Heated Haircutting Attachment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heated hair care attachment that extends longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end along an axis (X-X'), the attachment including a gripping joint (24) that is at least partially hollow, the gripping joint extending longitudinally along and around the axis (X-X') and assembled on the distal end, the gripping joint (24) being designed to be grasped by a user of the attachment, characterized in that the gripping joint (24) rotates freely relative to the attachment (2), and the distal end extends longitudinally along the axis (X-X') inside the gripping joint (24) and in contact with the gripping joint (24), the distal end ensuring a first rotational guidance of the gripping joint (24) relative to the attachment along the axis (X-X') at multiple points.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of hair care accessories and more particularly to a heated hair care accessory that extends longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end along an axis, said accessory comprising a gripping joint that is at least partially hollow, said gripping joint extending longitudinally along and around the axis and assembled on the distal end, said gripping joint being designed to be gripped by the user of the accessory. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Numerous hair care devices are known for allowing a user to dry and / or shape hair by blowing hot air.

[0003] For example, a curling iron may be cited first, which includes a handle and a generally cylindrical heating mandrel. According to this device, the mandrel may be fixed relative to the handle or rotatable and electrically actuated relative to the handle. In the first case, the user of the device must turn the handle of the device and thus must turn their hand in order to wind the hair around the mandrel. In the second case, the rotation of the mandrel is electric and the user does not have to turn their hand.

[0004] During a hair care operation, the mandrel is heated to a high temperature of about 100 °C to about 250 °C, although the user may come into contact with the mandrel. Therefore, the user is forced to use the hair care device with one hand, which makes the hair care operation difficult to handle and can quickly tire the user, especially when the user has long hair.

[0005] To limit this problem and allow the user to grip the hair care device with both hands, an insulated gripping joint may be placed at the end of the mandrel, which will thus be substantially cold (or at least directly grippable by hand). In addition, patent application US4695704 proposes a gripping joint that is fixed regardless of the rotation of the mandrel, which allows for the formation of a point of abutment against the user's first hand while the other hand turns the handle integral with the mandrel in order to wind the hair around the mandrel. This known solution is generally satisfactory when the user only applies an axial force. However, considering the limited rotational guidance, the joint provided by this document cannot rotate relative to the accessory in the presence of a radial force.

[0006] However, such radial forces are quite common when using hair care devices. In fact, the mandrel may include a plurality of hairs or spikes, in the form of a brush (hence called a rotary brush). These hairs or spikes cause a traction force that appears in a radial form on the mandrel and thus on the above-mentioned gripping joint by coming into contact with the hair. The gripping joint will thus become rotationally integral with the mandrel, which will exert an uncomfortable friction on the user's hand.

[0007] In addition, this type of device is sometimes used by users to straighten hair. During this operation, the user should operate the device from the scalp towards the hair tips while applying a considerable traction force on the hair to straighten it. In this usage scenario, the radial forces applied on the mandrel and on the possible gripping joint are thus large, and the known gripping joints tend to jam and become integral with the mandrel or the brush. In the worst case, in the situation where the radial force is too large, it is obvious that the above-mentioned known joints can be detached from the mandrel, which poses a risk of scalding the user.

[0008] In addition to the above-mentioned jamming problem, significant and rapid wear of the known gripping joints may occur due to the above-mentioned radial forces. This leads to the risk of premature wear and breakage of the gripping joints, thereby reducing the service life of the device.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to improve the user experience and reliability of these devices. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a hair-cutting device that is particularly simple and intuitive to use.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a hair-cutting device that is particularly comfortable to use, regardless of the usage mode of the hair-cutting device.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hair-cutting device that is particularly safe to use.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hair-cutting device that is particularly compact and efficient.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hair-cutting device that is particularly reliable and durable.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hair-cutting device that is inexpensive and simple to manufacture.

[0017] These objects are achieved by means of a heated hair-cutting accessory that longitudinally extends along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The accessory includes a gripping joint that is at least partially hollow and that longitudinally extends along and around the axis and is assembled on the distal end. The gripping joint is designed to be grasped by the user of the accessory, and is characterized in that the gripping joint rotates freely relative to the accessory, and the distal end longitudinally extends inside the gripping joint and in contact with the gripping joint along the axis, and the distal end ensures a first rotational guidance of the gripping joint relative to the accessory along the axis at multiple points.

[0018] A heated hair care accessory is any accessory capable of transferring heat towards the hair by convection, by conduction, by radiation or by other means. The accessory can be heated passively, i.e. the accessory does not include a formal element for generating heat: the accessory is thus heated by the heat it receives, for example from a hot fluid passing through the accessory. The accessory can also be heated actively, i.e. the accessory itself includes a formal element for generating heat, such as a resistor.

[0019] A gripping joint is any element that allows the user to operate the heated accessory without risk of burns or discomfort. Preferably, the gripping joint is substantially cold, i.e. the gripping joint is insulated from the heated hair care accessory in order to remain at an acceptable temperature for direct manual operation. For example, the temperature of the gripping joint does not exceed 40°C to 50°C.

[0020] The expressions "far" and "near" can preferably be understood with respect to the direction of flow of the fluid passing through the accessory, as will be described in detail subsequently.

[0021] On the other hand, the invention aims to provide a gripping joint that is rotationally mounted, i.e. rotationally mounted with respect to the accessory, which has an optimized rotational guidance. In fact, the distal end that extends inside the gripping joint and in contact with the gripping joint allows an increase in the contact points between the distal end and the gripping joint along the longitudinal axis, which allows for improved rotational guidance, in particular while avoiding the arc-boutement phenomenon, which can occur in the case of a radial force applied to the gripping joint when the rotational guidance is only achieved at one point, as is the case in known devices.

[0022] The invention thus particularly allows for a significant facilitation of the use of hair care devices, and in particular of hair care devices of the rotary brush or curler type, while allowing the user to grip the gripping joint very safely, the gripping joint being cold (or at least at a perfectly acceptable temperature for direct manual gripping), the gripping joint remaining fixed in the user's hand despite the rotation of the mandrel or the brush and the presence of large radial forces.

[0023] A radial force is a force oriented along the radial direction of the mandrel or the brush, i.e. if the mandrel or the brush has a rotational shape, a radial force is a force oriented along the radius of the mandrel, or alternatively, a radial force is a force oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel, i.e. the axis of rotation or revolution. Conversely, an axial force is a force oriented along the longitudinal axis of the mandrel or the brush.

[0024] Preferably, the hair care accessory is intended to be removably assembled on a hair care device and more precisely on the body of the hair care device, as will be described in detail subsequently.

[0025] Advantageously, the attachment is designed to be driven in rotation by the hair-cutting device after being assembled on the body, so as to impart a rotational movement to the attachment relative to the hair-cutting device and thus also relative to the gripping joint. On the other hand, the hair-cutting device and the gripping joint of the attachment remain fixed while the attachment rotates.

[0026] Advantageously, the proximal end is for assembling with the body, i.e., for being mounted on the body, as will be described in detail subsequently.

[0027] Advantageously, the contact between the gripping joint and the distal end of the attachment is surface or linear contact, i.e., continuous contact. Thus, it can be said that there are a large number of contact points. Alternatively or additionally, the contact between the gripping joint and the distal end includes a plurality of separate and distinct discrete contact points, for example, by using beads interposed between the two parts.

[0028] Preferably, the gripping joint includes a substantially cylindrical cap, and the distal end includes a circular guiding rib that longitudinally extends inside the cap along the axis and contacts the cap, so as to define a cylindrical contact surface between the gripping joint and the attachment. Thus, according to this preferred embodiment, the rotational guidance of the gripping joint relative to the attachment is achieved by a sliding pivot connection composed of two cylinders that intersect each other. This configuration allows for withstanding large radial forces, including even when these radial forces are applied suspended, i.e., applied outside the region where the rotational guidance is achieved, for example, applied at the free end of the gripping joint.

[0029] According to this preferred embodiment, the cylindrical contact surface between the gripping joint and the attachment, or more precisely between the gripping joint and the distal end, or also according to the above preferred embodiment, between the cap and the guiding rib, has a length between 2 mm and 15 mm, advantageously between 4 mm and 10 mm, and preferably equal to 6 mm. These dimensions have been reasonably studied to ensure good rotational guidance while limiting the volume of the device. In addition, such a cylindrical contact surface allows for ensuring good heat exchange between the distal end and the gripping joint.

[0030] Advantageously, the attachment is a hollow attachment forming an air flow chamber, the proximal end includes an air inlet, and the distal end includes a plug. The air inlet thus allows air to enter the interior of the attachment, while the plug prevents air from axially discharging from the attachment and forces the air to output from the radial opening. Preferably, the plug is thus fixedly mounted relative to the attachment by any suitable means, such as snap-fastening, screwing, pasting, welding, etc. Thus, the gripping joint is thus rotatable relative to the plug. However, without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is conceivable that the plug is rotatably mounted relative to the attachment, even in this case, the gripping joint can be fixedly mounted relative to the plug.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, the distal end portion includes a rotary drive device designed to transmit a rotary motion from the hair cutting device on which the attachment is mounted towards the attachment. On the other hand, the distal end portion is designed to receive a rotary torque from the hair cutting device and transmit this rotary torque to the attachment in order to impart a rotary motion to the attachment.

[0032] Advantageously, the plug has a rotary shape about the axis and the rotary drive device extends longitudinally along an axis passing through the plug. Thus, the plug includes the rotary drive device and transmits the rotary torque to the attachment. Preferably, the rotary drive device extends over the entire length of the plug, i.e., from one end to the other through the plug.

[0033] Preferably, the rotary drive device includes grooves. Of course, other rotary drive mechanisms can be envisaged in an alternative or complementary manner, such as pins, dowels or special forms of drilling, such as drilling with a square cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a cross-shaped cross-section, etc.

[0034] Preferably, the attachment includes an axial retaining device designed to prevent any relative translation between the gripping joint and the distal end portion. On the other hand, the gripping joint cannot move longitudinally relative to the attachment, which in particular allows to avoid any accidental detachment of the gripping joint from the attachment. Moreover, this also allows the attachment to be operated only by means of the gripping joint, including during the assembly and disassembly operations of the hair cutting device, which is very useful when the attachment is still hot.

[0035] Preferably, the axial retaining device forms a second rotary guide of the gripping joint relative to the attachment, for example providing a guide of the pivot connection type, which allows to improve the rotary guide of the gripping joint relative to the attachment. In fact, thus, the gripping joint is guided in rotation at two different and separated positions along the longitudinal axis, which allows the gripping joint to withstand large radial forces while being fully mobile and guided in rotation relative to the attachment. Advantageously, the axial retaining device includes a circular ring which is integral with the gripping joint and is arranged in a circular guide groove located in the plug.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the gripping joint includes hooking means movable between an open position and a closed position, the open position being designed to allow the assembly or disassembly of the attachment on the hair cutting device, the closed position being designed to hold the attachment assembled to the hair cutting device. On the other hand, in addition to the function of a freely rotatable gripping element, a gripping joint such as defined by the present invention can preferably also perform the function of assembling the attachment on the hair cutting device. The combination of the rotary guide function and the assembly function in the gripping joint is very ingenious because it allows the attachment of the hair cutting device to be assembled or disassembled, including when the attachment is still hot and thus cannot be directly manipulated by hand.

[0037] According to this embodiment, the closed position is advantageously a stable position. On the other hand, the hooking device naturally comes to the closed position, which allows for a lasting and secure assembly of the accessory on the hair cutting device.

[0038] Still according to this same embodiment, the gripping joint may include a locking button that allows the hooking device to be switched between its open and closed positions. For example, the locking button may be a push-button switch or a joystick that allows for a direct and mechanical action on the hooking device, and this is very intuitive for the user.

[0039] In this embodiment, the hooking device advantageously forms a rotational guide between the gripping joint and the hair cutting device, which allows for a further improvement in the quality of the rotational guide of the gripping joint, especially while enhancing the resistance of the gripping joint to radial forces.

[0040] Preferably, the gripping joint includes a gripping protrusion portion, which allows preventing the gripping joint from slipping on the user's finger.

[0041] Advantageously, the accessory forms a tube that is adapted to receive preferably hot air inside it, and the tube includes a radial air outlet for discharging the air. Preferably, the accessory also includes hairs or spikes distributed over its entire outer surface. The accessory thus forms, for example, a rotary brush.

[0042] The present invention also relates to a hair cutting device, such as a rotary air brush, which includes an accessory as defined above, and the accessory is assembled with the body of the hair cutting device. Description of the Drawings

[0043] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hair cutting device according to the present invention, in this case an air brush, which device particularly includes two different and interchangeable accessories, where one accessory is assembled and the other accessory is not assembled.

[0044] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the device of Figure 2 but without the accessory. On the other hand,

[0045] Figure 3 is a side view of the device of Figure 1 with the accessory installed.

[0046] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a top view of the device of

[0047] Figure 5 is Figure 4Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device along the longitudinal axis X-X’, with the accessory mounted on the device.

[0048] Figure 6 is Figure 4 Longitudinal cross-sectional view and perspective view of the device, with the accessory removed.

[0049] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a cold joint such as defined by the present invention.

[0050] Figure 8 is a perspective exploded view showing Figure 7 the two sub-assemblies of the cold joint.

[0051] Figure 9 is Figure 8 a perspective view of the cold joint.

[0052] Figure 10 is Figure 6 a sectional and detail view.

[0053] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a gripping joint such as defined by the present invention.

[0054] Figure 12 is Figure 11 a perspective view of the joint, with some parts removed. Detailed Description

[0055] The embodiments of the present invention shown by the different figures are those in which the accessory 2 is an accessory of a hair care device constituting a rotary air-blowing brush. As is well known, this type of device allows the combination of hair drying and hair care operations. In fact, as will be described subsequently, the device can simultaneously blow air, preferably possibly heated air, and grasp and move the hair in order to shape the hair, in particular into waves or curls.

[0056] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to this embodiment and can relate to any other hair care device, such as a hair dryer, the construction, problems and interests of which are more similar to those described below.

[0057] In the following description, the terms “upstream”, “downstream”, “proximal” and “distal” are defined with respect to the air flow direction. Thus, by comparison with the hydraulic theme from which these expressions are derived, for example, the expression “upstream” means “front” or “beginning”, while the expression “downstream” means “rear” or “end”. The term “proximal” means “near the air inlet”, while the term “distal” means “far from the air inlet”.

[0058] As Figure 1As can be seen above, the hair cutting device includes a body 1 which advantageously includes a housing 12 itself, and the housing preferably forms a gripping area for the user, such as a handle or a grip. However, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a body 1 can be considered which does not have to form a handle such as the handle of a hair dryer.

[0059] According to the embodiments shown in the different figures, the body 1 extends longitudinally along an axis X-X'. The body 1 has a rotational shape around the axis X-X', for example in the form of a tube with a circular cross-section. However, without departing from the scope of the present invention, other forms for the body 1 can be envisaged. For example, the body 1 can take the form of a tube with an elliptical, square, etc. cross-section, and it is important that the body 1 has a hollow cross-section in order to allow the accommodation of different components and to allow the flow of an air stream 3, as will be described in detail subsequently.

[0060] According to the present invention, as can be seen especially in Figure 6 above, an air stream 3 flows inside the body 1. This air stream 3 is moved by an electric ventilation unit 13 provided inside the body 1, as can be seen in Figure 5 or Figure 6 . More precisely, the air stream 3 is advantageously sucked through an air inlet 11 preferably located at the proximal end of the body 1. As can be seen in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the air inlet 11 preferably includes a first grille 111 which is advantageously removable in order to allow its cleaning. Preferably, the air inlet 11 also includes a second grille 112 which is preferably fixed in order to enhance the working safety of the device. In fact, this second grille 112 allows preventing hair from entering the inside of the body 1, even in the absence of the removable first grille 111. The openings of the second grille 112 are preferably larger than the openings of the first grille 111. For example, the first grille 111 includes a plurality of small-diameter holes uniformly distributed over the entire surface of the first grille 111, while the second grille 112 includes a plurality of open angular zones. Thus, the air flows inside the body 1 from the air inlet 11 to an air outlet 191 which is advantageously coaxial with the air inlet 11.

[0061] The electric ventilation unit 13 used in the embodiments shown by the different figures thus allows generating the air stream 3 and moving the air stream 3. For this purpose, the electric ventilation unit 13 includes a propeller 131 which, without departing from the scope of the present invention, can indifferently be an axial (helical) propeller, a centrifugal propeller, a helicopter centrifugal propeller or a tangential propeller as shown. As is known, the propeller 131 is driven in rotation by a motor 133.

[0062] For example, as Figure 5As can be seen, the hair styling device includes a heating device 18 for heating the air flow 3. More precisely, the heating device 18 is arranged inside the body 1, downstream of the electric ventilation unit 13. Thus, the air flow 3 moving through the electric ventilation unit 13 is drawn in through the air inlet 11 at ambient temperature and then passes through the heating device 18, which has the effect of heating the air flow 3 in order to discharge hot air onto the user's hair, in order to dry the hair on the one hand and shape the hair on the other hand.

[0063] More precisely, the heating device 18 includes a mica support 182 or a support of any other insulating material, which is cross-shaped or X-shaped, as can be seen in Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be seen. The heating device 18 also includes a wire (not shown) wound around the mica support 182. An electric current flows inside this wire, which has the effect of generating heat by the Joule effect, as is known in hair styling devices.

[0064] The hair styling device also includes a hair styling attachment 2, which is generally mounted on the body 1 in a detachable manner. Preferably, as can be seen in Figure 1 the hair styling device includes a plurality of attachments 2, advantageously different from each other, for example two attachments. Thus, for the user, the attachment that they wish to use can be selected according to the hair shaping that they desire and the attachment can be mounted on the body 1 of the device. Figure 1 Two attachments 2 are shown, the two attachments 2 having different diameters, for example 38 mm and 50 mm, which allows different diameter waves or curls to be achieved in the hair and also allows adaptation to the length of the user's hair. The length of the attachment 2 does not vary and is for example between 120 mm and 160 mm, for example approximately equal to 140 mm. Preferably, the attachment provides an effective length, i.e., a length for contacting approximately 100 mm of hair.

[0065] The hair styling attachment 2 thus extends longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end along the axis X-X' according to the above-mentioned preferred dimensions.

[0066] The attachment 2 is mounted rotatably relative to the body 1 so that hair can be wound around the attachment 2 in order to shape the hair, in particular waves or curls. As can be seen especially in Figure 1 the attachment 2 is mounted coaxially with the body 1.

[0067] According to the illustrated embodiment, the accessory 2 includes an air inlet 21 for cooperating with the air outlet 191 of the main body 1 so that air moves from the main body 1 towards the accessory 2. Preferably, the proximal end portion includes the air inlet 21. The accessory 2 also has a hollow shape, preferably in the shape of a tube, thus defining an inner chamber for air flow. Therefore, the air flow 3 coming from the main body 1 and driven by the electric ventilation unit 13 can enter the interior of the accessory 2. The accessory 2 also includes a radial air outlet 23 which is designed to discharge air radially, i.e., substantially perpendicular to the axis X-X', as visible for example in Figure 1 As visible. On the other hand, the accessory 2 forms a tube for receiving preferably hot air inside it, said tube including a radial air outlet 23 for discharging air. Advantageously, as visible in the illustrated embodiment, the air outlet 23 includes a plurality of openings, in this case holes, the diameter of which can vary according to their position relative to the air flow 3. Therefore, preferably, the diameter of the different holes decreases in the direction of the air flow 3: on the other hand, the holes with the largest diameter are located near the air inlet 21, while the holes with the smallest diameter are located opposite the air inlet 21, for example near the gripping joint 24. On the other hand, according to this advantageous embodiment, the cross-section of the openings of the air outlet 23 decreases according to the flow direction of the air flow 3 in the accessory 2, which allows ensuring an optimal hair drying efficiency since the decrease in the cross-section of the openings of the air outlet 23 compensates for the pressure drop of the air flow 3 due to the increase in the distance starting from the electric ventilation unit 13.

[0068] As visible in Figure 6 As visible, the accessory 2 includes an outer mandrel 22 which is preferably made of a heat-conducting material such as a metallic material in order to optimize the heat transfer towards the hair and thus improve hair shaping. In fact, as explained above, the air flow 3 is heated by the heating device 18 in the main body 1 and then located inside the accessory 2, and the air flow will heat this accessory. The outer mandrel 22 thus advantageously includes the above-mentioned air outlet 23.

[0069] As the air flow 3 passing through the accessory 2 itself is heated by the heating device 18, the accessory 2 is heated, as explained above. In addition, the outer mandrel 22 of the accessory 2 allows the heat transferred by the air flow 3 to be diffused to the hair and thus allows the accessory 2 to shape the hair.

[0070] The main body 1 also advantageously includes an accessory support 19 for receiving and rotating one of the accessories 2. According to Figure 2 the embodiment, the accessory support 19 extends longitudinally from the air outlet 191 towards the distal end portion opposite the air inlet and extends coaxially with the main body 1. The length of the accessory support 19 is preferably approximately equal to the length of the accessory 2.

[0071] AsFigure 2 As shown, the accessory support portion 19 advantageously includes a housing 193 having a generally cylindrical shape. The accessory support portion 19 also includes a motor unit 196 as visible in Figure 5 and Figure 6 and the motor unit is clearly disposed inside the housing 193. Thus, the motor unit 196 is disposed inside the accessory 2, more precisely in the inner chamber of the accessory 2. The motor unit 196 is thus used to move the accessory 2 mounted on the accessory support portion 19 so that the accessory 2 rotates about the axis X-X' and relative to the body 1. More precisely, as is known, the motor unit 196 includes a motor 1961 and a transmission box (or speed box) 1962, as visible in Figure 10 The transmission box 1962 is thus coaxial with the motor 1961 and is mounted at the end of the motor 1961. The transmission box 1962 is designed to reduce or change the rotational movement of the motor 1961, and more specifically to reduce its rotational speed while increasing its torque, as is known, thus advantageously forming a reduction motor.

[0072] The accessory support portion 19 preferably includes at its distal end a rotational drive device 194 for corresponding to a complementary receiving device of the accessory 2 in order to transmit the rotational torque from the motor unit 196 towards the accessory 2. As is known, the rotational drive device 194 includes, for example, a groove corresponding to a recess provided inside the gripping joint 24 of the accessory 2. Of course, any other rotational drive device 194 known to those skilled in the art can be envisaged, such as pins, dowels, etc. As visible in Figure 2 The accessory support portion 19 advantageously includes connection means 195 located at the distal end of the accessory support portion 19, which connection means includes, for example, a circular groove or recess realized on the motor shaft 197.

[0073] As visible in Figure 2 The accessory support portion 19 advantageously includes guiding means 192 for the air flow 3, which guiding means extends longitudinally from the air outlet 191 and opposite to the air inlet 11. The guiding means 192 can include, for example, ribs or arches. The guiding means 192 is integral with the body 1. Preferably, the guiding means 192 is mounted end-to-end with the heating device 18, yet without contacting the heating device, so that the guiding means 192 is not damaged by the heat.

[0074] The body 1 also includes control and power supply means 16, such as visible in Figure 4 As is known, the control and power supply means 16 particularly includes a speed switch 161 which allows the user to control the rotational speed of the motor 133 and thus the flow rate of the air flow 3. Preferably, the speed switch 161 is located near the air inlet 11 and the motor 133 and can be in the form of a switch that slides in multiple positions.

[0075] As Figure 4 shown, the body 1 may further include a rotary switch 162 that allows the user to select the rotation direction of the motor set 196 and thus allows the rotation direction of the attachment 2, which is pre-mounted on the attachment support portion 19 as described above, to be controlled. The rotary switch 162 also allows the start or stop of the motor set 196 to be controlled and thus the rotation or stop of the attachment 2 to be controlled. According to the illustrated embodiment, the selection of the rotation direction of the attachment 2 allows the user to select in which direction the waves or curls created in the hair are positioned. The rotary switch 162 is provided near the air outlet 191, i.e., near the attachment 2, so as to be easily drivable by the user's thumb, and the user is allowed to precisely control the rotation and stop of the motor set 196 with the thumb and thus precisely control the rotation and stop of the attachment 2 during the haircutting operation of the attachment.

[0076] To improve work efficiency and limit the risk of the power supply wire for the hair-cutting device of the present invention being knotted or twisted, the body 1 advantageously includes a rotary wire 163 that allows the power supply wire to rotate freely inside the body 1 and thus does not impede the movement of the user. This device is known and will not be described in detail here.

[0077] The attachment 2 includes cold joints 24, 25 that are designed to be maintained at a temperature that preferably does not exceed the ambient temperature of 50°C and ideally does not exceed the ambient temperature of 5°C to 15°C, which allows the user to directly operate the cold joints by hand without the risk of being scalded. The cold joints 24, 25 are thus used to be grasped by the user of the hair-cutting device and advantageously have a temperature between 20°C and 50°C and preferably about 30°C.

[0078] As in Figure 10As can be seen, the cold joints 24, 25 at least partially surround the motor set 196 and more preferably at least partially extend around the transmission box 1962. On the other hand, at least a part of the motor set 196, preferably at least a part of the transmission box 1962, is disposed inside the cold joints 24, 25. Thus, the motor set 196 and the cold joints 24, 25 overlap over a certain length, which allows a cooling area to be imparted to the motor set 196. More preferably, the transmission box 1962 and the cold joints 24, 25 overlap over a certain length, which allows a cooling area to be imparted to the transmission box 1962. The motor set 196 and preferably the transmission box 1962 can thus dissipate their heat through the cold joints 24, 25, including the heat received through the hot air flow 3 flowing inside the accessory 2 and around the motor set 196. The heat exchange surface between the motor set 196 and the free air is thus increased by the overlap of the motor set 196 and the cold joints 24, 25. The motor set 196 generates little heat, which can improve its reliability and its lifespan. Advantageously, the heat exchange surface between the transmission box 1962 and the free air is thus increased by the overlap of the transmission box 1962 and the cold joints 24, 25. The transmission box 1962 generates little heat, which allows the lubricant it contains to maintain all its properties and thus allows better lubrication of the gear mechanism of the transmission box 1962. The lifespan and the efficiency of this transmission box are thus improved. In addition, the noise emitted by this transmission box can also be reduced, and the risk of leakage of the lubricant is minimized.

[0079] As can be seen in Figure 4 and 10 As can be seen in

[0080] As can be seen in Figure 8 As can be seen in

[0081] As can be seen especially in Figure 1 As shown in Figures 7 to 12Visible. In fact, this shape is particularly suitable for rotation, such as that of the hair-cutting attachment 2 shown in the illustrated embodiment, i.e., the rotation of the attachment 2 of the rotary air supply brush.

[0082] As visible in Figure 8 and Figure 9 As visible in, the plug 25 preferably includes a first part 251 for mounting on the attachment 2. In fact, the plug 25 is preferably fixedly mounted relative to the attachment 2, for example by means of a plurality of latching tongues 2511 for contacting the tube of the attachment 2. The plug 25 also advantageously includes a guiding flange 252, which preferably forms a circular guiding groove 253 in the plug, i.e., a recessed circular area in the plug 25.

[0083] The distal end of the attachment and more precisely the plug 25 advantageously includes a circular guiding rib 254, i.e., the generatrix of this guiding rib is a circle, and this guiding rib 254 extends longitudinally along the axis X-X'.

[0084] As Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the plug 25 advantageously includes a rotary drive device 255, which is designed to transmit the rotary motion from the hair-cutting device on which the attachment 2 is mounted towards the attachment 2. The rotary drive device 255 is thus used to correspond to a complementary rotary drive device 194 belonging to the body 1 of the hair-cutting device, as will be described in detail subsequently. More precisely, the rotary drive device 255 includes a groove as shown, which corresponds to another groove of the complementary device 194. This device allows the plug 25, i.e., the attachment 2 at the distal end, to be rotationally driven from the body 1 of the hair-cutting device. Preferably, the rotary drive device 255 extends longitudinally along the axis X-X' passing through the plug 25, which allows for a better distribution of the rotary driving torque over at least a part of the length of the plug 25. This also allows an increase in the potential heat exchange surface between the complementary device 194 integrated with the motor set 196 and the plug 25, thus indirectly increasing the cooling of the motor set 196.

[0085] As visible in Figures 8 to 10 the first part 251, the tongues 2511, the guiding flange 252, the guiding groove 253, the guiding rib 254 or the complementary drive device 255 are coaxial with the axis X-X' and preferably have a rotational shape around the axis X-X'.

[0086] As Figure 10As shown, the plug 25 and more precisely the first part 251 extends at least partly around the electric motor set 196 so as to allow the cooling of the electric motor set, as explained above. Preferably, the first part 251 extends around the electric motor set over a length between 1 mm and 50 mm, advantageously between 2 mm and 15 mm and preferably equal to 6 mm. More specifically, the plug 25 is in contact with the housing 193 which surrounds and is in contact with the electric motor set 196, which thus allows heat exchange between the plug 25 and the electric motor set 196 through the housing 193.

[0087] The accessory 2 includes a gripping joint 24 which allows the user to grip the accessory 2, including during the movement of the accessory. As can be seen in Figure 1 the gripping joint is coaxial with the body 1 and opposite the air inlet 11 of the body 1, which allows good ergonomics of the device.

[0088] As can be seen in Figure 10 or Figure 11 the gripping joint 24 is at least partly hollow and extends longitudinally along and around the axis X-X'. Preferably, the gripping joint 24 includes a substantially cylindrical cap 241. In fact, this shape has the advantages of high ergonomics and economy, especially with respect to its ease of manufacture. As can be seen in Figures 3 to 5 the gripping joint 24 is assembled on the distal end of the accessory 2 and more precisely on the plug 25 defined above.

[0089] The gripping joint is thus designed to be gripped by the user of the accessory while rotating freely relative to the accessory 2, which as explained allows the user to firmly grip the said gripping joint with their fingers without being burned and regardless of the rotation of the accessory. In fact, the free rotation of the gripping joint relative to the accessory 2 allows the avoidance of any risk of friction between the user's hand and the gripping joint.

[0090] In a very evident form, the distal end of the accessory 2 and more precisely the plug 25 extends longitudinally along the axis X-X' inside and in contact with the inside of the gripping joint 24. On the other hand, the distal end of the accessory 2 projects into the inside of the gripping joint 24, and the distal end and the gripping joint are in contact with each other along the axis X-X' over a certain length. This allows the distal end to ensure the rotational guidance of the gripping joint relative to the accessory along the axis X-X' at several points. On the other hand, the gripping joint extends at least partly along the axis X-X' around the distal end and more precisely around the plug 25.

[0091] As can be seen in Figure 10As can be seen, the contact between the gripping joint 24 and the distal end of the attachment 2 or more specifically the plug is a surface contact. On the other hand, the gripping joint and the plug 25 are in contact along a continuous surface. This contact allows for improved rotational guidance of the gripping joint relative to the attachment 2, in particular while better distributing the radial forces over the entire contact surface, which allows these radial forces to be withstood without impairing the rotation of the gripping joint. More precisely, according to the illustrated embodiment, the guiding ribs 254 of the plug 25 extend longitudinally inside the cap 241 along the axis X-X' and in contact with the cap 241 so as to define a cylindrical contact surface between the gripping joint 24 and the attachment 2. Advantageously, the cylindrical contact surface has a length between 2 mm and 15 mm, advantageously between 4 mm and 10 mm and preferably equal to 6 mm. This length thus corresponds to the contact length between the gripping joint 24 and the plug 25 and thus advantageously corresponds to the length of the guiding ribs 254, and this length has been optimized in order to ensure good rotational guidance of the gripping joint 24 relative to the attachment 2 while accommodating the volume of these elements. Furthermore, this length, in particular the surface and preferably cylindrical contact surface allows significantly contributing to good heat exchange between the plug 25 and the gripping joint 24, which gripping joint includes an exchange surface with the ambient cold air (in particular due to its cylindrical shape). Thus, this preferably cylindrical contact surface contributes to cooling the plug 25, which in turn will allow the motor set 196 to be cooled, as explained above. The diameter of the cylindrical contact surface, i.e. the diameter of the guiding ribs 254 or the cap 241 can be between 10 mm and 50 mm, for example preferably approximately equal to 27 mm.

[0092] Preferably, as Figure 7 or ​ As can be seen, the gripping joint includes a gripping projection part 2411, such as stripes, recesses, protrusions or any other shape that allows preventing the user's fingers from sliding on the gripping joint 24.

[0093] As in ​As can be seen in, the gripping joint 24 includes a ring 2412 which is circular and integral with the gripping joint 24 and is preferably located at the proximal end of the gripping joint. On the other hand, the gripping joint includes a circular rib which projects radially with respect to the cap 241. The ring 2412 is designed to be inserted into the guiding groove 253 defined above, i.e. under the guiding flange 252. The ring 2412 disposed in the guiding groove 253 thus clearly and completely achieves a translational stop along the axis X-X'. On the other hand, the ring 2412, the guiding groove 253 and the guiding flange 252 together achieve an axial retaining means to prevent any relative translation between the gripping joint 24 and the distal end of the accessory. Thus, the ring 2412 cannot translate in the guiding groove 253, while the ring can rotate along the axis X-X', which allows a very ingenious implementation of the second rotational guiding means of the gripping joint 24 with respect to the accessory 2. Due to this second rotational guiding different from the first rotational guiding, the distribution of the axial force is further better distributed, which further improves the rotational guiding of the gripping joint with respect to the accessory. In a typical and non-limiting manner, the diameter of the ring 2412 and thus of the guiding groove 253 is approximately equal to 34 mm.

[0094] As can be seen in ​ and ​ As can be seen in, the gripping joint 24 includes hooking means 242 which are designed to interact with the body 1 of the hair-cutting accessory and more precisely to allow the assembly or disassembly (i.e. mounting or removal) of the accessory 2 on the body 1 of the hair-cutting device. To this end, the hooking means 242 are advantageously movable between an open position which is designed to allow the assembly or disassembly of the accessory 2 on the hair-cutting device and a closed position which is designed to hold the accessory 2 assembled to the hair-cutting device. Preferably, the closed position is a stable position which allows a good fixing of the accessory 2 on the body 1 of the hair-cutting device to be ensured permanently (except during the disassembly phase, of course).

[0095] More precisely, as ​ As can be seen in, the hooking means 242 includes elastic locking means 2422 which are adapted to correspond to the connecting means 195 of the accessory support 19 of the body 1 of the hair-cutting device. More precisely, the elastic locking means 2422 can be inserted into the groove of the connecting means 195 to constitute a translational stop along the axis X-X'. For example, as shown, the elastic locking means 2422 can be a spring which is shaped like the capital Greek letter omega.

[0096] The hooking device 242 further includes a base 2423, which generally has the shape of a capital letter U. The base 2423 allows the elastic locking device 2422 to be held inside the holding joint 24 by passing through a hole 2426 in the base 2423 and the shaft (not shown) of the elastic locking device 2422. The hole 2426 is located at the center of the non-parallel bars in the U-shape, while the parallel bars in the U-shape contact the cap 241 to position the base 2423 in the middle and inside of the cap 241. The hooking device 242 includes a locking button 2421, which allows the hooking device 242 to change position between its open and closed positions by directly acting on the elastic locking device 2422. The hooking device 242 further includes an arched support portion 2425 that is movable relative to the base 2423. Springs 2424 are provided between the base 2423 and the support portion 2425 along each of the parallel bars in the U-shape of the base 2423. The support portion 2425 is slidably mounted relative to the base 2423 by means of a sliding device 2427, which includes grooves formed in each of the parallel bars in the U-shape of the base 2423 and two tongues integral with the support portion 2425. The support portion 2425 pushed by the two springs 2424 allows the locking button 2421 to be held in a position corresponding to the closed position, for example, aligned with the holding joint.

[0097] In a very obvious manner, and especially due to the elastic locking device 2422 inserted into the connecting device 195, the hooking device 242 forms a rotational guide between the holding joint 24 and the hair cutting device. This structure also allows for an improvement in the distribution of the radial forces applied to the holding joint, while partially returning the radial forces to the hair cutting device, which also allows for an improvement in the rotational guide of the holding joint.

Claims

1. A heated hair care attachment (2) longitudinally extending between a proximal end and a distal end along an axis (X-X'), the attachment (2) comprising a gripping joint (24) that is at least partially hollow, the gripping joint longitudinally extending along and around the axis (X-X') and assembled on the distal end, the gripping joint (24) being designed to be grasped by a user of the attachment (2), the gripping joint (24) being rotatable freely relative to the attachment (2), and the distal end longitudinally extending along the axis (X-X') inside and in contact with the gripping joint (24), the distal end ensuring a first rotational guidance of the gripping joint (24) relative to the attachment (2) at a plurality of points along the axis (X-X'), the contact between the gripping joint (24) and the distal end of the attachment (2) being a surface or linear contact, characterized in that, The holding joint (24) includes a generally cylindrical cap (241), and the distal end portion includes a circular guiding rib (254) that longitudinally extends inside the cap (241) along the axis (X-X') and in contact with the cap, so as to define a cylindrical contact surface between the holding joint (24) and the attachment (2). The holding joint (24) includes a hooking device (242) movable between an open position and a closed position. The open position is designed to allow the assembly or disassembly of the attachment (2) on the hair cutting device, and the closed position is designed to hold the attachment (2) assembled with the hair cutting device.

2. The hair cutting accessory (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylindrical contact surface has a length between 2 mm and 15 mm.

3. The haircutting accessory (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylindrical contact surface has a length between 4 mm and 10 mm.

4. The hair cutting attachment (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylindrical contact surface has a length equal to 6 mm.

5. The hair cutting attachment (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The attachment (2) is a hollow attachment forming an air flow chamber. The proximal end portion includes an air inlet (21) and the distal end portion includes a plug (25).

6. The hair cutting attachment (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The plug (25) is fixedly mounted relative to the attachment (2).

7. The hair cutting accessory (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The distal end portion includes a rotary drive device (255) designed to transmit a rotary motion from the hair cutting device on which the attachment (2) is mounted towards the attachment (2).

8. The hair cutting accessory (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The distal end portion includes a rotary drive device (255) designed to transmit a rotary motion from the hair cutting device on which the attachment (2) is mounted towards the attachment (2). The plug (25) has a rotary shape around the axis (X-X'), and the rotary drive device (255) longitudinally extends along the axis (X-X') passing through the plug (25).

9. The hair-cutting accessory (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The attachment (2) includes axial holding means (2412, 252, 253) designed to prevent any relative translation between the holding joint (24) and the distal end portion.

10. The hair cutting attachment (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The axial holding means forms a second rotary guide of the holding joint (24) relative to the attachment (2).

11. The hair cutting attachment (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The attachment (2) is a hollow attachment forming an air flow chamber. The proximal end portion includes an air inlet (21) and the distal end portion includes a plug (25). The plug (25) is fixedly mounted relative to the attachment (2). The axial holding means includes a circular ring (2412) that is integral with the holding joint (24) and is arranged in a circular guiding groove (253) located in the plug (25).

12. The hair cutting attachment (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The closed position is a stable position.

13. The hair cutting attachment (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The holding joint (24) includes a locking button (2421) that allows the hooking device (242) to change position between its open position and closed position.

14. The hair cutting accessory (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The hooking device (242) forms a rotary guide between the holding joint (24) and the hair cutting device.

15. The hair cutting accessory (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The attachment (2) forms a tube for receiving air inside it, and the tube includes a radial air outlet (23) for discharging the air.

16. The hair cutting attachment (2) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The air is hot.

17. A hair cutting device, characterized in that, The hair cutting device includes an accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 16, and the accessory is assembled with the main body (1) of the hair cutting device.

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