Hair cutting device with rotating head, automatic selection of rotation direction and assisted combing

Abstract

The invention relates to a hair cutting device (1) comprising a styling head (4) having a rotating part (15) provided with mechanical engagement elements (7) for engagement with hair, a drive module for driving the rotating part in rotation, and a control system for controlling the drive module, the control system comprising means for detecting the forced direction of rotation of the rotating part under the interaction of the hair with the mechanical engagement elements, and a manual control member (34) for triggering the rotation of the rotating part in a direction opposite to the detected forced direction of rotation, the control system being arranged to automatically trigger the rotation in the detected forced direction of rotation when said control member is not activated. Hair cutting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates generally to the technical field of hair-cutting devices, such as home hair-cutting devices, and more specifically to the field of portable hair-cutting devices designed to assist in hair styling.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to an electric portable hair clipper, comprising a main body including a manual grip handle, a hair clipper connected to the main body and including a rotating portion having mechanical engagement elements for contacting hair to aid in hair styling, an electric drive module for driving the rotating portion to selectively rotate relative to the main body about a rotation axis in a first rotation direction and an opposite second rotation direction, and a control system for controlling the operation of the electric drive module. Background Technology

[0003] In general, known electric portable hair clippers include a hairstyling head comprising mechanically engaging elements, such as bristles, for contacting the hair to aid in styling. Specifically, hairbrushes, with or without a blower, are known in which a portion of the hairstyling head is rotatably mounted via a built-in motor to achieve certain hairstyling effects, such as "blow-dry styling." These known hair clippers are equipped with manual control switches that the user can interact with to control the rotation of the rotating portion of the hairstyling head in the desired direction.

[0004] This type of hair-styling device, which uses a manual control switch to rotate the hair-styling head, is generally simple and practical for users operating on third-party hair. However, it becomes far more complex and counterintuitive for users who wish to use the device on their own hair, especially when using a mirror during operation, which can present an inverted image. For example, depending on the position and overall orientation of the rotating brush relative to the user's head and hair, it can be difficult to identify which switch to operate to achieve the desired styling effect by rotating the hair-styling head. Furthermore, given this difficulty in identifying the appropriate direction of rotation, there is a risk that the hair-styling head's rotating part may be unintentionally rotated in a direction that tends to cause hair to become entangled around the rotating part and the mechanical engagement elements. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a solution to the above-mentioned problems and proposes an electric portable hair clipper that is particularly simple and intuitive to use, while being comfortable and safe to use, especially for people who use the hair clipper on their own hair.

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

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

[0008] Another objective of this invention is to provide a particularly simple electric portable hair clipper that is relatively easy to manufacture and cost-effective.

[0009] The objective of this invention is achieved through an electric portable hair-cutting device, which includes a main body, a manual grip handle, a hair-cutting head connected to the main body and including a rotating part, the rotating part being provided with mechanical engagement elements for contacting hair to aid in hair styling, an electric drive module for driving the rotating part to selectively rotate relative to the main body about a rotation axis in a first rotation direction and an opposite second rotation direction, and a control system for controlling the operation of the electric drive module. The device is characterized in that the control system includes: - A detection device for detecting the direction in which the rotating portion of the hairpiece is forced to rotate under the mechanical force applied to the mechanical coupling element by the hair. - A control component that can be manually activated by the user to trigger the rotating portion of the hairpiece to rotate in the opposite direction to the detected forced rotation direction. The control system is designed and configured to automatically trigger the rotating portion of the hairpiece to rotate in a direction corresponding to the detected forced rotation direction without manual activation of the control component. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent and highlighted in the following description taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustrative rather than limiting example only, wherein: Figure 1 An embodiment of a hair-cutting device according to the invention is shown in a front view. The device here comprises a rotating brush, advantageously having both blowing and heating functions. The device is shown here in a configuration (straight configuration) with its hairpiece head in a first position relative to the device body. Figure 2 Shown in side view Figure 1 The device is shown here in another configuration, in which the hair-cutting head is in a second position (bent configuration) relative to the device body. Figure 3 Shown in longitudinal section side view Figure 1 and Figure 2 The device is in its upright configuration. A control member, which can be manually activated by the user to trigger the rotating portion of the hairpiece to rotate in the opposite direction to the detected forced rotation direction, is shown here inactive, with the manual actuation button in the unpressed position. Figure 4Shown in longitudinal section side view Figures 1 to 3 The device is in its upright configuration. The control component is shown in the active state, and the manual actuation button is in the pressed position. Figure 5 Shown in a partially exploded side perspective view Figures 1 to 4 The equipment; Figure 6 The exploded front view is shown schematically. Figures 1 to 5 The equipment; Figure 7 A longitudinal cross-sectional view along the axis of rotation of the hairpiece is shown. Figures 1 to 6 Details of the specific design of the hairdressing head of the device, wherein the detection device for detecting the forced rotation direction of the rotating part includes first and second optical fork sensors as sensors for the first and second angular positions that the rotating part of the hairdressing head can occupy; Figure 8 Shown in exploded perspective view Figure 7 Details of the specific design shown; Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of the hairline (see...) Figure 7 Section II shows the rotating portion of the hairstyle head within a predetermined pivot angle range, according to... Figure 7 and Figure 8 A specific design can occupy three specific angular positions. Figure 9 In (a), the rotating portion occupies a first angular position, wherein the first activation / deactivation component cooperates with the first optical fork sensor. Figure 9 In (c), the rotating portion occupies the second angular position, wherein the second activation / deactivation component cooperates with the second optical fork sensor. Figure 9 In (b), the rotating part occupies a third angular position, located between the first and second angular positions, wherein the activation / deactivation component does not engage with any optical fork sensor; Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional view of the hairline (see...) Figure 7 Section II-II shows Figure 9 Three specific angular positions. Figure 10 In Figure 9 The stop engagement between the electric drive module housing and the motor mount fixed to the motor housing of the electric drive module geared motor is shown at different heights (along the axis of rotation of the hairpiece rotating part, coinciding with the longitudinal extension direction of the hairpiece), to limit the predetermined pivot angle range of the hairpiece rotating part. Figure 11 A side view of the truncated longitudinal section is shown. Figures 1 to 6Another specific design of the device includes first and second switches, sensors for first and second angular positions, and first and second activation / deactivation members for engaging the switches according to the positions reached by the rotating portion. The switches and activation / deactivation members are arranged to allow the switches to be actuated in an actuation direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the rotating portion. A portion of the bristles / spiks of the mechanical engagement element has been omitted. Figure 12 Shown in exploded perspective view Figure 11 Details of the specific design shown; Figure 13 A schematic cross-sectional view of the hairline (see...) Figure 11 The I'-I' section shows the rotating portion of the hairstyle head within a predetermined pivot angle range, according to... Figure 11 and Figure 12 A specific design can occupy three specific angular positions. Figure 13 In (a), the rotating portion occupies a first angular position, wherein the first activation / deactivation component engages with the first switch. Figure 13 In (c), the rotating portion occupies the second angular position, wherein the second activation / deactivation component cooperates with the second switch. Figure 13 In (b), the rotating portion occupies a third angular position, located between the first and second angular positions, wherein the activation / deactivation component does not engage with any of the switches; Figure 14 A schematic cross-sectional view of the hairline (see...) Figure 11 The section line II'-II' shows Figure 13 Three specific angular positions. Figure 14 In Figure 13 The stop engagement between the electric drive module housing and the motor mount fixed to the motor housing of the electric drive module geared motor is shown at different heights (along the axis of rotation of the hairpiece rotating part, coinciding with the longitudinal extension direction of the hairpiece), to limit the predetermined pivot angle range of the hairpiece rotating part. Figure 15 Shown in exploded perspective view Figures 1 to 6 Another specific design detail of the device, and Figures 11 to 14 The difference shown is that the switches and actuating components are arranged to allow each switch to be actuated in an actuation direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the hairpiece rotating part; Figure 16 A top view shows the results according to Figure 15 The housing of the electrically driven module for the rotating part of the specially designed hairpiece; Figure 17 A longitudinal cross-sectional view along the axis of rotation of the hairpiece is shown. Figure 15 and Figure 16 Details of a specific design; Figure 18 An exploded view is shown Figures 15 to 17 Details of a specific design; Figure 19 An example of an electrical design schematic diagram of a device according to the present invention is shown, which is particularly applicable to Figures 7 to 10 The specific design shown; Figure 20 schematically shown Figures 1 to 6 An example of the use and operation of the device; Figure 21 schematically shown Figures 1 to 6 Another example of the device's use and operation; Figure 22 schematically shown Figures 1 to 6 Another example of the device's use and operation; Figure 23 schematically shown Figures 1 to 6 Another example of the use and operation of the device. Detailed Implementation

[0011] This invention relates to an electric portable manual hair-cutting device 1. Therefore, the device 1 according to the invention is designed to be grasped and operated by hand and is intended to be powered by an electrical source to ensure its operation. Preferably, the device 1 is intended for use by users (women or men) lacking specific hairdressing professional skills in a home environment. Preferably, the device 1 is designed and configured for use by the user on themselves, i.e., on their own hair. However, it is entirely conceivable that the device 1 is designed and configured for use by the user on the hair of a third party.

[0012] Device 1 includes a body 2 (which includes a manual grip handle 3) and a hair styling head 4 connected to the body 2. Therefore, the body 2 includes at least a portion forming the handle 3, through which the device 1 is intended to be manually gripped for use. The handle 3 thus forms a manual gripping member intended to be grasped by a user to operate the device 1. Advantageously, the body 2 extends along a longitudinal average extension direction D1-D1', between a first end 2A and an opposing second end 2B, and therefore has an overall elongated shape. For example, the handle 3 of the device 1 forms a grip and thus has an elongated shape. In other words, the handle 3 has a long, narrow shape so that it can be fully gripped. Advantageously, as in the embodiment shown in the figures, the handle 3 extends longitudinally in a direction parallel to or coincident with the longitudinal average extension direction D1-D1' of the body 2. Preferably, the hair styling head 4 is detachably connected to the first end 2A of the body 2, such that the hair styling head 4 extends from the first end 2A of the body 2.

[0013] Device 1 is preferably designed to be powered by mains electricity (from a power distribution network, AC voltage) and may therefore include a power cord 5 (shown truncated in the figure) with an electrical connection plug (not shown) at its free end. Alternatively, device 1 may include one or more batteries or accumulators, advantageously built into the body 2, to ensure power supply to device 1. Advantageously, device 1 may include a main power switch 6, through which the user can selectively start or stop the power operation of device 1, at least by means of this switch.

[0014] Typically, the hairstyling head 4 extends longitudinally along a longitudinal average extension direction D2-D2'. The hairstyling head 4 of the device 1 includes a mechanical engagement element 7 for hair C, which is designed (when the device 1 is in use) to contact the hair C to style the hair C, or at least to assist in styling the hair C. The mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C is designed and configured to mechanically interact with the hair C, particularly for brushing, curling, styling, and / or combing the hair, and may typically include a plurality of bristles, bristle tufts, and / or barbs and / or comb teeth, which are arranged protruding from the outer surface of the hairstyling head 4. When the device 1 is in use, the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C can be applied to and contacted with the hair C to assist in styling the hair through the mechanical interaction between the hair C and the mechanical engagement element 7. More precisely, during the use of the device 1, the bristles and / or barbs and / or comb teeth of the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C penetrate into the user's hair, thereby creating a mutual mechanical interaction between the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C and the user's hair C.

[0015] Advantageously, as in the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the hair-cutting device 1 may include a blower module 8 (or "electric fan unit"), advantageously built-in, for generating an airflow intended to be blown onto the hair through the hairstyling head 4. The hair-cutting device 1 is advantageously provided with at least one air inlet 9 through which ambient air is drawn in by the blower module 8 for blowing onto the user's hair. The blower module 8 typically includes at least one fan driven by an electric motor 10, which is preferably arranged inside the body 2. More preferably, and particularly advantageous for ergonomic purposes, the blower module 8 is arranged such that the handle 3 of the body 2 is located between the hairstyling head 4 and the blower module. The device 1 advantageously includes a guide channel 11 disposed inside the body 2 (… Figure 3 and Figure 4The device 1 is used to guide airflow from the blower module 8 to the hair styling head 4. Accordingly, the hair styling head 4 includes at least one air outlet 12 that is in airflow communication with (or can be configured to be in communication with) the blower module 8 to allow airflow generated by the blower module 8 to be sprayed from the device 1 onto the user's hair C. For example, the air outlet 12 may include or be formed by a plurality of (distinguished and spaced apart from each other) air holes, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Advantageously, the air holes are arranged between the bristles and / or barbs and / or comb teeth of the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C to direct airflow as close as possible to the hair in contact with the mechanical engagement element 7. The device 1 can then, for example, constitute a hair dryer brush, allowing the user to simultaneously dry and facilitate styling of the hair C using the airflow (advantageously heated).

[0016] Advantageously, the hairdressing device 1 may include an electric heating element designed and configured, for example, to increase the temperature of the airflow generated by the blower module 8 and / or to heat at least one area of ​​the hairdressing head 4, and preferably to heat the area of ​​the hairdressing head 4 intended to contact the hair C during device use. Optionally, the electric heating element may be designed and configured to (directly) increase the temperature of the airflow generated by the blower module 8 and indirectly heat the area of ​​the hairdressing head 4 that contacts the thus heated airflow during device operation. Where the electric heating element is at least intended to increase the temperature of the airflow generated by the blower module 8, the electric heating element is advantageously arranged to be inserted into the airflow, located upstream of the blow outlet 12 of the hairdressing head 4. As in the embodiment shown in the figures, the electric heating element (not shown) may be advantageously positioned inside the airflow guide channel 11 provided within the body 2. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Alternatively, the electric heating element may be housed inside the hairstyling head 4, particularly when it is intended to heat an area of ​​the hairstyling head 4 by heat conduction. The electric heating element is typically an electric heating element operating based on the Joule effect principle, and therefore includes, for example, at least one heating resistor 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E and / or at least one positive temperature coefficient (CTP) thermistor formed by conductive wire wound around an insulating core. The device 1 can then, for example, constitute a heating brush or a heating brush with a blower.

[0017] Optionally, as illustrated in the example in the accompanying drawings, the device 1 may include a hinge system 14 for the hair styling head 4 relative to the body 2 to allow the hair styling head 4 to vary between at least two different stable functional positions, i.e.: - In the first position, a flat angle is formed between the longitudinal average extension direction D1-D1' of the main body 2 and the longitudinal average extension direction D2-D2' of the hairstyling head 4, i.e., the directions coincide or are parallel, so that the hairstyling head 4 is thus aligned with the main body 2 of the device 1 (especially as...). Figure 1 (the so-called straight configuration), and - In the second position, an angle α, different from a straight angle, is formed between the longitudinal average extension direction D1-D1' of the main body 2 and the longitudinal average extension direction D2-D2' of the hairstyling head 4, causing the hairstyling head 4 and the main body 2 of the device 1 to bend and tilt towards each other. Figure 2 (The so-called bent configuration). For example, the included angle α is between 100° and 170°, preferably between 130° and 170°, and advantageously equal to 150°.

[0018] The hair-cutting device 1 can thus advantageously include a locking device movable between a released position and a locked position, allowing the hair-cutting head 4 to change between a first position and a second position in the released position, and conversely, locking the hair-cutting head 4 in one of the first and second positions according to the user's selection in the locked position. Advantageously, such a hinge of the hair-cutting head 4 can be implemented as described in French patent application FR-3 102 347 A1. The implementation of such a hinge of the hair-cutting head 4 can significantly improve the ergonomics of the hair-cutting device 1, especially for the user using the device 1 on themselves. In fact, the user can use the device 1 in the first position to style the hair on the sides of their head. The user can also place the hair-cutting head 4 of the device 1 in the second position to style the hair on the back and / or sides of their head. The body 2 (and therefore advantageously the manual grip handle 3) and the hair-cutting head 4 are bent so that the user does not have to "break their arm" (i.e., raise their shoulder to extend their arm perpendicular to their body while bending their forearm completely backward) or bend their wrist to reach the hair on the back of their head. Eliminating this complex and uncomfortable movement greatly improves the ergonomics of device 1 and avoids corresponding pain for the user. Furthermore, for styling the hair on the top of the head, the user does not need to raise their shoulders and arms (i.e., form a right angle between the arms and body). In fact, by placing the hairpiece 4 in the second position, the user can reach the top of the head while keeping their arms and shoulders aligned with their body.

[0019] The hairstyling head 4 of the device 1 according to the invention includes a rotating portion 15, which is provided with the mechanical engagement element 7, and thus the mechanical engagement element is carried by and rotatably fixed thereto by the rotating portion 15. Therefore, rotation of the rotating portion 15 causes a combined rotation of the mechanical engagement element 7. The rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4, which is rotatably mounted about a rotation axis Δ relative to the body 2 of the device 1, can be, for example, cylindrical (e.g., with a circular bottom surface), and the mechanical engagement element 7 can be arranged along all or part of the length of the rotating portion 15 and along all or part of its outer periphery, protruding from the outer surface of the rotating portion 15. The rotational movement of the rotating portion 15 is advantageously at least a full revolution, i.e., at least 360°. However, without departing from the scope of the invention, it is also conceivable that the rotational movement of the rotating portion 15 is angularly limited, i.e., the rotation is not a full revolution, but only a predetermined angular range. Advantageously, the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 extends longitudinally along an extension axis that coincides with the rotation axis Δ. Optionally, the rotating portion 15 of the hair styling head 4 can be formed as a detachable accessory, so that it can be connected to the main body 2 of the device 1 in a separable manner, for example, such that the rotating portion 15 of the hair styling head 4 can thus constitute an interchangeable accessory of the device 1.

[0020] Device 1 also includes an electric drive module 16 for driving the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 to rotate relative to the body 2 (and therefore relative to the manual grip handle 3 or handle) about its axis of rotation Δ, selectively rotating in a first rotation direction SR1 or the opposite second rotation direction SR2. For this purpose, the electric drive module 16 may include an electric motor, or preferably an electric geared motor 17 (i.e., a combination of an electric motor and a mechanical reducer), and advantageously an output shaft 18 to which the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 is connected (or at least capable of being connected), such that rotation of the output shaft 18 causes a combined rotation of the rotating portion 15 about its axis of rotation Δ. Preferably, the output shaft 18 and the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 are rotatably connected to each other by a coupling system, which is advantageously reversible and detachable. Particularly preferred in terms of volume is that the output shaft 18 is rotatable about the axis of rotation Δ of the rotating portion 15. The hairdressing device 1 also includes a control system for controlling the operation of the electric drive module 16, which is therefore connected to the electric drive module 16 to control its operation, particularly controlling it to rotate the rotating portion 15 of the hairdressing head 4 along the first rotation direction SR1 or alternatively along the second rotation direction SR2.

[0021] The electric drive module 16 is preferably arranged inside the hair styling head 4. Therefore, the electric drive module 16 can advantageously be connected to the body 2 and housed in a free internal space provided within the rotating portion 15 of the hair styling head 4. This arrangement of the electric drive module 16 outside the body 2 (i.e., outside the manual grip handle 3) particularly reduces the size of the manual grip handle 3, especially its diameter, thereby improving the ergonomics of the device 1.

[0022] As shown in the embodiment in the accompanying drawings, the hair-cutting device 1 advantageously lacks an auxiliary arm pivotally connected to the main body 2, which is movable between the following positions: - Open position (first position), in which the auxiliary arm is far enough away from the rotating part 15 of the hairstyling head 4 to allow hair C to be placed between the auxiliary arm and the rotating part 15. - Closed position (second position), in which the auxiliary arm is close enough to the rotating part 15 of the hair styling head 4 to force the hair C placed between the auxiliary arm and the rotating part 15 into contact with the mechanical engagement element 7 carried by the rotating part 15 of the hair styling head 4.

[0023] In particular, the hair-cutting device 1 advantageously lacks such an auxiliary arm (or "styling arm") that also carries mechanical engagement elements. The absence of this auxiliary arm simplifies the use of the hair-cutting device 1, reducing the number of movements or operations required for hair-cutting. It also makes the use of the hair-cutting device 1 more comfortable and safer, preventing hair from becoming tangled around the auxiliary arm, which could hinder the desired hair-cutting operation, even causing pain to the user, or preventing fingers or ears from being trapped between the auxiliary arm and the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4. Furthermore, the absence of such an auxiliary arm makes the design and manufacture of the hair-cutting device 1 simpler, more robust, and less costly.

[0024] Device 1, particularly the control system of the electric drive module 16, includes a detection device for detecting the directions SRF1, SRF2 in which the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 is forced to rotate under the mechanical force exerted by the hair C on the hair mechanical engagement element 7. The detection device is therefore designed and configured to detect the direction in which the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 is forced to rotate (or at least tends to be forced to rotate) along its rotation axis Δ, the forced rotation being caused by the reaction friction force resulting from the interaction between the mechanical engagement element 7 and the hair C, typically when the hairstyling head 4 moves or moves relative to the hair C. In other words, the detection device is therefore designed and configured to detect the mechanical force applied to the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4, which tends to force the rotating portion 15 to rotate along the forced rotation directions SRF1, SRF2 associated with the respective directions of application of the mechanical force. Here, "forced rotation" advantageously refers to the rotation of the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 when the electric drive module 16 is stopped (the electric drive module 16 is not energized) and therefore does not actively drive the rotating portion 15 to rotate.

[0025] The control system of the electric drive module 16 also includes a control component that can be manually activated by the user of the device 1 to trigger the rotating part 15 of the hairpiece 4 to rotate (effectively) in a rotation direction SR1, SR2 that is opposite to the forced rotation directions SRF1, SRF2 detected by the detection device, that is, to rotate in the first and second rotation directions SR1, SR2 that is opposite to the detected forced rotation directions SRF1, SRF2.

[0026] In other words, the control system of the hairdressing device 1, particularly its electric drive module 16, includes or constitutes an automatic pre-selection device for automatically pre-selecting the rotation direction of the rotating portion 15 of the hairdressing head 4 in the first and second rotation directions SR1 and SR2, based on detected forced rotation directions SRF1 and SRF2. This automatic pre-selection device is designed and configured such that when the user manually activates the control member, the rotating portion 15 rotates along rotation directions SR1 and SR2 that are opposite to the detected forced rotation directions SRF1 and SRF2. Therefore, when a forced rotational force is detected on the rotating portion 15 of the hairdressing head 4 along the first forced rotation direction SRF1 (or "first forced direction SRF1"), the automatic pre-selection device automatically pre-selects the direction opposite to the first forced rotation direction SRF1 in the first and second rotation directions SR1 and SR2 (e.g., the first rotation direction SR1), and the rotating portion 15 will rotate in that direction when the user manually activates the control member. Conversely, when it is detected that the rotating portion 15 of the hairpiece 4 is subjected to a forced rotational force along the opposite (i.e., opposite to the first forced rotation direction) second forced rotation direction SRF2 (or "second forced rotation direction SRF2"), the automatic preselection device automatically preselects the direction opposite to the second forced rotation direction SRF2 among the first and second rotation directions SR1 and SR2 (e.g., the second rotation direction SR2), and the rotating portion 15 will rotate along that direction when the user manually activates the control member.

[0027] Furthermore, the control system of the electric drive module 16 is designed and configured to automatically trigger the rotating portion 15 of the hairpiece 4 to rotate along the rotation directions SRA1 and SRA2 (i.e., the same directions) corresponding to the detected forced rotation directions SRF1 and SRF2, without the user manually activating the control component.

[0028] In other words, the control system is designed and configured to automatically trigger the rotating portion 15 of the hairpiece 4 to rotate along the same rotation direction SRA1, SRA2 (or “auxiliary rotation direction”) as the detected (first or second) forced rotation direction SRF1, SRF2, when the user does not manually activate the control component (i.e., when the detection device has detected the forced rotation force but the user has not activated the control component), which is therefore opposite to the rotation direction automatically preselected by the automatic preselection device.

[0029] Preferably, as described below, the control system is designed and configured to automatically trigger the rotating portion 15 of the hairdressing head 4 to rotate along the rotation directions SRA1, SRA2 corresponding to the detected forced rotation directions SRF1, SRF2, only when the detection device detects that the rotating portion 15 of the hairdressing head 4 has been forcibly turned under the mechanical force applied by the hair C to the mechanical engagement element 7, without manually activating the control member. Therefore, the device 1 is preferably designed such that the rotating portion 15 of the hairdressing head 4 remains stationary when the detection device does not detect a forced turn and the control member is not manually activated. This contributes to the safety of using the hairdressing device 1.

[0030] Therefore, this invention is based on the following general principle: detecting the forced rotation directions SRF1 and SRF2 of the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 around the rotation axis Δ under the action of mechanical force. This mechanical force originates from the interaction between the mechanical coupling element 7 and the hair C, and tends to drive the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 to rotate forcibly around the rotation axis Δ, so as to automatically preselect the direction in which the electric drive module 16 will rotate the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 to process the hair C when the user manually activates the control component. This invention is also based on a specific configuration of the control system of the electric drive module 16, such that the control system defaults to rotating the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 along the detected forced rotation directions SRF1 and SRF2, that is, rotating in the opposite direction to the automatically preselected rotation direction.

[0031] This design makes the use of the hair-cutting device 1 according to the invention particularly simple and intuitive, especially for users lacking hairdressing expertise, because this design allows the rotation directions SR1, SR2 of the rotating portion 15 of the device 1 to automatically adapt in response to simple hand gestures of use of the device 1 on and in contact with the hair C, without the user having to visually contact the device 1, and also with particularly limited (if not completely avoided) risk of incorrectly selecting one of the rotation directions SR1, SR2 of the rotating portion 15 of the device 1. Detecting the forced rotation direction of the rotating portion 15 of the hair-cutting head 4 carrying the mechanical engagement element 7, rather than detecting possible movements of other parts of the device 1 different from the rotating portion 15, makes it particularly simple and effective to detect the interaction between the device 1 and the hair C in order to preselect the rotation direction in which the rotating portion 15 should be driven, even if the interaction between the device 1 and the hair C stems from movements more complex than a simple movement of the device 1 along the hair.

[0032] The specific design of the device 1 according to the invention also makes it particularly comfortable and safe to use. In fact, the rotation of the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 along the preselected rotation directions SR1, SR2 advantageously tends to generate hair wrapping around the rotating portion 15 to aid in styling the hair C, while automatically triggering the rotation of the rotating portion 15 along the opposite auxiliary rotation directions SRA1, SRA2 (i.e., rotation opposite to the automatically preselected rotation directions) corresponding to the detected forced rotation directions SRF1, SRF2, conversely, advantageously tends to prevent hair from wrapping around the rotating portion 15. When the user does not perform forward manual operation on the control member, the force applied to the rotating portion 15 by the interaction between the hair C and the mechanical engagement element 7 can only trigger the rotating portion 15 to rotate in a direction that tends to counteract the applied force and thus counteract the corresponding forced rotation torque.

[0033] Therefore, when the electric drive module 16 stops, when the user, for example, makes the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hairstyling head 4 of device 1 contact with their hair C (or a third party's hair), the hairstyling head 4 is placed between the hair C and the scalp, and on the right side of the user's (or a third party's) face / head in a top-to-bottom direction (i.e., from the root to the tip of the hair, as shown in the image), the hairstyling head 4 is positioned between the hair C and the scalp. Figure 20 (a) As indicated by the thin arrow, when the hair styling head 4 is moved to contact the hair C, the interaction between the hair C and the mechanical engagement element 7 tends to force the rotating portion 15 of the hair styling head 4 to rotate along the corresponding first forced rotation direction SRF1. Figure 9 (a) and Figure 10 (a) Figure 13 (a) and Figure 14 (a) and Figure 20 (a)). This forced rotation is detected by the detection device, which causes the control system of the electric drive module 16 to automatically preselect a first rotation direction SR1 for the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4, that is, to automatically preselect a first predetermined electric operation mode corresponding to the rotation of the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 along its first rotation direction SR1 (opposite to the first forced rotation direction SRF1). Therefore, when the user subsequently manually operates the control member, the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 then rotates along the so-called preselected first rotation direction SR1 ( Figure 20 (c)), and may cause hair C to wrap around the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 accordingly. Conversely, if the control member is not manually activated by the user, the control system causes the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 to rotate along a first auxiliary rotation direction SRA1 corresponding to the detected first forced rotation direction SRF1. Figure 20 (b) Therefore, it is advantageous to avoid hair C getting tangled around the rotating part 15 of the hairstyle head 4.

[0034] Conversely, when the electric drive module 16 stops, when the user, for example, brings the hair styling head 4 of device 1 into contact with their hair C (or a third party's hair), the hair styling head 4 is positioned between the hair C and the scalp, and on the left side of the user's (or third party's) face / head in a top-to-bottom direction (i.e., from the root to the tip of the hair, as shown in the image). Figure 21 (a) As the hair styling head 4 is moved to contact the hair C, the interaction between the hair C and the hair mechanical engagement element 7 tends to force the rotating portion 15 of the hair styling head 4 to rotate along the corresponding second forced rotation direction SRF2, which is opposite to the first forced rotation direction SRF1. Figure 9 (c) and Figure 10 (c) Figure 13 (c) and Figure 14 (c) and Figure 21 (c) This forced rotation is detected by the detection device, which causes the control system of the electric drive module 16 to automatically preselect a second rotation direction SR2 for the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4, that is, to automatically preselect a second predetermined electric operation mode corresponding to the rotation of the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 along its second rotation direction SR2 (opposite to the second forced rotation direction SRF2). Therefore, when the user manually operates the control member, the rotating portion 15 then rotates along the so-called preselected second rotation direction SR2 ( Figure 21 (c)), and may cause hair C to wrap around the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 accordingly. Conversely, if the control member is not manually activated by the user, the control system causes the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 to rotate along the second auxiliary rotation direction SRA2 corresponding to the detected second forced rotation direction SRF2. Figure 21 (b) Therefore, it is advantageous to avoid hair C getting tangled around the rotating part 15 of the hairstyle head 4.

[0035] Depending on styling habits and / or desired hairstyle effect, the hairstyle head 4 of device 1 may also be different from that described above. Figure 20 and Figure 21 Instead of placing it between the hair shaft (C) and the scalp, it should be placed on the outside of the hair shaft (C), as shown below. Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown in the example. In this case, when the user applies a pull from top to bottom (i.e., from the root C to the tip of the hair, as shown in the example). Figure 22 (a) and Figure 23 (a) As indicated by the thin arrow, the interaction between the hair C and the mechanical engagement element 7 tends to force the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyle head 4 to rotate: - Either along the first forced rotation direction SRF1 ( Figure 9 (a) and Figure 10 (a) Figure 13 (a) and Figure 14 (a) and Figure 22(a) In this case, the forced rotation is detected by the detection device, causing the first rotation direction SR1 of the rotating portion 15 of the automatic pre-selected hair styler 4 to be ( Figure 22 (c) - Or along the second forced rotation direction SRF2 ( Figure 9 (c) and Figure 10 (c) Figure 13 (c) and Figure 14 (c) and Figure 23 (a) In this case, the forced rotation is detected by the detection device, causing the second rotation direction SR2 of the rotating portion 15 of the automatic pre-selected hair styler 4 to be adjusted. Figure 23 (c)).

[0036] The table below summarizes the positioning of the above-mentioned device 1 based on the positioning of its hairpiece 4 relative to the hair C. Figures 20 to 23 The different possible operating modes of the device 1. This allows us to understand the full advantages of the invention, which can automatically select the appropriate rotation directions SR1, SR2 based on the position of the hair clipper 4 of the device 1, without requiring the user to consider which rotation direction to choose. This makes it possible to provide a particularly intuitive and easy-to-use hair-cutting device 1, ideal for beginners (those lacking professional knowledge in the hairdressing field), and to limit the risk of hair tangling.

[0037] Therefore, the automatic selection of the rotation direction of the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 can be performed particularly simply, naturally, and intuitively. For example, it can be achieved through simple linear movement of the device 1, or even simply by allowing the device 1 to fall and move naturally under its own weight, with the hairstyling head 4 in contact with the hair C. Thus, the user's wrist rotation is not required. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the user does not need to consider what rotation direction the rotating portion 15 should be given based on the positioning of the hairstyling head 4 relative to its hair C, because the device 1 systematically selects, i.e., selects the appropriate rotation direction SR1, SR2 of the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 in an automatic and transparent manner to the user. This advantageously prevents the risk of hair tangling / entanglement while ensuring the best possible styling effect. Moreover, the risk of accidental entanglement of the hair C is further limited, because when the user does not perform forward manual operation on the first control member, the force applied to the rotating portion 15 by the interaction between the hair C and the mechanical engagement element 7 can only advantageously trigger the rotating portion 15 to rotate in a direction that tends to counteract the applied force and thus counteract the corresponding forced rotation torque. Advantageously, the control system of the electric drive module 16 can thus play an automatic “assist” role, accompanying the movement of the device 1 to help untangle the hair C that is engaged with the mechanical engagement element 7.

[0038] To ensure the detection of the forced rotation directions SRF1 and SRF2 of the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4, the detection device preferably includes: - The rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 is pivotally mounted relative to the main body 2 within a predetermined angular range about the rotation axis Δ, such that when the electric drive module 16 is stopped (i.e., when the electric drive module 16 is not powered), the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4, under the mechanical force exerted by the hair C on the mechanical engagement element 7, can still pivot within the predetermined angular range along the first forced rotation direction SRF1 to a first angular position, and along the second forced rotation direction SRF2 to the opposite second angular position (in other words, the predetermined angular range defines the functional clearance required to detect the forced rotation directions SRF1 and SRF2), and - At least one sensor 19A, 19B is used to detect when the rotating part 15 reaches each of the first and second angular positions.

[0039] Therefore, when the electric drive module 16 stops and does not drive the rotating part 15 to rotate, the mechanical force exerted by the hair on the mechanical engagement element 7 as the hairstyling head 4 moves relative to the hair causes the rotating part 15 to "force" pivot (force rotate) along either the first or second forced rotation direction SRF1, SRF2 within the predetermined angle range on its rotation axis Δ, depending on the direction and manner of movement of the hairstyling head 4 relative to the hair C. The detection device may include a single sensor to detect arrival at each of the first and second angular positions, or preferably two sensors 19A, 19B to detect arrival at one of the first and second angular positions, respectively.

[0040] Accordingly, the control system of the electric drive module 16 is designed and configured as follows: - When the first angular position is detected, the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 is rotated along the first rotation direction SR1 (and thus opposite to the first forced rotation direction SRF1), and conversely, - When the second angular position is detected, the rotating part 15 of the hairpiece 4 is rotated along the second rotation direction SR2 (and thus opposite to the second forced rotation direction SRF2), and the control member is manually activated by the user.

[0041] In other words, the control system of the electric drive module 16 advantageously includes or is configured with an automatic rotation direction selection device, and advantageously includes an electronic control circuit (hereinafter referred to as the "control circuit") connected to the electric drive module 16 for rotating the rotating portion 15 of the hair styling head 4 when the first manual control member is activated: - When the first angular position is detected, that is, when one or both of the sensors 19A and 19B detect that the rotating part 15 occupies the first angular position, it rotates along the first rotation direction SR1, and accordingly, - When the second angular position is detected, that is, when (another) sensor 19A, 19B detects that the rotating part 15 occupies the second angular position, it rotates along the second rotation direction SR2.

[0042] The control system / control circuit may be connected to or include the sensors 19A and 19B.

[0043] Advantageously, the range of the predetermined angle is selected, i.e., fixed by the design of the device 1, to be between 1° and 15°, preferably between 5° and 15°, for example, equal to 10°. In other words, the device 1 is designed and configured such that the transition of the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 from a first angular position to a second angular position and vice versa corresponds to an angle of pivoting the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 about its axis of rotation Δ, preferably between 1° and 15°, preferably between 5° and 15°, for example, equal to 10°. This range advantageously allows for particularly easy and comfortable detection, based on the slight forced rotation of the rotating portion 15 caused by the interaction between the hair and the mechanical engagement element 7 as the hairstyling head 4 moves relative to the hair, thus eliminating the need for the user to perform particularly large combing movements and / or pull the hair with particular force, nor to alter their intuitive and natural styling actions.

[0044] Advantageously, the at least one sensor 19A, 19B, or each of the sensors 19A, 19B in the case of multiple sensors, is arranged inside the hair-setting head 4 of the device 1. This particularly helps to limit the volume of the body 2, especially the volume of its portion forming the handle 3, so as to facilitate the user's grip on the device 1. When the electric drive module 16 is also arranged inside the hair-setting head 4, this also allows for simplification and improved reliability of the electrical design of the device 1, especially when the device 1 includes the hinge system 14 of the hair-setting head 4 relative to the body 2.

[0045] Preferably, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the detection device includes: - Two sensors 19A and 19B, as previously envisioned, namely the first sensor 19A and the second sensor 19B, are used to detect, respectively, that the rotating portion 15 of the hairpiece 4 has reached one of the first and second angular positions, and - First activation / deactivation components 20A, 20A', 20A" are used to cause a state change in the first sensor 19A when the first angular position is reached, and - Second activation / deactivation components 20B, 20B', 20B" are used to cause a change in the state of the second sensor 19B when the second angular position is reached.

[0046] Here, "activation / deactivation component" advantageously refers to a component that causes a change in the state of the corresponding sensor by activating (e.g., by closing an electrical contact or optical path) or conversely by deactivating (e.g., by disconnecting an electrical contact or cutting off an optical path) the sensor or one of its characteristics.

[0047] For example, as shown in the design variant in the attached figure, the first activation / deactivation components 20A, 20A', 20A" can be configured to cooperate with the first sensor 19A when the first angular position is reached (e.g., Figure 9 (a) and Figure 13 (a) to cause a change in the state of the first sensor 19A, while the second activation / deactivation components 20B, 20B', and 20B" respectively cooperate with the second sensor 19B when they reach the second angular position. Figure 9 (c) and Figure 13 (c) to cause a change in the state of the second sensor 19B. However, an opposite configuration is also conceivable, wherein the first activation / deactivation member ceases to engage with the first sensor upon reaching a first angular position, and the second activation / deactivation member ceases to engage with the second sensor upon reaching a second angular position. The first and second activation / deactivation members 20A, 20A', 20A"; 20B, 20B', 20B" may be formed from different parts or elements, or conversely, from a single identical part or element.

[0048] According to one variant, an example of its embodiment is shown in Figures 1 to 10 The first and second sensors 19A and 19B are optical sensors 21A and 21B, preferably optical fork sensors (“light sensors” or “light switches”), i.e., optical sensors with two arms (“U”-shaped sensors), one fork arm carrying an optical transmitter and the other fork arm carrying an optical receiver. According to this variation, the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A and 20B advantageously form one or more light-shielding elements, designed and arranged to be positioned between the arms of the optical fork sensors 21A and 21B, respectively, according to a first or second angular position occupied by the rotating portion 15 of the hairpiece 4, to selectively cut off the detection beam emitted from the optical transmitter to the optical receiver, thereby causing a change in the state of each of the first and second optical fork sensors 21A and 21B. For example, as... Figures 7 to 10 As shown, the first and second activation / deactivation components 20A and 20B can thus form a single, integrated light-shielding element, which is designed and arranged as follows: - When the rotating part 15 of the hairpiece 4 occupies the first angular position ( Figure 9 (a) Positioned between the arms of the first optical fork sensor 21A, and cutting off the detection beam emitted from the optical transmitter to the optical receiver of the first optical fork sensor 21A, and - When the rotating part 15 of the hairpiece 4 occupies the second angle position ( Figure 9 (c) Positioned between the arms of the second optical fork sensor 21B, and cutting off the detection beams emitted by the optical transmitter to the optical receiver of the second optical fork sensor 21B respectively.

[0049] Alternatively, though less preferred, each of the optical sensors may include an optical emitter and an optical receiver, and the first and second activation / deactivation components may form one or more reflective elements designed and arranged to selectively reflect the detection beam emitted by the optical emitter toward the optical receiver, depending on the first or second angular position occupied by the rotating portion 15 of the hairpiece 4, thereby causing a change in the state of each of the first and second optical sensors. Employing first and second sensors 19A, 19B of the type of optical sensors 21A, 21B, particularly optical fork-type sensors, allows for non-contact detection of arrival at the first and second angular positions (thus frictionless and with less mechanical clearance constraints). This advantageously enables particularly accurate and reliable detection of arrival at the first and second angular positions, while imparting excellent mechanical robustness to the detection device.

[0050] According to another variation, an example of one aspect of the embodiment is shown in Figures 11 to 14 Another example of an embodiment is shown in Figures 15 to 18 The first and second sensors 19A and 19B are switches 22A and 22B. The first activation / deactivation components 20A' and 20A" advantageously form the first actuation components, which, upon reaching the first angular position (e.g., ...), Figure 13 (a) engages with the first of the switches 22A and 22B, thereby causing a change in the switching state of the first switch 22A. Symmetrically, the second activation / deactivation members 20B' and 20B" advantageously form the second actuation members, which, upon reaching the second angular position (e.g., Figure 13 (c) Cooperates with the second of the switches 22A and 22B, thereby causing a change in the switching state of the second switch 22B. Advantageously, the first activation / deactivation members 20A' and 20A" reach the second angular position (e.g., Figure 13 (c) When the second activation / deactivation components 20B' and 20B" do not cooperate with the first switch 22A, and reach the first angular position (e.g., when they are in the first angular position), they are not in the first angular position. Figure 13 (a) It does not cooperate with the second switch 22B.

[0051] Here, "switch" (or "electric switch") advantageously refers to a device designed to interrupt, restore, reverse the direction of current, or distribute said current to different circuits as desired. Preferably, as Figures 11 to 14 and Figures 15 to 18As shown, the first and second switches 22A and 22B are electromechanical switches. An electromechanical switch is a switch that allows current to be interrupted, established, or directed between at least two contact terminals under the influence of external mechanical action. Note that an electromechanical switch is a specific type of electromechanical switch that allows selective interruption or establishment of current between two contact terminals. Advantageously, the first and second switches 22A and 22B are monostable electromechanical switches, i.e., having momentary mechanical contacts, such as microswitches. For this purpose, each of the first and second electromechanical switches 22A and 22B includes a housing, at least two contact terminals, an internal movable mechanical contact mounted on a spring, movable between a closed contact position and an open contact position, and a movable button 23A and 23B protruding from the housing and movable relative to the housing for moving the internal mechanical contact between the closed contact position and the open contact position when an external mechanical force is applied to the movable button against the spring's restoring force, and vice versa. More advantageously, as Figures 11 to 14 and Figures 15 to 18 For example, the first and second switches 22A, 22B are monostable “commutation” electromechanical switches. They therefore include three contact terminals, with internal mechanical contacts designed and configured to selectively establish electrical contact between a first contact terminal, referred to as the “common terminal,” and a second contact terminal, referred to as the “normally open terminal,” or between the “common terminal” contact terminal and a third contact terminal, referred to as the “normally closed terminal,” upon movement of the movable buttons 23A, 23B. Accordingly, the first and second actuating members (i.e., the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A', 20B'; 20A”, 20B”) may each form a protrusion (or “positive protrusion”) intended to mechanically engage with one of the electromechanical switches 22A, 22B, respectively, by interacting with the movable buttons 23A, 23B of these switches to cause a change in the switching state of the electromechanical switches 22A, 22B according to the achieved angular position, as illustrated in the figure.

[0052] Alternatively, the first and second switches can be first and second electromagnetic switches (or "reed switches"), and the first and second activation / deactivation components can be formed, for example, by permanent magnets. Using such electromechanical or electromagnetic switches greatly simplifies the design and manufacture of device 1 and reduces its cost. Since the first and second sensors 19A, 19B are advantageously components that ensure electrical connection, power can be directly transmitted to the electric geared motor 17 of the electric drive module 16 via the first and second sensors 19A, 19B without the need for additional components, such as relays or "H" bridges, between the first and second sensors 19A, 19B and the electric geared motor 17. The first and second sensors 19A, 19B can therefore be advantageously included in the aforementioned control system (and even, if necessary, in its electrical or electronic control circuitry). Using switches 22A, 22B of the "commutating" monostable electromechanical switch type as envisioned above further simplifies the mechanical and electrical design of device 1 and reduces its manufacturing cost.

[0053] Preferably, regardless of the type of sensors 19A and 19B selected, the first and second activation / deactivation components 20A, 20B; 20A', 20B'; 20A" and 20B" are arranged inside the hair-hair head 4 of the device 1, especially when the first and second sensors 19A and 19B themselves are preferably arranged inside the hair-hair head 4, as in the example shown in the figure. This advantageously simplifies the mechanical design of the device 1.

[0054] According to a preferred variant implemented in the example shown in the figure, the electric drive module 16 is arranged inside the hairpiece 4 and includes a motor housing 24, which is pivotally mounted relative to the body 2 within the predetermined angular range and rotates about the rotation axis Δ of the rotating portion 15 of the hairpiece 4. Typically, the housing (“outer shell”) of the electric geared motor 17 that constitutes the electric drive module 16 is advantageously fixedly connected to the stator of the electric geared motor 17. The electric drive module 16 also includes an output shaft 18, to which the rotating portion 15 is connected, as previously mentioned, such that rotation of the output shaft 18 drives a combined rotation of the rotating portion 15. In this variant, the output shaft 18 is advantageously rotatable about the rotation axis Δ of the rotating portion 15 of the hairpiece 4. Furthermore, the electric drive module 16 is designed and configured such that when the electric drive module 16 is stopped (i.e., not energized), the output shaft 18 is substantially fixed in rotation relative to the motor housing 24, such that the pivoting of the rotating portion 15 of the hairdressing head 4 within the predetermined angular range (under forced rotation) causes a corresponding pivoting of the motor housing 24 about the axis of rotation Δ of the rotating portion 15 of the hairdressing head 4. Therefore, the electric drive module 16 is advantageously designed and configured to resist the forced rotational force of the output shaft 18 when the electric drive module 16 is stopped. For example, the output shaft 18 can constitute the reducer output shaft of the electric geared motor 17, and its rotational fixation can advantageously originate from the frictional forces generated by the reducer gears of the electric geared motor 17, which resist the free rotation of the output shaft 18 when the electric drive module 16 is stopped. For this purpose, the electric drive module 16 may typically include housings 25, 25', 25" (e.g., cylindrical), which are fixedly mounted relative to the body 2 of the device 1, within which the motor housing 24 is pivotally arranged. For example, housings 25, 25', 25" may have bases 26, 26', 26" forming male sockets, designed and configured to mate with corresponding female sockets carried by the body 2 of the device 1 in a manner where relative rotation is not possible. Housings 25, 25', 25" may have at least one pair of opposing stops 27A, 27B; 27A', 27B'; 27A", 27B" internally, which mechanically define the permissible pivoting range (predetermined angular range) of the motor housing 24 about the rotation axis Δ, such as... Figure 10 , Figure 14 and Figure 16 As shown in particular.

[0055] When the first and second sensors 19A and 19B are optical sensors 21A and 21B, they are preferably optical fork-type sensors. As previously described, the first and second optical sensors 21A and 21B are advantageously arranged fixedly relative to the rotation axis Δ of the rotating portion 15 of the hair styling head 4, and the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A and 20B are rotatably fixed relative to the motor housing 24. This advantageously helps to simplify the mechanical and electrical / electronic design of the device 1.

[0056] For this purpose, the electric drive module 16 may advantageously include an optical sensor bracket 28 on which first and second optical sensors 21A, 21B are fixed, the bracket being fixedly connected to the housing 25. Correspondingly, the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A, 20B are advantageously fixedly connected to the motor housing 24 in a manner with no possibility of relative rotation, for example via a motor mount 29, in which the motor housing 24 is housed in a manner with no possibility of relative rotation. Since it is pivotally mounted within the housing 25 about the axis of rotation Δ, the motor mount 29 advantageously forms a swing mount fixedly connected to the motor housing 24 and the optical sensor bracket 28, pivoting within the predetermined angular range. Advantageously, the motor mount 29 and / or the optical sensor bracket 28 include at least a pair of stops 30A, 30B, arranged and configured to engage respectively with corresponding stops in a pair of stops 27A, 27B provided on the housing 25 to mechanically define the amplitude of the predetermined angular range.

[0057] Alternatively, when the first and second sensors 19A, 19B are switches 22A, 22B, as previously described, it is advantageous to arrange the first and second switches 22A, 22B preferably to be rotatably fixed relative to the motor housing 24, while the first and second activation / deactivation components 20A', 20B'; 20A", 20B" are preferably fixedly arranged relative to the rotation axis Δ of the rotating portion 15 of the hairpiece 4. Unlike the first and second switches 22A, 22B, the first and second activation / deactivation components 20A', 20B'; 20A", 20B" are therefore not rotatably mounted about the rotation axis Δ of the rotating portion 15 of the hairpiece 4. This helps to simplify and improve the reliability of the electrical design of the device 1, especially when the first and second switches 22A, 22B themselves are advantageously arranged inside the hairpiece 4. For this purpose, the electric drive module 16 may advantageously include switch brackets 28', 28" on which first and second switches 22A, 22B are fixed, the brackets being fixedly connected to the motor housing 24 in a manner in which no relative rotation is possible, for example by means of motor mounts 29', 29" in which the motor housing 24 is housed in a manner in which no relative rotation is possible. Since the motor mounts 29', 29" are pivotally mounted within the housings 25', 25" about the axis of rotation Δ, they advantageously form swing mounts fixedly connected to the motor housing 24 and the switch brackets 28', 28" and pivot within the predetermined angular range. Advantageously, the motor mounts 29', 29" and / or the switch brackets 28', 28" include at least one pair of stops 30A, 30B, 30A', 30B', which are arranged and configured to engage with corresponding stops in the stop pairs 27A', 27B'; 27A", 27B" provided in the housings 25', 25" respectively, to mechanically define the amplitude of the predetermined angular range.

[0058] according to Figures 11 to 14In the example design sub-variation, the first and second switches 22A, 22B are monostable electromechanical switches as envisioned above, advantageously identical, and the first and second switches 22A, 22B and the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A', 20B' are arranged to allow each of the first and second switches 22A, 22B to be actuated in an actuation direction orthogonal to the rotation axis Δ of the rotating portion 15 of the hairpiece 4 (“radial” arrangement). According to this sub-variation, the first and second switches 22A, 22B and the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A', 20B' are advantageously arranged such that the first and second switches 22A, 22B are actuated by the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A', 20B' respectively, by a mechanical force arising from the interaction between the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A', 20B' and the buttons 23A, 23B of the first and second switches 22A, 22B, applied in a direction located in a plane orthogonal to the rotation axis Δ of the rotating portion 15 of the hairpiece 4. This arrangement has the particular advantage of limited axial volume. Advantageously, the first and second switches 22A, 22B can be stacked vertically along the rotation axis Δ of the rotating portion 15, for example, mounted in a "head-to-tail" manner, with their respective buttons 23A, 23B oriented away from said rotation axis Δ. The first and second activation / deactivation members 20A', 20B' can then form first and second protrusions, as previously mentioned, which can advantageously be merged to form a single identical protrusion and project from the inner surface of the housing 25', facing the first and second switches 22A, 22B.

[0059] according to Figures 15 to 18 In another design sub-variation shown in the example, the first and second switches 22A, 22B are monostable electromechanical switches as envisioned above, advantageously identical, and the first and second switches 22A, 22B and the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A", 20B" are arranged to allow each of the first and second switches 22A, 22B to be actuated in an actuation direction parallel to the rotation axis Δ of the rotating portion 15 of the hairpiece 4 ("axial" arrangement). According to this sub-variation, the first and second switches 22A, 22B and the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A", 20B" are therefore advantageously arranged such that the first and second switches 22A, 22B are actuated by the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A", 20B" respectively, by a mechanical force arising from the interaction between the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A", 20B" and the buttons 23A, 23B of the first and second switches 22A, 22B, applied in a direction in a plane parallel to the rotation axis Δ of the rotating portion 15 of the hairpiece 4.

[0060] Advantageously, such as Figure 15 , Figure 17 and Figure 18As shown in particular, the first and second switches 22A and 22B can be arranged at the same height along the rotation axis Δ of the rotating portion 15, preferably on opposite sides of said rotation axis Δ. This alternative arrangement has the advantage of limited radial volume. Furthermore, it advantageously results in less mechanical stress on the first and second switches 22A and 22B when the rotating portion 15 of the hairdressing head 4 pivots from one of the first and second angular positions to the other, thereby improving the reliability and service life of the first and second switches 22A and 22B.

[0061] In this sub-variation, what is particularly advantageous is that it also includes: - The first and second switches 22A and 22B are linearly translatable along the rotation axis Δ of the rotating portion 15 of the hairdressing head 4, and - The hairpiece 4 includes an elastic reset member 31, such as a compression spring, which is designed and configured to apply an automatic axial approach force to move the first and second switches 22A, 22B toward the surface carrying the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A", 20B".

[0062] This particularly advantageous configuration automatically compensates for possible dimensional tolerances in the manufacturing of the components of device 1. Specifically, it automatically compensates for any axial clearances that may exist in the movable buttons 23A, 23B of the first and second switches 22A, 22B due to slightly larger manufacturing dimensional tolerances. This ensures particularly reliable and repeatable operation of the first and second switches 22A, 22B, even when using commercially available conventional switches. Furthermore, the advantageous arrangement of the electric drive module 16 and the first and second switches 22A, 22B all within the hair-growing head 4 facilitates and improves the reliability of the electrical wiring between the first and second switches 22A, 22B and the electric geared motor 17.

[0063] Therefore, such as Figures 15 to 18As shown, the switch bracket 28" (on which the first and second switches 22A and 22B are fixed) is preferably fixedly connected to the motor housing 24 via a motor mount 29" in a manner where no relative rotation is possible. The motor housing 24 is movably accommodated in the motor mount in a purely sliding manner (without relative rotation) along a direction parallel to (and preferably coincident with) the rotation axis Δ of the rotating portion 15 of the hairpiece 4. As described above, the motor mount 24 itself is pivotally mounted inside the housing 25" about the rotation axis Δ, and advantageously forms a swing mount fixedly connected to the motor housing 24 and the switch bracket 28" that pivots within the predetermined angle range. The buttons 23A and 23B of the first and second switches 22A and 22B may advantageously be oriented toward and facing the bottom of the housing 25", which defines a surface that carries the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A" and 20B". The latter may advantageously form two distinct and spaced protrusions, such as material bumps, projecting from the surface. An elastic member 31, such as a compression spring, may be arranged to abut against the inner surface of the cover 32" of the housing 25" and a corresponding support surface defined by the motor mount 29" to elastically push the motor mount 29" toward the bottom of the housing 25", thereby applying an automatic axial approach force to move the first and second switches 22A and 22B toward the protrusions arranged on the bottom surface of the housing 25".

[0064] Preferably, the device 1 includes automatic reset components 33, 33', 33" for automatically resetting the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 to a third angular position (e.g., between the first and second angular positions) when the mechanical force applied to the hair stops. Figure 9 (b) Figure 10 (b) Figure 13 (b) and Figure 14 (b) Therefore, in the absence of force exerted by the interaction between the user's hair C and the hair mechanical engagement element 7, the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 advantageously returns automatically from the first angular position or the second angular position to the intermediate third angular position, the so-called resting position. Thus, the forced rotational force and amplitude required for the rotating portion 15 to reach the first or second angular position to detect the forced rotation are advantageously reduced, further improving the convenience and comfort of using the device 1. More preferably, the third angular position is an intermediate angular position located between the first and second angles within the predetermined angular range. The pivoting amplitude of the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 between the first and third angular positions is the same as the pivoting amplitude of the rotating portion 15 between the second and third angular positions.

[0065] Preferably, the automatic reset components 33, 33', and 33" are elastic automatic reset components. For example, the automatic reset components 33 and 33' can be spring sheets, such as... Figures 7 to 10 and Figures 11 to 14 In the specific design shown, it is typically fixed at its center to a component fixedly connected to the motor mount 29, 29', with its two opposing free ends abutting against corresponding surfaces disposed inside the housing 25, 25' of the electric drive module 16. Alternatively, as Figures 15 to 18 In the particular design shown, the automatic reset member 33" can be a U-shaped spring (or "hairpin spring") with its U-shaped bend fixedly mounted on the housing 25", each of its U-shaped legs arranged to abut against one or more ribs provided on the motor mount 29". Of course, other suitable shapes, configurations and arrangements of the automatic reset members 33, 33', 33" are possible. By appropriately selecting the resilient self-resetting components 33, 33', and 33" and determining their dimensions (length, stiffness coefficient, etc.), it is advantageous to precisely adjust the forced rotational force required by the user to move the rotating portion 15 of the hair styling head 4 from a third angular position to a first or second angular position during the design of the device 1. This allows for the definition of a minimum threshold for the required forced rotational force, low enough to avoid excessive pulling of the hair by the user (which could cause pain), and high enough to avoid overly sensitive detection (which could lead to unintentional changes in the rotation direction of the rotating portion 15 of the hair styling head 4). In practice, defining this minimum force threshold by selecting and determining the dimensions of the resilient self-resetting components 33, 33', and 33" may depend on the overall dimensions of the device 1 and its hair styling head 4, as well as the magnitude of the frictional force that may resist the pivoting of the rotating portion 15 of the hair styling head 4 within a predetermined angular range.

[0066] Advantageously, the control system of the electric drive module 16 is designed and configured to disable, i.e., prevent the operation of the electric drive module 16 if at least one of the sensors 19A, 19B (and therefore advantageously the first and second optical sensors 21A, 21B, or the first and second switches 22A, 22B) fails to detect arrival at either the first or second angular position. Therefore, when no mechanical force is applied to the mechanical engagement element 7 by the hair and detected by the detection device, the control system / operation circuit interrupts the power supply to the electric drive module 16, preventing the rotating portion 15 of the hairstyling head 4 from being rotated by the electric drive module 16 in either of the stated rotational directions. This contributes to safer, more efficient, and more energy-efficient use of the device 1.

[0067] Particularly preferably, when the rotating portion 15 of the hair styling head 4 occupies the aforementioned intermediate third angular position (under the reset action of the automatic reset members 33, 33', 33"), the control system of the electric drive module 16 thus advantageously prevents the electric drive module 16 from effectively rotating the rotating portion 15 of the hair styling head 4. This further improves the operation of the device 1, and in particular avoids possible oscillation effects of the rotating portion 15 of the hair styling head 4 between the first and second angular positions.

[0068] Advantageously, as in the example shown in the figure, the control element that can be manually activated by the user (for triggering the rotation of the rotating portion 15 of the hairpiece 4 to rotate effectively in rotational directions SR1, SR2 opposite to the detected forced rotational directions SRF1, SRF2) includes a manual actuation button 34, preferably arranged at the handle 3 of the device 1, and a first electrical switch 35 (or "normal rotation switch") connected to the manual actuation button 34. For example, the manual actuation button 34 is a monostable button (push-button switch) that automatically returns from an "activated" position to a "deactivated" position when the user stops applying manual force to it. In contrast, the device 1 does not have a manual actuation button for controlling the rotation of the rotating portion 15 of the hairpiece 4 in auxiliary rotational directions SRA1, SRA2 corresponding to the forced rotational directions SRF1, SRF2 detected by the detection device, because such rotation is performed automatically by the control system.

[0069] For example, as shown in the figure, the control system may include a second electrical switch 37, which is also connected to the manual actuation button 34, and is connected in the opposite manner to the first electrical switch 35, such that: - When the manual actuation button 34 is manually activated by the user, for example, by being pressed by the user's finger, the first electrical switch 35 is activated while the second electrical switch 37 is simultaneously deactivated, and vice versa. When the manual actuation button 34 is not manually activated by the user, for example when the user stops applying manual force to it, the first electrical switch 35 is deactivated while the second electrical switch 37 is activated at the same time.

[0070] For example, as shown in the figure, the first and second electrical switches 35 and 37 are monostable electromechanical switches, that is, switches with instantaneous mechanical contacts, such as microswitches.

[0071] To further clarify the implementation of some of the aforementioned functional features, Figure 19 This illustrates a variation according to the foregoing (where the first and second sensors 19A, 19B are optical sensors 21A, 21B, preferably optical fork-type sensors). Figure 1This is an example of the electrical design schematic of device 1. This electrical design is particularly advantageous due to its simplicity, robustness, and low cost of implementation. Device 1 is designed here to be powered by mains electricity (from the distribution network, AC voltage 220-240 Vac, 50-60 Hz). However, the electric geared motor 17 and the electric motor 10 of the blower module 8 are advantageously DC electric motors. For this purpose, diode bridges 38 and 39 are provided to achieve double half-wave rectification, powering each DC electric motor 10 and 17. If device 1 is designed to be powered by a DC power supply, these diode bridges 38 and 39 can be omitted. The electric heating element of device 1 comprises multiple resistors 13A-13E. The electric motor 10 and the electric geared motor 17 of the blower module each obtain power from a branch of the power supply circuit of resistors 13A-13E via their respective diode bridges 38 and 39.

[0072] In this example, the main switch 6 of the device is a three-position selector, which is connected to resistors 13A-13E and diode bridges 38 and 39 that power the electric motor 10 of the blower module and the electric geared motor 17 of the electric drive module 16 for the rotating part 15 of the hair dryer 4. The first and second electrical switches 35 and 37 of the electric drive module 16 control the system are here “commutating” monostable electromechanical switches, advantageously conforming to the general description of such switches above.

[0073] Still refer to Figure 19 The schematic diagram shows that the first and second optical sensors 21A and 21B are electrically connected to the H-bridge transistor bridge (or "H-bridge", in this case, in the form of integrated circuit 40) to control the latter. The H-bridge is electrically connected on one hand to the power supply diode bridge 39 of the electric geared motor 17 of the electric drive module 16, and on the other hand to the first and second electrical switches 35 and 37, which are themselves electrically connected to the electric geared motor 17.

[0074] In the case where the first and second sensors 19A and 19B are switches 22A and 22B, particularly the "commutating" monostable electromechanical switches as envisioned above, a design similar to... Figure 19 A similar electrical design diagram, except that the optical sensor 21 will be replaced by the switches 22A and 22B, and the H-bridge 40 will be omitted.

[0075] Of course, depending on the general power supply selection of the equipment (DC or AC), the selection of sensors (quantity, type, etc.), the selection of the electric geared motor 17 (DC or AC), other appropriate mechanical, electrical, or electronic designs can be considered to achieve the desired purpose.

[0076] Industrial application possibilities This invention can be industrially applied to the design and manufacture of hair-cutting devices, such as home hair-cutting devices, and more specifically relates to portable hair-cutting devices designed to assist in hair styling.

Claims

1. An electric portable hair clipper (1), comprising: The main body (2) includes a manual grip handle (3); a hair styling head (4) connected to the main body (2) and including a rotating part (15) provided with a hair (C) mechanical engagement element (7) for contacting hair (C) to help style hair (C); and an electric drive module (16) for driving the rotating part (15) to rotate selectively relative to the main body (2) about a rotation axis (Δ) in a first rotation direction (SR1) and an opposite second rotation direction (SR2); And a control system for controlling the operation of the electric drive module (16); the device (1) is characterized in that the control system comprises: - A detection device for detecting the direction (SRF1, SRF2) of the forced rotation of the rotating part (15) of the hairpiece (4) under the mechanical force applied by the hair (C) to the mechanical coupling element (7). - A control component that can be manually activated by the user to trigger the rotating portion (15) of the hairstyling head (4) to rotate in a direction opposite to the detected forced rotation direction (SRF1, SRF2) (SR1, SR2). The control system is designed and configured to automatically trigger the rotating portion (15) of the hairpiece (4) to rotate along the rotation direction (SRA1, SRA2) corresponding to the detected forced rotation direction (SRF1, SRF2) without manual activation of the control component.

2. The device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that: - The detection device includes The rotating portion (15) of the hairstyling head (4) is pivotally mounted relative to the main body (2) within a predetermined angular range about the rotation axis (Δ), such that when the electric drive module (16) stops, the rotating portion (15) of the hairstyling head (4) is still able to pivot within the predetermined angular range along the first forced rotation direction (SRF1) to a first angular position, and along the second forced rotation direction (SRF2) to the opposite second angular position, under the mechanical force exerted by the hair on the mechanical engagement element (7). • At least one sensor (19A, 19B) is used to detect arrival at each of the first and second angular positions. The control system of the electric drive module (16) is designed and configured to cause the rotating part (15) to rotate along the first rotation direction (SR1) when the control component is manually activated by the user and a first angular position is detected, and to cause the rotating part (15) to rotate along the second rotation direction (SR2) when a second angular position is detected.

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

4. The device (1) according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that... It includes an automatic reset component (33, 33', 33"), preferably an elastic automatic reset component, for automatically resetting the rotating part (15) of the hairpiece (4) to a third angle position between the first angle position and the second angle position when the mechanical force applied by the hair (C) stops, and the third angle position is preferably the middle position between the first angle position and the second angle position.

5. The device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that... The control system of the electric drive module (16) is designed and configured to disable the operation of the electric drive module (16) if the at least one sensor (19A, 19B) does not detect that either the first angular position or the second angular position has been reached.

6. The device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that... The at least one sensor (19A, 19B) is arranged inside the hairpiece (4).

7. The device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the detection apparatus comprises: - A first sensor (19A) and a second sensor (19B) are used to detect arrival at one of the first angular positions and the second angular positions, respectively. - A first activation / deactivation component (20A, 20A', 20A") is used to cause a state change of the first sensor (19A) when the first angular position is reached, and a second activation / deactivation component (20B, 20B', 20B") is used to cause a state change of the second sensor (19B) when the second angular position is reached.

8. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that... The first and second sensors (19A, 19B) are optical sensors (21A, 21B), preferably optical fork-type sensors.

9. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that... The first and second sensors (19A, 19B) are switches (22A, 22B), preferably electromechanical switches.

10. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... The electric drive module (16) is located inside the hair styling head (4).

11. The device according to claims 8 and 10, characterized in that: - The electric drive module (16) includes a motor housing (24) which is pivotally mounted relative to the main body (2) within the predetermined angle range and rotates about the rotation axis (Δ) of the rotating part (15) of the hair-hair head (4). The electric drive module (16) includes an output shaft (18) which is rotatable about the rotation axis (Δ) of the rotating part (15). The rotating part (15) is connected to the output shaft (18) such that the rotation of the output shaft (18) drives the joint rotation of the rotating part (15). The output shaft (18) is rotationally fixed relative to the motor housing (24) when the electric drive module (16) stops. - The first and second optical sensors (21A, 21B) are fixedly arranged relative to the rotation axis (Δ) of the rotating part (15), and the first and second activation / deactivation components (20A, 20B) are fixedly mounted in rotation relative to the motor housing (24).

12. The device according to claims 9 and 10, characterized in that: - The electric drive module (16) includes a motor housing (24) which is pivotally mounted relative to the main body (2) within the predetermined angle range and rotates about the rotation axis (Δ) of the rotating part (15) of the hair-hair head (4). The electric drive module (16) includes an output shaft (18) which is rotatable about the rotation axis (Δ) of the rotating part (15). The rotating part (15) is connected to the output shaft (18) such that the rotation of the output shaft (18) drives the joint rotation of the rotating part (15). The output shaft (18) is rotationally fixed relative to the motor housing (24) when the electric drive module (16) stops. - The first and second switches (22A, 22B) are fixedly mounted in rotation relative to the motor housing (24), and the first and second activation / deactivation components (20A', 20B'; 20A", 20B") are fixedly arranged relative to the rotation axis (Δ) of the rotating part (15).

13. The device (1) according to any one of claims 9 and 12, characterized in that... The first and second switches (22A, 22B) are monostable electromechanical switches, preferably monostable commutating electromechanical switches.

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