Hair cutting device with improved ergonomics

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable hair cutting device (1) comprising: a handle (2) extending along a longitudinal extension direction (X-X'), a blowing head (3) through which a flow of air is intended to be blown along a blowing direction (Y-Y'), an electric ventilation module (5) and an electric heating element (8), characterized in that the electric heating element (8) is carried in the blowing head (3) and that the electric ventilation module (5) lengthens the handle (2) and comprises a ventilation wheel (6) mounted in rotation along an axis of rotation (Z-Z') inscribed in a first plane (P1) perpendicular to the blowing direction (Y-Y') and inscribed in a second plane (P2) perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction (X-X').

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field of hairdressing apparatuses, for example of domestic use, and more specifically to the field of portable electric hairdressing apparatuses designed to blow out an air flow to dry and / or facilitate the styling of the hair.

[0002] The present invention more specifically relates to a portable hairdressing apparatus comprising:

[0003] - an elongated handle, through which the apparatus is intended to be manually held for use, said handle extending longitudinally in an average direction between a first and a second end portion;

[0004] - a blow head, which prolongs the handle from the first end portion, and which is provided with an air outlet through which an air flow is intended to be blown out towards the outside along a blow average direction;

[0005] - an electric ventilation module for generating the air flow; and

[0006] - an electric heating element for heating the air flow. BACKGROUND

[0007] Hand-held hairdressing apparatuses of the hairdryer type are known, comprising a handle and a blow head comprising an air outlet for directing a hot or cold forced air flow towards the user's hair.

[0008] These known hairdryers, although generally satisfactory, still have certain drawbacks.

[0009] In particular, the known hairdryers have a not optimal level of ergonomics, making their handling potentially difficult, especially when the user uses the hairdryer to dry their own hair and in combination with the use of a brush for "brushing" type styling, which involves the hairdryer being held in a reciprocating motion.

[0010] In particular, it has been observed that the known hairdryers sometimes suffer from static and / or dynamic imbalance phenomena, especially for hairdryers implementing an electric ventilation at high rotational speeds.

[0011] These known hairdryers also exhibit a not optimal level of performance in terms of drying, with an energy efficiency that is also not very satisfactory. SUMMARY

[0012] The object assigned to the present invention therefore aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a novel portable hairdressing apparatus, whose ergonomics and level of performance in terms of drying have been greatly improved.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel portable hair cutting device which is particularly well balanced and comfortable to handle.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel portable hair cutting device which is particularly well balanced and comfortable to handle.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel portable hair cutting device which is particularly well balanced and comfortable to handle.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel portable hair cutting device which is particularly well balanced and comfortable to handle.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel portable hair cutting device which is particularly well balanced and comfortable to handle.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel portable hair cutting device which is particularly well balanced and comfortable to handle.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel portable hair cutting device which is particularly well balanced and comfortable to handle.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel portable hair cutting device which is particularly well balanced and comfortable to handle.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel portable hair cutting device which is particularly well balanced and comfortable to handle.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel portable hair cutting device which is particularly well balanced and comfortable to handle.

[0023] - an elongated handle, through which the device is intended to be manually held for use, said handle extending longitudinally in a longitudinal extension average direction between a first and a second end portion;

[0024] - a blow head, said blow head elongating said handle from said first end portion, and said blow head being provided with an air outlet through which an air flow is intended to be blown outwards in a blow average direction;

[0025] - an electric ventilation module for generating said air flow; and

[0026] - an electric heating element for heating said air flow,

[0027] characterized in that said electric heating element is permanently carried within said blow head, upstream of said air outlet with respect to the direction of said air flow, and in that said electrically powered ventilation module extends said handle from said second end portion and comprises a ventilation wheel, which is mounted for rotation along a rotation axis, which is inscribed, on the one hand, in a first plane substantially perpendicular to said blow average direction, and, on the other hand, also inscribed in a second plane substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal extension average direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] Further features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following description, given with reference to the attached drawings, which are supplied by way of non-limiting example illustration, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 a hairdressing appliance according to the present application is shown in perspective view, which forms a hairdryer.

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the appliance of Figure 1 .

[0031] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the appliance of Figure 1 . Figure 2 is a side view of the appliance of .

[0032] Figure 4 is a front view of the appliance of Figures 1 to 3 .

[0033] Figure 5 is a cutaway view of the appliance of Figure 2 .

[0034] Figure 6 is a longitudinal section view A-A (see Figure 4 ) of the appliance of Figures 1 to 5 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The hairdressing appliance 1 according to the present application is designed to be gripped and manipulated by hand. It is therefore a portable, hand-held hairdressing appliance, preferably intended for use in the domestic sphere by a user who does not have specific professional skills in the field of hairdressing. Preferably, the hairdressing appliance 1 is designed so that the user uses the appliance 1 on themselves, i.e. on their own hair. However, it is entirely conceivable that the appliance 1 is designed to be used by the user on the hair of a third person, without departing from the scope of the present application.

[0036] Preferably, and according to the embodiment illustrated in the appended drawings, the hair grooming device 1 forms a hair dryer (or hair drier), which allows the user to dry wet or damp hair by blowing a hot or cold forced air flow in the direction of the hair, and to facilitate hair styling. However, the present invention is not limited to this particular embodiment, and it can for example be entirely envisaged that the hair grooming device 1 forms for example a hair dryer brush, or any other portable hair grooming device, which is equipped with a function involving blowing an air flow onto the user's hair, and which can more particularly be used for hair grooming purposes, for example with direct contact with the hair (brushing, straightening, etc.). For the sake of conciseness, the following description will mainly focus on the hair grooming device 1 of the hair dryer type illustrated in the appended drawings.

[0037] The hair grooming device 1 according to the present invention comprises a handle 2 (or grip), by which the device 1 is intended to be manually held for use. The handle 2 thus forms a manual gripping member, which is intended to be grasped by the user to manipulate the hair grooming device 1. The handle 2 is elongated, i.e. it extends mostly in a single direction of space, corresponding to a longitudinal direction. In other words, the handle 2 has a streamlined elongated shape, so that it can be grasped by the whole hand of an adult user. The handle 2 extends longitudinally along a longitudinal average direction X-X' between a first end 2A and a second end 2B. Preferably, the distance separating said first and second ends 2A, 2B, corresponding to the length of said handle 2, is sufficient to allow all the fingers of one hand of the user to close on the handle 2. The handle 2 is advantageously formed of one piece, or of an assembly of several pieces. The handle 2 is for example of generally tubular shape (for example with a constant or non-constant circular or elliptical average cross-section), and is shaped and dimensioned to ensure good hand holding by the user, in particular "whole hand" holding, i.e. by the palm and the fingers. The hair grooming device 1 further comprises a blowing head 3, which is designed to generate a (forced) air flow intended to ensure a hair drying function. The blowing head 3 prolongs the handle 2 from the first end 2A and is provided with an air outlet 4, through which the air flow is intended to be blown outwards along a blowing average direction Y-Y', so as to be projectable in the direction of the user's hair to dry the hair. Advantageously formed as an integral sub-assembly, the blowing head 3 is preferably fixed relative to the handle 2 and is preferably integral with said handle 2 in a permanent manner, said sleeve 2 and blowing head 3 thus being advantageously inseparable.

[0038] The air outlet 4 has an opening of overall substantially circular shape, as illustrated in the appended drawings, and is for example provided with a protective grid. Preferably, as illustrated in the various appended drawings, the air outlet 4 has a blowing cross-section of disc shape. However, the present invention is not limited to the particular geometric shaping of the air outlet 4, which can have any suitable shape, for example rectangular, slit shape, etc.

[0039] It can be envisaged that the air outlet 4 is attached in a removable manner at the blow head 3 (for example by snap-fastening, screwing, press-fitting, bayonet locking, etc.). However, it is advantageous and preferable that the blow head 3 forms an integral assembly with the air outlet 4, which is not intended to be disassembled by the user, which facilitates the use of the hairdressing device 1 and avoids the user losing the accessory.

[0040] As illustrated in the appended figures, the longitudinal extension average direction X-X' of the handle 2 is advantageously substantially perpendicular to the blow average direction y-y'. However, the application is not limited to this particular embodiment, which proves to be particularly practical for the user and allows to impart compact features to the hairdressing device 1.

[0041] Alternatively, said longitudinal extension average direction X-X' and said blow average direction Y-Y' can be inclined with respect to each other, so that the angle between said longitudinal extension average direction X-X' and said blow average direction Y-Y' is greater than or less than 90°. For example, the angle between said longitudinal extension average direction X-X' and said blow average direction Y-Y' is advantageously comprised between 80° and 100°, preferably between 85° and 95°.

[0042] The hairdressing device 1 also comprises an electric ventilation module 5 for generating said air flow intended to be blown out by the blow head 3. The electric ventilation module 5 lengthens the handle 2 from the second end 28, so that the handle 2 is interposed between the electric ventilation module 5 and the blow head 3, between which it extends longitudinally. Said electric ventilation module 5 can itself be lengthened by a power supply cord 14 equipped, at its free end, with an electrical connection plug. Thus, the electric ventilation module 5 of the hairdressing device 1 is preferably offset from the blow head 3 and the handle 2. Thus, it is possible to determine the dimensions of the electric ventilation module 5 in order to generate a high flow of air in an economical manner, without thereby affecting the overall dimensions of the blow head 3 and the handle 2. In addition, this arrangement of the electric ventilation module 5 advantageously allows to better balance the weight of the hairdressing device 1 by distributing the mass on both sides of the handle 2, which facilitates the user's comfort in using the device 1. Indeed, the mass is thus distributed on both sides of its hands, which particularly facilitates its movements when the user wishes to carry out a hairdressing operation (brushing, etc.).

[0043] The electric ventilation module 5 comprises a ventilation wheel 6, which is rotationally mounted along an axis of rotation Z-Z'. The electric ventilation module 5 also advantageously comprises a housing 7, inside which the ventilation wheel 6 is housed. The ventilation wheel 6 advantageously comprises a series of blades, which are arranged at the periphery of the wheel 6, so that the rotation of the ventilation wheel 6 along the axis of rotation Z-Z' causes the generation of an air flow by means of said blades of the wheel 6. Preferably, the electric ventilation module 5 comprises an electric motor, which is connected to the ventilation wheel 6 to drive the rotation of the ventilation wheel 6 along the axis of rotation Z-Z'. The electric motor is advantageously arranged adjacent to the ventilation wheel 6 and is, for example, provided with a rotor, which drives the rotation of an electric motor shaft 10, which is connected to the ventilation wheel 6 directly or by means of a transmission. Advantageously, the rotor of the electric motor rotates along an electric motor axis, which is parallel or coincides with the axis of rotation Z-Z' of the ventilation wheel 6. This preferred configuration allows a particularly compact, solid and reliable configuration, which preferentially provides for the direct driving of the ventilation wheel 6 by means of the electric motor, the electric motor shaft 10 of which is advantageously directly integral with the hub of the ventilation wheel 6.

[0044] The hair cutting device 1 also comprises an electric heating element 8, which is intended to heat said air flow, which is generated by the electric ventilation module 5 and is blown out through the air outlet 4 towards the outside. The electric heating element 8 can be constituted by any suitable electric heating device based on any technology which allows the conversion of electric energy into heat energy. Preferably, the electric heating element 8 implements a Joule effect heating, it being understood that the present invention is not limited to a particular heating technology, as long as the heating element 8 is integrated in the hair cutting device 1 and is powered. The electric heating element 8 has, for example, a power greater than 500 W, and even more preferably at least equal to 1000 W and preferably at least equal to 1500 W. For example, the electric heating element 8 comprises at least one electric heating resistor, which is formed by windings of a metallic wire, for example of nichrome, wound around an insulating core, for example of mica, having, for example, a cross section in the shape of a cross. As shown in the attached figures, the electric heating element 8 is permanently housed in the blow head 3, upstream of said air outlet 4 with respect to the air flow, so that it can heat said air flow before it escapes through the air outlet 4 outside the blow head 3. In other words, the electric heating element 8 is permanently incorporated in the blow head 3 and is not intended to be separated from this blow head 3.

[0045] Thanks to the particular positioning of the blow head 3, the electric heating element 8 and the electric ventilation module 5 with respect to the handle 2, a very advantageous mass distribution is obtained, which allows to impart particularly balanced characteristics to the hair cutting device 1, suitable to facilitate its handling.

[0046] In addition, the rotation axis Z-Z' is inscribed, on the one hand, in a first plane P1 substantially perpendicular to the average blowing direction Y-Y' and, on the other hand, in a second plane P2 perpendicular to the longitudinally extending average direction X-X'. In other words, the rotation axis Z-Z' of the air ventilation wheel 6 is substantially perpendicular to a third plane P3 in which the average blowing direction Y-Y' and the longitudinally extending average direction X-X' are simultaneously inscribed. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the first, second and third planes P1, P2, P3 are orthogonal with respect to each other. However, it is entirely conceivable that, in the possible case where the longitudinally extending average direction X-X' is not perpendicular to the average blowing direction Y-Y' (case where the handle 2 is for example inclined forward or backward with respect to the direction in which the air flow is expelled by the air outlet 4), the first and second planes P1, P2 are for example not orthogonal with respect to each other.

[0047] Thanks to the particular orientation of the aforementioned rotation axis Z-Z', undesirable possible gyroscopic effects are minimized, even eliminated, which increases the use comfort, especially when the user performs a "brushing" type drying. Indeed, when performing a "brushing" type ironing, the user generally performs a repetitive pendulum movement of the wrist in order to sweep each strand of hair to be ironed with the air flow emitted by the hairdressing device 1. This pendulum movement can be particularly uncomfortable when a parasitic gyroscopic effect occurs due to the rotation of the air ventilation wheel 6 and / or of other rotating elements (for example the rotor of the electric motor for driving the wheel 6) of the electric air ventilation module 5. As mentioned above, the present invention allows to overcome this drawback by limiting and / or compensating the accidental gyroscopic effect thanks to the particular positioning of the rotation axis Z-Z' perpendicular to the third plane P3. In particular, thanks to this particular orientation of the rotation axis Z-Z' both with respect to the blowing direction Y-Y' and with respect to the longitudinally extending direction X-X' of the handle 2, the possible influence of the gyroscopic effect on the dynamic unbalance is minimized, which allows the user to comfortably perform the pendulum movement of the wrist during the "brushing" operation. In addition, thanks to this very remarkable position of the rotation axis Z-Z', the unpleasant instability feeling that can exist in the prior art devices at the start of the device, related to the sudden appearance of a gyroscopic effect of the electric motor, is significantly reduced, even eliminated, thus contributing to the use comfort and to the safety of the user. In addition, thanks to the particular orientation of the aforementioned rotation axis Z-Z' with respect to the blowing average direction Y-Y', a better air distribution can be obtained over the entire heating element 8. Indeed, considering the direction of rotation of the helical line, the air will naturally and easily concentrate on the rear part of the intermediate duct 12. The path of the air is then optimized so that it passes completely through the heating element 8. This allows a better dissipation of the heat supplied by the heating element 8 in the air flow, thus optimizing the heat exchange and therefore the performance of the device 1, thus avoiding in particular the formation of hot spots that can deteriorate the heating element 8.

[0048] Preferably, the electric motor driving the ventilation wheel 6 in rotation is an external rotor motor. Such external rotor motors have excellent efficiency, are able to generate large torques at high speed, which allows to obtain optimal performance, but causes to generate significant gyroscopic effects, which the present invention allows to compensate thanks to the particular positioning of the rotation axis Z-Z' described above. Therefore, the design of the hair cutting device 1 according to the present invention allows to obtain an excellent compromise between performance level on one hand and use comfort on the other hand.

[0049] Preferably, the electric motor for driving the ventilation wheel 6 is a brushless motor (i.e. a "brushless" motor or an automatic pilot control synchronous motor with permanent magnets). Such brushless motors are generally more robust and lighter than conventional brushed motors. They are less noisy and more energy efficient, and also have greater flexibility and better precision in regulating their rotation speed. Even more preferably, the electric motor for driving the ventilation wheel 6 is a brushless DC external rotor motor (BLDC) with sensors. Such motor has excellent performance level, while being compact, reliable and robust. Such motor can of course generate significant gyroscopic effects, but these significant gyroscopic effects are advantageously compensated by the reasonable positioning of the rotation axis Z-Z' described above.

[0050] Advantageously, the electric ventilation module 5 comprises an air intake 9 configured through the casing 7 upstream of the ventilation wheel 6 with respect to the air flow, to allow the ventilation wheel 6 to suck external air parallel to said rotation axis Z-Z'. Therefore, the air intake 9 forms an opening along the rotation axis Z-Z', which allows to introduce external air inside the casing 7 under the suction effect generated by the rotating ventilation wheel 6. This particular orientation of the air intake 9 proves to be particularly advantageous, since it is different from the orientation of the air outlet 4. This allows to reduce the risk of hair located opposite the intake 9 during use of the hair cutting device 1, thus limiting the risk of accidental suction of hair. It also allows to suck fresh air, thus limiting the risk of overheating of the device. Preferably, for the safety of the user, a protective grid is also advantageously implemented (visible in the attached figures).

[0051] Advantageously, the ventilation wheel 6 is a centrifugal ventilation wheel (as shown in the attached figures) or a helico-centrifugal ventilation wheel. The use of a centrifugal or helico-centrifugal ventilation wheel allows to position the air suction inlet 9 along the rotation axis Z-Z', while benefiting from rather significant aerodynamic performances. This implementation of a helico-centrifugal or centrifugal ventilation wheel can allow to obtain a high internal pressure with equal dimensions and an air flow substantially similar to that of a helico- or helico-ventilator, but with a lower rotation speed and therefore with little noise generated. Preferably, as schematically shown in the attached figures, the ventilation wheel 6 is a centrifugal ventilation wheel, comprising a plurality of blades. This centrifugal ventilation wheel 6 is relatively reduced in size and relatively silent in operation, which proves to be very significant for a device intended to be used in the vicinity of the head and the ears. However, the present invention is not limited to this implementation of a centrifugal or helico-centrifugal ventilation wheel 6 and it can for example be envisaged to use a tangential ventilation wheel, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0052] Advantageously, the electric ventilation module 5 comprises a volute 11 which encloses the ventilation wheel 6 and allows to generate an air flow in cooperation with the ventilation wheel. The volute 11 thus forms an internal working chamber in which the ventilation wheel 6 is housed. This internal working chamber is provided with an air inlet corresponding to the suction inlet 9, through which the ambient air is axially sucked by the ventilation wheel 6 into the working chamber formed by the volute 11. The working chamber in question is also provided with an air outlet through which the sucked air is radially expelled by the ventilation wheel 6 outside the working chamber formed by the volute 11.

[0053] Advantageously, the device 1 comprises an intermediate conduit 12 configured within the handle 2 to put the ventilation wheel 6 in pneumatic communication with the blowing head 3. To this end, the casing 7 of the electric ventilation module 5 comprising or forming the volute 11 is in communication with said intermediate conduit 12. This means that the volute 11 opens into the intermediate conduit 12, so that the air drawn in externally is propelled by the ventilation wheel 6 into the intermediate conduit 12 via the air intake 9. Advantageously, the blowing head 3 itself forms a blowing conduit 13 which is connected on the one hand to the intermediate conduit 12 and on the other hand to said air outlet 4 through which it opens to the outside. The electric heating element 8 is advantageously arranged in the blowing conduit 13, upstream of the air outlet 4 and downstream of the intermediate conduit 12, taking into account the direction of the air flow. Thus, the intermediate conduit 12 advantageously conducts the air flow through the handle 2 and inside it, in this case in a direction from the second end 2B towards the first end 2A, towards the blowing head 3, along a preferably substantially rectilinear path. The blowing head advantageously extends between a closed rear surface 3A and a front surface 3B comprising said air outlet 4, in said blowing average direction Y-Y'. In other words, the blowing conduit 13 only opens at the front surface 3B, without communicating with the outside at the rear surface 3A which is closed in an air-tight manner. This technical measure optimizes the aerodynamic performance and also avoids the presence of an intake at the blowing head, which could be a source of discomfort or even danger for the user. The blowing head 3 advantageously carries a deflector 15 designed and configured to deflect the air flow coming from the intermediate conduit 12 and bring it into the blowing conduit 13. Thus, the deflector 15 is advantageously shaped and arranged to subject the air flow coming from the intermediate conduit 12 to a deflection of at least 70° and preferably of the order of 90° in the direction of the air outlet 4. This turning imparted to the air flow by the deflector 15 allows it to be transferred from a path substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension average direction X-X' within the handle 2 to a path substantially parallel to the direct blowing average direction Y-Y' within the blowing conduit 13, until towards the air outlet 4.

[0054] Advantageously, the hair cutting device comprises an electronic module 16 for pilot control and / or control of the operation of the device 1. The electronic module 16 is for example present in the form of an electronic card (PCBA) formed by a printed circuit board (PCB) on which different electronic components (capacitors, resistors, transistors, etc.) are mounted. The electronic card forming the electronic module 16 is advantageously functionally connected to the electrically powered ventilation module 5 and / or to the electric heating element 8 and is preferably connected to at least one adjustment member 17 for adjusting the operation of the device 1, which can be manually actuated by the user. The electronic module 16 is advantageously housed inside the blowing head 3, upstream of said electric heating element 8 with respect to the air flow. In this way, the air flow coming from the intermediate duct 12 first sweeps the electronic module 16, which allows it to be cooled, then it is heated downstream by the electric heating element 8, so as to be finally expelled outside the device 1 through the air outlet 4. This configuration allows the electronic module 16 to be housed in the immediate vicinity of the heating element 8 without this causing problems of overheating of the electronic module 16, which is cooled by the air flow, which it first undergoes before the electric heating element 8. In this particularly advantageous embodiment, the hair cutting device 1 has particularly compact features and a particularly simple and reliable configuration, which allows optimal operation in particular thanks to the effective cooling of the electronic module 16 obtained by its particular positioning in the air flow. Preferably, the electronic module 16 is attached at the deflector 15, on the inner surface of which it thus assumes the dual function of deflecting the air flow and providing support for the electronic module 16. The particular positioning of the electronic module 16 on the deflector 15 allows the cooling of the electronic module 16 to be optimized, thanks to the fact that at the deflector 15 the air flow is susceptible to turbulence phenomena, thus facilitating heat exchange.

[0055] The blowing duct formed by the blowing head 3 advantageously has a substantially converging shape in the direction of the air outlet 4, so as to generate a converging nozzle benefit, which allows the pressure to be reduced and the speed of the air flow at the outlet 4 to be increased. In other words, the blowing duct 13 flares gradually in the direction of the rear surface 3A from the front surface 38. This flared shape in the rear direction also allows sufficient space to be released to house the electronic module 16.

[0056] Advantageously, the blowing head 3 carries adjustment means 17 for adjusting the operation of the device 1, which are manually actuatable to allow adjustment of the operation of the device 1, for example adjustment of the blowing power and / or the temperature of the air flow. Preferably, the adjustment means 17 are provided on the rear surface 3A of the blowing head 3. This advantageous configuration, which takes advantage of the fact that the rear surface is preferably closed, gives the hairdressing device 1 excellent ergonomics by using the rear of the blowing head 3, which is normally assigned to the air suction function in devices of the prior art, in order to position the adjustment means 17, which the user can thus manually actuate while drying his hair. In other words, the adjustment means 17 are advantageously positioned so that the user can hold the handle 2 with one hand, while actuating said first adjustment means 17 with the thumb of said hand. The adjustment means 17 in question are advantageously designed to adjust the speed of the air flow by ensuring adjustment of the rotational speed of the motor connected via the ventilation wheel 6. As shown in the figures, the adjustment means advantageously comprise a rotating roller which turns along an axis which advantageously corresponds to the blowing average direction y-y'. With a rotating roller, in particular a roller configured to turn along an axis which coincides or is parallel to the blowing average direction y-y', particularly ergonomic features are given to the device 1. Preferably, as shown in the figures, the roller is integrated in the blowing head 3, so that it itself contributes to locally defining the surface envelope of the blowing head 3. Thanks to this technical measure, the adjustment means 17 are simply flush with the outer envelope of the blowing head 3, without any noticeable protrusion being formed at the surface of the blowing head 3. This not only allows the ergonomic features to be given to the device 1, but also contributes to its compactness and its robustness. Preferably, the roller is present in the form of at least one ring or ring portion which turns around a fixed central hub 20 along the aforementioned rotational axis. The central hub 20 in question is advantageously present in the form of a solid wall which is substantially circular in shape, which contributes to delimiting the rear surface 3A. As mentioned above, the roller can be present in the form of a ring, and for example and as shown in the figures in the form of a whole ring formed from a single piece which is substantially circular in shape. However, it can be envisaged that the roller is alternatively present in the form of one or more ring portions, for example in the form of two half-rings which join to form a whole ring. In the latter case, the first half-ring can for example be dedicated to adjusting the electric ventilation module 5, while the other half-ring can be dedicated to adjusting the heating element 8 or any other functional element. Advantageously, the blowing head 3 comprises an outer envelope which comprises a cup-shaped portion which forms said rear surface 3A, as shown in the figures. Said cup advantageously has a bottom which is at least partially formed by the central hub 20 and a side wall which extends from the periphery of said bottom and is at least partially formed by the ring which advantageously constitutes the roller. In the particularly advantageous embodiment corresponding to that shown in the figures, the roller is completely integrated in the blowing head 3, while being easily accessible and manoeuvrable with the thumb.

[0057] The hair cutting device 1 also advantageously comprises a hot air / fresh air selector 18, which is advantageously mounted on the handle 2, for example near the first end 2A of the handle 2, to activate / deactivate the electric heating element 8 and thus allow the user to choose between blowing a hot air flow or an air flow at room temperature. The hot air / fresh air selector 18 is for example in the form of a jog switch or a button. Thus, in the particularly advantageous embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the user is able to adjust the speed of the air flow by acting on the roller forming the adjustment member 17 provided on the rear surface 3A on the one hand, and to select a hot air flow or a fresh air flow by acting on the selector 18 provided on the handle 2 on the other hand, while performing a hair cutting operation (for example of the "brushing" type) without having to interrupt it.

[0058] Advantageously, the blow head 3 and the electric ventilation module 5 each form a respective protrusion on each side of the handle 2, said protrusions extending in at least one respective transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal extension average direction X-X' of the handle 2. The presence of each of the protrusions formed by the blow head 3 and the electric ventilation module 5 on both sides of the handle 2 well delimits the handle 2 by forming guards on both sides of the handle 2 which in an intuitive manner encourage the user to only grip the handle 2 of the device 1 in the optimal grip configuration. The presence of these protrusions on both sides of the handle 2 further contributes to a good distribution of the masses as mentioned above.

[0059] Thus, the protrusion formed by the blow head 3 extends in at least one transverse direction corresponding to the blowing average direction y-y'. The protrusion formed by the blow head 3 is advantageously not centered with respect to the handle 2 and thus extends transversely with respect to the handle 2 in a more significant manner towards the front surface 3B than towards the rear surface 3A. In other words, the blow head 3 extends along a blowing length L1 measured between the longitudinal extension average direction X-X' and the front surface 3B and a blowing length L2 measured between the longitudinal extension average direction X-X' and the rear surface 3A, the length L1 being greater than the length L2, for example by a factor of 1.2 to 1.8. For example, L1 = 72 mm and L2 = 44 mm. Preferably, the protrusion formed by the blow head 3 has a substantially rotational shape along an axis corresponding to the blowing average direction y-y'.

[0060] As for the protrusion formed by the electric ventilation module 5, it advantageously has a substantially cylindrical shape with a circular base along an axis corresponding to the rotation axis Z-Z'. The protrusion formed by the electric ventilation module 5 advantageously extends along a height H1 between a first side facade and an opposite second side facade 19, the first side facade being covered by the protective grid and at which the air suction inlet 9 is provided. The second side facade 19 is advantageously closed. In its rear, an electric motor for driving the ventilation wheel 6 is advantageously provided, which is thus interposed between the closed second side facade 19 (but preferably removable to access the electric motor) and the ventilation wheel 6. Preferably, the protrusion formed by the blow head 3 extends parallel to the direction corresponding to the rotation axis Z-Z' along a distance H2, which is advantageously greater than or equal to the extension distance H1 of the protrusion formed by the electric ventilation module 5 along the same direction Z-Z'. For example, H1 = 70 mm and H2 = 83 mm. This allows to impart to the device 1 a particularly balanced and compact feature, facilitating the ease and comfort of use of the device 1. Advantageously, the diameter D of the cylinder formed by the electric ventilation module 5 and more precisely by the housing 7 of the electric ventilation module 5 is greater than the width of the handle 2 in the respective plane X-X' / Y-Y'. For example, D = 82 mm. In addition, the diameter D in question is also advantageously less than the total extension length L of the blow head 3 along the blow average direction Y-Y'. Figure 3 ). For example, L = 116 mm and D = 82 mm. This allows to improve the comfort of use of the device 1, in particular when a wrist swinging movement of the user is required to carry out, for example, a "brushing" type perm, in particular in combination with the particular arrangement of the ventilation wheel 6.

[0061] The operation and use of the device 1 according to the embodiment illustrated in the attached drawings is for example as follows.

[0062] The user first connects the device 1 to the electricity mains via the electrical cord 14. Then, the user actuates the roller forming the adjustment member 17 to start the electric ventilation module 5. The rotation speed of the ventilation wheel 6 can then be adjusted by means of the roller in question. Under the action of the rotation of the ventilation wheel 6, ambient air is drawn in by the suction inlet 9 and is then discharged into the intermediate duct 12 in which it circulates along a substantially rectilinear path parallel to the longitudinal extension average direction X-X' of the handle 2. The air flow then reaches the blowing head in which it first sweeps the electronic module 16 to cool it and then sweeps the electric heating element 8 to heat it in order to be finally discharged to the outside along the blowing average direction y-y' through the air outlet 4. In order to carry out a "brushing" type perm, the user points the air outlet 4 in the direction of the hair lock to be styled by means of a brush and then carries out a swinging movement of the wrist holding the handle 2. This swinging movement is not disturbed or uncomfortable by the undesirable possible gyroscopic effects due to the rotation of the ventilation wheel 6 thanks to the particular orientation of the rotation axis Z-Z' of the ventilation wheel 6 which is perpendicular to the third plane P3 in which the longitudinal extension average direction X-X' of the handle 2 and the average blowing direction Y-Y' are both inscribed. In certain cases, the swinging movement of the user's hand can even be facilitated, even reinforced, by the gyroscopic effects due to the rotation of the ventilation wheel 6.

Claims

1. A portable hair-cutting device (1), comprising: - An extended handle (2) is provided for use by manually gripping the device, the handle (2) extending longitudinally in a longitudinally extending average direction (X-X') between a first end (2A) and a second end (2B); - A blower head (3), which extends the handle (2) from the first end (2A) and is provided with an air outlet (4) through which an airflow is intended to blow outward along the average blowing direction (Y-Y'); - An electrically powered ventilation module (5) for generating the airflow; and - An electric heating element (8) for heating the airflow. The electric heating element (8) is permanently mounted in the blower head (3) upstream of the air outlet relative to the airflow. The electric ventilation module (5) extends the handle (2) from the second end (2B) and includes a ventilation wheel (6) rotatably mounted along a rotation axis (Z-Z') which is inscribed on one side in a first plane (P1) substantially perpendicular to the average blowing direction (Y-Y') and on the other side in a second plane (P2) substantially perpendicular to the average longitudinal extension direction (X-X'). The electric ventilation module (5) includes an electric motor connected to the ventilation wheel (6) to drive its rotation. The electric motor is an external rotor motor.

2. The hairdressing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, It includes an electronic module (16) for pilot control and / or control of the operation of the device (1), the electronic module (16) being mounted in the blower head (3) upstream of the electric heating element (8) relative to the airflow.

3. The hairdressing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The blower head (3) is equipped with an adjustment member (17) for adjusting the operation of the device (1), and the adjustment member (17) can be manually actuated.

4. The hairdressing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The blower head (3) extends along the average blowing direction (Y-Y') between the closed rear surface (3A) and the front surface (38) including the air outlet (4).

5. The hairdressing device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The blower head (3) is equipped with an adjustment member (17) for adjusting the operation of the device (1), the adjustment member (17) being manually actuated and disposed on the rear surface (3A).

6. The hairdressing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It includes an intermediate conduit (12) disposed within the handle (2) to pneumatically communicate the ventilation wheel (6) with the blower head (3).

7. The hairdressing device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The blower head (3) forms a blower duct (13), which is connected to the intermediate duct (12) on one side and to the air outlet (4) on the other side. The blower duct (13) leads to the outside through the air outlet (4).

8. The hairdressing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The electric ventilation module (5) includes a housing (7) and an air intake (9), the ventilation wheel (6) is housed in the housing (7), and the air intake (9) passes through the housing (7) and is positioned upstream of the ventilation wheel (6) relative to the airflow to allow the ventilation wheel (6) to draw in external air parallel to the axis of rotation (Z-Z').

9. The hairdressing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The ventilation wheel (6) is a centrifugal or spiral centrifugal ventilation wheel.

10. The hairdressing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The electric motor is equipped with a rotor, which rotates along an axis of the motor that is parallel to or coincides with the rotation axis (Z-Z').

11. The hairdressing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The electric ventilation module (5) includes a volute (11) that encloses the ventilation wheel (6).

12. The hairdressing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The blower head (3) is fixed relative to the handle (2).

13. The hairdressing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The blower head (3) and the electric ventilation module (5) each form a corresponding protrusion on each side of the handle (2), the protrusions extending in at least one corresponding lateral direction relative to the longitudinal extension average direction (X-X').

14. The hairdressing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The longitudinal extension average direction (X-X') is substantially perpendicular to the blowing average direction (Y-Y').

15. The hairdressing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It forms a hair dryer.

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