Improved hair cutting apparatus forming a swing-type blow brush

Abstract

The invention relates to a hair cutting device (1) comprising a blower (5) for generating an air flow, a handle (2) and an attachment (6) connected to the handle (2), the attachment (6) comprising a hair engaging element (12) and first and second air outlets (15, 16) positioned on either side of the engaging element, the device comprising an air distribution conduit (21) immovable relative to the handle, the conduit comprising two air distribution outlets in different directions, the attachment being mounted for rotation relative to the handle to assume a configuration which permits a variable angular orientation of the attachment relative to the handle within a predetermined angular range, and in which configuration the attachment can be varied between a first position in which one of the air distribution outlets is in pneumatic communication with the first air outlet and a second position in which the other of the air distribution outlets is in pneumatic communication with the second air outlet.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field of hairdressing devices, such as for domestic use, and more particularly to the field of portable hairdressing devices designed to blow an air flow in order to dry the hair and / or facilitate the styling of the hair. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of hairdressing devices, devices of the blow-drying brush type are known. These devices generally comprise a brush head connected to a holding handle and provided with bristles over all or part of its surface. Blow-drying holes are provided at the bristles so that a hot or cold air flow can be blown through the brush head in the direction of the hair. Such blow-drying brushes aim to allow a certain degree of drying of the hair while achieving one or more hairdressing effects or hair styling.

[0003] While such known blow-drying brushes are generally satisfactory, they remain imperfect. Indeed, the hairdressing effects that the user is supposed to be able to obtain with the aid of these blow-drying brushes are not always easily achieved in practice, especially for those users who do not have any particular knowledge in the field of hairdressing. Such known blow-drying brushes also have a particularly complex design, which tends to affect their reliability and ease of use in particular. Furthermore, certain known blow-drying brushes lack compactness, which makes them less ergonomic and less suitable for handling.

[0004] Moreover, while such known hairdressing devices of the blow-drying brush type aim to replace a plurality of separate devices by combining a brushing function with a hair-drying function, they are not particularly well suited in practice to achieving a satisfactory hair drying, in this case necessarily associated with a hairdressing or brushing. The known hairdressing devices of the blow-drying brush type do not themselves allow the various separate operations of hair drying, hairdressing and styling to be effectively achieved, so that it appears generally necessary to use a complementary hairdressing device to achieve all the desired hairdressing operations satisfactorily. SUMMARY

[0005] Thus, the object assigned to the present invention aims to provide a novel portable hairdressing device that allows particularly satisfactory hairdressing and hair styling effects to be easily obtained, even for users who do not have particular expertise in the field of hairdressing.

[0006] Another object of the present invention aims to provide a novel portable hairdressing device that is particularly practical, intuitive and simple to use, even for users who do not have particular expertise in the field of hairdressing.

[0007] Another object of the present invention aims to provide a novel portable hairdressing device that has a particularly simple and reliable design.

[0008] Another object of the present application is to provide a novel portable hair grooming device of particularly compact structure.

[0009] Another object of the present application is to provide a novel portable hair grooming device which allows the user to easily and effectively achieve a plurality of separate operations without the need to use external complementary hair grooming devices.

[0010] Another object of the present application is to provide a novel portable hair grooming device which allows to obtain particularly effective hair drying and styling in comfortable conditions of use.

[0011] It is an object assigned to the present application to be achieved by means of a portable hair grooming device comprising: a blower module for generating an air flow, a manually gripped handle and an accessory connected to said handle, said accessory comprising a main element of mechanical engagement of the hair and at least one of a first and a second air outlet separated from each other and positioned on both sides of said main element of mechanical engagement of the hair, said device comprising an air distribution duct, said air distribution duct being immovably mounted with respect to said handle and said air distribution duct extending from an end of said handle, said air distribution duct comprising two air distribution outlets separated from each other and spaced apart from each other to distribute said air flow generated by said blower module in different average directions, said accessory being rotationally mounted with respect to said handle along an axis of rotation to assume at least a first angular configuration, said first angular configuration permitting a variable angular orientation of said accessory with respect to said handle within a predetermined angular range, and in said first angular configuration said accessory is variable between:

[0012] - a first angular position at which a first one of said air distribution outlets of said air distribution duct is in pneumatic communication with said first air outlet of said accessory; and

[0013] - a second angular position at which a second one of said air distribution outlets of said air distribution duct is in pneumatic communication with said second air outlet of said accessory. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Other characteristics and advantages of the present application will become apparent and more fully presented after reading the following description, given with reference to the attached drawings, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 one embodiment of a hair grooming device according to the present application is shown in side view, the accessory of the device occupying a first angular configuration with respect to the handle, in which said accessory is locked by a locking means, said device advantageously comprising this locking means;

[0016] Figure 2 a hair cutting device is shown in a front view; Figure 1

[0017] Figure 3 a hair cutting device is shown in a side view; Figure 1 and Figure 2 a hair cutting device, the attachment of which occupies a second angular position of the first angular configuration, this time relative to the handle, in which said attachment is locked by a locking means, the device advantageously comprising this locking means;

[0018] Figure 4 a hair cutting device is shown in a front view; Figure 3

[0019] Figure 5 design details of a hair cutting device are shown in a cross-sectional view at the attachment, the attachment of which occupies a second angular position of the first angular configuration; Figure 1 and Figure 2 design details of a hair cutting device are shown in a cross-sectional view at the attachment, the attachment of which occupies a third angular position of the first angular configuration;

[0020] Figure 6 design details of a hair cutting device are shown in a cross-sectional view at the attachment, the attachment of which occupies a third angular position of the first angular configuration; Figure 1 and Figure 2 design details of a hair cutting device are shown in a cross-sectional view at the attachment, the attachment of which occupies a third angular position of the first angular configuration;

[0021] Figure 7 design details of a hair cutting device are shown in a cross-sectional view at the attachment (second angular configuration); Figure 3 and Figure 4 design details of a hair cutting device are shown in a cross-sectional view at the attachment (second angular configuration);

[0022] Figure 8 design details of a hair cutting device are shown in a front view (first angular configuration), certain elements of the attachment having been omitted or made transparent to clarify certain advantageous design aspects; Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 design details of a hair cutting device are shown in a front view (first angular configuration), certain elements of the attachment having been omitted or made transparent to clarify certain advantageous design aspects;

[0023] Figure 9 a first housing element of the housing of the attachment of a hair cutting device is shown in an internal front view; Figures 1 to 8

[0024] the first housing element shown in is shown in a cutaway view, in relation to the handle of the hair cutting device and a portion of the air distribution conduit of the attachment. The air guide channel and the air distribution conduit of the device have been made transparent. Figure 10 Figure 9 a second housing element of the housing of the attachment of a hair cutting device is shown in an internal front view;

[0025] Figure 11 Figures 1 to 8 a second housing element of the housing of the attachment of a hair cutting device is shown in an internal front view; ​​​​

[0026] Figure 12 design details of the hair cutting device of Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 10 in a cross-sectional view at the attachment and in the vicinity of the interface between the handle and the attachment;

[0027] Figure 13 design details of the hair cutting device of Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 in a cross-sectional view at the attachment and in the vicinity of the interface between the handle and the attachment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The hair cutting device 1 according to the application is a portable hair cutting device which is designed to be gripped and manipulated by hand. It is a hair cutting device which is preferably intended for use in the domestic sphere by a user who does not have specific professional skills in the field of hairdressing, i.e. in the field of drying, cutting and styling of hair. Preferably, the hair cutting device 1 is designed so that the user uses the device 1 on themselves, i.e. on their own hair. However, it is entirely conceivable that the device 1 is designed to be used by the user on the hair of a third person, without departing from the scope of the application.

[0029] A hair cutting device 1 according to the invention comprises a manually held handle 2 (or grip), which is intended to be manually grasped by a user to manipulate the hair cutting device 1. The handle 2 typically extends longitudinally between a first end 3 and an opposite second end 4, preferably along an (first) axis A-A'. The hair cutting device 1 further comprises a hair dryer module 5, which advantageously is carried and designed to generate a (forced) air flow F, and an accessory 6, which is connected to the handle 2 and through which the air flow F generated by the hair dryer module 5 is advantageously intended to be led out of the hair cutting device 1 so as to be able to be projected towards the user's hair. The hair cutting device 1 is provided with an air inlet 7 through which ambient air can be sucked in by the hair dryer module 5 to be blown out towards the user's hair. Said hair dryer module 5 can advantageously comprise a ventilator driven by an electric motor in a known manner, said hair dryer module 5 can advantageously be arranged within the handle 2 or within the accessory 6. More preferably, however, the hair dryer module 5 of the hair cutting device 1 is assembled on the handle 2 at the second end 4 of the handle 2, so that the hair dryer module 5 advantageously extends the handle 2 beyond the second end 4 of the handle 2. Advantageously, the accessory 6 of the device 1 is itself connected to the handle at the first end 3 of the handle 2. Thus, the hair dryer module 5 is preferably offset from the accessory 6 and the handle 2. It is thus possible to determine the size of the hair dryer module 5 in an economical manner so as to generate a large flow of air F and thus not to affect the overall size of the accessory 6 and the handle 2. In addition, this arrangement of the hair dryer module 5 advantageously allows a better balance of the weight of the hair cutting device 1 by distributing the mass on both sides of the handle 2, which contributes to the ergonomics and the comfort of use of the hair cutting device 1. In the case where the hair dryer module 5 is thus arranged within the handle 2 or assembled on the handle 2 at the second end 4 of the handle 2 as envisaged previously and shown in the attached drawings, the hair cutting device 1 can advantageously comprise a guide channel 8 Figure 8 ), which is configured within the handle 2 to guide the air flow F generated by the hair dryer module 5 out of the handle 2 towards the accessory 6.

[0030] Preferably, the hair cutting device 1 further comprises a heating element, which is arranged to raise the temperature of the air flow F generated by the hair dryer module 5. Carried within the interior of the hair cutting device 1, the heating element is arranged to be interposed in the air flow F generated by the hair dryer module 5. In the embodiment shown in the attached drawings, as mentioned above, the heating element is advantageously positioned within said guide channel 8 of the air flow F configured in the handle 2 Figure 8 . As is known, the heating element is typically an electric heating element, which works according to the principle of the Joule effect and comprises at least one electric heating resistor formed by an electrically conductive wire (not shown) wound around an insulating core 9. Alternatively, the heating element can be housed within the interior of the accessory 6, but in particular does not favour the compactness of the accessory 6.

[0031] Advantageously, the hairdressing device 1 comprises manual control and / or adjustment means 10 for manual control and / or adjustment of the operation of the hairdressing device 1, in particular of the blower module 5 and / or of the heating element of the blower module 5, by the user. This is for example an adjustment means of the toggle switch type, of the button type and / or of the guide slot or roller type, as in the example shown in Figures 1 to 4 As in the example shown in Figures 1 to 4 the blower module 5 is assembled at the second end 4 of the handle 2, it is known that such manual control and / or adjustment means 10 can for example be positioned at the handle 2 or at the blower module 5. Advantageously constituting a portable electrical device, the hairdressing device 1 is preferably provided to be powered from the mains by means of a power cord 11. Alternatively, the hairdressing device 1 can be powered by a carried energy source, for example a battery, which can then be housed in the handle 2.

[0032] The accessory 6 of the hairdressing device 1 according to the invention comprises a hair mechanically engaging main element 12, which is able to mechanically interact with the hair of the user in order to brush, to style and / or also to comb the hair, in particular. The accessory 6 typically comprises a support 13 provided with a support surface 14 oriented towards the outside of the device 1, and said hair mechanically engaging main element 12 is optionally integral with the support 13 in a removable manner. For example, as in the embodiment shown in the attached figures, said mechanically engaging main element 12 can comprise a plurality of bristle (or pin) rows or rods 12A, 12B, 12C, which are fixed to said support 13 and preferably protrude from said support surface 14 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support surface 14. Alternatively, the mechanically engaging main element 12 can for example comprise bristles (or pins) integral with said support 13. The support surface 14 can be substantially flat, or as in the embodiment shown in the attached figures, convex towards the outside of the accessory 6.

[0033] The accessory 6 further comprises at least a first and a second (main) air outlet 15, 16, through which the air flow F can be blown by the accessory 6 towards the hair of the user. Said first and second air outlets 15, 16 are separate from each other and therefore do not coincide and are not adjacent, and are positioned on the two sides of the hair mechanically engaging main element 12. As shown in the attached figures, said first and second air outlets 15, 16 are therefore advantageously positioned at the edges of the hair mechanically engaging main element 12 along opposite side edges of the hair mechanically engaging main element 12.

[0034] As can be seen in particular from Figures 5 to 7 The presence of said first and second air outlets 15, 16 is permanent, i.e. non-substitutive. In other words, the first and second outlets 15, 16 are always present on both sides of the hair mechanical engagement main element 12; the first and second outlets 15, 16 are not transitory.

[0035] According to a variant not shown in the drawings, said accessory 6 can optionally comprise one or more hair mechanical engagement auxiliary elements. For example, the accessory 6 can comprise a first hair mechanical engagement auxiliary element arranged so that said first air outlet 15 is positioned between said first hair mechanical engagement auxiliary element and said hair mechanical engagement main element 12, and a second hair mechanical engagement auxiliary element arranged so that said second air outlet 16 is positioned between said second hair mechanical engagement auxiliary element and said hair mechanical engagement main element 12.

[0036] Preferably, the accessory 6 comprises a housing 17, the outer surface of which advantageously defines the overall external shape and profile of the accessory 6. Said housing 17 is advantageously connected to the handle 2 at the first end 3 of the handle 2, so that said housing 17 (and therefore the accessory 6) advantageously directly lengthens said handle 2 beyond said first end 3 of the handle 2. Therefore, the outer surface of the housing 17 advantageously defines the overall external shape and profile of the end portion of the hair grooming device 1 which lengthens said handle 2 of the hair grooming device 1. As shown by way of example in the drawings, said housing 17 preferably comprises at least one first surface 18A, a portion of which advantageously forms said support 13 of the hair mechanical engagement main element 12. Fixed on said support 13, the hair mechanical engagement main element 12 is therefore advantageously integral with and immovable with respect to the housing 17. Advantageously, the first surface 18A of the housing 17 carries the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6, so that said first and second air outlets 15, 16 are integral with the housing 17 and the hair mechanical engagement main element 12, said first and second air outlets 15, 16 being immovable with respect to the housing 17 and the hair mechanical engagement main element 12. Therefore, the housing 17 of the accessory, the hair mechanical engagement main element 12 and the first and second air outlets 15, 16 advantageously form a single kinematic sub-assembly of the hair grooming device 1.

[0037] Particularly advantageously, as in the embodiment shown in the attached drawings, the first surface 18A of the casing 17 can be defined by all or part of the outer surface of a unitary first casing element 17A. The support 13 of the hair-mechanical engagement main element 12 of the accessory 6 and the first and second air outlets 15, 16 are thus advantageously integral with the first casing element 17A. Thereby, the design and manufacture of the accessory 6 are particularly simplified, e.g. said first casing element 17A can be easily manufactured by injection molding of a plastic material.

[0038] Advantageously, as shown in the attached drawings, said casing 17 (and more generally the accessory 6) extends longitudinally along the (second) average axis 8-8' between a lower end 19, at which the casing 17 advantageously prolongs the handle 2 beyond the second end 4 of the handle 2, and an opposite upper end 20. Said first and second air outlets 15, 16 are advantageously each defined by a lengthened continuous opening, e.g. a slit, which advantageously extends longitudinally along one and the other respectively of the lateral edges of the hair-mechanical engagement main element 12, in an average direction which is oriented substantially along said extension axis 8-8' of the casing 17. Other shaping and orientation of the first and second air outlets 15, 16 can thus be alternatively envisaged, without going beyond the scope of the present application.

[0039] The hair-cutting apparatus 1 further comprises an air distribution conduit 21 which extends from one end 3 of the handle 2, in this case from the first end 3 of the handle 2, in the embodiment shown in the attached drawings. Said air distribution conduit 21 comprises two air distribution outlets 22, 23 which are separate and spaced apart from each other and are arranged to distribute the air flow F generated by the blower module 5 outside the air distribution conduit 21 along different average directions. As in the embodiment shown in the attached drawings, said air distribution outlets 22, 23 are advantageously defined by two respective openings in the outer surface of the air distribution conduit 21, which are advantageously each defined by a lengthened continuous opening, e.g. a slit, which advantageously extends longitudinally along one and the other respectively of the lateral edges of the air distribution conduit 21, in an average direction which is oriented substantially along said extension axis 8-8' of the casing 17. Other shaping and orientation of the air distribution outlets 22, 23 can thus be alternatively envisaged, without going beyond the scope of the present application. Figures 5 to 7As can be seen, the air distribution outlets 22, 23 are advantageously diametrically opposite. Preferably, the air distribution duct 21 comprises only two air distribution outlets 22, 23, which advantageously have substantially identical respective useful air passage sections. In the case where the blower module 5 is arranged inside the handle 2 or at the second end 3 of the handle 2, as in the embodiment shown in the figures, the air distribution duct 21 can advantageously comprise an air inlet 24 connected to the guide channel 8 configured inside the handle 2 to collect the air flow generated by the blower module 5. Thus, the air distribution duct 21 advantageously prolongs the air guide channel 8 beyond the first end 3 of the handle 3. Advantageously, the air distribution duct 21 and the air guide channel 8 inside the handle 2 can form a monolithic single piece, so as to further simplify the design and manufacture of the hair cutting device 1. For example, the air distribution duct 21 can comprise a hollow tube 25, cylindrical or also frustoconical, which is open at one of its ends, the air distribution outlets 15, 16 being configured through the wall of the tube 25, which is substantially airtight, as will be described later.

[0040] According to the application, the accessory 6 is mounted in rotation, pivoting, with respect to the handle 2 along the (third) rotation axis C-C', to assume at least a first angular configuration, i.e. a first predefined spatial arrangement of the accessory 6 in rotation with respect to the handle 2, which permits a variable angular orientation of the accessory 6 with respect to the handle 2 within a predetermined angular range. In other words, said first angular configuration corresponds to a plurality of different angular orientations (or positions) that the accessory 6 can assume with respect to the handle 2 by rotating around the rotation axis C-C' within a predetermined and advantageously limited angular range. Thus, when the accessory 6 assumes this first angular configuration, referred to as "variable angular orientation", the accessory 6 has a certain rotation amplitude around the rotation axis C-C' and is therefore able to pivot, oscillate, with respect to the handle 2 within said predetermined limited angular range, while blowing the air flow out of the hair cutting device 1 through one and / or the other of said first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6.

[0041] More specifically, the device 1 according to the application is designed and configured so that, when the accessory 6 assumes said first angular configuration, said accessory 6 is able to rotate between:

[0042] - a first angular position (not shown) in which a first one of said air distribution outlets 22, 23 of the air distribution duct 21 is in pneumatic communication with the first air outlet 15 of the accessory 6; and

[0043] - a second angular position (separate from said first angular position, as Figure 5at a second angular position (indicated by the arrow), at which a second one of said air distribution outlets 22, 23 of the air distribution duct 21 is in pneumatic communication with the second air outlet 16 of the accessory 6.

[0044] Thus, when the user uses the hair grooming device 1 and the accessory 6 of the hair grooming device 1 occupies said first angular configuration, which is referred to as "variable angle orientation", the interaction between the user's hair and the hair-mechanical engagement main element 12 of the accessory 6 can cause, under the effect of the tensile force exerted by the user's hair on the hair-mechanical engagement main element 12, a pivoting of the accessory 6 with respect to the handle 2 along the axis of rotation C-C'. This has the effect of blowing the air flow F selectively through one and / or the other of the first and second air outlets 15, 16 in a direction that is turned around said axis of rotation C-C' of the accessory 6 towards one or the other of said first and second angular positions. In this way, the air flow F is advantageously always blown as close as possible to the user's hair and in the best direction, which always varies with the direction of movement of the device 1, without any specific action by the user, other than the action of brushing the hair by means of the device 1. Thus, in this case, the air flow is always blown in a direction from the roots to the tips of the hair, which is particularly advantageous for certain hair styling or hair grooming operations. The hair grooming device 1 according to the present application thus allows particularly satisfactory hair grooming and hair styling effects to be easily obtained, including for users who do not have specific knowledge in the field of hair grooming.

[0045] Preferably, the first and second angular positions that can be assumed by the accessory 6 by rotation of the accessory 6 with respect to the handle 2 are the opposite extreme positions of the first angular configuration, said predetermined angular range being between 20° and 60°, and preferably 50°. This range of values contributes to imparting particularly ergonomic characteristics in use to the device 1 by optimizing the amplitude of rotation, i.e. the movement stroke resulting from the tensile force exerted by the hair-mechanical engagement main element 12, which is required to go from one of said first and second angular positions to the other.

[0046] Advantageously, said first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 are arranged to blow the air flow F out of the device 1 in the direction of the hair-mechanical engagement main element 12 and substantially tangentially to said support surface 14 of said hair-mechanical engagement main element 12. In other words, as is particularly illustrated in the figures, the air flow F is blown out of the device 1 in a direction that is substantially tangential to the surface of the hair-mechanical engagement main element 12, which is in contact with the user's hair. Figures 5 to 7As shown, both the first and second air outlets 15, 16 are shaped and configured with respect to the support 13 of the hair mechanical engagement main element 12 to direct or orient the air flow F in the direction of the hair mechanical engagement main element 12 positioned between the first and second air outlets 15, 16 and substantially tangential to the support surface 14 of the support 13 of the hair mechanical engagement main element 12.

[0047] Therefore, the average trajectory of the air flow F that can be blown by one and / or the other of the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 is advantageously cut (and not parallel) to the direction of the bristles or pins of the hair mechanical engagement main element 12 that protrude from the support surface 14 of the support 13 of the hair mechanical engagement main element 12. In this way, the air flow F can advantageously be as close as possible to the hair of the user that engages the hair mechanical engagement main element 12, which allows to further improve the effects of haircut, hair brushing or also hair straightening that can be obtained with the aid of the device.

[0048] Advantageously, the device 1 is designed and configured so that the second air outlet 16 of the accessory 6 is inhibited from being in pneumatic communication with the second air distribution outlet 23 of the air distribution duct 21 when the accessory 6 occupies the first angular position. Conversely, the device 1 is advantageously designed and configured so that the first air outlet 15 of the accessory 6 is inhibited from being in air communication with the first air distribution outlet 22 of the air distribution duct 21 when the accessory 6 occupies the second angular position. Figure 5 Therefore, all the air flow F generated by the hairdryer module 5 can be alternately blown through only one or the other of the first and second distribution outlets 22, 23 of the air distribution duct 21 according to the first or second angular position occupied by the accessory 6 with respect to the handle 2, respectively. This feature particularly advantageously allows to simplify the design of the accessory 6 and to make the air distribution to the first or second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 more reliable by limiting the pressure losses.

[0049] Advantageously, the device 1 is designed and configured so that the accessory 6 is able to occupy Figure 6the third angular position, the first and second air outlets 22, 23 of the air distribution duct 21 are simultaneously in pneumatic communication with the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6. Thus, when the accessory 6 occupies said third angular position, the air flow generated by the blower module 5 can be blown out simultaneously through the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6. This allows the air flow F to be discharged from both sides of the hair-mechanically-engaging main element 12, which is particularly advantageous at the beginning of the haircutting operation, when the user places the haircutting device 1 in contact with a lock of hair for the first time. Indeed, before the user moves the device 1 and the hair exerts a traction on the hair-mechanically-engaging main element 12, and thus before the air flow F is blown out only through the first or second air distribution outlet 22, 23, the entire area of the hair lock is treated. Advantageously, said third angular position is an intermediate angular position between said first and second angular positions within said predetermined angular range. The amplitude of rotation of the accessory 6 between the first and third angular positions is then equal to the amplitude of rotation of the accessory 6 between the second and third angular positions (for example, 25° on either side of said third angular position).

[0050] More advantageously, the third angular position is an idle position, the accessory 6 comprising a preferably elastic return device arranged to automatically return said accessory 6 to said third angular position when the accessory 6 occupies one or other of said first and second angular positions. Thus, in the absence of a force exerted on the accessory 6 by the interaction between the user's hair and the hair-mechanically-engaging main element 12, the accessory 6 advantageously returns automatically by itself to said third intermediate angular position, called idle position. Thus, the rotation force and the amplitude of rotation of the accessory 6 required to reach one or other of said first and second angular positions, induced by the interaction between the user's hair and the hair-mechanically-engaging main element 12 of the accessory 6, are advantageously reduced, which further improves the ease and comfort of use of the device 1.

[0051] Said reset means preferably comprise a pair of extension springs 26, 27 arranged to work against each other. Advantageously, arranged in a plane orthogonal to the rotation axis C-C' of the accessory 6, each of said springs 26, 27 is connected by one of its ends to the handle 2, or, as will be described in detail later, to an intermediate piece 28, which can be at least temporarily immovable with respect to the handle 2. Each of said springs 26, 27 is connected by the other of its ends to the accessory 6, and for example to a respective support surface of the casing 17 of the accessory 6. If the implementation of such a pair of springs 26, 27 proves to be particularly effective and robust to ensure this function of automatic resetting of the accessory 6 to such a third intermediate angular rest position, other suitable reset means, whether elastic (spring leaf, torsion spring, etc.) or not (magnet pair, etc.) can be implemented instead for this purpose. Advantageously, as in the embodiment shown in the attached figures, said reset means are arranged outside the air flow circulating within the device 1, so as to make said reset means on the one hand not cause disturbances to said air flow F, and on the other hand so as to make said air flow not disturb the good operation of the reset means, in particular when it has been heated by said heating element of the device 1.

[0052] Preferably, the device 1 according to the present application is designed and constructed so that substantially all the air flow F generated by the blower module 5 and distributed by the air distribution duct 21 is blown out respectively through the first air outlet 15 when the accessory 6 occupies said first angular position, through the second air outlet 16 of the accessory 6 when the accessory 6 occupies said second angular position, and, if necessary, through both said first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 when the accessory 6 occupies said third angular position.

[0053] However, alternatively, the accessory 6 of the device 1 can comprise a secondary air outlet (not shown) separate from the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 and arranged in pneumatic communication with the first air distribution outlet 22 of the air distribution duct 21 and / or with the second air distribution outlet 23 of the air distribution duct 21, depending on whether the accessory occupies said first angular position, said second angular position or, alternatively, said third angular position. Thus, when the accessory 6 occupies said first angular position in said first angular configuration, the air flow generated by the blower module 5 can advantageously be blown out preferentially mainly through the first air outlet 15 of the accessory 6, but at the same time can be blown out at least partially through said secondary outlet. Conversely, when the accessory 6 occupies said second angular position in said first angular configuration, the air flow generated by the blower module 5 can advantageously be blown out preferentially mainly through the second air outlet 15 of the accessory 6, but at the same time can be blown out at least partially through said secondary outlet. Thus, in particular given that one or the other of said first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 is unintentionally obstructed, for example due to the presence of the user's hair, the air flow F can still escape outside the device 1 through the secondary outlet of the accessory 6. This escape solution thus avoids overheating the device 1, but also limits any risk of burning the user's hair or scalp. The presence of such a secondary air outlet can also be advantageous in the case where the useful section of one and / or the other of said first and second air outlets 15, 16 appears undersized with respect to the very high flow of air flow F that can be generated by the blower module 5 when the latter is working at very high air flow. Thus, in practice, this limits in particular the risk of damaging the blower module 5 under the effect of the internal back pressure generated in the device 6, as well as the risk of burning the user's hair under the effect of the abnormal heating and acceleration of the air flow F due to the restriction of the useful section of the first or second outlet 15, 16 by the user's hair or due to the "undersizing" of said useful section (when said air flow is heated by the heating element). The term "secondary" is understood here as the fact that said secondary outlet does not constitute the air outlet through which the majority of the air flow is intended to be blown preferentially in normal use of the device 1, but rather a non-preferred outlet, called "bypass" or "safety", in the event that the air cannot be blown out properly through one or the other of said main air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6. Thus, in other words, the device 1 is advantageously designed and configured so that the air flow circulating within said device 1 is directed essentially and preferentially from the air distribution duct 21 towards one or the other of said air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 (according to the angular position occupied by the accessory 6 with respect to the handle 2), the secondary air outlet being configured in itself to allow the escape of at least part of the air flow that cannot be expelled as expected through one or the other of said air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6.In this way, the auxiliary outlet is advantageously sized so that at least 60% of the flow rate of the air flow F can be blown out through the first and / or second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 without any unforeseeable particular restrictions existing in the respective useful air passage cross section of the first and second air outlets, regardless of which angular position is occupied by the accessory 6 when it is in the first angular configuration.

[0054] This auxiliary air outlet is preferably positioned at the hair-mechanically engaging main element 12 between the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6. The auxiliary air outlet can typically be formed by one or more auxiliary holes arranged through the support 13 of the hair-mechanically engaging main element 12 between the rows or rods 12A, 12B, 12C of bristles of the hair-mechanically engaging main element 12, so that when at least a portion of the air flow escapes through the auxiliary air outlet, the air is still blown in a controlled manner in the direction of the user's hair (and not, for example, in the direction of the user's face or the hand with which the user holds the handle 2 of the device 6). Optionally, this auxiliary outlet can be equipped with a valve system configured so that at least a portion of the air flow F can be blown out through the auxiliary outlet only when a threshold pressure is reached, for example selected to represent a predetermined level of obstruction of one or the other of the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6. It can also be provided in a variant that the auxiliary air outlet is formed by a third air outlet 33, which will be described below.

[0055] Advantageously, the air distribution duct 21 extends longitudinally from said first end portion 3 of the handle 2 along a (fourth) extension axis D-D' which coincides with the rotation axis C-C' of the accessory 6 with respect to the handle 2. Therefore, the accessory 6 can advantageously be mounted in rotation with respect to the handle 2 around the air distribution duct 21, which particularly contributes to simplify the design and the functioning of the device 1. Therefore, as in the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the air distribution duct 21 can advantageously extend inside the housing 17 of the accessory 6, the respective extension axes B-B', D-D' of the housing 17 and of the air distribution duct 21 being advantageously parallel or coincident with each other. Then, advantageously, between the air distribution duct 21 and the housing 17 of the accessory 6, one or more embodiments of ball bearings can be provided in order to facilitate the rotation of the housing 17 around said air distribution duct 21. Alternatively, although particularly disadvantageous in terms of design, it can be optionally envisaged that the extension axis D-D' of the air distribution duct 21 is parallel to and more or less offset from the rotation axis C-C' of the accessory 6. Advantageously, the rotation axis C-C' around which the accessory 6 is mounted in rotation with respect to the handle 2 coincides with the extension axis A-A' of the handle 2, as in the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures. However, the rotation axis C-C' can alternatively be parallel to and more or less offset from the extension axis A-A' of the handle 2. Therefore, the kinematics of the accessory 6 is simple and reliable and allows the hair-cutting device 1 to be intuitively handled by the user. Alternatively still, it can be envisaged that the rotation axis C-C' of the accessory 6 intersects the extension axis A-A' of the handle 2 at an angle, for example, comprised between 5° and 15°. It is particularly advantageous, as in the example illustrated in the attached figures, for the extension axis A-A' of the handle 2 to coincide with the rotation axis C-C' of the accessory 6 and with the extension axis D-D' of the air distribution duct 21. However, for example, it can also be envisaged that the rotation axis C-C' of the accessory 6 and the extension axis D-D' of the air distribution duct 21 coincide with each other while intersecting the extension axis A-A' of the handle 2 at an angle, for example, comprised between 5° and 15°, or also, for example, substantially equal to 90°.

[0056] As already stated, the first and second air distribution outlets 22, 23 of the air distribution duct 21 of the hairdressing device 1 according to the application are arranged to distribute the air flow F generated by the blower module 5 along different average directions, advantageously opposite directions and therefore not along substantially parallel directions. Thus, the air flow F can be easily distributed in the direction of the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6 with a minimum pressure loss, which allows to maintain a good speed and a good flow of the air flow F and therefore a higher efficiency of the hairdressing device 1. Advantageously, and in particular in the case where the rotation axis C-C' of the accessory 6 coincides with the longitudinal extension axis D-D' of the air distribution duct 21, said first and second distribution outlets 22, 23 are particularly arranged, in terms of shape and arrangement, to distribute said air flow F along different average directions forming an angle comprised between 165° and 195° with said extension axis D-D' of the air distribution duct 21.

[0057] In other words, said first and second distribution outlets 22, 23 are arranged so that:

[0058] - the first distribution outlet 22, in itself, is able to blow the air flow along a first average direction when the accessory 6 occupies a first angular position;

[0059] - the second distribution outlet 23, in itself, is able to blow the air flow along a second average direction when the accessory 6 occupies a second angular position;

[0060] - said first and second average directions are respectively inscribed in a plane that is normal to the extension axis D-D' of the air distribution duct 21 so as to form an angle comprised between 165° and 195° with said extension axis D-D'.

[0061] In this way, said first and second distribution outlets 22, 23 are therefore advantageously positioned in a substantially diametrically opposite manner with respect to the extension axis D-D' of the air distribution duct 21. This configuration advantageously allows, in particular, to simplify the design of the device 1 and to optimize its aerodynamic work, while maintaining the limited dimensions of the accessory 6.

[0062] In the example shown embodiment in the attached figures, and in particular in Figure 8 and Figure 10As can be seen, the air distribution duct 21 comprises a substantially frustoconical hollow tube 25, as envisaged above, the axis of rotation of which is advantageously formed by the extension axis D-D' of the distribution duct 21. The extension axis D-D' of the distribution duct 21 coincides here with the extension axis A-A' of the handle 2. The respective extension axes A-A', D-D' of the distribution duct 21 and of the handle 2 themselves coincide with the axis of rotation C-C' of the accessory 6, as envisaged preferably above. Said distribution duct 21 is advantageously housed inside the casing 17 of the accessory 6, said casing 17 being rotationally mounted around the tube 25 of the air distribution duct 21 when the accessory 6 is connected to the handle 2. Figure 10 The air distribution duct 21 advantageously prolongs the air guide channel 8 configured inside the handle 2 through the large base of the frustoconical tube 25, at which the air inlet 24 of the air distribution duct 21 is arranged. The useful passage section of the air flow F inside the tube 25 thus decreases along the extension axis D-D' of the distribution duct 21, away from the handle 2. The air distribution duct 21 advantageously comprises two single air distribution outlets 22, 23, having the same useful section, configured through the lateral wall 29 of the hollow tube 25, which is airtight. Each of said air distribution outlets 22, 23 takes the form of a rectangular slot, which extends longitudinally in the plane carrying the extension axis D-D' of the distribution duct 21, in this example. Said first and second air distribution outlets 22, 23 are arranged substantially diametrically opposite with respect to the extension axis D-D' of the distribution duct 21, in this example. The substantially frustoconical shape of the tube 25 of the air distribution duct 21 is advantageously configured to homogenize the profile of the air flow F circulating inside the tube 25 along the extension axis D-D' of the distribution duct 21 and escaping from the tube 25 through the air distribution outlets 22, 23. The air distribution duct 21 advantageously also comprises deflection flaps 30 positioned at the air distribution outlets 22, 23 so as to facilitate the distribution of air through the deflection flaps 30 in a radial direction, i.e. advantageously orthogonal to the extension axis D-D' of the distribution duct 21, and to homogenize the profile of the air flow D thus distributed. In turn, the accessory 6 advantageously comprises, in the embodiment shown by way of example in the attached figures, first and second clearing portions 31, 32 configured to ensure the aerodynamic communication of the first and second air distribution outlets 22, 23 of the air distribution duct 21 with the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6, respectively, when the accessory 6 occupies said first angular configuration with respect to the handle 2. As shown in particular by way of example in Figures 5 to 7 The first and second clearing portions 31, 32 can advantageously be configured through a first casing element 17 of the casing 17 of the accessory 6, as shown in particular by way of example in Figures 5 to 7As can be seen in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the close rotational fit of the air distribution duct 21 with the respective inner surface of the housing 17 of the accessory 6 allows alternately to prohibit the pneumatic communication of the second air outlet 16 of the accessory 6 with the second air distribution outlet 23 of the air distribution duct 21 and vice versa, and to prohibit the pneumatic communication of the first air outlet 15 of the accessory 6 with the first air distribution outlet 22 of the air distribution duct 21, depending on whether the first or the second angular position is occupied by the accessory Figure 5 ).

[0063] According to the advantageous variant retained in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the accessory 6 also comprises a third (main) air outlet 33 separate from the first and second air outlets 15, 16 (and, if necessary, preferably from the auxiliary air outlet) and is mounted in rotation relative to the handle 2 along the rotation axis C-C' of the accessory 6 to occupy, in replacement of the first angular configuration described previously, a second angular configuration in which the accessory 6 is then able to blow out an air flow only through the third air outlet 33. The accessory 6 is thus advantageously mounted in rotation, in pivoting manner, relative to the handle 2 about the rotation axis C-C' to vary between the first angular configuration described previously Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 ) and the second angular configuration Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 13 ) in which the air flow is blown out by the accessory 6 through one and / or the other of the first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the accessory 6, in the second angular configuration in which the air flow is blown out by the accessory 6 only through the third air outlet 33. In other words, the accessory 6 is mounted in pivoting manner relative to the handle 2 so as to be able to be thus turned relative to the handle 2, and the hairdressing device 1 is advantageously designed and configured to allow the user to select alternately whether the accessory 6 blows out an air flow through the first and / or second air outlet 15, 16 of the accessory 6 or through the third air outlet 33 of the accessory 6 by pivoting the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2.

[0064] In this way, the hairdressing device 1 is advantageously designed and configured so that:

[0065] - when the accessory 6 adopts the first angular configuration, neither the first nor the second air distribution outlet 22, 23 of the air distribution duct 21 of the device 1 is in pneumatic communication with the third air outlet 33 of the accessory 6, and

[0066] - when the attachment 6 adopts said second angular configuration, at least one of the first and second air distribution outlets 22, 23 of the air distribution conduit 21 of the device 1 is in pneumatic communication with the third air outlet 33, and none of said first and second air distribution outlets 22, 23 is in pneumatic communication with one and / or the other of said first and second air outlets 15, 16 of the attachment 6 (and, if necessary, with the auxiliary air outlet).

[0067] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in the attached drawings, this property is ensured by the close fit of the air distribution conduit 21 with the corresponding inner surface of the housing 17 of the attachment 6. Figures 5 to 7 ).

[0068] Thus, by rotating the attachment 6 relative to the handle 2, the user can advantageously pass from a "blower brush" use mode, in which the attachment 6 occupies said first angular configuration and can be varied between said first and second angular positions to blow air through one and / or the other of said first and second air outlets 15, 16, to another use mode corresponding to the occupation of said second angular configuration by the attachment 6, and in which the air flow is blown mainly through the third air outlet 33 of the attachment 6.

[0069] Advantageously, as illustrated by way of example in the attached drawings, said housing 17 of the attachment 6 comprises a second surface 188 which carries said third air outlet 33. Advantageously, the first and second surfaces 18A, 188 of the housing 17 are then positioned on either side of the longitudinal extension axis C-C' of the housing 17 of the attachment 6 and of the rotation axis C-C' of the attachment 6 relative to the handle 2. The attachment 6 also preferably comprises a third clearing portion 34 which is arranged to ensure, when the attachment 6 is in said second angular configuration, the pneumatic communication between at least one of said first and second air distribution outlets 22, 23 of the air distribution conduit 21 and said third air outlet 33 of the attachment 6. Advantageously, the useful section of said third air outlet 34 of the attachment 6 can be defined as illustrated by the contour of the outlet end 35 of the third clearing portion 34. Figures 5 to 7 Advantageously, the housing 17 of the attachment 6 comprises a second housing element 17B, integral or not, which is integral with (for example by screwing or by snap-fastening) and immovable relative to the first housing element 17A described previously. Said second housing element 17B can then comprise, as in the embodiment illustrated in the attached drawings, said third clearing portion 34, or be immovably integral with said second housing element 17B by any suitable means.

[0070] As in particular in the embodiment illustrated in the attached drawings, the third air outlet 33 of the attachment 6 is arranged to blow air in a direction which is substantially transverse to the longitudinal extension axis C-C' of the housing 17 of the attachment 6. Figure 4As shown in the figures, the third air outlet 33 can advantageously have an elongated substantially rectangular opening (air flow is discharged in the form of an air knife). Alternatively, the third air outlet 33 can for example have a substantially circular opening (air flow is discharged in a substantially cylindrical or truncated-cone shape). Thus, when the accessory 6 occupies the second angular configuration with respect to the handle 2, the hair styling device 1 can advantageously be used for drying the user's hair ("blower" mode). Advantageously, the second angular configuration then corresponds to a single predetermined angular orientation (or position) of the accessory 6 with respect to the handle 2 (and thus is not variable within a predetermined angular range). Thus, when the accessory 6 is not oriented according to this single predetermined angular orientation or position with respect to the rotation axis C-C', the air flow is not advantageously blown out by the accessory 6 through the third air outlet 33. Thus, the accessory 6 is advantageously capable of blowing the air flow through the third air outlet 33 in a predetermined single average direction. Of course, the third air outlet 33 of the accessory can have one or more openings of a substantially different shape from the above, and the accessory 6 can more generally be provided so as to be usable for other purposes than drying the hair when it occupies this second angular configuration with respect to the handle 2. Moreover, the device 1 can alternatively be configured so that the second angular configuration permits a variable (and no longer unique) angular orientation of the accessory 6 with respect to the handle 2 within a predetermined angular range.

[0071] Thus, the hair styling device 1 advantageously constitutes a multifunctional device combining a "blow-dry brush" working / use mode and at least one other alternative working / use mode (so-called "two-in-one" hair styling device), in particular according to the shaping of the third air outlet 33 chosen, preferably a "blower" mode, as has been illustrated in connection with the embodiments shown in the figures.

[0072] In order to preserve simplicity of design and manufacture, the device 1 is advantageously designed and configured so that the transfer of the accessory 6 from one to the other of the first and second angular configurations can be implemented manually by the user. In particular, the housing 17 of the accessory 6 is advantageously shaped so as to permit it to be easily held manually by the user, so that the user, by holding the handle 2 of the hair styling device 1 with one hand and the housing 17 with the other hand, can directly exert on the housing 17 (and thus on the accessory 6) a pivoting movement of the handle 6 with respect to the handle 2 about the rotation axis C-C' to ensure the transfer of the accessory 6 from one to the other of the first and second angular configurations.

[0073] Advantageously, as in the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the hair cutting device 1 is designed and configured to permit the accessory 6 to pass from one to the other of said first and second angular configurations by rotating the accessory 6 by an angle equal to 90° about the rotation axis C-C'. However, this angle value is in practice not limited and the passage of the accessory 6 from the first angular configuration to the second angular configuration can for example alternatively correspond to a rotation of the accessory 6 by an angle equal to 180° about the rotation axis C-C'.

[0074] In the preferred case in which the hair cutting device 1 is advantageously designed so that the accessory 6 can alternately occupy said first and second angular configurations described above, the hair cutting device 1 preferably comprises locking means for locking the accessory 6 with respect to the handle 2, which locking means are arranged to prohibit the accessory 6 from leaving said first angular configuration by rotation about the rotation axis C-C' when said accessory 6 occupies said first angular configuration ("blow brush" mode). Said locking means of course do not therefore prohibit the accessory 6 from rotating about the rotation axis C-C' according to said predetermined angular range. Still more preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, said locking means are also arranged to prohibit the accessory 6 from leaving said second angular configuration by rotation about the rotation axis C-C' when said accessory 6 occupies said second angular configuration ("blower" mode), respectively. The hair cutting device 1 then also advantageously comprises control means 36 for allowing the user of the hair cutting device 1 to control the locking and / or unlocking of the accessory 6 by said locking means.

[0075] Said locking means are therefore advantageously designed to vary in a reversible manner between:

[0076] - a locked configuration in which said locking means mechanically prohibit any possibility of driving the accessory 6 to rotate with respect to the handle 2 along the rotation axis C-C' so as to leave said first angular configuration in which it is locked (and preferably said second angular configuration, respectively); and

[0077] - an unlocked configuration in which said locking means, on the contrary, permit the accessory 6 to rotate with respect to the handle 2 along said rotation axis C-C' so as to be able to mechanically leave said first angular configuration in which it is (and preferably said second angular configuration, respectively) so as to advantageously bring it into the second angular configuration (and preferably the first angular configuration, respectively) which it is able to alternately occupy.

[0078] Passing from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration and vice versa requires an active action by the user on the control member 36 for controlling the locking / unlocking of the accessory 6. Indeed, once the accessory 6 is locked in one and / or the other of the first and second angular configurations with respect to the handle 2, the accessory 6 will thus be unable to leave the angular configuration in which it is placed without an active action beforehand by the user on the control member 36 to control the unlocking of the locking device. In particular, when the accessory 6 is in one and / or the other of said first and second angular configurations and the locking device is in the locked configuration, any manual rotation of the accessory 6 with respect to the handle 2 is not possible. Advantageously, said control member is functionally independent of the handle 2 and of the accessory 6. In other words, although the control member 36 can be carried by the handle 2 and / or the accessory 6, integrated in the handle 2 and / or in the accessory 6, as will be described in detail later, the handle 2 and / or the accessory 6 do not constitute said control member 36 as such. In particular, the unlocking of the accessory 6 cannot be controlled by the user by exerting a force on the whole of the handle 2 and / or of the accessory 6.

[0079] This possibility of locking the angular configuration of the accessory 6 in the "blow brush" mode (first angular configuration) preferably provided by the device 1 in particular allows to avoid that, when the user brushes his hair with the aid of the device 1, the interaction between the user's hair and the hair mechanical engagement elements 12 of the accessory 6 causes enough force to make the accessory 6 pivot around the rotation axis C-C' and thus make the accessory 6 exit its first angular configuration "blow brush". Conversely, the additional possibility of locking the angular configuration of the accessory in the "blower" mode (second angular configuration) for example, preferably provided by the device 1, in particular allows to advantageously avoid that, when the user dries his hair with the aid of the device 1 by making an alternating rotary movement with the wrist of the hand holding the handle 2 of the device 1, the accessory 6, due to inertia, enters a rotating state and accidentally exits its first angular configuration "blower". Therefore, implementing such a locking means for locking the angular configuration occupied by the accessory 6 with respect to the handle 2 advantageously allows the user to avoid a certain number of inconveniences in actual use and brings great reliability to the use of the hairdressing device 1. Moreover, said locking means contribute to ensuring a particularly safe work of the hairdressing device 1, since said locking means in particular allow to avoid that the hot air flow is accidentally projected in an unexpected direction and for example towards the user's eyes due to an unwanted rotation of the accessory 6 which would cause the accessory 6 to suddenly change angular configuration. With the aid of the locking means it is also possible to limit the risk of overheating and damage of the device 1 which could occur due to an unwanted rotation of the accessory 6 which would place the accessory 6 in a certain angular position other than said first and second angular configurations and as a result it would too intensely limit, even completely inhibit, the projection of the air flow generated by the blower module 5 outside the hairdressing device 1. Therefore, the hairdressing device 1 can advantageously be used according to a plurality of different use modes (multi-functional device), it is not only particularly simple and practical to use since it is sufficient for the user to modify the configuration / orientation of the accessory 6 with respect to the handle to pass from one use mode to another, but it is also particularly reliable and safe since the hairdressing device 1 does not exit the angular configuration it occupies during work in a manner not desired by the user.

[0080] Optionally, in the case where the hair cutting device 1 does not comprise such a locking means of the accessory 6, said device 1 can advantageously comprise a limiting means for limiting the ability of the accessory 6 to leave the angular configuration it occupies relative to the handle 2, so as to limit but not completely prohibit the ability of the accessory 6 to leave the angular configuration it occupies. Said limiting means can for example be formed by a pair of magnets, protrusions, etc. Advantageously, said limiting means can also function as an indexing means, which allows the user to know that the accessory 6 is indeed in the relevant angular configuration. However, by applying a sufficient torque to the accessory 6 and the handle 2, it is still possible to cause the accessory 6 to leave said angular configuration. For example, the hair cutting device 1 can comprise a locking means as envisaged above for prohibiting the accessory 6 from leaving a first angular configuration it occupies (the "blow-dryer" mode), and a limiting means according to the foregoing for limiting but not completely prohibiting the ability of the accessory 6 to leave a second angular configuration it occupies (e.g. the "blow-drying brush" mode).

[0081] Advantageously, the unlocked configuration of the locking means is an unstable configuration, such that said locking means tends to naturally return from itself towards its locked configuration when it is in the unlocked configuration. This improves the safety of the hair cutting device 1, since in the absence of active action by the user on the control member 21 of the locking means, the control member 21 tends to naturally return to its locked configuration and thus lock the accessory 6 (provided that the accessory 6 then occupies one of said first and second angular configurations that can be locked).

[0082] In order to allow the locking means to lock the accessory 6 in the first angular configuration (the "blow-dryer" mode), while at the same time permitting the accessory 6 to rotate within said predetermined angular range between said first and second angular positions described previously, said locking means can advantageously comprise a latch 37 and an angular slot 38, i.e. an opening (or a slot) in the form of a circular arc, as in Figure 12 and Figure 13As can be seen, the angular groove 38 is shaped to house the latch 37 within it between the two opposing ends 39, 40 of the angular groove 38 forming a stop. The length of the angular groove 38 is advantageously chosen to define and limit the predetermined angle range. Therefore, once the latch 37 is received in the angular groove 38 in the locking configuration of the locking device, the relative movement of the latch 37 and the angular groove 38 (and thus the pivoting of the attachment 6 relative to the handle 2) is limited by the opposing ends 39, 40 of the angular groove 38. In the unlocking configuration of the locking device, the latch 37 can no longer engage with the angular groove 38, so that it no longer obstructs the rotation of the attachment 6, and the attachment 6 can then exit the first angle configuration. Advantageously, the angular groove 38 is integral with the attachment 6, while the latch 37 is integral with the handle 2, which in particular allows for a simplified design of the attachment 6. As shown in the figure, the latch 37 can advantageously take the form of a rigid bar (or "pin") with a circular cross-section, which extends along a longitudinal axis and is configured to translate and slide along the longitudinal axis between at least one position in which at least a portion of the bar is positioned within an angled groove 38 (locking configuration) and a position in which the bar is completely positioned outside the angled groove 38 (unlocking configuration).

[0083] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, Annex 6 advantageously includes an intermediate member 28 as described above, which is slidably mounted within the angled groove 38. The intermediate member 28 is mechanically connected to Annex 6 by two tension springs 26 and 27, which, according to the foregoing description, advantageously comprise the automatic reset device for automatically resetting Annex 6 to the third intermediate angle position. Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the respective ends of the springs 26 and 27 abut against the first internal support surface of the housing 17 of the attachment 6, and the other respective ends are integrally connected to the intermediate member 28. Therefore, the springs 26 and 27 operate relative to each other, allowing the intermediate member 28 to swing within the angled groove 38 between a first extreme position and a second extreme position. At the first extreme position, one end of the intermediate member 28 abuts against one of the ends 39 and 40 of the angled groove 38, and at the second extreme position, the opposite end of the intermediate member 28 abuts against the other of the ends 39 and 40 of the angled groove 38. The intermediate member 28 is also preferably provided with a first hole 41 equidistant from its ends, the first hole 41 being shaped to tightly receive the latch 37 therein to lock the attachment 6 in the first angled configuration. Figure 12 This also gives Annex 6 a certain rotational amplitude along the rotation axis C-C'.

[0084] Said first and second extreme positions of the intermediate piece 28 within the angular slot 38 advantageously correspond respectively to said first and second angular positions between which the accessory 6 can vary when it occupies said first angular configuration with respect to the handle 2. Said first and second angular positions therefore advantageously constitute extreme stop positions which delimit the amplitude of the free rotation, oscillation of said accessory 6 about the axis C-C' when it occupies said first angular configuration.

[0085] Optionally, the angular slot 38 can advantageously be provided with a second hole (not shown) which is for example positioned equidistantly from the ends 39, 40 of the angular slot 38 and in which the distal portion of the latch 37 can be tightly housed when the accessory 6 is locked in the first angular configuration. In this way, by making the latch 37 cooperate with said second hole configured in the angular slot 38 (and with said first hole of the intermediate piece 28 when the latter is implemented), it is possible to advantageously lock the accessory 6 at said third angular position already mentioned above. It is therefore advantageously possible to inhibit the pivoting of the accessory 6 within said predetermined angular range when it is locked in said first angular configuration, if desired by the user.

[0086] It should be noted that, in the case in which the accessory 6 is not provided to occupy such a third intermediate idle position when it is in the first configuration ("blow brush" mode), the intermediate piece 28 can optionally be omitted and the latch 37 can be provided to directly (and no longer indirectly) abut against the ends 39, 40 of the angular slot 38.

[0087] In the embodiment shown by way of example in the attached figures, the second angular configuration (for example "blower" mode) advantageously corresponds to a single predetermined angular orientation of the accessory 6 with respect to the handle 2. In order to make the locking means also advantageously mutually inhibit the accessory 6 from leaving said second angular configuration when it occupies it, as envisaged above, said locking means can advantageously also comprise a third hole 42 configured in the housing 17 of the accessory 6 and shaped to tightly house the latch 37 within it to lock the accessory 6 in said second angular configuration. Figure 13 In the locked configuration of the locking means, the latch 37 is then captured within the third hole 42 without significant play in the direction of rotation of the accessory 6 with respect to the handle 2.

[0088] Assuming that the device 1 is designed so that each of said first and second angular configurations of the accessory 6 (and no longer only the first angular configuration) admits an angular orientation of the accessory 6 with respect to the handle 2, which is variable within a predetermined angular range (not necessarily the same extent for each of the angular configurations), and for which it is desirable that the accessory 6 can be locked within this predetermined angular range, the locking means can advantageously comprise at least one latch and two separate respective angular slots. Each of these angular slots is shaped to receive said latch 37 alternately therein, depending on whether the accessory 6 is in the first angular configuration in which the accessory 6 should be locked or in the second angular configuration, as described above.

[0089] Preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated in the attached drawings, the control member 36 of the locking means is a manual mechanical control member 36, which is connected (directly or not directly) to the latch 37, so that the user can ensure the locking and / or unlocking of the accessory 6 by the locking means by a direct manual action on the control member 36. Thus, said manual mechanical control member 36 is advantageously movably mounted under the action of said control member 36 at least between a locking position, in which the locking means occupies said locking configuration, and an unlocking position, in which the locking means occupies said unlocking configuration. This variant has the advantage of being relatively simple to implement, inexpensive and reliable. Alternatively, it can be an automatic control member, on which the user acts indirectly to control the locking and / or unlocking of the accessory 6 by the locking means. Such an automatic control member can then for example comprise an electromechanical relay, which is connected on the one hand to the locking means and on the other hand to the manual control and / or adjustment means 10 for the manual control and / or adjustment of the operation of the hairdressing device 1 by the user. Thus, when the user activates the hairdressing device 1 by acting on the control and / or adjustment means 10, the automatic control member can for example automatically control the locking of the locking means in the angular configuration occupied by the accessory 6. A change in the angular configuration of the accessory 6 can then require the user to stop the operation of the hairdressing device 1 by acting again on the control and / or adjustment means 10 in order to control the automatic unlocking of the accessory 6.

[0090] Preferably, the manual mechanical control member 36 of the locking device is movably mounted on the handle 2, instead of on the accessory 6. In this way, the user can advantageously manipulate the manual mechanical control member 36 by means of the finger with which the user holds the handle 2 of the device 1, which contributes to imparting particularly ergonomic features to the hair cutting device 1. Also preferably, said manual mechanical control member 36 is mounted at an end of the handle 2 from which the accessory 6 extends the handle 2, in which case said manual mechanical control member 36 is mounted at said second end 4 of the handle 2, in the example shown in the attached figures. This positioning of the manual mechanical control member 36, therefore as close as possible to the interface between the rotating accessory 6 and the handle 2, particularly allows a simpler, more reliable and less space-consuming design of the mechanical connection between the manual mechanical control member 36 and the locking device, while particularly limiting the need to use complex linkage devices. Different kinematics of the manual mechanical control member 36 can be envisaged. According to one particularly simple variant, which is reserved in the embodiment shown in the attached figures, the manual mechanical control member 36 is advantageously mounted with linear translational movement, preferably along the longitudinal extension axis A-A' of the handle 2. The manual mechanical control member 36 is then advantageously formed by a slider 36, which is slidably mounted in a guide slot 43 configured in the handle 2. Alternatively, the manual mechanical control member 36 can be mounted with rotatable movement, preferably about the longitudinal extension axis A-A' of the handle 2. Also alternatively, the manual mechanical control member 36 can be mounted with translational and rotatable movement, preferably along and about the longitudinal extension axis A-A' of the handle 2, that is to say according to a screw connection. In both of these alternative solutions, the manual mechanical control member 36 can be formed by an annular ring, which is mounted in a rotatable or translational-rotational manner within a corresponding annular slot or recess configured in the handle 2. According to another less advantageous alternative, the manual mechanical control member 36 can be mounted with translational movement, along a direction that is cut (and for example orthogonal) to the direction of the longitudinal extension axis A-A' of the handle 2. In this case, the manual mechanical control member 36 can be formed by a push button.

[0091] Advantageously, the hair cutting device 1 comprises a return device arranged to automatically return said manual mechanical control member 36 to said locked position of the locking device when the manual mechanical control member 36 occupies said unlocked position of the locking device (and any direct action on the manual mechanical control member 36 by the user is stopped). This thus ensures the advantageously unstable nature of the unlocked configuration of the locking device as previously envisaged. Preferably, said return device is a resilient return device comprising at least one spring arranged to work in tension or compression in order to resiliently return the manual mechanical control member 36 to the locked position when the latter occupies said unlocked position. In the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, said return device is a resilient return device which in this case advantageously comprises a pair of tension springs 44, 45 arranged between the surface of the handle 2 and the respective surface of the manual mechanical control member 36 as in the case of the spring of the manual mechanical control 36 in Figure 8

[0092] Another variant (not illustrated) of the hair cutting device 1 according to the application, the accessory 6 is mounted in rotation relative to the handle 2 along the axis of rotation C / C' of the accessory 6 so as to occupy only said first angular configuration, which authorizes a variable angular orientation of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2 within said predetermined angular range and thus so as to be able to rotate swing between said first and second angular positions to blow an air flow through said first and / or second air outlet 15, 16 of the accessory 6 (only "blow brush" mode). In particular, the latter accessory 6 thus does not comprise, according to this variant, a third air outlet 33 through which the accessory 6 is able to blow an air flow when said accessory 6 occupies the second angular configuration, as described above. In this case, it is advantageously provided that said first and second angular positions constitute extreme stop positions. As such, the hair cutting device 1 can comprise complementary stop means designed and arranged to mechanically delimit the predetermined angular range and thus mechanically limit the amplitude of the rotation, swing of the accessory 6 relative to the handle 2.

[0093] ​According to a variant (not shown), the accessory 6 is designed to be connected, assembled to the handle 2 in a removable manner, so that the user can separate the accessory 6 from the handle 2, for example for cleaning or replacing the accessory 6. According to another variant, which is reserved in the embodiment shown in the figures, the accessory 6 is designed to remain permanently integral to the handle 2 of the hair cutting device 1 and is thus not provided (in normal use) to be separated by the user from the handle 2 of the hair cutting device 1. This simplifies the design and use of the hair cutting device 1. In this way, in the example shown in the figures, the air distribution duct 21 is advantageously provided, near the first end 3 of the handle 2, with an annular peripheral lip 46 which extends in a plane orthogonal to the extension axis A-A' of the handle 2. The accessory 6 advantageously comprises an annular recess which is complementary to said annular peripheral lip 46 and is designed to receive the annular peripheral lip 46 to slide therein. This complementary annular recess can generally comprise recess portions 47A, 478 carried by the first and second housing elements 17A, 17B of the housing 17 of the accessory 6, respectively, so as to capture said annular peripheral lip 46 and thus ensure the rotational assembly of the accessory 6 when said first and second housing elements 17A, 17B are fixed to each other. Figure 9 and Figure 11 )

Claims

1. A portable hair cutting device (1) comprising: Blower module (5) for generating an air flow (F), a manually gripped handle (2) and an accessory (6) connected to said handle (2), said accessory (6) comprising a main element (12) of mechanical engagement of the hair and at least one of a first air outlet (15) and a second air outlet (16) separate from each other and positioned on either side of said main element (12) of mechanical engagement of the hair, said device (1) comprising an air distribution duct (21) immovably mounted with respect to said handle (2) and extending from an end (3) of said handle (2), said air distribution duct (21) comprising a first air distribution outlet (22) and a second air distribution outlet (23) separate from each other and spaced apart from each other to distribute the air flow (F) generated by said blower module (5) in different average directions (D1, D2), said accessory (6) being mounted in rotation with respect to said handle (2) along an axis of rotation (C-C') to occupy at least a first angular configuration which authorizes a variable angular orientation of said accessory (6) with respect to said handle (2) within a predetermined angular range, and in said first angular configuration said accessory (6) is able to vary between: - a first angular position in which the first air distribution outlet (22) of said air distribution duct (21) is in pneumatic communication with the first air outlet (15) of said accessory (6); and - a second angular position in which the second air distribution outlet (23) of said air distribution duct (21) is in pneumatic communication with the second air outlet (16) of said accessory (6).

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein Said first angular position and said second angular position are opposite extreme positions of said first angular configuration, said predetermined angular range being between 20° and 60°.

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 2, wherein Said predetermined angular range is 50°.

4. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The pneumatic communication of said second air outlet (16) of said accessory (6) with said second air distribution outlet (23) of said air distribution duct (21) is inhibited when said accessory (6) occupies said first angular position, and the pneumatic communication of said first air outlet (15) of said accessory (6) with said first air distribution outlet (22) of said air distribution duct (21) is inhibited when said accessory (6) occupies said second angular position.

5. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Said first air outlet (15) and second air outlet (16) of said accessory (6) are arranged to blow the air flow outside said device (1) in the direction of said main element (12) of mechanical engagement of the hair and tangentially to the support surface (14) of said main element (13) of mechanical engagement of the hair.

6. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When said accessory (6) occupies said first angular configuration, said accessory (6) can occupy a third angular position which is an intermediate angular position between said first and second angular positions and at which said first and second air distribution outlets (22, 23) of said air distribution duct (21) are simultaneously in pneumatic communication with said first and second air outlets (15, 16) of said accessory (6).

7. The apparatus (1) according to claim 6, wherein Said third angular position is a rest position, said accessory (6) comprising return means (26, 27) for automatically returning said accessory (6) to said third angular position when said accessory (6) occupies one or the other of said first and second angular positions.

8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 7, wherein Said return means (26, 27) comprise a pair of tension springs (26, 27) arranged to work against each other.

9. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Said air distribution duct (21) extends longitudinally along an extension axis (D-D') which is parallel or coincides with the rotation axis (C-C') of said accessory (6) relative to said handle (2).

10. The apparatus (1) according to claim 9, wherein Said first and second air distribution outlets (22, 23) are arranged so that the direction (D1, D2) along which said air flow (F) is distributed forms an angle of between 165° and 195° with said extension axis (D-D') of said air distribution duct (21).

11. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Said accessory (6) coincides with the longitudinal extension axis (A-A') of said handle (2) relative to said rotation axis (C-C') of said handle (2).

12. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Said accessory (6) comprises a supplementary air outlet separate from said first and second air outlets (15, 16) of said accessory (6) and arranged in pneumatic communication with said first and / or second air distribution outlets (22, 23) of said air distribution duct (21), depending on whether said accessory (6) occupies said first or second angular position.

13. The apparatus (1) according to claim 12, wherein Said supplementary air outlet is positioned between said first and second air outlets (15, 16) of said accessory (6) at said hair mechanically engaging main element (12).

14. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Said accessory (6) comprises a third air outlet (33) separate from said first and second air outlets (15, 16) of said accessory (6), said accessory (6) being mounted for rotation relative to said handle (2) along said rotation axis (C-C') to occupy a second angular configuration in which said accessory (6) can only blow said air flow through said third air outlet (33).

15. The apparatus (1) according to claim 14, wherein Said second angular configuration corresponds to a single predetermined angular orientation of said accessory (6) relative to said handle (2).

16. The device (1) according to claim 9, further comprising locking means for locking the accessory (6) with respect to the handle (2) and a control member (36) for allowing a user of the device (1) to control locking and / or unlocking of the accessory (6) by means of the locking means, the locking means being arranged to inhibit the accessory (6) from leaving the first angular configuration when the accessory (6) occupies the first angular configuration.

17. The apparatus (1) according to claim 16, wherein The locking means are further arranged to inhibit the accessory (6) from leaving the second angular configuration when the accessory (6) occupies the second angular configuration.

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