Hairstyling device having rotating head and automatically selecting direction of rotation of said head

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable electric hairstyling device (1) comprising: a main body (2); a haircut head (4) connected to the body (2) and comprising a rotating portion (16) provided with a mechanical engagement element (7) of the hair; and a module (17) for electrically driving the rotating part (16) to rotate relative to the main body (2) in a first or second rotational direction, the device comprises means for detecting the forced direction of rotation of the rotating part under the action of the force exerted by the mechanical engagement element against which the hair abuts, and means for automatically selecting the first or second direction of rotation depending on the detected forced direction of rotation. The invention relates to the field of hairdressing equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field of hair cutting devices, such as home hair cutting devices, and more particularly to the field of portable hair cutting devices designed to assist in styling hair. Background Art

[0002] The present invention more particularly relates to a portable electric hair cutting device comprising: a main body including a manually grippable handle; a hair cutting head connected to the main body and comprising a rotating part, the rotating part being provided with a mechanical engagement element of the hair, the mechanical engagement element being used to contact the hair to assist in shaping the hair; and an electric drive module for driving the rotating part to rotate alternately in a first rotation direction and in an opposite second rotation direction relative to the main body along a rotation axis.

[0003] Generally, portable electric hair cutting devices are known, the hair cutting head of which includes mechanical engagement elements of the hair, such as bristles, for example, for contact with the hair to assist in shaping the hair. In particular, hair brushes of the blowing or non-blowing type are known, a portion of which is rotatably mounted by means of an onboard electric motor in order to achieve certain shaping effects of the hair, such as, for example, "brushings". These known hair cutting devices are provided with a manual control switch on which a user can interact in order to control the rotation of the rotating portion of the hair cutting head in a desired rotational direction.

[0004] Such control of the rotation of the rotating part of the haircutting head of the hairdressing device by means of a manually controlled switch is usually relatively simple and practical for a user who is intervening in the hair of a third person. On the other hand, such control is more complicated and counterintuitive for a user who wishes to perform the haircutting device on his own hair, in particular when the user uses a mirror reflecting a reverse image during the haircutting operation. For example, depending on the position and general orientation of the rotating hairbrush relative to his head and his hair, it may be difficult for the user to identify which switch the user should act on to obtain the desired haircutting effect by means of the rotation of the rotating part of the haircutting head of the hairbrush. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object assigned to the present invention is therefore to solve the above mentioned problems and to propose a novel portable electric hair cutting device, the use of which is particularly simple and intuitive, in particular for those who use the hair cutting device on their own hair.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel portable electric hair cutting device which is particularly ergonomic.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel portable electric hair cutting device which is particularly robust and reliable.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel portable electric hair cutting device which is particularly safe, practical and economical to use.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel portable electric hair cutting device which is particularly simple in construction and relatively easy and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0010] The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a portable electric hair-cutting device comprising: a body comprising a manual gripping handle; a hair-cutting head connected to the body and comprising a rotating part provided with a mechanical engagement element of the hair, the mechanical engagement element being intended to come into contact with the hair to assist in shaping the hair; and an electric drive module for driving the rotating part to rotate alternately in a first rotation direction and in an opposite second rotation direction along a rotation axis relative to the body, the device being characterized in that it comprises means for detecting the forced rotation direction of the rotating part under the action of a mechanical force exerted by the mechanical engagement element of the hair against the hair, and means for automatically selecting the rotation direction of the rotating part of the hair-cutting head from the first and second rotation directions according to the detected forced rotation direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following description and will appear in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, given purely by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 An embodiment of a hairdressing device according to the invention is shown in a perspective view, the device here forming a rotating brush, advantageously a blowing and heating rotating brush. The device is shown here in a configuration in which the hairdressing head of the device is in a first position (straight configuration) relative to the body of the device;

[0013] Figure 2 The stereogram shows Figure 1 The device is shown in another configuration in which the hair cutting head is in a second position (bent configuration) relative to the body of the device;

[0014] Figure 3 The previous view shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 The device is in Figure 1 In its straight configuration shown;

[0015] Figure 4 The exploded diagram schematically shows Figure 3 equipment;

[0016] Figure 5 The longitudinal side section view shows a Figures 1 to 4 Device according to claim 1, wherein the means for detecting the forced rotation direction of the rotating part of the haircutting head comprise: first and second switches as sensors of first and second angular positions that can be occupied by the rotating part of the haircutting head; and first and second actuation members for cooperating with said first and second switches as a function of the position reached by said rotating part, said switches and said actuation members being arranged so as to permit actuation of each of these switches in an actuation direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the rotating part of the haircutting head;

[0017] Figure 6 The exploded view shows Figure 5 details of the specific design of the device shown;

[0018] Figure 7 The top view shows the Figure 5 and Figure 6 A cartridge of a module of a specific design for electrically driving the rotating part of a hair cutting head;

[0019] Figure 8 Take the schematic diagram of the cross section II of the hair cutting head (see Figure 5 ) shows that according to Figures 5 to 7 The swivel portion of the specially designed hair cutting head can occupy three specific angular positions within a predetermined pivot angle range. Figure 8 In (a), the rotating part of the hair cutting head occupies a first angular position in which the first actuating member cooperates with the first switch. Figure 8 In (a), the rotating part of the hair cutting head occupies a first angular position in which the first actuating member cooperates with the first switch. Figure 8 (c), the rotating part of the hair cutting head occupies a second angular position in which the second actuating member cooperates with the second switch. Figure 8 (b), the rotating part of the hair cutting head occupies a third angular position between the first angular position and the second angular position, in which the actuating member does not cooperate with any switch;

[0020] Fig. 9 The schematic diagram of the section II-II of the haircut head (see Figure 5 ) shows Figure 8 The rotation axis of the rotating part of the haircutting head, which coincides with the longitudinal extension direction of the haircutting head, is implemented at different heights. Fig. 9The abutment of the box of the electric drive module of the rotating part with the switch support fixed to the motor housing of the electric reducer of the electric drive module is shown to define a predetermined pivoting angle range of the rotating part of the hair cutting head;

[0021] Fig.10 The exploded view shows Figures 1 to 4 of the equipment and Figures 5 to 9 Detail of another specific design different from the one shown, in which the switches and the actuation members are arranged to permit actuation of each of these switches in an actuation direction which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating part of the hair cutting head. Fig.10 In, omitted Figures 1 to 4 The rotating part of the barber head is visible in the picture;

[0022] Fig.11 The top view shows the Fig.10 A cartridge of a module of a specific design for electrically driving the rotating part of a hair cutting head;

[0023] Fig.12 The longitudinal section along the axis of rotation of the rotating part of the hair cutting head of the device is shown. Fig.10 and Fig.11 details of the specific design;

[0024] Fig.13 The exploded diagram schematically shows Fig.10 and Fig.12 details of the specific design;

[0025] Fig.14 Shows Figures 1 to 4 An example of an electrical design diagram for the device shown. This electrical design diagram can be used without distinction Figures 5 to 9 and Figures 10 to 13 Specific design;

[0026] Fig.15 Schematically shows Figures 1 to 4 An example of the use and working of the device;

[0027] Fig.16 Schematically shows Figures 1 to 4 Another example of the use and operation of the device;

[0028] Fig.17 Schematically shows Figures 1 to 4 Yet another example of the use and working of the device;

[0029] Fig.18 Schematically shows Figures 1 to 4 Yet another example of the use and operation of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present invention relates to a hand-operated portable electric hair cutting device 1. Therefore, the device 1 according to the invention is designed to be grasped and manipulated by hand and to be powered by an electric power source to ensure its operation. Preferably, the device 1 is intended to be used within the scope of a home by a user (female or male) who has no specific professional skills in hair cutting. Preferably, the device 1 is designed and constructed so that the user uses the device 1 on himself, i.e. on his own hair. However, it is fully conceivable that the device 1 is designed and constructed to be used by the user on the hair of a third person.

[0031] The device 1 comprises a body 2 comprising a manually graspable handle 3 and a haircutting head 4 connected to said body 2. Thus, the body 2 comprises at least a portion forming a handle 3 by which the device 1 is intended to be manually held for use. Thus, the handle 3 forms a manual grasping member intended to be grasped by a user to manipulate the device 1. Advantageously, the body 2 extends between a first end 2A and an opposite second end 2B along a mean longitudinal extension direction D1-D1' and thus has a generally elongated shape. For example, the handle 3 of the device 1 forms a handle and thus has an elongated shape. In other words, the handle 3 thus has a slender, elongated shape so that it can be grasped with the whole hand. Advantageously, as in the embodiment shown in the figures, the handle 3 extends longitudinally in a direction parallel to or coinciding with the mean longitudinal extension direction D1-D1' of the body 2. Preferably, the haircutting head 4 is advantageously connected to the body 2 at the first end 2A of the body 2 in a detachable manner, such that the haircutting head 4 prolongs the body 2 from the first end 2A of the body 2.

[0032] The device 1 is preferably arranged to be powered by the mains (at an alternating voltage from a distribution network) and may therefore comprise a power cord 5 (shown in a truncated manner in the figure) equipped with an electrical connection plug (not shown) at a free end. Alternatively, the device 1 may comprise one or more batteries or accumulators advantageously carried in the body 2 to ensure power to the device 1. Advantageously, the device 1 may comprise a universal switch 6 for switching on the voltage, on which the user may act at least to alternately switch on or off the electrical operation of the device 1.

[0033] Typically, the haircutting head 4 may extend longitudinally along an average longitudinal extension direction D2-D2'. The haircutting head 4 of the device 1 comprises a mechanical engagement element 7 for hair C, which is intended to come into contact with the hair C (when the device 1 is in use) to assist in shaping said hair C. The mechanical engagement element 7 for hair C is designed and configured to mechanically interact with the hair C, in particular in order to brush, fold, cut and / or comb the hair C, and the mechanical engagement element 7 for hair C may typically comprise a plurality of hairs, tufts of hair and / or tines, which are arranged to protrude from the outer surface of the haircutting head 4. In use of the device 1, the mechanical engagement element 7 for hair C may thus be applied to and against the hair C to assist in shaping the hair C by mechanical interaction between the hair C and the mechanical engagement element 7 for hair C. More precisely, when the device 1 is in use, the hairs and / or tines of the mechanical engagement element 7 for hair C penetrate the hair of the user, so that a mutual mechanical interaction is generated between the mechanical engagement element 7 for hair C and the hair C of the user.

[0034] Advantageously, as in the example shown in the figures, the hairdressing device 1 can comprise an advantageously mounted blower module 8 (or "motor-ventilator group") to generate an air flow for blowing towards the hair through the haircutting head 4. The haircutting device 1 is then advantageously provided with at least one air inlet 9 through which ambient air can be sucked in by the blower module 8 in order to blow in the direction of the user's hair. The blower module 8 is preferably arranged in the body 2, the blower module 8 typically comprising at least one ventilator actuated by an electric motor 10. More preferably, in particular from an ergonomic point of view, the blower module 8 is arranged so that the handle 3 of the body 2 is positioned between the haircutting head 4 and the blower module 8. The device 1 advantageously comprises a guide channel 11 ( Figure 5 ), for guiding and channeling the air flow from the blower module 8 to the hair cutting head 4. On the other hand, the hair cutting head 4 includes at least one blowing outlet 12, which is (or can be configured to be) pneumatically connected to the blower module 8 to allow the air flow generated by the blower module 8 to be ejected from the device 1 in the direction of the user's hair C. For example, the blowing outlet 12 can include a plurality of (separate and distant from each other) blowing holes or be formed by a plurality of (separate and distant from each other) blowing holes, as shown in the example in the figure. Therefore, the device 1 can constitute, for example, a blow brush, allowing the user to use an advantageously heated air flow so as to both dry the hair C and promote the shaping of the hair C.

[0035] Advantageously, the hairdressing device 1 may comprise an electric heating element 13 designed and constructed, for example, to increase the temperature of the air flow generated by the blower module 8 and / or to heat at least one region of the hair cutting head 4, then preferably to heat the region of the hair cutting head 4 intended to come into contact with the hair C during use of the device 1. Alternatively, the electric heating element 13 may be designed and constructed to (directly) increase the temperature of the air flow generated by the blower module 8 and to indirectly heat the region of the hair cutting head 4 which, during operation of the device 1, comes into contact with the air flow thus heated. In the case where the electric heating element 13 is intended at least to increase the temperature of the air flow generated by the blower module 8, the electric heating element 13 is advantageously arranged to be inserted in the air flow upstream of the blowing outlet 12 of the hair cutting head 4. As in the embodiment shown in the figures, the electric heating element 13 may advantageously be positioned in an air guide channel 11 arranged in the body 2 ( Figure 5 ). Alternatively, the electric heating element 13 can be housed inside the hairdressing head 4, in particular when the electric heating element 13 is used to heat a region of the hairdressing head 4, usually by thermal conduction. The electric heating element 13 is usually an electric heating element that works on the principle of the Joule effect and therefore comprises, for example, at least one electric heating resistor 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E formed with an electric wire wound around an insulating core (not shown) and / or at least one "positive temperature coefficient" (Coefficient de Température Positif, CTP) thermistor. The device 1 can then, for example, constitute a heating brush or a hair-drying heating brush.

[0036] Optionally, as in the example shown in the figures, the device 1 may comprise a system 15 for articulating the haircutting head 4 relative to the body 2, so as to allow the haircutting head 4 to be moved between at least two different stable functional positions, namely:

[0037] - a first position in which the average longitudinal extension direction D1-D1' of the body 2 and the average longitudinal extension direction D2-D2' of the haircutting head 4 form a straight angle between them, i.e. said directions coincide or are parallel, so that the haircutting head 4 is thus aligned with the body 2 of the device 1 ( Figure 1 , so-called straight configuration); and

[0038] - a second position in which the average longitudinal extension direction D1-D1' of the body 2 and the average longitudinal extension direction D2-D2' of the haircutting head 4 form between them an angle α different from a straight angle, so that the haircutting head 4 and the body 2 of the device 1 form a bend, one inclined relative to the other ( Figure 2 , called curved configuration). For example, said angle α is between 100° and 170°, preferably between 130° and 170°, advantageously equal to 150°.

[0039] The hairdressing device 1 can then advantageously comprise locking means movable between a free position allowing the hairdressing head 4 to be moved between a first position and a second position, and between a locking position and a free position, the free position allowing the hairdressing head 4 to be moved between a first position and a second position, the locking position in which the hairdressing head is locked in place in one of the first and second positions, according to the choice of the user. Advantageously, such an articulation of the hairdressing head 4 can be implemented as described in French patent application FR-3102347A1. The implementation of such an articulation of the hairdressing head 4 allows the ergonomics of the hairdressing device 1 to be significantly improved, in particular for the user who uses the device 1 on himself. In fact, the user can use the device 1 in the first position to shape his hair located on the side of his head. The user can also place the hairdressing head 4 of the device 1 in the second position to shape his hair located behind his head and / or on the side of his head. The fact that the body 2 (and therefore advantageously the manual grip handle 3) and the haircutting head 4 are bent relative to one another allows avoiding the user having to "fatigue his arms" (i.e., raise his shoulders in order to spread his arms perpendicular to his body, while completely folding back his forearms or his wrists) in order to reach the hair arranged at the back of his head. The distribution of such complex and uncomfortable movements greatly improves the ergonomics of the device 1 and avoids any corresponding pain for the user. Furthermore, in order to shape the hair arranged on the top of his head, the user does not need to raise his shoulders and his arms (i.e., to form a right angle between his arms and his body). In fact, by placing the haircutting head 4 in the second position, the user can reach the top of his head while keeping his arms and his shoulders along his body.

[0040] The haircutting head 4 of the device 1 according to the invention comprises a rotating part 16 provided with a mechanical engagement element 7 for the hair C as described above, so that the mechanical engagement element 7 is thus carried by said rotating part 16 and thus rotates integrally with said rotating part 16. Thus, the rotation of the rotating part 16 causes a joint rotation of the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C. The rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 is mounted in rotation relative to the body 2 of the device 1 along an axis of rotation Δ, the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 may be, for example, of cylindrical shape (e.g. with a circular base), and the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C may be arranged along all or part of the length of the rotating part 16 and along all or part of the outer periphery of the rotating part 16 protruding from the outer surface of said rotating part 16. The rotational movement of the rotating part 16 is advantageously a rotational movement of (at least) one full circle, i.e. (at least) 360°. However, it is conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, that the rotational movement of the rotating part 16 is angularly limited, i.e. the rotation does not occur over a full circle, but only according to a certain predefined angular amplitude.

[0041] Advantageously, the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 extends longitudinally along an axis of extension coinciding with said axis of rotation Δ. Optionally, the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 may form a removable accessory which is thus connected to the body 2 of the device 1 in a detachable and removable manner, so that, for example, the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 may thus constitute an interchangeable accessory of the device 1.

[0042] The device 1 further comprises a rotating part 16 for driving the haircutting head 4 along its rotation axis Δ, alternately in a first rotation direction S relative to the body 2 and therefore to the manually gripping handle 3 (or stem). R1 and in the opposite second rotation direction S R2 (ie, along the first rotation direction S R1 Or along the second rotation direction S R2 ) of the haircutting head 4. The electric drive module 17 can thus comprise an electric motor, or preferably an electric reducer 18 (i.e. an electric motor associated with a mechanical reducer), and advantageously comprises an output shaft 19 to which the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 is connected (or at least connectable), such that a rotation of the output shaft 19 causes a joint rotation of the rotating part 16 along its axis of rotation Δ. Preferably, the output shaft 19 and the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 are rotationally connected to each other by a coupling system that is advantageously reversible and detachable. Preferably, in particular in terms of dimensions, the output shaft 19 is rotationally movable along the axis of rotation Δ of said rotating part 16.

[0043] The electric drive module 17 is preferably arranged inside the haircutting head 4. Thus, the electric drive module 17 can advantageously be connected to the body 2 and housed in a free internal space arranged in the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4. Thus, such an arrangement of the electric drive module 17 outside the body 2 and therefore outside the manual gripping handle 3 of the device 1 allows in particular to reduce the dimensions of the manual gripping handle 3, in particular its diameter, which improves the ergonomics of the device 1.

[0044] As in the embodiment shown in the figures, the hairdressing device 1 is advantageously not provided with an auxiliary arm which is pivotably connected to the body 2 and which is movable between the following positions:

[0045] an open position (first position) in which the auxiliary arm is sufficiently far away from the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 to allow the hair C to be placed between the auxiliary arm and said rotating part 16; and

[0046] a closed position (second position) in which the auxiliary arm is sufficiently close to the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 to force the hair C placed between the auxiliary arm and said rotating part 16 to come into contact with the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C carried by the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4.

[0047] In particular, the hairdressing device 1 is advantageously not provided with such an auxiliary arm, which also carries a mechanical engagement element for the hair (or "haircutting arm"). The absence of such an auxiliary arm facilitates the use of the hairdressing device 1 by limiting the number of movements or manipulations required to achieve a haircutting operation. The hairdressing device 1 also makes the use of the hairdressing device 1 more comfortable and safer by allowing to avoid the hair getting tangled around the auxiliary arm, or even to avoid fingers or ears getting caught between the auxiliary arm and the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4, which tangling could prove troublesome for a good performance of the intended haircutting operation or even painful for the user. Furthermore, the absence of such an auxiliary arm allows a simpler, more robust and cheaper design and manufacture of the hairdressing device 1.

[0048] The device 1 according to the invention also comprises:

[0049] - for detecting the forced rotation direction S of the rotating part 16 under the effect of the mechanical force exerted by the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C against the hair RF1 , S RF2 devices; and

[0050] - for determining the forced rotation direction S according to the detection by the detection device RF1 , S RF2 From the first and second rotation directions S R1 , S R2 A device for automatically selecting the rotation direction of the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4.

[0051] The detection device is therefore a device designed and configured to detect the direction in which the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 is forced to rotate along its rotation axis Δ under the effect of the resistive mechanical friction forces generated by the interaction between the mechanical engagement elements 7 of the hair C and said hair C, typically when the haircutting head is displaced relative to the hair C. The term "forced rotation" is advantageously understood here as a rotation of the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 when the electric drive module 17 is stopped (not powered) and therefore does not actively drive said rotating part 16 in rotation.

[0052] In turn, the means for automatically selecting the direction of rotation of the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 are thus designed and constructed as means for placing the device 1 in a particular state which enables it to select the direction of rotation S according to the forced direction of rotation detected by said detection means. RF1 , S RF2 (or "forced rotation direction S RF1 , S RF2 ”, or “Forced Direction S RF1 , S RF2 ”) according to the rotation part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 along its first rotation direction S R1The first electrical working mode corresponding to the rotation of the hair cutting head 4 or the rotating part 16 along its second rotation direction S R2 In other words, the automatic selection device is therefore designed and constructed to work according to the forced rotation direction S detected by the detection device. RF1 , S RF2 The rotation direction in which the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 is effectively rotated when the device 1 is in operation, or at least the rotation direction in which the rotating part 16 is permitted to rotate, is automatically selected from two possible opposite rotation directions SR1, SR2. RF1 (The first forced rotation direction S RF1 ) When forced to rotate, the automatic selection device automatically selects the first rotation direction S R1 , and vice versa, when the detection device detects that the rotating portion 16 of the hair cutting head 4 is moving in the direction of the first forced direction S RF1 The second opposite forced direction S RF2 (Second forced rotation direction S RF2 ) When forced to rotate, the automatic selection device automatically selects the second rotation direction S R2 Therefore, the device for automatically selecting the rotation direction is not necessarily designed and configured to make the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 rotate in the automatically selected first or second rotation direction S R1 , S R2 In other words, the automatic selection device performs the first or second rotation direction S R1 , S R2 The automatic preselection of the rotation part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 does not necessarily have to be effectively triggered to rotate the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4. As described below, it is preferred that the effective corresponding rotation of the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 can be triggered by the user alone (the user does not then have to worry about selecting the direction of the rotation).

[0053] The invention is therefore based on detecting the forced rotation direction S of the rotating part 16 of the haircut head 4 along the rotation axis Δ under the action of a mechanical force. RF1 , S RF2 According to the general principle of the present invention, the mechanical force is generated by the interaction between the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C and the hair C, and tends to cause a forced rotation of the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 along the rotation axis Δ to automatically select the direction along which the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 is rotated by the electric drive module 17.

[0054] This design makes the use of the device 1 according to the invention particularly simple and intuitive, in particular for a user without specific knowledge in hairdressing, as long as it allows the automatic adaptation of the rotation direction S of the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 of the device 1 in response to a simple gesture of use of the device 1 on and against the hair C. R1 , S R2 , without the user having to make visual contact with the device 1 and also with a particularly limited risk (if not completely avoided) of untimely selecting the direction of rotation S of the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 of the device 1 R1 , S R2 The fact of detecting the forced rotation direction of the rotating part 16 of the hairdressing head 4 carrying the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C without detecting a possible movement of another part of the hairdressing device 1 separate from said rotating part 16 allows a particularly simple and effective detection of the interaction of the hairdressing device 1 with the hair C, in order to preselect the rotation direction in which the rotating part 16 must be rotated, also when the interaction of the hairdressing device 2 with the hair C is caused by a more complex movement than a simple displacement of the device 1 along the hair.

[0055] Therefore, when the electric drive module 17 is stopped, and when the user brings the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C of the hair cutting head 4 of the device 1 into contact with his hair C (or the hair of a third person) by placing the hair cutting head 4 between the hair C and the scalp, and on the right side of the user's (or the third person's) face / head and from top to bottom (i.e., from the root of the hair to the tip of the hair, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 When the hair cutting head 4 in contact with the hair C is subjected to displacement motion (as indicated by the thin arrow in (a), the interaction between the hair C and the hair mechanical engagement element 7 tends to cause the rotating portion 16 of the hair cutting head 4 to rotate in the corresponding first forced rotation direction S RF1 Force rotation ( Figure 8 (a) and Fig. 9 (a) and Fig.15 (a)). This forced rotation is detected by the detection device, which causes the first rotation direction S of the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 to be automatically selected by the automatic selection device. R1 , i.e. automatically selects the first rotation direction S of the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 R1 Preferably, the first rotation direction S R1 The first forced rotation direction S is predefined as RF1 Therefore, when the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 is effectively rotated, the rotating part 16 then rotates in the first rotation direction S thus selected. R1 Rotate( Fig.15 (b)) and can cause a corresponding winding of the hair around the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4.

[0056] Conversely, when the electric drive module 17 is stopped, and when the user brings the hair cutting head 4 of the device 1 into contact with his / her hair C (or the hair of a third person) by placing the hair cutting head 4 between the hair C and the scalp and on the left side of the user's (or the third person's) face / head and from top to bottom (i.e., from the root of the hair to the tip of the hair, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 When the hair cutting head 4 is displaced by the thin arrow in (a), the interaction between the hair C and the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair tends to make the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 move in the direction opposite to the first forced rotation direction S. RF1 The corresponding second forced rotation direction is opposite ( Figure 8 (c) and Fig. 9 (c) and Fig.16 (a)). This forced rotation is detected by the detection device, which causes the second rotation direction S of the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 to be automatically selected by the automatic selection device. R2 , i.e. automatically select the second rotation direction S of the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 R2 Preferably, the second rotation direction S R2 The second forced rotation direction S is predefined as RF2 Then, the rotating part 16 can rotate in the second rotation direction S thus selected. R2 Rotate( Fig.16 (b)) and can cause the hair C to be correspondingly wound around the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4.

[0057] According to haircutting habits and / or desired haircutting effects, the haircutting head 4 of the device 1 can be arranged not between the hair C and the scalp as described above, but between the hair C and the scalp as described above. Fig.17 and Fig.18 In this case, when the user applies a pulling force from top to bottom (i.e., from the root of the hair C to its tip, as shown in FIG. Fig.17 (a) and Fig.18 (a) as indicated by the thin arrow, the interaction between the hair C and the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C tends to cause the rotating portion 16 of the hair cutting head 4 to rotate in the following forced rotation direction:

[0058] -First forced rotation direction ( Figure 8 (a) and Fig. 9 (a) and Fig.17 (a)), in this case, the forced rotation is detected by the detection means, which causes the first rotation direction S of the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 to be automatically selected by the automatic selection means R1 ( Fig.17 (b)); or

[0059] - Second forced rotation direction ( Figure 8 (c) and Fig. 9 (c) and Fig.18 ), in which case the forced rotation is detected by the detection device, which causes the second rotation direction S of the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 to be automatically selected by the automatic selection device R2 ( Fig.18 (b)).

[0060] The following table (Table 1) summarizes the above-mentioned various possible different operations of the hairdressing device 1, depending on the positioning of the hairdressing head 4 of the hairdressing device 1 relative to the hair C ( Figures 15 to 18 ). Thus, the full advantages of the present invention can be understood, which allows the automatic selection of the appropriate rotation direction S according to the position of the hair cutting head 4 of the hair cutting device 1. R1 , S R2 , without the user having to question his own suitable choice of rotation direction. This therefore allows to propose a hair cutting device 1 that is particularly intuitive, easy to use, very suitable for novices (without specific knowledge in the field of hair cutting) and limits the risk of hair tangling.

[0061]

[0062] Table 1

[0063] The automatic selection of the direction of rotation of the rotating portion 16 of the haircutting head 4 can thus be performed in a particularly simple, natural and intuitive manner, for example by a simple linear displacement movement of the device 1, or even by simply allowing the haircutting device 1 to fall, displace, under its own weight, bringing the haircutting head 4 of the haircutting device 1 into contact with the hair C, thus not requiring in particular a rotational movement of the user's wrist. Furthermore, as described above, the user does not have to take into account the direction of rotation to be given to the rotating portion 16, depending on the positioning of the haircutting head 4 relative to his hair C, since the device 1 itself systematically and therefore in an automatic and transparent manner for the user selects the appropriate direction of rotation S of the rotating portion 16 of the haircutting head 4. R1 , S R2 , which advantageously allows preventing the risk of hair knots / tangles while guaranteeing the best possible haircut result.

[0064] In order to ensure the forced rotation direction S of the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 RF1 , S RF2 Such detection, the detection device preferably comprises:

[0065] - a rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4, which is mounted to pivot along said rotation axis Δ within a predetermined angular range relative to the body 2, so that when the electric drive module 17 is stopped (i.e. when the electric drive module 17 is not powered), the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 remains able to rotate in the first forced rotation direction S within said predetermined angular range under the effect of said mechanical force exerted by the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C against the hair C RF1 Towards the first angular position and along the second forced rotation direction S RF2 The predetermined angle range defines the detection of the forced rotation direction S RF1 , S RF2 required functional clearance); and

[0066] at least one sensor 20A, 20B for detecting the reaching by said rotating part 16 of each of said first and second angular positions.

[0067] Therefore, when the electric drive module 17 stops and therefore does not drive the rotating part 16 to rotate, the mechanical force applied by the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair against the hair C when the hair cutting head 4 moves relative to the hair causes the rotating part 16 to rotate along its rotation axis Δ in the first and second forced rotation directions S within the predetermined angular range according to the direction and displacement direction of the hair cutting head 4 relative to the hair C. RF1 , S RF2 The detection means may comprise the same sensor for detecting the arrival of each of said first and second angular positions, or preferably comprises two sensors 20A, 20B for respectively detecting the arrival of one or other of said first and second angular positions.

[0068] On the other hand, the device for automatically selecting the rotation direction of the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 advantageously comprises an electric or electronic control circuit (hereinafter referred to as "control circuit"), which is connected to the electric drive module 17 to allow (but not necessarily effectively control) the electric drive module 6 to make the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4:

[0069] when the reaching of the first angular position is detected, ie when the sensor (or one of the sensors) detects that the rotating part 16 occupies said first angular position, in the first rotational direction S R1 Rotation; and

[0070] when the reaching of the second angular position is detected, ie when the sensor (or one of the sensors) 20A, 20B detects that the rotating part 16 occupies said second angular position, in the second rotation direction S R2 Rotate.

[0071] The control circuit may be connected to or include the sensors 20A, 20B.

[0072] Conversely, the control circuit is advantageously designed and constructed to prohibit, prevent, the electric drive module 17 from causing the rotating portion 16 of the hair cutting head 4 to:

[0073] - When reaching the first angular position is detected, in the second rotation direction S R2 rotation; and symmetrically,

[0074] - When reaching the second angular position is detected, in the first rotation direction S R1 Rotate.

[0075] Advantageously, the predetermined angular range is selected to be between 1° and 15°, preferably between 5° and 15°, for example equal to 10°, i.e. fixed by the design of the device 1. In other words, the device 1 is designed and constructed so that the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 is moved from a first angular position (e.g. Fig. 9 (a)) transition to the second angular position (such as Fig. 9 (c)), and vice versa, the transition from the second angular position to the first angular position corresponds to a pivoting of the swivel portion 16 of the haircutting head 4 along the axis of rotation Δ of said swivel portion 16 at an angle comprised between 1° and 15°, preferably between 5° and 15°, for example equal to 10°. Such (angular) amplitude in fact advantageously allows a particularly easy and comfortable detection based on a slight forced rotation of the swivel portion 16, by the interaction between the hair and the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair, when the haircutting head 4 is displaced relative to the hair, so that the user does not need to perform particularly large brushing movements and / or particularly strong pulling on the hair, nor does he need to change his intuitive and natural haircutting movements.

[0076] Advantageously, the at least one sensor 20A, 20B or, in the case of a plurality of sensors, each of the sensors 20A and 20B is arranged inside the haircutting head 4 of the device 1. This helps in particular to limit the dimensions of the body 2, in particular of the portion of the body 2 forming the handle 3, so as to facilitate the user's hand-holding of the device 1. This also allows the design of the device 1 to be simplified and reliable, in particular in the case where the device 1 comprises a system 15 for articulating the haircutting head 4 relative to the body 2, when the electric drive module 17 itself is also arranged inside the haircutting head 4.

[0077] Preferably, as shown in the example in the figure, the detection device includes:

[0078] - two sensors 20A, 20B as previously described, namely a first sensor 20A and a second sensor 20B, for detecting the reaching of one and the other of said first and second angular positions of the rotating portion 16 of the haircutting head 4, respectively, said first and second sensors 20A, 20B being more particularly switches 21A, 21B; and

[0079] a first actuation member 22A, 22A' and a second actuation member 22B, 22B' which, when reaching a first angular position, cooperates with a first of said switches 21A, 21B (for example Figure 8 (a)) so as to cause a change in the switch state of the first switch 21A (or "first detection switch"), the second actuating member 22B, 22B' cooperating with the second of the switches 21A, 21B when reaching the second angular position (e.g. Figure 8 (c)) so as to cause the switch state of the second switch 21B (or "second detection switch") to change.

[0080] Advantageously, the first actuating member 22A, 22A′ does not cooperate with the first switch 21A when reaching the second angular position (eg Figure 8 (c)), and the second actuation member 22B, 22B' does not cooperate with the second switch 21B when reaching the first angular position (e.g. Figure 8 (a)).

[0081] A "switch" may advantageously be understood here as a device for cutting off, re-establishing, reversing the direction of an electric current or distributing said electric current at will in different circuits. Preferably, as shown in the figure, the first and second switches 21A, 21B are electromechanical switches. An electromechanical switch is a switch that allows a current to be cut off, established or directed between two contact terminals at least under the effect of an external mechanical action. It will be noted here that an electromechanical switch is a special electromechanical switch that alternately allows a current to be cut off or established between two contact terminals. Advantageously, the first and second switches 21A, 21B are monostable electromechanical switches, i.e. switches with momentary mechanical contacts, such as microswitches (micro pushbutton switches (microswitches)). Thus, the first and second electromechanical switches 21A, 21B each comprise a housing, at least two contact terminals, a movable internal mechanical contact mounted on a spring between a closed contact position and an open contact position, and a movable button 23A, 23B protruding from the housing and movable relative to the housing so as to cause a displacement of the internal mechanical contact between the closed contact position and the open contact position, and vice versa, between the open contact position and the closed contact position, when an external mechanical force is applied to the button 23A, 23B, overcoming the restoring force of the spring. More advantageously, as in the example shown in the figures, the first and second switches 21A, 21B are "inverter" monostable electromechanical switches. Thus, the first and second switches 21A, 21B comprise three contact terminals, and the internal mechanical contacts are designed and constructed to alternately ensure electrical contact between the first of the so-called "common" contact terminals and the so-called second "normally open" contact terminal or between the "common" contact terminal and the so-called third "normally closed" contact terminal under the action of the displacement of the pushbuttons 23A, 23B. On the other hand, the first and second actuating members 22A, 22B; 22A', 22B' can, for example, each be formed with a protrusion (or "positive protrusion"), which is used to mechanically cooperate with one of the electromechanical switches 21A, 21B by interacting with the pushbuttons 23A, 23B of the electromechanical switches 21A, 21B to cause a change in the switching state of the electromechanical switches 21A, 21B depending on the angular position reached, as in the example shown in the figure. In other words, the first and second actuating members 22A, 22B; 22A', 22B' advantageously form a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion cooperating with the button 23A of the first switch 21A when the rotating portion 16 of the hair cutting head 4 occupies said first angular position ( Figure 8 (a)), the second protrusion cooperates with the button 23B of the second switch 21B when the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 occupies the second angular position ( Figure 8 (c)).

[0082] Alternatively, the first and second switches may be first and second electromagnetic switches (or "flexible plate-like switches (ILS)"), and the first and second actuating members may be formed, for example, each by a permanent magnet. The use of such an electromechanical or electromagnetic switch advantageously contributes to high simplicity and low cost in the design and manufacture of the device 1. The first and second sensors 20A, 20B are therefore advantageously components that ensure the electrical connection function, so that power can be transmitted directly to the electric reducer 18 of the electric drive module 17 via the first and second sensors 20A, 20B without the need for, for example, using additional relays between the first and second sensors 20A, 20B and the electric reducer 18. Therefore, the first and second sensors 20A, 20B may advantageously be included in the aforementioned electrical or electronic control circuit. As described above, the use of switches 21A, 21B of the "inverse" monostable electromechanical switch type allows further simplification of the mechanical and electrical design of the device 1 and reduction of the manufacturing cost of the device 1.

[0083] Of course, other types of sensors may also be considered as an alternative, although less preferred. For example, the first and second sensors may be light array sensors ("photocapacitors" or "photo switches"), one arm of the array carrying a light emitter and the other arm of the array carrying a light receiver. The first and second actuating members may then generally take the form of hidden elements, respectively, located between the arms of the light array sensor, to selectively cut the detection light beam emitted by the light emitter in the direction of the light receiver. In this case, the control circuit of the device for automatically selecting the electrical operating mode may optionally include, for example, an "H" transistor bridge controlled at the entrance by each light array sensor or two "H" transistor bridges each controlled at the entrance by one of the light array sensors.

[0084] Preferably, the first and second actuation members 22A, 22B; 22A', 22B' are arranged inside the haircutting head 4 of the device 1, in particular in the preferred case where said first and second switches 21A, 21B (first and second sensors 20A, 20B) are themselves arranged inside the haircutting head 4, as in the example shown in the figures. This advantageously allows to simplify the mechanical design of the device 1.

[0085] According to a preferred variant implemented in the example shown in the figures, the electric drive module 17 is arranged inside the haircut head 4 and comprises a motor housing 24 mounted so as to be pivotally movable relative to the body 2 along the axis of rotation Δ of the rotating part 16 of the haircut head 4 within said predetermined angular range. The motor housing 24 generally constitutes the enclosure ("shell") of the electric reducer 18 of the electric drive module 17, and is therefore advantageously fixedly connected to the stator of the electric reducer 18. The electric drive module 17 also comprises an output shaft 19, to which the rotating part 16 is connected, as described above, so that the rotation of the output shaft 19 causes a joint rotation of the rotating part 16. In this variant, the output shaft 19 is advantageously mounted so as to be rotationally movable along the axis of rotation Δ of the rotating part 16 of the haircut head 4. Furthermore, the electric drive module 17 is designed and constructed such that when the electric drive module 17 is stopped (i.e. not powered), the output shaft 19 is substantially rotationally fixed relative to the motor housing 24, so that a pivoting of the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 within said predetermined angular range (under the effect of forced rotation) causes a corresponding pivoting of the motor housing 24 along the rotation axis Δ of said rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4. Thus, the electric drive module 17 is advantageously designed and constructed to resist the forced rotational forces of the output shaft 19 when the electric drive module 17 is stopped. For example, the output shaft 19 may constitute a reducer output shaft of the electric reducer 18, and its rotational fixation may advantageously result from the friction forces generated by the reducer gears of the electric reducer, which resist the free rotation of the output shaft 19 when the electric drive module 17 is stopped. Thus, the electric drive module 17 may generally comprise a box 25, 25', for example a cylindrical box, which is immobile relative to the body 2 of the device 1 and in which said motor housing 24 is pivotably arranged. For example, the box 25, 25' may have a base 26, 26' forming a male cavity designed and configured to cooperate with a corresponding female cavity carried by the body 2 of the device 1 without relative rotation. The box 25, 25' may be arranged in at least one pair of opposite stops 27A, 27B, 27A', 27B', which mechanically limit the permissible pivoting range (predetermined angular range) of the motor housing 24 along the rotation axis Δ.

[0086] In this preferred variant, the first and second switches 21A, 21B are preferably fixed in rotation relative to the motor housing 24, whereas the first and second actuating members 22A, 22B; 22A′, 22B′ are preferably arranged fixed relative to the axis of rotation Δ of the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4. Unlike the first and second switches 21A, 21B, the first and second actuating members 22A, 22B; 22A′, 22B′ are therefore not mounted to rotate along the axis of rotation Δ of the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4. This allows to make the electrical design of the device 1 simple and reliable, in particular when the first and second switches 21A, 21B are advantageously arranged inside the haircutting head 4 themselves. Thus, the electric drive module 17 may advantageously comprise a switch support 28, 28' to which the first and second switches 21A, 21B are fixed, the switch support 28, 28' being fixed to the motor housing 24, 24', for example by means of a motor support 29, 29', in such a way that relative rotation is not possible, and the motor housing 24, 24' is housed in the motor support 29, 29' in such a way that relative rotation is not possible. The switch support 28, 28' and the motor support 29, 29' may form a single and unique component, or on the contrary two separate components fixed to each other. The motor support 29, 29' is mounted so as to be pivotable within the box 25, 25' along said axis of rotation Δ, the motor support 29, 29' advantageously forming a swing support integral with the motor housing 24, 24' and the switch support 28, 28' so as to be pivotable within said predetermined angular range. Advantageously, the motor bracket 29, 29' and / or the switch support 28, 28' include at least one pair of stops 27A, 27B, 27A', 27B', which are arranged and constructed to cooperate with corresponding stops in a pair of stops 30A, 30B, 30A', 30B' provided in the box 25, 25', respectively, so as to mechanically limit the amplitude of the predetermined angle range.

[0087] according to Figures 5 to 9In the design sub-variant exemplarily shown in FIG. 1 , the first and second switches 21A, 21B are monostable electromechanical switches, advantageously identical as described above, and said first and second switches 21A, 21B and said first and second actuating members 22A, 22B are arranged so as to permit actuation of each of the first and second switches 21A, 21B in an actuation direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation Δ of the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 (“radial” arrangement). According to this sub-variant, the first and second switches 21A, 21B and the first and second actuating members 22A, 22B are advantageously arranged so that actuation of the first and second switches 21A, 21B, respectively, by the first and second actuating members 22A, 22B is achieved by a mechanical force generated by the interaction between the first and second actuating members 22A, 22B and the buttons 23A, 23B of the first and second switches 21A, 21B and applied in a direction inscribed in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation Δ of the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4. This arrangement in particular offers the advantage of limited axial dimensions. Advantageously, the first and second switches 21A, 21B may be arranged one above the other along the axis of rotation Δ of the rotating part 16 and, for example, arranged according to a "head-to-tail" mounting, with their respective buttons 23A, 23B oriented opposite said axis of rotation Δ. The first and second actuating members 22A, 22B may then form first and second protrusions, which, as described above, may advantageously coincide to form a single and identical protrusion, and which are arranged to protrude from the inner surface of the box 25, facing the first and second switches 21A, 21B.

[0088] according to Figures 10 to 13 , the first and second switches 21A, 21B are monostable electromechanical switches, advantageously identical as described above, and said first and second switches 21A, 21B and said first and second actuating members 22A′, 22B′ are arranged so as to permit actuation of each of the first and second switches 21A, 21B in an actuation direction parallel to the axis of rotation Δ of the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 (“axial” arrangement). According to this sub-variant, the first and second switches 21A, 21B and the first and second actuating members 22A′, 22B′ are therefore advantageously arranged so that actuation of the first and second switches 21A, 21B, respectively, by the first and second actuating members 22A′, 22B′ is achieved by a mechanical force generated by the interaction between the first and second actuating members 22A′, 22B′ and the buttons 23A, 23B of the first and second switches 21A, 21B, and this mechanical force is applied in a direction inscribed in a plane parallel to the axis of rotation Δ of the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4.

[0089] Advantageously, especially Fig.10 , Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, the first and second switches 21A, 21B can be arranged at the same height along the rotation axis Δ of the rotating part 16, preferably on both sides of said rotation axis Δ. This alternative arrangement offers the advantage of limited radial volume in particular. It also advantageously allows the first and second switches 21A, 21B to be subjected to less mechanical stress when the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 is pivoted from one of said first and second angular positions to the other, which allows increasing the reliability and life of the first and second switches 21A, 21B.

[0090] More particularly advantageously, in this sub-variant it is also provided that:

[0091] - the first and second switches 21A, 21B are arranged to be movable in linear translation along the axis of rotation Δ of the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4; and

[0092] The haircutting head 4 comprises an elastic return member 31, for example a compression spring, designed and configured to exert a force which automatically brings the first and second switches 21A, 21B into axial proximity in the direction of the surface bearing said first and second actuating members 22A', 22B'.

[0093] This particularly advantageous configuration allows automatic compensation of any manufacturing dimensional tolerances of the components of the device 1. In particular, this configuration allows automatic compensation of any axial play that the buttons 23A, 23B of the first and second switches 21A, 21B may have due to greater or lesser manufacturing dimensional tolerances. This thus ensures a particularly reliable and reproducible operation of the first and second switches 21A, 21B, including by using conventional switches that are easily commercially available. Furthermore, when the electric drive module 17 and the first and second switches 21A, 21B are advantageously all arranged inside the haircut head 4, this allows easy and reliable cabling of the first and second switches 21A, 21B and the electric reducer 18.

[0094] Therefore, if Figures 10 to 13As shown, the switch support 28' to which the first and second switches 21A, 21B are fixed can be fixed to the motor housing 24' by means of a motor bracket 29', without relative rotation being possible, in which the motor housing 24 is housed so as to be movable purely slidingly (not in relative rotation) in a direction parallel to and preferably coinciding with the axis of rotation Δ of the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4. As mentioned above, the motor bracket 24 itself is mounted so as to be pivotable in the box 25' along the axis of rotation Δ, and advantageously forms a swing bracket integral with the motor housing 24 and the switch support 28' for pivoting within the predetermined angular range. The buttons 23A, 23B of the first and second switches 21A, 21B can advantageously be oriented and facing the bottom of the box 25', which defines the surface carrying the first and second actuating members 22A', 22B'. The first and second actuating members 22A', 22B' can advantageously form two protrusions, for example domes of material separated from each other and at a certain distance, which are arranged to protrude from the surface. An elastic member 31, such as a compression spring, can be arranged to abut against the inner surface of the cover 32' of the box 25' and the corresponding supporting surface defined by the motor bracket 29' so as to elastically push the motor bracket 29' toward the bottom of the box 25' and thereby apply a force that automatically axially approaches the first and second switches 21A, 21B in the direction of a protrusion arranged on the bottom surface of the box 25'.

[0095] Preferably, the device 1 comprises an automatic return member 33, 33' for automatically returning the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 to a third angular position between the first and second angular positions (e.g. Figure 8 (b) and Fig. 9 (b)). Thus, in the absence of a force exerted by the interaction between the user's hair C and the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair, the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 advantageously returns automatically by itself from the first angular position or from the second angular position to the third intermediate angular position, i.e. the idle position. Thus, the force and amplitude of the forced rotation of the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 necessary for detecting the forced rotation by reaching one or the other of the first and second angular positions are advantageously reduced, which further improves the ease of use and comfort of the device 1. More preferably, the third angular position is an intermediate angular position of the first and second angular positions within the predetermined angular range. Then, the pivoting amplitude of the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 between the first and third angular positions is the same as the pivoting amplitude of the rotating part 16 between the second and third angular positions.

[0096] Preferably, the automatic restoring member 33, 33' is an elastic automatic restoring member. For example, the automatic restoring member 33 can be a leaf spring, such as in Figures 5 to 9As in the particular design shown, the leaf spring is usually fixed at its center to the switch support 28 or motor bracket 29 of the electric drive module 17, and its two opposite free ends abut against corresponding surfaces arranged in the box 25 of the electric drive module 17. Alternatively, as in Figures 10 to 13 As in another particular design shown, the automatic return member 33' may be a "U"-shaped spring (or a "hairpin" spring), wherein the belly of the "U" is fixed to the box 25' and each leg of the "U" is arranged to abut against a rib of the motor support 29'. Of course, other suitable configurations, constructions and arrangements of the automatic return members 33, 33' can be envisaged. By suitable selection and dimensioning (length, stiffness constant, etc.) of the elastic automatic return members 33, 33', it is advantageously possible to precisely adjust the forced rotation force that the user will need in order to move the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 from the third angular position to one or the other of the first and second angular positions when designing the device 1. In this way, it is therefore possible to define a minimum value of the force required for forced rotation, which is low enough to avoid that the user has to pull the hair with too much force, which may prove painful, while being high enough to avoid that the detection sensitivity is too great, which may lead to an unintentional change of the rotation direction of the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4. In practice, the minimum force value defined by the choice and dimensioning of the elastic automatic return member 33, 33' may depend on the general dimensioning of the device 1 and its haircutting head 4, as well as the effect of any friction forces that may oppose the pivoting of the rotating part 16 of the haircutting head 4 within the predetermined angular range.

[0097] Advantageously, the device 1, and more particularly said electrical or electronic control circuit of the electric drive module 17, is designed and constructed to prevent, i.e. inhibit, the operation of the electric drive module in the event that the reaching of one or the other of said first and second angular positions is not detected by said at least one sensor 20A, 20B, and therefore advantageously by said first and second switches 21A, 21B. Thus, in the absence of a mechanical force exerted by the hair-against-hair mechanical engagement element 7 and detected by the detection means, said control circuit interrupts the power supply to the electric drive module 17, so that the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 cannot therefore be rotated by the electric drive module 17 in one or the other of said rotation directions. This contributes to a safer, more efficient and more economical use of the device 1.

[0098] Advantageously, as in the example shown in the figures, the device 1 may comprise a manual control member 34 for controlling the rotation of the rotating portion 16 of the haircutting head 4 in the rotation direction automatically selected by the automatic selection means, thus preferably in said first and second rotation directions S. R1 , S R24. Thus, although the automatic selection device can select the rotation direction S along which the rotating portion 16 of the hair cutting head 4 is permitted to rotate, the (effective) rotation of the rotation direction S (the "normal" rotation of the manual control member 34) in the automatic selection device is automatically selected by the automatic selection device. R1 , S R2 , but the effective rotation of the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 can therefore be independently blocked / triggered by the user via the manual control member 34. R1 , S R2 The selection function is thus advantageously independent of the rotation of the rotating portion 16 of the hair cutting head 4 in the selected rotation direction S. R1 , S R2 The function of effective rotation. As mentioned above, the user does not have to worry about the actual rotation direction. In fact, the appropriate rotation direction S R1 , S R2 The automatic selection device automatically selects the manual control member 34, so that the user only needs to manually act on the manual control member 34 in a very simple manner, without even having to visually check the manual control member 34, so that the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 is then effectively rotated in the selected appropriate rotation direction S R1 , S R2 Rotation. Typically, the member 34 for manually controlling the normal rotation of the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 may include an electric switch 35 (or a “normal rotation switch”), which is connected to a manual actuation button 36, for example, arranged at the handle 3 of the device 1, and is electrically connected to the electric reducer 18 of the electric drive module 17 for driving the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 to rotate, and a device for automatically selecting the rotation direction of the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 of the hair cutting device 1.

[0099] Alternatively, or preferably in a complementary manner, as in the embodiment shown in the figures, the hairdressing device 1 may advantageously comprise a (further) manual control member 37 for controlling the rotation of the rotating portion 16 of the hairdressing head 4 about said rotation axis Δ in a rotation direction S automatically selected by the automatic selection device. R1 , S R2 Opposite direction of rotation S R1 , S R2 Thus, a manual action of the user on the (further) manual control member 37 can advantageously automatically select the first rotation direction S R1 When the hair cutting head 4 is triggered to rotate along the second rotation direction S R2 of rotation, and when the second rotation direction S is automatically selected R2 When the hair cutting head 4 is triggered to rotate along the first rotation direction S R1Thus, the hairdressing device 1 is advantageously designed and constructed such that actuation of said (further) manual control member 37 causes a selected reversal of the direction of rotation of the rotating portion 16 of the haircutting head 4 (member 37 for manually controlling the “reverse” rotation). This additional technical feature advantageously confers to the device 1 a function of “combing” the hair, which is particularly convenient for the user in the event that the rotation of the rotating portion 16 of the haircutting head 4 in the automatically selected direction of rotation accidentally causes the hair to get tangled around said rotating portion 16 and / or in the mechanical engagement elements 7 of the hair C carried by said rotating portion 16. Typically, the member 37 for manually controlling the reverse rotation of the rotating portion 16 of the haircutting head 4 may comprise a (further) electric switch 38 (or “reverse rotation switch”), which is connected to a (further) manual actuation button 39, for example arranged at the handle 3 of the device 1 so as to be accessible to the fingers of the user's hand holding the device by the handle 3, and which is electrically connected to the electric drive module 17 and to the means for automatically selecting the direction of rotation of the rotating portion 16 of the haircutting head 4 of the haircutting device 1.

[0100] In the preferred case where the device 1 advantageously comprises the above-mentioned two manual control members 34, 37 as shown in the figure, these manual control members 34, 37 are advantageously designed and constructed so that they cannot be actuated simultaneously by the user. Figures 1 to 5 As exemplarily shown in the figure, the corresponding manual actuation buttons 36, 39 of the manual control members 34, 37 may include a rigid mechanical part, which is common to the manual actuation buttons 36, 39 and is swingably mounted to prevent the manual actuation buttons 36, 39 from being pressed simultaneously under the pressure exerted thereon by the user's fingers, and thereby prevent the joint manual actuation of the two manual control members 34, 37.

[0101] To further explain the implementation of some of the above functional features, Fig.14 An example of an electrical design schematic diagram of the device 1 shown in the figure is shown. This electrical design has the advantages of being particularly simple, sturdy and cheap to implement. Here, the device 1 is arranged to be powered from the power grid (power supply from the power distribution network, at an alternating voltage of 220-240Vac, 50-60Hz). However, the electric reducer 18 and the motor 10 of the hair dryer module 8 are advantageously DC motors here. Therefore, diode bridges 40 and 41 are provided to ensure double alternating rectification so as to supply power to each DC motor 10 and 18. These diode bridges 40 and 41 can be omitted when the device 1 is arranged to be powered by a DC power supply. The heating element 13 of the device 1 includes a plurality of resistors 14A-14E. The motor 10 and the electric reducer 18 of the hair dryer module 8 are powered via branches of the power supply circuit of the resistors 14A-14E via their corresponding diode bridges 40 and 41, respectively.

[0102] In this example, the universal switch 6 of the device is a three-position selector connected to resistors 14A-14E and diode bridges 40, 41 which power the electric motor 10 of the hair dryer module 8 and the electric reducer 18 of the electric drive module 13 of the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4. The normal rotation switch 35 and the reverse rotation switch 38 are here "reverse" monostable electromechanical switches, advantageously in accordance with the general description of such switches above. The first and second switches 21A, 21B (detection switches) advantageously included in the control circuit of the electric drive module 17 are also "reverse" monostable electromechanical switches, in which:

[0103] - the corresponding "common" terminals are each electrically connected to one of the power supply pins of the electric reducer 18;

[0104] - the “normally open” terminals are electrically connected to each other on the one hand and to the “common” terminal of the normal rotary switch 35 on the other hand;

[0105] The “normally closed” terminals are electrically connected to each other on the one hand and to a “common” terminal of the reverse rotation switch 38 on the other hand.

[0106] In addition, the corresponding "normally closed" terminals of the normal rotation switch 35 and the reverse rotation switch 38 are electrically connected to the first output of the power supply diode bridge 41 of the electric reducer 18. The "normally open" terminals of the normal rotation switch 35 and the reverse rotation switch 38 are electrically connected to the second output of the power supply diode bridge 41 of the electric reducer 18.

[0107] exist Fig.14 In the schematic diagram of , the illustrated switching state of the normal rotation switch 35 corresponds to an interruption of the power supply to the control circuit of the electric drive module 17 (non-actuated state). The illustrated switching state of the reverse rotation switch 38 corresponds to a state in which the reverse rotation switch 38 does not reverse the selected rotation direction (non-actuated state). The illustrated switching states of the first and second detection switches 21A, 22B correspond to a state in which no forced rotation is detected (non-actuated state), i.e., therefore to an angular position of the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4 which is neither the first angular position nor the second angular position, but preferably the third angular position between the first angular position and the second angular position. In this switching state, no rotation direction is selected, and the control circuit of the electric drive module 17 blocks the operation of the electric reducer 18 of the electric drive module 17.

[0108] The following table (Table 2) combines Fig.14The circuit diagram of synoptically summarizes the automatically selected rotation direction and the effective rotation direction of the rotating part 16 of the hair cutting head 4, which varies with the forced rotation direction of the rotating part 16 detected by the first and second switches 21A, 21B (first and second detection switches) under the action of the interaction between the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair and said hair, and depends on the switching state of the normal rotation switch 35 and the reverse rotation switch 36. It is assumed here that the universal switch 6 is in a switching state in which at least the power supply diode bridge 41 of the electric reducer 18 is effectively powered.

[0109]

[0110]

[0111] Table 2

[0112] Obviously, other suitable electrical or electronic designs can be envisaged for the purpose sought, in particular depending on the general power supply choice of the device (DC or AC), the choice of one or more sensors 20A, 20B (quantity, type, etc.), the choice of the electric reducer 18 (DC or AC), etc.

[0113] Possibility of industrial applications

[0114] The present invention finds industrial application in the design and manufacture of hair cutting devices, such as home hair cutting devices, and more particularly portable hair cutting devices designed to assist in styling hair.

Claims

1. A portable electric hairdressing device (1), comprising: A body (2) comprising a manually gripping handle (3); a hair cutting head (4) connected to the body (2) and comprising a rotating part (16), the rotating part (16) being provided with a mechanical engagement element (7) for hair (C), the mechanical engagement element (7) being used to contact the hair (C) to assist in shaping the hair (C); and a device for driving the rotating part (16) to rotate alternately in a first rotation direction (S) relative to the body (2) along a rotation axis (Δ) R1 ) and in the opposite second rotation direction (S R2 ) is an electric drive module (17) for rotating the hair, the device (1) being characterized in that it comprises a device for detecting the forced rotation direction (S) of the rotating part (16) under the action of the mechanical force exerted by the mechanical engagement element (7) of the hair (C) against the hair RF1 , S RF2 ) device, and for detecting the forced rotation direction (S RF1 , S RF2 ) from the first and second rotation directions (S R1 , S R2 ) for automatically selecting the rotation direction of the rotating part (16) of the hair cutting head (4).

2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The device (1) comprises a device for controlling the rotating part (16) of the hair cutting head (4) in the rotating direction (S) automatically selected by the automatic selection device. R1 , S R2 ) on a manual control member (34) for rotation.

3. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The device comprises a device for controlling the rotating part (16) of the hair cutting head (4) in the rotation direction (S) automatically selected by the automatic selection device. R1 , S R2 ) opposite direction of rotation (S R1 , S R2 ) on a manual control member (37) for rotation.

4. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - The detection device comprises: o the rotating part (16) of the hair cutting head (4), the rotating part (16) being mounted to pivot relative to the main body (2) along the rotation axis (Δ) within a predetermined angle range, so that when the electric drive module (17) stops, the rotating part (16) of the hair cutting head (4) remains able to pivot along the first forced rotation direction (S) within the predetermined angle range under the action of the mechanical force applied by the mechanical engagement element (7) of the hair (C) against the hair (C). RF1 ) toward the first angular position and along the second forced rotation direction (S RF2 ) is pivotally moved toward an opposite second angular position; and o at least one sensor (20A, 20B) for detecting the reaching of each of said first and second angular positions; - the means for automatically selecting the direction of rotation of the rotating part (16) of the haircutting head (4) comprises an electric or electronic control circuit connected to the electric drive module (17) to allow the rotating part (16) of the haircutting head (4) to be rotated in the first direction (S) when the arrival of the first angular position is detected R1 ) and when the second angular position is detected, the rotating part (16) of the hair cutting head (4) is rotated along the second rotation direction (S R2 )Rotate.

5. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The amplitude of the predetermined angle range is between 1° and 15°, preferably between 5° and 15°, for example equal to 10°.

6. The device (1) according to any one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that The device (1) comprises a preferably elastic automatic return member (33, 33') for automatically returning the rotating part (16) of the hair cutting head (4) to a third angular position between, preferably intermediate, the first and second angular positions when the mechanical force applied by the hair (C) ceases.

7. The device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that The electric or electronic control circuit is designed and constructed to inhibit operation of the electric drive module (17) if the reaching of one or the other of the first and second angular positions is not detected by the at least one sensor (20A, 20B).

8. The device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that The at least one sensor (20A, 20B) is arranged inside the hair cutting head (4).

9. The device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that The detection device comprises: - a first sensor (20A) and a second sensor (20B) for detecting the arrival of one and the other of said first and second angular positions, respectively, said first and second sensors (20A, 20B) being switches (21A, 21B), preferably electromechanical switches; and - a first actuating member (22A, 22A') cooperating with a first one of the switches (21A, 21B) when the first angular position is reached, and a second actuating member (22B, 22B') cooperating with a second one of the switches (21A, 21B) when the second angular position is reached.

10. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The electric drive module (17) is arranged inside the hair cutting head (4).

11. Device (1) according to claims 9 and 10, characterized in that - the electric drive module (17) comprises a motor housing (24), the motor housing (24) being mounted so as to be pivotally movable relative to the body (2) along the rotation axis (Δ) of the rotating part (16) of the hair cutting head (4) within the predetermined angular range, the electric drive module (17) comprising an output shaft (19), the output shaft (19) being rotationally movable along the rotation axis (Δ) of the rotating part (16), the rotating part (16) being connected to the output shaft (19), so that rotation of the output shaft (19) causes a joint rotation of the rotating part (16), and when the electric drive module (17) is stopped, the output shaft (19) is rotationally fixed relative to the motor housing (24, 24'); The first and second switches (21A, 21B) are rotationally fixed relative to the motor housing (24, 24'), and the first and second actuating members (22A, 22B; 22a', 22B') are fixed relative to the rotation axis (Δ) of the rotating part (16).

12. The device (1) according to claims 10 and 11, characterized in that The first and second switches (21A, 21B) are monostable electromechanical switches, preferably inverting monostable electromechanical switches.

13. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The first and second switches (21A, 21B) and the first and second actuation members (22A, 22B) are arranged to permit actuation of each of the first and second switches (21A, 21B) in an actuation direction orthogonal to the rotation axis (Δ) of the rotating portion (16) of the hair cutting head (4).

14. The device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that The first and second switches (21A, 21B) and the first and second actuation members (22A', 22B') are arranged to permit actuation of each of the first and second switches (21A, 21B) in an actuation direction parallel to the rotation axis (Δ) of the rotating part (16) of the hair cutting head (4).

15. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - the first and second switches (21A, 21B) are arranged to be linearly movable along the rotation axis (Δ) of the rotating part (16) of the haircutting head (4); The haircutting head (4) comprises an elastic return member for applying a force in the direction of the surface bearing the first and second actuating members (22A', 22B') for automatically bringing the first and second switches (21A, 21B) axially closer to each other.

Images