angular configurations to the other by rotation of the attachment 6 around a rotation axis C-C' at an angle equal to 90°. However, this angular value is not actually limited, and the transition of the attachment 6 from the first angular configuration to the second angular configuration may instead correspond to the rotation of the attachment 6 around a rotation axis C-C' at an angle equal to, for example, 180°.

[0052] In the preferred case where the hair styling device 1 is preferably designed such that the accessory 6 can alternately take on the first and second angular configurations described above, the hair styling device 1 preferably includes a locking means for the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2, designed to prevent the accessory 6 from moving away from the first angular configuration ("spray brush" mode) by rotation around the axis of rotation C-C' when the accessory 6 is in the first angular configuration. However, the locking means does not, quite obviously, prevent the accessory 6 from rotating around the axis of rotation C-C' along a predetermined angular range. More preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figure, the locking means is further designed to prevent the accessory 6 from moving away from the second angular configuration (e.g., "hair dryer" mode) by rotation around the axis of rotation C-C' when the accessory 6 is in the second angular configuration. In that case, the hair styling device 1 also preferably includes a control member 36 for enabling the user of the hair styling device 1 to control the locking and / or unlocking of the accessory 6 by the locking means.

[0053] The locking mechanism is as follows: - To separate the accessory 6 from the first angular configuration (and preferably the second angular configuration in reverse) in which it is locked, the locking means mechanically restrains any possibility of rotating the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2 along the rotation axis C-C', - The locking mechanism, conversely, allows the attachment 6 to rotate relative to the handle 2 along the rotation axis C-C', and as a result, the attachment 6 can be mechanically moved away from its current first angle configuration (and preferably the second angle configuration) to preferably lead to a second angle configuration (and preferably the first angle configuration) which it may alternately take, in an unlocked configuration. It is preferably designed to move reversibly between the two.

[0054] The transition from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, and vice versa, requires a corresponding active action from the user toward the lock / unlock control member 36 of the accessory 6. In fact, once locked to one and / or the other first and second angular configurations relative to the handle 2, the accessory 6 cannot deviate from its current angular configuration without a prior active action from the user toward the control member 36 that commands the unlocking of the locking mechanism. In particular, any manual rotation of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2 is made impossible when the accessory 6 is in one and / or the other of the first and second angular configurations and the locking mechanism is in a locked configuration. Preferably, the control member is functionally independent of the handle 2 and the accessory 6. In other words, the control member 36 may be supported and incorporated by the handle 2 and / or the accessory 6, as detailed below, but the handle 2 and the accessory 6 do not constitute the control member 36 themselves. In particular, unlocking accessory 6 cannot be commanded by the user, as it applies stress to handle 2 and / or accessory 6 as a whole.

[0055] The possibility preferably provided by the device 1 to lock the angle configuration of accessory 6 in the "spray brush" mode (first angle configuration) is particularly useful in preventing the interaction between the user's hair and the mechanical hair engagement element 12 of accessory 6 from generating sufficient stress to pivot accessory 6 around the rotation axis C-C' and release its first angle configuration "spray brush" when the user brushes their hair with device 1. Conversely, the additional possibility preferably provided by the device 1 to lock the angle configuration of accessory in, for example, the "hair dryer" mode (second angle configuration) is particularly useful in preventing accessory 6 from starting to rotate due to inertia and unexpectedly releasing its first angle configuration "hair dryer" when the user dries their hair with device 1 by making alternating rotational movements of the wrist of the hand holding the handle 2 of device 1. Therefore, the use of such a locking mechanism for the angle configuration taken by the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2 thus preferably allows the user to avoid some actual discomfort during use and contributes to the high reliability of using the hair styling device 1. Moreover, the locking mechanism contributes to ensuring the particularly safe operation of the hair styling device 1 insofar as it specifically prevents the unexpected firing of hot airflow in an unexpected direction, for example, towards the user's eyes, due to unwanted rotation of the accessory 6 that suddenly changes the angle configuration. The locking mechanism similarly limits the risk of overheating and damage to the device 1, which may occur suddenly due to unwanted rotation of the accessory 6, leading the accessory 6 to an angular position outside the first and second angle configurations, and resulting in an effect that excessively restricts, or even completely prevents, the firing of airflow generated by the blower module 5 out of the hair styling device 1. In this way, the hair styling device 1 can be suitably used in multiple different embodiments (multifunctional device) not only because it is particularly simple and practical for the user, but also because it is particularly reliable and safe, as long as the user cannot deviate from the angular configuration it takes during operation unintentionally.

[0056] In cases where the hair styling device 1 does not include such locking means for the accessory 6, the device 1 may, however, preferably include means for limiting the rotation of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2 in order to limit the ability of the accessory 6 to move away from the angular configuration it takes, without completely prohibiting it. The limiting means may be formed, for example, from a pair of magnets, protrusions, or the like. Preferably, the limiting means may also serve as an indexing means, allowing the user to know that the accessory 6 is indeed within the angular configuration in question. However, it may still be possible to move the accessory 6 away from the angular configuration by applying sufficient torque against the accessory 6 and the handle 2. For example, the hair styling device 1 may include a locking means as described above to prevent the accessory 6 from leaving the first angle configuration ("spray brush" mode) when the accessory 6 is in the first angle configuration, and a restricting means as described above to limit, without completely prohibiting, the ability of the accessory 6 to leave the second angle configuration (e.g., "hair dryer" mode) when the accessory 6 is in the second angle configuration.

[0057] Preferably, the unlocked configuration of the locking mechanism is an unstable configuration, and as a result, when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked configuration, it tends to naturally return to the locked configuration on its own. The safety of the hair styling device 1 is increased because, since there is no active action by the user on the control member 21 of the locking mechanism (as long as the accessory 6 takes one of the first or second angular configurations in which it may be locked), the locking mechanism tends to naturally return to the locked configuration and thus block the accessory 6. Therefore, the locked configuration of the locking mechanism is thus preferably a stationary configuration that the locking mechanism may naturally take when there is no external force on the control member 36 by the user.

[0058] To enable the locking means to lock the accessory 6 in a first angular configuration ("spray brush" mode), while allowing the accessory 6 to rotate and move within a predetermined angular range between the first and second angular positions described above, the locking means may preferably include a tongue 37 and an arc-shaped opening (or hole), as shown in Figures 12 and 13, adapted to receive the tongue 37 internally between the opposing ends 39, 40 of the groove 38, i.e., forming a stopper. The length of the groove 38 is preferably selected to define and limit a predetermined angular range. Once the tongue 37 is housed in the groove 38 of the locked configuration of the locking means, the relative movement of the tongue 37 and the groove 38 (and therefore the pivot of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2) is thus restricted by the opposing ends 39, 40 of the groove 38. In the unlocked configuration of the locking mechanism, the tongue 37 can no longer cooperate with the square groove 38, and as a result there is no longer any obstruction to the rotation of the accessory 6, and the accessory 6 can be separated from the first angular configuration in that case. Preferably, the square groove 38 is integrated with the accessory 6, while the tongue 37 is integrated with the handle 2, which particularly allows for a simplification of the design of the accessory 6. As illustrated in the figure, the tongue 37 may preferably take the shape of a rigid rod (or "retaining pin") with a circular cross-section extending along the longitudinal axis, and the rod is designed to move in translation and slide along the longitudinal axis between at least one position (locked configuration) in which at least a portion of the rod is positioned inside the square groove 38 and a position (unlocked configuration) in which the rod is positioned completely outside the square groove 38.

[0059] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the accessory 6 includes an intermediate member 28 preferably slidably mounted inside the groove 38, as previously described. The intermediate member 28 is mechanically connected to the accessory 6 at a third intermediate angular position via two tension springs 26, 27, which preferably include an automatic return mechanism for the accessory 6, as previously described. As illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, one end of each spring 26, 27 is supported on a first internal bearing surface of the housing 17 of the accessory 6, and the other end of each is connected to and integrated with the intermediate member 28. The springs 26, 27 thus act in opposite directions to allow the intermediate member 28 to vibrate inside the groove 38 between a first end position in which one end of the intermediate member 28 abuts against one of the ends 39, 40 of the groove 38, and a second end position in which the opposing end of the intermediate member 28 abuts against the other end 39, 40 of the groove 38. The intermediate member 28 also preferably includes a first perforation 41 equidistant from its end, adapted to closely receive the tongue portion 37 internally, in order to lock the accessory 6 into a first angular configuration (Figure 12), while leaving a certain range of rotational tolerance for the accessory 6 along the rotation axis C-C'.

[0060] The first and second end positions of the intermediate member 28 inside the rectangular groove 38 preferably correspond to first and second angular positions to which the accessory 6 can move when it assumes a first angular configuration with respect to the handle 2. In this way, when the accessory 6 is locked into the first angular configuration by the cooperation of the tongue portion 37 and the rectangular groove 38, the first and second angular positions preferably constitute stopper end positions that define the amplitude and vibration of the free rotation of the accessory 6 around the axis C-C' when the accessory 6 assumes the first angular configuration.

[0061] In some cases, the rectangular groove 38 may be preferably positioned equidistant from, for example, the ends 39 and 40 of the rectangular groove 38, and when the accessory 6 is locked in the first angular configuration, a portion of the distal end of the tongue 37 may be provided with a second orifice (not shown) that can be closely received. As a result, the accessory 6 can preferably be locked in the third angular position already mentioned by the cooperation of the tongue 37 with the second orifice provided in the rectangular groove 38 (and the first perforation 41 of the intermediate member 28 when the intermediate member 28 is used). In this way, preferably, when the accessory 6 is locked in the first angular configuration, it is possible to prevent the accessory 6 from pivoting within a predetermined angular range, if the user wishes.

[0062] It should be noted that if accessory 6 is not designed to take such a third intermediate resting position when in the first configuration ("spray brush" mode), the intermediate member 28 may be omitted, and the tongue portion 37 may be designed to abut directly (not indirectly) with the ends 39, 40 of the corner groove 38.

[0063] In the embodiment illustrated in the Figure, the second angular configuration (e.g., “hair dryer” mode) preferably corresponds to a single predetermined angular orientation of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2. Thus, when the accessory 6 takes the second angular configuration, the locking means preferably prevents the accessory 6 from moving further away from the second angular configuration, as discussed above, and furthermore, the locking means may preferably be provided in the housing 17 of the accessory 6 and adapted to tightly receive a tongue 37 inside in order to lock the accessory 6 into the second angular configuration (Figure 13). In the locked configuration of the locking means, the tongue 37 is captured inside the third perforation 42 with no significant play in the rotational direction of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2.

[0064] Assuming that the device 1 is designed to allow the angular orientation of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2 such that each of the first and second angular configurations of the accessory 6 (but not exclusively the first angular configuration) is variable within a predetermined angular range (of which width is not necessarily the same for each angular configuration) and the accessory 6 can be locked, the locking means may preferably include at least one tongue and two corresponding different angular grooves. Each of these angular grooves is adapted, as described above, to alternately receive the tongue 37 inside it depending on whether the accessory 6 is in the first or second angular configuration to be locked.

[0065] Preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figure, the control member 36 of the locking means is a manual mechanical control member 36 connected (directly or indirectly) to the tongue 37 so that the user can ensure that the locking means locks and / or unlocks the accessory 6 by direct manual action on the control member 36. The manual mechanical control member 36 thus preferably is mounted so that, under the influence of the control member 36, the locking means is at least movable between a locked position in a locked configuration and an unlocked position in which the locking means is unlocked. Such modifications are relatively simple, inexpensive, and offer reliable implementation benefits. Alternatively, there may be an automatic control member that indirectly acts to allow the user to control the locking and / or unlocking of the accessory 6 by the locking means. Such an automatic control member may include, for example, an electromechanical relay connected on the one hand to the locking means and on the other hand to the user's manual inspection and / or adjustment means 10 of the operation of the hair styling device 1. In this way, when the user activates the hair styling device 1 by acting on the control and / or adjustment means 10, the automatic control member can automatically control the locking of the locking means, for example, with the angle configuration taken by the accessory 6. Changing the angle configuration of the accessory 6 may require the user to act on the control and / or adjustment means 10 again to stop the operation of the hair styling device 1 in order to control the automatic unlocking of the accessory 6.

[0066] Preferably, the manual mechanical control member 36 of the locking mechanism is movably mounted on the handle 2 rather than the accessory 6. As a result, the user can preferably handle the manual mechanical control member 36 with the fingers of the hand holding the handle 2 of the device 1, which contributes to giving the hair styling device 1 a particularly ergonomic character. More preferably, the manual mechanical control member 36 is mounted at the end of the handle 2 where the accessory 6 extends the handle, in this case at the second end 4 of the handle 2 in the embodiment illustrated in the figure. Thus, such positioning of the manual mechanical control member 36 as close as possible to the interface between the rotary accessory 6 and the handle 2 particularly limits the need to rely on complex coupling means, and particularly enables a simpler, more reliable, and space-saving design for the mechanical coupling between the manual mechanical control member 36 and the locking mechanism. Various movements of the manual mechanical control member 36 can be considered. In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, particularly in the simplest modifications, the manual mechanical control member 36 is preferably mounted linearly and movably along the longitudinal extension axis A-A' of the handle 2. The manual mechanical control member 36 is preferably formed from a slider 36 slidably mounted on a slide 43 provided within the handle 2. Alternatively, the manual mechanical control member 36 may be preferably mounted rotatably around the longitudinal extension axis A-A' of the handle 2. Furthermore, the manual mechanical control member 36 may be preferably mounted movably and rotatably along and around the longitudinal extension axis A-A' of the handle 2, and therefore by a helical connection. In these two options, the manual mechanical control member 36 may be formed from an annular ring rotatably or movably-rotatably mounted within a corresponding annular groove or notch provided within the handle 2. In yet another less preferred option, the manual mechanical control member 36 may be mounted to be movable in parallel along a direction that divides (and is, for example, perpendicular to) the longitudinal extension axis A-A' of the handle 2. In this case, the manual mechanical control member 36 may be formed from a push button.

[0067] Preferably, the hair styling device 1 includes a return mechanism designed to automatically return the manual mechanical control member 36 to the locked position of the locking mechanism when the manual mechanical control member 36 takes the unlocked position of the locking mechanism (and the user ceases any direct action on the manual mechanical control member 36). In this way, the preferably unstable nature of the unlocked configuration of the locking mechanism, which was previously considered, is ensured. Preferably, the return mechanism is an elastic return mechanism including at least one spring arranged to act by pulling or compressing in order to elastically return the manual mechanical control member 36 to the locked position when it takes the unlocked position. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the return mechanism is such an elastic return mechanism, in which case it includes a pair of tension springs 44, 45 preferably positioned between the face of the handle 2 and the respective faces of the manual mechanical control member 36, as can be seen from making the manual mechanical control member 36 transparent in Figure 8. Quite naturally, in order to ensure such an automatic return function of the manual mechanical control member 36 in the locked position of the locking mechanism, other return mechanisms, whether elastic (spring blade, compression spring, etc.) or inelastic (pair of magnets, etc.), may be used as alternatives.

[0068] According to another modification (not shown) of the hair styling device 1 of the present invention, the accessory 6 takes only a first angular configuration that allows for variable angular orientation of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2 within a predetermined angular range, and is therefore rotatably mounted on the handle 2 along the axis of rotation C-C' of the accessory 6 so that it can vibrate rotatably between the first and second angular positions in order to blow airflow through the first and / or second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 ("spray brush" mode only). In particular, according to this modification, when the accessory 6 takes the second angular configuration as described above, the accessory 6 does not include a third air outlet 33 from which airflow is blown. In this case, it is preferable to design the first and second angular positions to constitute the end positions of the stopper. For this reason, the hair styling device 1 may include supplemental stopper means that mechanically define a predetermined angular range and are designed and configured to mechanically limit the permissible range of rotation and vibration of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2.

[0069] In a modified example (not shown), the accessory 6 is designed to be detachably connected and assembled to the handle 2, for example, to wash or replace the accessory 6, so that the user can detach the accessory 6 from the handle 2. In another modified example taken up in the illustrated embodiment, the accessory 6 is designed to remain permanently connected to and integrated with the handle 2 of the hair styling device 1, and therefore not designed to be detached from the handle 2 of the hair styling device 1 by the user (in normal use). This simplifies both the design and the use of the hair styling device 1. For this reason, in the illustrated embodiment, the air distribution duct 21 preferably includes an annular outer lip 46 extending in a plane perpendicular to the extension axis A-A' of the handle 2, near the first end 3 of the handle 2. The accessory 6 preferably includes an annular notch designed to complement the annular outer lip 46 and to receive it slidably inside. Such supplemental annular notches may typically include portions 47A and 47B of the notches, supported by the first and second housing elements 17A and 17B of the housing 17 of the accessory 6, respectively, to capture the annular outer lip 46 and ensure a rotatable assembly of the accessory 6 when the first and second housing elements 17A and 17B are fixed to each other in this manner (Figures 9 and 11).

Claims

1. A portable hair styling device (1) comprising a blower module (5) for generating an air flow (F), a handle (2) for manual gripping, and an attachment (6) connected to the handle (2), the attachment (6) comprising a primary mechanical hair engagement element (12) and at least first and second air outlets (15, 16) which are distinct from each other and positioned on either side of the primary mechanical hair engagement element (12). The device (1) comprises an air distribution duct fixedly attached to the handle (2) and extending from an end (3) of the handle (2). a distribution duct (21) comprising two air distribution outlets (22, 23) distinct and spaced apart from one another for distributing the air flow (F) generated by the blower module (5) along different mean directions, the attachment (6) being rotatably mounted relative to the handle (2) along a rotation axis (C-C') so as to assume at least one first angular configuration allowing a variable angular orientation of the attachment (6) relative to the handle (2) in a predetermined angular range, and in the first angular configuration the attachment (6) - a first angular position in which a first one of the air distribution outlets (22, 23) of the air distribution duct (21) is in aerodynamic communication with the first air outlet (15) of the attachment (6); a second angular position in which a second one of the air distribution outlets (22, 23) of the air distribution duct (21) is in aerodynamic communication with the second air outlet (16) of the attachment (6); A device (1) that can be moved between

2. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first and second angular positions are opposite end positions of the first angular configuration, and the predetermined angular range is from 20° to 60°, preferably 50°.

3. 3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the attachment (6) assumes the first angular position, the second air outlet (16) of the attachment (6) is prevented from aerodynamic communication with the second air distribution outlet (23) of the air distribution duct (21), and when the attachment (6) assumes the second angular position, the device (1) prevents aerodynamic communication of the first air outlet (15) of the attachment (6) with the first air distribution outlet (22) of the internal duct (21).

4. 4. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second air outlets (15, 16) of the attachment (6) are designed to blow an air flow out of the device (1) in the direction of the main mechanical engagement element (12) of the hair, approximately tangential to the support surface (14) of the main mechanical engagement element (13) of the hair.

5. 5. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the attachment (6) assumes the first angular configuration, the attachment (6) can assume a third angular position, the third angular position being angularly intermediate to the first and second angular positions, and in the third angular position the first and second air distribution outlets (22, 23) of the air distribution duct (21) are simultaneously in aerodynamic communication with the first air outlet and the second air outlet (15, 16) of the attachment (6).

6. 6. The device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the third angular position is a rest position, and the accessory (6) includes return means (26, 27) for automatically returning the accessory (6) to the third angular position when it assumes one or the other of the first and second angular positions.

7. 7. The device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the return means (26, 27) comprise a pair of tension springs (26, 27) arranged to act in opposition to each other.

8. 8. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the air distribution duct (21) extends longitudinally along an extension axis (D-D') parallel to or coinciding with the axis of rotation (C-C') of the attachment (6) relative to the handle (2).

9. 9. The device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the longitudinal directions (D1, D2) along which the first and second air distribution outlets (22, 23) are designed to distribute the air flow (F) form an angle of 165° to 195° with the extension axis (D-D') of the air distribution duct (21).

10. 10. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the axis of rotation (C-C') of the attachment (6) relative to the handle (2) coincides with the longitudinal extension axis (A-A') of the handle (2).

11. 11. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the attachment (6) comprises an auxiliary air outlet different from the first and second air outlets (15, 16) of the attachment (6), the auxiliary air outlet being designed to be in aerodynamic communication with the first air distribution outlet (22) and / or the second air distribution outlet (23) of the air distribution duct (21) depending on whether the attachment (6) is in the first or the second angular position.

12. 12. The device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the auxiliary air outlet is positioned between the first and second air outlets (15, 16) of the attachment (6) at the main mechanical engagement element (12) of the hair.

13. the attachment (6) includes a third air outlet (33) different from the first and second air outlets (15, 16) of the attachment (6); 13. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the attachment (6) is rotatably mounted relative to the handle (2) along the rotation axis C-C' so as to adopt a second angular configuration in which the attachment (6) can direct airflow only through the third air outlet (33).

14. 14. The device (1) according to claim 13, wherein the second angular configuration corresponds to a unique predetermined angular orientation of the attachment (6) relative to the handle (2).

15. 10. The device (1) according to claim 8 or claim 9, further comprising locking means for the accessory (6) relative to the handle (2) designed to prevent the accessory (6) from moving away from the first angular configuration when the accessory (6) is in the first angular configuration, and a control member (36) that enables a user of the device (1) to control the locking and / or unlocking of the accessory (6) by means of the locking means.

16. 16. The device (1) according to claim 15, wherein the locking means is further designed to prevent the accessory (6) from moving away from the second angular configuration when the accessory (6) assumes the second angular configuration.

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