HAIR STYLING DEVICE WITH IMPROVED OSCILLATING BLOWER BRUSH MODE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field of hairdressing appliances, for example for home use, and more specifically to the field of portable hairdressing appliances designed to blow a flow of air in order to dry and / or facilitate the shaping of hair. PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE

[0002] In the field of hair styling tools, we are already familiar with devices such as blow-dry hairbrushes. These generally consist of a brush head attached to a handle, and covered all or part of its surface with bristles. Blow-dry holes are integrated into the bristles, allowing a stream of hot or cold air to be blown from the brush head towards the hair. Such blow-dry hairbrushes are designed to dry hair to a certain degree while creating one or more styling effects.

[0003] While some well-known blow-dry hairbrushes are generally satisfactory, they are not without their flaws. Indeed, the hair styling effects that users are supposed to achieve with these brushes are not always easy to achieve optimally in practice. Furthermore, some blow-dry hairbrushes can have a particularly complex design, which tends to impact their reliability and ease of use. In addition, the lack of compactness of some blow-dry hairbrushes makes them less ergonomic and uncomfortable to handle.Moreover, while such well-known blow-dry hairbrush-type styling tools are intended to replace multiple separate devices by combining a brushing and drying function, they are not particularly well-suited in practice for achieving satisfactory hair drying, as drying is necessarily linked to styling or brushing. Blow-dry hairbrush-type styling tools alone cannot effectively perform multiple separate drying, styling, and shaping operations, so the use of a complementary styling tool is generally necessary to satisfactorily achieve all desired hair styling results.Document EP 3 222 165 A1 describes an accessory comprising an air inlet for receiving an airflow from a hair styling appliance, at least one air outlet, a chamber for conveying air from the air inlet to said at least one air outlet, the air inlet being located at one end of the chamber, and the air outlet(s) extending along the length of the chamber, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the chamber decreasing in size from the air inlet along the length of the air outlet(s). DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to propose a new portable hairdressing device which, while being of particularly ergonomic design, makes it easy to obtain particularly satisfactory hair styling and shaping effects.

[0005] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new portable hairdressing device which is both particularly practical and simple to use, even for a user without any particular professional skills in hairdressing.

[0006] Another object of the invention is to propose a new portable hairdressing device of particularly simple, reliable and robust design.

[0007] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new portable hairdressing device whose use is particularly safe.

[0008] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new portable hairdressing device of particularly compact construction.

[0009] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new portable hair styling device allowing a user to easily and efficiently perform a plurality of distinct operations, without requiring the use of an external complementary hair styling device.

[0010] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new portable hair styling device that allows for particularly effective drying and shaping of hair under comfortable conditions of use.

[0011] The objects assigned to the invention are reached using a hair styling device according to claim no. 1. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent and will be described in more detail in the following description, with reference to the attached drawings, which are given solely as illustrative and non-limiting examples, including: there figure 1 illustrates, from a front view, an embodiment of a hair styling device according to the invention; the figure 2 illustrates, from a rear view, the hair styling device of the figure 1 ; there figure 3 illustrates, from a side view, the hair styling device of the Figures 1 And 2 ; there figure 4 illustrates, according to a partially exploded lateral perspective view, the hairdressing apparatus of the figures 1 to 3 ; there figure 5 illustrates, according to a top view in section II (cf. figure 1 ), schematically, the styling head of the hair styling device figures 1 to 4 , whose working element occupies a first angular position; the figure 6illustrates, according to a partial perspective view, schematically, the styling head of the hair styling device figures 1 to 4 , whose working element occupies the first angular position of the figure 5 ; there figure 7 This schematically illustrates, according to a top view in section II, the styling head of the hair styling device. figures 1 to 4 , whose working element occupies a second angular position; the figure 8 illustrates, according to a partial perspective view, schematically, the styling head of the hair styling device figures 1 to 4 , whose working element occupies the second angular position of the figure 7 ; there figure 9 This schematically illustrates, according to a top view in section II, the styling head of the hair styling device. figures 1 to 4 , whose working element occupies a third angular position; the Figure 10illustrates, according to a partial perspective view, schematically, the styling head of the hair styling device figures 1 to 4 , whose working element occupies the third angular position of the figure 9 ; there figure 11 illustrates, according to a partial perspective view, the styling head of the Figure 10 The working element of the styling head has been moved to highlight certain internal design details of the styling head. For clarity in the figures, the spring-blade return mechanism visible on the figure 11 was omitted from the Figures 5 , 7 , 9 And 12 ; there figure 12 illustrates, according to a partial perspective view, some of the elements of a styling head substantially identical to that of the styling apparatus in the previous figures, except for the spring-blade return mechanism visible in the figures 4 And 10was replaced, as an alternative, by a spring-rod return mechanism; the figure 13 This schematically illustrates, according to a top view in section II, the styling head of the hair styling device. figures 1 to 4 , whose air direction unit occupies a different air direction configuration than that illustrated in Figures 5 , 7 And 9 , and in which one of the air direction outlets of the air direction unit is in aerodynamic communication with a third air outlet of the styling head through which the airflow is thus blown; the figure 14 illustrated, according to a longitudinal section view in section II-II (cf. figure 2 ), schematically, the hair styling device of figures 1 to 4 , whose air direction unit occupies the air direction configuration of the figure 13 so that the airflow is blown through the third air outlet of the styling head; the figure 15illustrates schematically, according to a top view of the hair styling device figures 1 to 14 , an advantageous additional design element for the hair styling appliance. WAYS TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

[0013] The hair styling device 1 according to the invention is a portable hair styling device designed to be grasped and manipulated by hand. It is a hair styling device 1 preferably intended for use in a domestic setting by a user without any particular professional skills in hairstyling, i.e., in terms of drying, styling, and shaping hair. Preferably, the hair styling device 1 is designed so that the user operates it on themselves, i.e., on their own hair. However, it is perfectly conceivable that the hair styling device 1 could be designed for use by the user on the hair of another person.

[0014] The hair styling appliance 1, a non-limiting embodiment of which is illustrated in the figures, includes a handle 2 (or grip) for manual handling, intended to be grasped manually by the user to operate the hair styling appliance 1. The handle 2 typically extends between a first end 3 and a second opposite end 4, preferably longitudinally along a (first) axis of extension A-A'. The handle 2 advantageously has a slender, elongated shape so that it can be grasped fully by an adult user.The hair styling appliance 1 also includes a blower module 5 (or "motor-fan unit"), advantageously integrated, designed to generate an airflow F (forced, schematically illustrated by arrows in the figures), and a styling head 6 connected to the handle 2, through which the airflow F generated by the blower module 5 is advantageously directed out of the hair styling appliance 1 so that it can be blown towards the user's hair. The hair styling appliance 1 is advantageously provided with an air inlet 7, through which ambient air can be drawn into the blower module 5 for blowing towards the user's hair. The blower module 5, which typically includes at least one fan driven by an electric motor, can advantageously be arranged within the handle 2 or within the styling head 6.More preferably, however, the blower module 5 of the hair styling appliance 1 is assembled to the handle 2 at its second end 4, so that the blower module 5 advantageously extends the handle 2 beyond its second end 4. Advantageously, the styling head 6 is connected to the handle 2 at its first end 3. The blower module 5 is therefore preferably offset from the styling head 6 and the handle 2. It is thus possible to size the blower module 5 to generate a high airflow rate F economically, without impacting the overall dimensions of the styling head 6 and the handle 2.Furthermore, such an arrangement of the blower module 5 advantageously allows for better weight balancing of the hair styling appliance 1, by distributing the masses on either side of the handle 2, since the handle 2 is located between the blower module 5 and the styling head 6. This contributes to the ergonomics and user comfort of the appliance 1. Moreover, it allows the blower module 5 to be positioned as far away as possible from the user's ears and thus limits the noise perceived by the user during operation of the hair styling appliance 1. In the case where the blower module 5 is arranged within the handle 2, or is assembled to the handle 2 at the second end 4 thereof, the hair styling appliance 1 can then advantageously include a guide channel 8 (. figure 14 ) provided inside the handle 2 to guide, channel, the airflow F from the blower module 5 to the styling head 6.

[0015] Preferably, the hair styling device 1 also includes a heating element designed to raise the temperature of the airflow F generated by the blower module 5. Integrated inside the hair styling device 1, the heating element is arranged so as to be interposed in the airflow F generated by the blower module 5. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the heating element is advantageously positioned inside the air guide channel 8 formed in the handle 2 ( figure 14 The heating element is typically an electric heating element, operating on the principle of the Joule effect, and comprising a heating resistor formed by an electrically conductive wire (not shown) wound around an insulating core 9. Alternatively, the heating element could be housed inside the styling head 6, although this would reduce the head's compactness.

[0016] Advantageously, the hair styling appliance 1 includes means for the user to manually control and / or adjust the electrical operation of the hair styling appliance 1, and in particular the blower module 5 and / or the heating element. These are adjustment means, for example, of the toggle switch, push-button type and / or of the slide or dial type, as illustrated in the figures, which the user can directly use to electrically switch the hair styling appliance 1 on / off and to change the rotation speed of the blower module 5's fan, and therefore the speed / flow rate of the airflow F blown by the styling head 6, and / or the heating temperature of the heating element.Such manual control / adjustment means 10 can be positioned, for example, on the handle 2 or on the blower module 5, when the latter is assembled to the second end 4 of the handle 2 as in the example illustrated in the figures. The hair styling appliance 1 may also optionally include a hot / cold air switch 11, for example arranged on the handle 2, preferably at its first end 3, to control the switching on and / or off of the heating element. Advantageously constituting a portable power device, the hair styling appliance 1 is preferably designed to be electrically powered via a mains supply, using a power cord 12 fitted at one free end with a power plug (not shown).

[0017] According to one variant (not shown), the styling head 6 can be designed to be removably connected to the handle 2, allowing the user to separate the styling head 6 from the handle 2, for example, to clean or replace the styling head 6. According to another variant, shown in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the styling head 6 is designed to remain permanently connected to the handle 2 of the styling appliance 1 and is therefore not intended (under normal use) to be separated from the handle 2 by the user. This simplifies both the design and the use of the styling appliance 1.

[0018] The styling head 6 of the hair styling appliance 1 comprises a housing 13, which is fixed relative to the handle 2, and whose outer surface advantageously defines at least a part of the general external shape and contour of the styling head 6. Immobile relative to the handle 2, the housing 13 is advantageously connected to the handle 2 at the first end 3 of the latter, such that the housing 13 directly extends the handle 2 beyond said first end 3. The outer surface of the housing 13 thus advantageously defines at least a part of the general external shape and contour of a terminal portion of the hair styling appliance 1 that extends the handle 2 of said hair styling appliance 1. As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the housing 13 may comprise a plurality of housing elements 13A, 13B, 13C assembled to one another, for example by screwing and / or snapping.Advantageously, in order to simplify the design and assembly of the hair styling appliance 1, and to improve its robustness, all or part of such housing elements 13A, 13B, 13C can form one or more monolithic pieces with corresponding complementary handle elements 2A, 2B which the handle 2 can respectively comprise, such as for example two half-shells (. figure 4 ).

[0019] The styling head 6 of the hair styling appliance 1 further includes a working element 14 (or "platform" or " padThe working element 14 comprises a (main) mechanical hair engagement element 15, capable of mechanically interacting with the user's hair, particularly for brushing, styling, and / or combing. The working element 14 typically includes a support 16, having a support surface 17 oriented outwards from the hair styling appliance 1 (in this case, towards the hair to be styled), and to which the mechanical hair engagement element 15 is attached. For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the mechanical hair engagement element 15 may comprise a plurality of rows or bars 15A, 15B, 15C of bristles and / or brush pins, fixed to the support 16 and projecting from the support surface 17, preferably in a direction substantially normal to the latter.Alternatively, the mechanical hair engagement element 15 could, for example, comprise bristles and / or brush bristles that are integral with the support 16. The support surface 17 can be substantially flat or, preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, convex outwards from the styling head 6. Optionally, the mechanical hair engagement element 15 is removable, i.e., it is designed to be detached from the rest of the hair styling appliance 1, and in particular from the rest of the working element 14. Thus, the mechanical hair engagement element 15 can be replaced if it is damaged, or even interchanged with another mechanical hair engagement element so as to best adapt the hair styling appliance 1 to the user's hair type and the desired result.For example, the mechanical hair engagement element 15 can be reversibly attached to the support 16 by a sliding assembly, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, where the rows or bars 15A, 15B, 15C of bristles and / or brush pins are each held captive by a respective base housed in a complementary groove formed in the support 16, and from which it can be separated by sliding along the extension direction of said grooves. As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the working element 14 may advantageously include side panels 14A, 14B, which extend on either side of the mechanical hair engagement element 15 and its support 16, and laterally delimit the working element 14.

[0020] The working element 14 of the styling head 6 also includes first and second air outlets 18, 19 (or "first air outlet" and "second air outlet"), through which the airflow F is likely to be blown by the styling head 6 towards the hair of the user and / or the person to be styled. These air outlets 18, 19 thus constitute the first and second air outlets 18, 19 of the styling head 6. The first and second air outlets 18, 19 are distinct from each other, and therefore not contiguous, and are positioned on either side of the mechanical hair engagement element 15.Thus, the working element 14 carries the first and second air outlets 18, 19 as well as the mechanical engagement element 15 of the hair, said air outlets 18, 19 existing concomitantly, permanently (and not alternately or ephemerally) and being immobile with respect to the mechanical engagement element 15 of the hair.

[0021] The working element 14 of the styling head 6 is arranged (at least partially) within the housing 13 of the styling head 6 such that the mechanical hair engagement element 15 protrudes (at least partially) from the housing 13. To this end, the housing 13 has, or at least defines, an opening (or notch) designed to accommodate the working element 14. Advantageously, the working element 14 has an external surface 20 that defines a first face of the styling head 6, oriented outwards from the latter, towards the hair to be styled. This external surface 20 advantageously includes the surface 17 of the support 16 for the mechanical hair engagement element 15. The external surface 20 advantageously includes an external surface of the side panels 14A, 14B described above.The fact that the working element 14 is housed within the casing 13 of the styling head 6, rather than in front of or on top of said casing 13, offers several advantages. First, the casing 13 forms a protective enclosure for at least part of the working element 14, which reduces the risk of damage to the working element 14 in the event of mechanical shocks to the styling head 6 (for example, if the styling appliance 1 is dropped), as well as the risk of burns to the user from contact with the working element 14 when the airflow F blown from one or both of the first and second air outlets 18, 19 of the working element 14 is hot. Integrating the working element 14 into the casing 13 also helps to reduce the overall size of the styling head 6, thus enabling a compact design.Furthermore, the housing 13 advantageously provides a gripping area for the user on the styling head 6, typically during two-handed styling techniques, with one hand holding the styling tool 1 by the handle 2 and the other hand holding the styling head 6 by the housing 13. This limits the risk of mechanical interaction between the (potentially hot) working element 14 and the user's hand holding the styling head 6. Thus, the styling tool 1 is of a particularly robust, ergonomic, compact, and safe design. Advantageously, as illustrated in the figures, the housing 13 (and more generally the styling head 6) extends longitudinally along a (second) mean axis BB', between a lower end 21, at which the housing 13 extends the handle 2 beyond its first end 3, and an opposite upper end 22.

[0022] The hair styling device 1 also includes an air direction member 23 (or "air deflection member" or "deflector") for directing the airflow F generated by the blower module 5 at least towards the first and second air outlets 18, 19 of the working element 14. Separate from the working element 14, the air direction member 23 is advantageously arranged at least in part (and preferably entirely) in the styling head 6, which contributes to a simple and compact design of the hair styling device 1. Preferably, the air direction member 23 forms an air direction duct (or "air deflection duct", "deflector duct" or "flush") which extends longitudinally from one end of the handle 2, and typically from the first end 3 of the handle 2 as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures.The air direction member 23 comprises two air direction outlets 24, 25, which are separate and spaced apart and are configured to direct and distribute the airflow F generated by the wind tunnel module 5 in different average directions (for example, in substantially opposite directions). Preferably, the air direction member 23 comprises only two air direction outlets 24, 25, which advantageously have respective effective air passage cross-sections that are substantially identical. In the case where the wind tunnel module 5 is arranged within the duct 2 or at the second end 4 of the duct 2, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the air direction member 23 may advantageously include an air inlet 26 (. Figures 12 And 14), connected to the air guide channel 8 provided inside the handle 2, to collect the airflow F generated by the blower module 5. The air direction member 23 thus advantageously extends the air guide channel 8 beyond the first end 3 of the handle 2. Advantageously, the air direction member 23 can form an air direction duct, as already mentioned above, comprising a hollow tube 27 of generally cylindrical or preferably frustoconical shape. Open at one of its ends to define said air inlet 26, the hollow tube 27 then preferably has a substantially airtight wall through which the air direction outlets 24, 25 are provided.

[0023] While the housing 13 is stationary relative to the handle 2, the working element 14 is mounted to rotate, to pivot, relative to the handle 2 (and therefore also relative to the housing 13) within a predetermined angular range along a (third) axis CC' of rotation between: at least one first angular position in which a first of the air direction outlets 24, 25 of the air direction member 23 is in aerodynamic communication with the first air outlet 18 of the working element 14 ( Figures 5 And 6 , on which a first corresponding path of the airflow F is illustrated by an arrow), and at least a second angular position, distinct from the first angular position, in which a second of the air direction outlets 24, 25 of the air direction member 23 is in aerodynamic communication with the second air outlet 19 of the working element 14 ( figures 7 And 8, on which a second corresponding path of the airflow F is illustrated by an arrow).

[0024] In other words, the working element 14 is capable of occupying a plurality of different angular orientations (or positions) relative to the handle 2 by pivoting around the axis CC' of rotation, within a predetermined and advantageously bounded angular range. The working element 14 has a certain latitude of rotation around the axis CC' of rotation and is therefore capable of pivoting, oscillating, relative to the handle 2 within said predetermined, bounded angular range, while blowing the airflow F out of the hair styling device 1 through one and / or the other of the first and second air outlets 18, 19 of the working element 14.Thus, the interaction between the user's hair and the mechanical engagement element 15 of the working element 14 can cause the working element 14 to pivot relative to the handle 2 along the axis CC' of rotation, under the effect of a pulling force exerted by the user's hair on the mechanical engagement element 15. This will then have the effect of selectively blowing the airflow F through one and / or the other of the first and second air outlets 18, 19 depending on the direction of brushing or styling the hair, and therefore according to the direction of pivoting of the working element 14 around said axis CC' of rotation towards one or the other of said first and second angular positions.In this way, the airflow F is advantageously always directed as close as possible to the user's hair, in the natural direction of hair growth, from root to tip, without requiring any particular action or thought on the part of the user, other than intuitively brushing their hair with the styling tool 1. The styling tool 1 according to the invention thus makes it easy to achieve particularly satisfactory styling and shaping effects. Furthermore, given that only the working element 14 is mounted to rotate relative to the handle 2, and not the entire styling head 6, the styling tool 1 is particularly ergonomic and easy to use, even by a user without any particular professional hairdressing skills.Indeed, the inertia of the styling head 6 is relatively low, since only the mass of the working element 14 is set in rotation to drive the airflow F through first one and then the other of the first and second air outlets 18, 19. Furthermore, this advantageously allows for a particularly robust and compact design of the styling head. In addition, this design choice makes it possible to define, within a limited space within the styling head 6, an internal air circuit generating relatively low pressure losses, for optimal airflow F through the styling head 6. This design choice also allows for the definition of a relatively small predetermined angular range (or angular deflection), which contributes to the ergonomics of the device.

[0025] As illustrated in the figures, with the work element 14 arranged within the housing 13, the side panels 14A and 14B of the work element 14, positioned on either side of its axis of rotation CC', advantageously slide and retract, at least partially, inside the housing 13 when the work element 14 moves from one of the first and second angular positions to the other. This helps to limit the risk of interaction, mentioned previously, between the work element 14 and a user's hand holding the housing 13 of the styling head 6.

[0026] Preferably, the first and second angular positions are opposite extreme positions, the predetermined angular range being between 10° and 60°, preferably between 10° and 40°, preferably between 20° and 60°, and preferably again between 20° and 40° (for example, 24°). Such ranges contribute to making the device 1 particularly ergonomic in use, by optimizing the amplitude of rotation (and therefore the force, duration, and distance of traction exerted by the hair on the mechanical engagement element 15) required to reach one of the first and second angular positions from the other. The hair styling device 1 is thus advantageously suited to hair of all lengths. Advantageously, the first and second angular positions constitute extreme stop positions.As such, the hair styling device 1 advantageously includes complementary stop means, designed and arranged to mechanically delimit the predetermined angular range, and therefore to mechanically limit the latitude of rotation, oscillation, of the working element 14.

[0027] Advantageously, the hair styling appliance 1 is designed and configured to prevent air communication between the second air outlet 19 of the working element 14 and the second air direction outlet 25 of the air direction device 23 when the working element 14 occupies said first angular position ( Figures 5 And 6). The hair styling appliance 1 is further advantageously designed and configured to mutually prevent air communication between the first air outlet 18 of the working element 14 and the first air direction outlet 24 of the air direction device 23 when the working element 14 occupies said second angular position ( figures 7 And 8 ). In other words, the airflow F is blown only through the first air outlet 18 when the working element 14 occupies said first angular position ( Figures 5 And 6 ) and, conversely, the airflow F is blown only through the second air outlet 19 when the working element 14 occupies said second angular position ( figures 7 And 8). Thus, the entire airflow F generated by the blower module 5 can alternatively be blown by one or the other of the said first and second air direction outlets 24, 25 of the air direction member 23, respectively according to the first or second angular position occupied by the working element 14 relative to the handle 2. Such a feature advantageously allows in particular to simplify the design of the styling head 6, to make the air distribution to the first and second air outlets 18, 19 of the working element 14 more reliable by limiting pressure losses, as well as to optimize the blowing of the airflow F towards the user's hair for an optimal styling result.

[0028] The first and second air outlets 18, 19 can each be defined by a continuous elongated opening such as a slit or, preferably, each by a plurality of distinct orifices arranged in a line, the continuous elongated openings or lines of distinct orifices extending longitudinally on either side of the hair engagement element 15, respectively, in an average direction that is generally oriented along the average extension axis BB' of the housing 13. However, other configurations and / or orientations of the first and second air outlets 18, 19 may alternatively be considered. Preferably, the hair styling appliance 1 is designed and configured to alternately blow, via the first air outlet 18 or the second air outlet 19, an airflow F of identical volumetric flow rate, and preferably also of identical velocity.In this respect, whether continuous or discontinuous, the first and second air outlets 18, 19 are identical in shape and have identical effective air discharge cross-sections. Furthermore, as considered above, the first and second air direction outlets 24, 25 of the air direction unit 23 advantageously have identical effective air passage cross-sections.

[0029] Advantageously, the first and second air outlets 18, 19 of the working element 14 are shaped and configured to blow the airflow F out of the hair styling appliance 1 towards the (main) mechanical engagement element 15 of the hair, which is positioned between the first and second air outlets 18, 19 as already explained previously. Typically, as illustrated in the example to figures 5 to 8In particular, the first and second air outlets 18, 19 are arranged substantially opposite each other, on either side of the mechanical hair engagement element 15. This shape and configuration of the first and second air outlets 18, 19 advantageously allows the airflow F to be blown from the root to the tip of the hair when using the styling appliance 1 and with the user's hair engaged with the mechanical hair engagement element 15. The airflow F thus blown from the root to the tip of the hair helps to close the hair cuticles, thereby improving the appearance and strength of the hair. This also contributes advantageously to giving the hair shine and preventing frizz.Alternatively, or preferably in a complementary manner, the first and second air outlets 18, 19 of the working element 14 are shaped and configured to blow the airflow F out of the hair styling appliance 1 substantially tangentially to the support surface 17 of the mechanical engagement element 15 of the hair, which surface 17 is preferably convex outwards from the styling head 6. Thus, as schematically illustrated in example to the . figures 5 to 8In particular, the trajectory of the airflow F blown by one or both of the first and second air outlets 18, 19 substantially follows the contour of the support surface 17 of the mechanical engagement element 15 of the hair. In this way, the hair tends to be pressed against, or at least attracted towards, the working element 14 of the styling head 6 under the effect of the airflow F, notably by the Coanda effect. Even more advantageously, when the first and second air outlets 18, 19 are further shaped and configured to blow the airflow F towards the mechanical engagement element 15 of the hair, this leads to the hair being pressed against, or at least attracted towards, the support surface 17 of the mechanical engagement element 15 of the hair under the effect of the airflow F.This contributes to an improvement in the hairstyling result, and in particular the styling, brushing and / or smoothing effect of the hair that can be obtained with the said hairstyling device 1.

[0030] As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, it is advantageous to provide that the first and second air outlets 18, 19 of the working element 14 are each formed by a plurality of distinct orifices provided in a plurality of distinct protrusions 28 that project from the external surface 20 of the working element 14 (In the figures, only some of the protrusions 28 have been referenced, so as not to impair the legibility of said figures). The first and second air outlets 18, 19 are therefore advantageously each discontinuous, as mentioned previously. The protrusions 28 thus advantageously form bumps or teeth that help to separate the hair for better drying and / or styling, the blown airflow F being divided by the plurality of distinct orifices into a plurality of distinct airflows directed as close as possible to the hair.To enhance this separation and even distribution of the hair on either side of each protrusion 28, secondary mechanical hair engagement means are advantageously arranged between each protrusion 28 (not shown). These secondary mechanical engagement means include, for example, tufts of hair and / or prongs. These secondary mechanical engagement means also contribute to the correct orientation of the working element 14 by absorbing some of the pulling force of the hair, as explained elsewhere, which further improves the ease and comfort of using the hair styling appliance 1.In the preferred case illustrated in the figures where said air outlets 18, 19 are further shaped and configured to blow the air flow F tangentially to the support surface 17 of the mechanical engagement element 15 of the hair, said air outlets 18, 19 then advantageously form a plurality of air outlet "scoops", that is to say, bent tubular conduits, which divide the air flow F and blow it tangentially to the support surface 17, preferably again in the direction of the mechanical engagement element 15 of the hair, so as to combine the aforementioned advantageous technical effects.Advantageously, the said protuberances 28 define with the housing 13 of the styling head 6 complementary stop means 29, to mechanically delimit the predetermined angular range, and therefore to mechanically limit the latitude of rotation, of oscillation, of the working element 14 with respect to the handle 2, as mentioned previously (. Figures 5 And 7 ).

[0031] Preferably, the hair styling appliance 1 is designed and configured so that the working element 14 is able to occupy a third angular position, illustrated as an example in Figures 1 , 3 , 9 And 10, which is angularly intermediate between the first and second angular positions, and in which the first and second air direction outlets 24, 25 of the air direction member 23 are simultaneously in aerodynamic communication with the first and second air outlets 18, 19 of the working element 14. Thus, when the working element 14 occupies said third angular position, the airflow F generated by the blower module 5 can be simultaneously blown by the first and second air outlets 18, 19 of the working element 14 ( figures 9 And 10Advantageously, the third angular position is angularly medial to the first and second angular positions within the predetermined angular range. The amplitude of rotation of the working element 14 between the first and third angular positions is then identical to the amplitude of rotation of the working element 14 between the second and third angular positions (for example, an amplitude of 12° on either side of the third angular position).

[0032] More advantageously, the third angular position is a rest position, the working element 14 comprising a return member 30, preferably elastic, designed to automatically return the working element 14 to the third angular position when the working element 14 occupies either of the aforementioned first or second angular positions. Thus, in the absence of any force exerted on the working element 14 by interaction between the user's hair and the mechanical hair engagement element 15, the working element 14 advantageously returns automatically to the third intermediate angular position, known as the rest position.The effort and amplitude of rotation of the working element 14 by interaction between the user's hair and the mechanical engagement element 15 of the hair of the working element 14 which will subsequently be required to reach either of the first and second angular positions are thus advantageously reduced, which further improves the ease and comfort of use of the hair styling appliance 1.

[0033] As illustrated in the example to figures 4 And 11The return member 30 may include a leaf spring 31 (or leaf-spring) operating in bending, which extends longitudinally between two free ends along an extension axis orthogonal to the axis CC' of rotation of the working element 14. At a central portion, the leaf spring 31 is fixed stationary relative to the housing 13 of the styling head 6 (and therefore relative to the handle 2), while lateral portions 31A, 31B of the leaf spring 31 extending from the central portion to the free ends of the leaf spring 31 are provided to come into contact with the working element 14 when the latter is assembled to the housing 13, so that a pivoting of the working element 14 about its axis CC' of rotation causes a corresponding lateral portion 31A, 31B of the leaf spring 31 to bend. Alternatively, as illustrated in the example in the figure 12The return element 30 could comprise a spring-loaded rod 310 operating in bending, advantageously arranged parallel to the axis CC' of rotation of the working element 14, one end 310A of which is fixed stationary relative to the housing 13 of the styling head 6 (and therefore relative to the handle 2), and an opposite end 310B is connected to the working element 14 when the latter is assembled to the housing 13. This variant of the return element 30 has the particular advantage of being less bulky than the one described above. Of course, other suitable return elements, elastic (compression spring(s), torsion spring(s), etc.) or non-elastic (pair of magnets, etc.), could be considered alternatively.Advantageously, the return element 30 is arranged outside the airflow F circulating within the hair styling appliance 1, so that the return element 30 does not cause disturbance to said airflow F and, conversely, so that the airflow F does not disturb the proper functioning of the return element 30, in particular when the airflow F has been heated by the heating element of the hair styling appliance 1.

[0034] Preferably, the axis CC' of rotation of the working element 14 relative to the handle 2 is parallel to or coincides with the axis AA' of longitudinal extension of the handle 2. The kinematics of the working element 14 are thus simple and reliable, and allow for particularly intuitive use of the hair styling appliance 1 by the user. Even more preferably, the axis CC' of rotation of the working element 14 is parallel to the axis AA' of longitudinal extension of the handle 2, and offset backward from said axis AA' of longitudinal extension relative to the working element 14. The axis AA' of longitudinal extension of the handle 2 is thus positioned between the axis CC' of rotation of the working element 14 and the external surface 20 of the working element 14 ( figures 3 And 14). Such a recessed arrangement advantageously allows the definition of a relatively small predetermined angular range (or angular travel), preferably according to the ranges of values ​​already mentioned above, and therefore improved ergonomics, all while maintaining a styling head 6 with limited bulk.

[0035] Advantageously, the air direction member 23 forms an air direction duct, as already mentioned above, which extends longitudinally from one end of the handle 2, and typically from the first end 3 of the handle 2, along a (fourth) longitudinal extension axis DD' which is preferably parallel to or coincident with the axis CC' of rotation of the working element 14 relative to the handle 2. Even more advantageously, the longitudinal extension axis DD' of the air direction member 23 is parallel to the axis CC' of rotation of the working element 14, and offset forward of said axis CC' of rotation relative to the working element 14. The longitudinal extension axis DD' of the air direction member 23 is thus positioned between the axis CC' of rotation of the working element 14 and the external surface 20 of the working element 14.Advantageously, the longitudinal extension axis DD' of the air steering member 23 is parallel to or coincides with the longitudinal extension axis AA' of the control stick 2. Even more advantageously, the longitudinal extension axis DD' of the air steering member 23 coincides with the longitudinal extension axis AA' of the control stick 2. Advantageously, the average extension axis BB' of the housing 13 coincides with the longitudinal extension axis AA' of the control stick 2. Advantageously, the respective longitudinal extension axes A-A', DD' of the control stick 2 and the air steering member 23, the average extension axis BB' of the housing 13, and the rotation axis CC' of the working element 14 are coplanar in a plane P1. These features contribute on the one hand to the simplicity of design and operation of the hair styling device 1, and on the other hand to its ergonomics and ease of use.Obviously, the invention is not limited to such a configuration. Indeed, it could alternatively be envisaged, for example, that the axis CC' of rotation of the working element 14 is intersecting the axis AA' of longitudinal extension of the handle 2 at an angle, for example, between 5° and 25° and preferably between 5° and 15°, while being preferably parallel to the axis BB' of average extension of the housing 13.

[0036] As previously introduced, the first and second air direction outlets 24, 25 of the air direction member 23 are separate and spaced apart and are configured to direct and distribute the airflow F generated by the blower module 5 in different average directions. Preferably, said air direction outlets 24, 25 are configured to direct the airflow F in substantially opposite directions, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures. Accordingly, the air direction outlets 24, 25 are thus advantageously positioned in a generally diametrically opposite manner with respect to the longitudinal extension axis DD' of the air direction member 23 ( Figures 5 , 7 , 9 And 13). Such a configuration advantageously simplifies the design of the hair styling device 1 and optimizes its airflow, while maintaining a limited footprint for the device 1 and in particular for the styling head 6.

[0037] In the embodiment illustrated as an example in the figures, and as can be seen in particular in figures 4 , 5 , 7 , 9 , 13 And 14The air direction member 23 forms an air direction duct comprising a hollow tube 27 of generally frustoconical shape (as described above), one axis of revolution of which is advantageously formed by the longitudinal extension axis DD' of the air direction member 23. The longitudinal extension axis DD' of the air direction member 23 coincides here with the longitudinal extension axis AA' of the control stick 2. The respective longitudinal extension axes A-A' and DD' of the control stick 2 and the air direction member 23 coincide with the average extension axis BB' of the housing 13. The respective longitudinal extension axes A-A' and DD' of the control stick 2 and the air direction member 23, and the average extension axis BB' of the housing 13 are also parallel to the rotation axis CC' of the working element 14. The latter is offset backwards, recessed, from said axis AA' of longitudinal extension relative to the working element 14 ( figures 3 And 14in particular). Furthermore, the respective longitudinal extension axes A-A', DD' of the handle 2 and the air steering element 23, the average extension axis BB' of the housing 13 and the rotation axis CC' of the working element 14 are coplanar in a plane P1 ( figures 3 And 14 in particular), as envisaged above.

[0038] The air direction duct formed by the air direction element 23 is housed inside the casing 13 of the styling head 6 and mounted for rotation relative to the handle 2 to which it is connected. The air direction duct extends the air guide channel 8 provided inside the handle 2, via a large base of the frustoconical tube 27, at which point the air inlet 26 of the air direction duct is located. The effective cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow F inside the tube 27 thus decreases along the longitudinal axis DD' of the air direction duct, moving away from the handle 2. The air direction duct advantageously comprises two unique air direction outlets 24, 25, with identical effective cross-sectional areas, which are provided through the airtight lateral wall of the hollow tube 27.In this embodiment, each of the air direction outlets 24, 25 takes the form of an oblong opening extending longitudinally in a plane along the longitudinal axis DD' of the air direction duct. In this example, the first and second air direction outlets 24, 25 are arranged substantially diametrically opposite each other with respect to the longitudinal axis DD' of the air direction duct. The generally frustoconical shape of the air direction duct tube 27 is advantageously designed to homogenize the airflow profile F, which flows inside the tube 27 along the longitudinal axis DD' of the air direction duct and exits through the air direction outlets 24, 25.

[0039] In return, the styling head 6 advantageously includes, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, a first and a second duct section 32, 33 provided to ensure airflow communication between the first and second air direction outlets 24, 25 of the air direction unit 23 (air distribution duct) and the first and second air outlets 18, 19 of the working element 14. As illustrated in particular in figures 4 , 5 , 7 , 9 And 11, the first and second piping portions 32, 33 can advantageously be defined by an internal piping device 34, for example formed of two complementary parts 34A, 34B of internal piping device 34. Preferably, the first and second piping portions 32, 33 are identical to each other, and in particular have identical useful air piping cross-section profiles. Housed within the casing 13 of the styling head 6, the internal ducting device 34 is fixedly connected to the handle 2 of the styling appliance 1 and to said casing 13. The first and second air direction outlets 24, 25 of the air direction member 23 are in aerodynamic communication with the first and second ducting sections 32, 33 respectively, the first and second air direction outlets 24, 25 being arranged in correspondence with a corresponding inlet of the first and second ducting sections 32, 33 ( Figures 5 , 7 And 9 Advantageously, close rotational cooperation of internal face portions 35A, 35B (or "sealing portions") of the working element 14 (and in particular of the side panels 14A, 14B thereof) with respect to the first and second duct portions 32, 33 makes it possible, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, to seal a respective outlet of said duct portions 32, 33. This makes it possible to alternately prevent the aerodynamic communication of the second air outlet 19 of the working element 14 with the second air direction outlet 25 of the air direction device 23 ( figure 5 ) and conversely of the first air outlet 18 of the working element 14 with the first air direction outlet 24 of the air direction member 23 ( figure 7), depending on said first or second angular position occupied by the working element 14. Advantageously, the internal face portions 35A, 35B (or "sealing portions") of the working element 14 only partially seal the respective outlets of the first and second duct portions 32, 33 when the working element 14 occupies said third angular position, so that the airflow F is divided into two equal airflow portions, each directed towards one of the first and second air outlets 18, 19 of the working element 14 ( figure 9 ).

[0040] According to an advantageous variant, retained in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the styling head 6 also includes a third air outlet 36 (or "third air blow-out outlet"), separate from the first and second air outlets 18, 19, and the air direction member 23 is mounted movable relative to the handle 2 at least between a first air direction configuration, in which at least one of the air direction outlets 24, 25 of the air direction member 23 is in aerodynamic communication with at least one of the first and second air outlets 18, 19 of the working element 14, and a second air direction configuration, in which at least one of the air direction outlets 24, 25 of the air direction member 23 is in aerodynamic communication only with the third air outlet 36 of the styling head 6.

[0041] In other words, the hair styling appliance 1 is designed and configured so that, when the air direction member 23 occupies said first air direction configuration, the air direction member 23 is able to direct the airflow F towards the first and second air outlets 18, 19 of the working element 14 (first operating mode, Figures 5 to 10). Conversely, the hair styling appliance 1 is designed and configured so that, when the air direction element 23 occupies said second air direction configuration, the air direction element 23 is capable of directing the airflow F only towards the third air outlet 36 of the styling head 6 (second operating mode, Figures 13 And 14 ). The hair styling appliance 1 is thus advantageously designed and configured to prevent any air communication between the first and second air direction outlets 24, 25 of the air direction member 23 and the third air outlet 36 of the styling head 6, when the air direction member 23 is in the first air direction configuration ( Figures 5 , 7 And 9, first operating mode). Symmetrically, the hairdressing appliance 1 is advantageously designed and configured to prevent any air communication between the first and second air direction outlets 24, 25 of the air direction member 23 and the first and second air outlets 18, 19 of the working element 14, when the air direction member 23 occupies the second air direction configuration ( figure 13 , second mode of operation).

[0042] Preferably, the air direction member 23 is mounted to rotate movably relative to the handle 2 between said first and second air direction configurations, advantageously along an axis of rotation which is parallel to, and preferably coincident with, the axis AA' of longitudinal extension of the handle 2. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the axis of rotation of the air direction member 23 advantageously corresponds to the axis DD' of longitudinal extension of the air direction duct formed by the air direction member 23.In other words, the air direction member 23 is thus advantageously mounted relative to the handle 2 by means of a pivot joint, so as to be able to rotate relative to the handle 2, and the hair styling appliance 1 is advantageously designed and configured to allow the user, by pivoting the air direction member 23 relative to the handle 2, to select alternatively either the first and / or second air outlets 18, 19 (first operating mode of the hair styling appliance 1) or the third air outlet 36 of the styling head 6 (second operating mode of the hair styling appliance 1) through which the airflow F will be blown by the styling head 6. Thus, by rotating the air direction member 23 relative to the handle 2, the user can advantageously switch the hair styling appliance 1. from a first mode of operation (or "blowing brush" mode), in which the air direction member 23 occupies said first air direction configuration and in which the working element 14 can pivot, oscillate, between said first and second angular positions to blow the airflow F through one and / or the other of the first and second air outlets 18, 19 of the styling head 6 to a second mode of operation in which the air direction member 23 occupies said second air direction configuration and in which the airflow F is blown only through the third air outlet 36 of the styling head 6.

[0043] Whereas, as mentioned above, the external surface 20 of the working element 14 defines a first face of the styling head 6, which first face thus carries the first and second air outlets 18, 19 of the working element 14 (and therefore of the styling head 6), the housing 13 advantageously defines a second face of the styling head 6, which second face carries said third air outlet 36 of the styling head 6. As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the first and second air outlets 18, 19 of the working element 14 on the one hand, and the third air outlet 36 of the styling head 6 on the other hand, are preferably arranged on either side of a plane containing the average extension axis BB' of the housing 13.As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the first and second air outlets 18, 19 of the working element 14, on the one hand, and the third air outlet 36 of the styling head 6, on the other hand, are preferably arranged on either side of a plane P2 containing the axis CC' of rotation of the working element 14. The first and second faces of the styling head 6 are thus arranged on either side of said plane P2 containing the axis CC' of rotation of the working element 14. Since the axis CC' of rotation of the working element 14 and the axis BB' of average extension of the housing 13 are advantageously parallel or coincident with the axis AA' of longitudinal extension of the handle 2, the first and second faces of the styling head 6 are thus advantageously arranged on either side of a plane containing the axis AA' longitudinal extension of the handle 2. The hair styling tool 1 is therefore particularly ergonomic and easy to use.Indeed, the user can thus easily use the hair styling device 1 alternately according to the first operating mode (working element 14 / first face of the styling head 6 oriented towards the hair) or according to the second operating mode (third air outlet 36 / second face of the styling head 6 oriented towards the hair), advantageously by a simple 180° rotation of the handle 2 of the device 1.

[0044] As illustrated in the example to the figure 2In particular, the third air outlet 36 may advantageously have a generally oblong, elongated opening to blow the airflow F in the form of an air blade. Alternatively, the third air outlet 36 could have, for example, a generally circular opening to blow the airflow F in a substantially cylindrical or frustoconical shape. Thus, when the air direction member 23 occupies said second air direction configuration position (second operating mode), the hair styling appliance 1 can advantageously be used to dry the user's hair ('hair dryer' mode). Advantageously, the styling head 6 also includes deflector flaps 37 positioned at the third air outlet 36 ( figures 2 , 13 And 14in particular), to homogenize the profile of the airflow F blown through the third air outlet 36, and to allow the airflow F to be blown through the third air outlet 36 in an average blowing direction which is preferably orthogonal to the longitudinal extension axis AA' of the handle 2. Obviously, the third air outlet 36 of the styling head 6 may have one or more openings of a general shape different from that shown above, and the styling head 6 may more generally be designed to be used for purposes other than just drying hair, when the air direction member 23 occupies said second air direction configuration.

[0045] The hair styling device 1 thus advantageously constitutes a multifunctional device, combining a first operating / use mode "blowing brush" and at least a second alternative operating / use mode (so-called "two-in-one" hair styling device), which is preferably a "hair dryer" mode as has just been explained in connection with the embodiment illustrated in the figures, according in particular to the chosen configuration of the third air outlet 36.

[0046] In the embodiment illustrated as an example in the figures, and as can be seen in particular in the figure 13The hood head 6 advantageously includes a third duct section 38 for connecting either of the first and second air direction outlets 24, 25 of the air direction device 23 (air distribution duct) to the third air outlet 36 of the hood head 6, when the air direction device 23 is in said second air direction configuration. Like the first and second duct sections 32, 33 above, the third duct section 38 can advantageously be defined by the internal ducting device 34, which then constitutes a "three-way" internal ducting device (or "three-way distributor").In accordance with the foregoing, the air direction member 23 is advantageously mounted to rotate relative to the handle 2 between the said first and second air direction configurations, along an axis of rotation which corresponds to the axis DD' of longitudinal extension of the air direction duct formed by the air direction member 23, and which is parallel to, and preferably coincides with, the axis AA' of longitudinal extension of the handle 2. The internal ducting device 34 is advantageously fixed, immobile relative to the handle 2.

[0047] Thus, when the air direction unit 23 occupies said second air direction configuration ( Figures 13 And 14(Second operating mode), one or the other of the first and second air direction outlets 24, 25 of the air direction device 23 is in aerodynamic communication with the third air outlet 36 of the hood head 6 via the third duct section 38, by matching the relevant air direction outlet 24, 25 with an inlet of the third duct section 38. The wall of the tube 27 of the air direction device 23 then blocks the first and second duct sections 32, 33, while the other of the first and second air direction outlets 24, 25 of the air direction device 23 is blocked by a wall section 39 of the internal ducting device 34. In this way, all aerodynamic communication is prevented between the first and second air direction outlets 24, 25 of the air direction unit 23 and the first and second air outlets 18, 19 of the working element 14.

[0048] Conversely, when the air direction unit 23 occupies the first air direction configuration ( Figures 5 to 10In particular, first mode of operation), the wall of the tube 27 of the air direction member 23 then closes the third portion of the duct 38 of the internal ducting device 34. In this way, any aerodynamic communication is prohibited between the first and second air direction outlets 24, 25 of the air direction member 23 and the third air outlet 36 of the capping head 6. The first and second air direction outlets 24, 25 of the air direction member 23 are then in aerodynamic communication only with the first and second duct portions 32, 33 respectively, by the respective correspondence of the first and second air direction outlets 24, 25 with the corresponding inlet of the first and second duct portions 32, 33.As mentioned previously, the aerodynamic communication of the first and second air direction outlets 24, 25 of the air direction member 23 with one and / or the other of the first and second air outlets 18, 19 of the working element 14, then depends on the angular position occupied by the working element 14, and on the (partial or total) or not of the corresponding outlet of the first and second duct portions 32, 33 by one of the corresponding internal face portions 35A, 35B (or "blocking portions") of the working element 14 (. Figures 5 And 7 ).

[0049] Advantageously, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the hair styling appliance 1 is designed and configured to ensure that the air direction member 23 can be moved from one of the first and second air direction configurations to the other by rotating the air direction member 23 through an angle of 90°. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, this is made possible in particular by the specific arrangement of the first and second air direction outlets 24, 25 of the air direction member 23 and the inlets of the first, second, and third duct sections 32, 33, 38 of the styling head 6.

[0050] The hair styling appliance 1 advantageously includes a control mechanism for switching the air direction element 23 from one of the first and second air direction configurations to the other. Preferably separate from the manual control and / or adjustment means 10 for the electrical operation of the hair styling appliance 1 mentioned previously, said control mechanism thus allows the operating mode of the hair styling appliance 1 to be selected by changing the air direction configuration of the air direction element 23.According to a preferred variant, implemented in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the control mechanism is more specifically a push-push button control mechanism 40 to control (mechanically) each passage of the air direction member from one of the first and second air direction configurations to the other of the first and second air direction configurations.Intended to be operated manually by the user, the control mechanism 40 is therefore designed and configured to transform each push exerted by the user (for example, using a finger of the user) on the button 41 of the control mechanism 40 into a movement (in particular a rotation) of the air direction member 23 from one of the first and second air direction configurations to the other of the first and second air direction configurations, or at the very least from one of said air direction configurations to the other of said air direction configurations.Such a push-push control mechanism 40 helps to make the use of the hair styling appliance 1 particularly simple and intuitive, since the reproduction of a simple pushing action performed by the user against the button 41 of the push-push control mechanism 40, each time in the same direction of push, controls each change of operating mode of the hair styling appliance 1. Each push exerted by the user on the button 41 of the control mechanism 40 thus makes it advantageous to switch from a first operating mode of the hair styling appliance 1 (first air direction configuration of the air direction element 23) to a second operating mode of the hair styling appliance 1 (second air direction configuration of the air direction element 23), then from the second operating mode to the first operating mode of the hair styling appliance 1, and so on.Preferably, as illustrated in the figures, the button 41 of the push-push control mechanism 40 is arranged at the level of the housing 13 of the styling head 6 of the hair styling appliance 1. The button 41 typically has a contact portion, or interaction portion, intended to come into direct contact with the user (for example with a finger of the latter) when the latter exerts a push against the button 41 to control the change of operating mode. Advantageously, at least said contact portion of the button 41 protrudes from the outer surface of the housing 13 in the absence of pressure exerted on the button 41. Advantageously, the button 41 can be arranged on the top of the styling head 6, opposite the handle 2, and in such a way that the button 41 moves along a straight translation axis which is parallel, or preferably coincident, with the longitudinal extension axis AA' of the handle 2 (. figures 1 to 3 , 14 And15The hair styling device 1 is thus particularly safe to use, since the user cannot inadvertently change its operating mode using the hand holding the handle 2. However, the button 41 remains easily accessible, for example, to a finger or the palm of the user's other hand. As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the push-push control mechanism 40 may advantageously include a rotating coupling piece forming a cam and mechanically connected to the air direction member 23.The button 41 is then secured to at least one follower pin that cooperates with the cam, such that each push exerted by the user on the button 41 causes the coupling piece to rotate about an axis of rotation of the coupling piece and a corresponding rotation of the air direction member 23 through a predetermined angle of rotation, typically equal to the angle of rotation required to move the air direction member 23 from one of the first and second air direction configurations to the other of the first and second air direction configurations. Preferably, the rotating coupling piece forms a grooved drum cam, and the direction of rotation of the coupling piece is identical with each rotation triggered by the push exerted by the user on the button 41.Obviously, the invention is not limited to such a push-push button control mechanism 40, and a control mechanism of different design, such as a simple knob, suitable may alternatively be considered to control the passage of the air direction member 23 from its air direction configurations to the other of its air direction configurations.

[0051] Advantageously, the hair styling appliance 1 includes a visual indicator 42 to visually inform the user of the air direction configuration occupied by the air direction element 23, and thus of which of the operating modes of the hair styling appliance 1 is selected. For example, the visual indicator 42 may include two openings 43A, 43B formed in a free and visible face of the button 41, and an indicator piece 44 movable relative to the button 41 so as to be visible or not, or to be visible in a different way, alternately through said openings 43A, 43B depending on which of said operating modes is selected. Said openings 43A, 43B may have the same shape, or different, distinctive shapes.In order to further improve the information provided to the user, the said openings 43A, 43B can also advantageously each be associated with a complementary visual marker (for example a drawing or an inscription « . M1 » / « M2 ", as in the figure 15 ) explaining the corresponding operating mode. POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

[0052] The invention finds its application in the design and manufacture of hairdressing appliances, for example for home use, and more specifically of portable hairdressing appliances designed to blow a flow of air in order to dry and / or facilitate the shaping of hair.

Claims

1. Portable hair styling apparatus (1) comprising a blower module (5) for generating an airflow (F), a manual gripping handle (2), and a hair styling head (6) connected to the handle (2), the said hair styling head (6) comprising: - a housing (13), and - a working element (14) comprising a mechanical hair engagement element (15), the said working element (14) being arranged within the housing (13) such that the mechanical hair engagement element (15) protrudes at least partially outside of said housing (13), the said apparatus (1) comprising an air directing organ (23) with two distinct and spaced air directing outlets (24, 25) to direct the airflow (F) generated by the blower module (5) in different average directions, the said housing (13) is fixed relative to the handle (2), and the said apparatus (1) is characterized in that the said working element (14) comprising first and second air outlets (18, 19) distinct from one another and positioned on either side of the mechanical hair engagement element (15), the said working element (14) being rotatably mounted relative to the handle (2) within a predetermined angular range according to a rotation axis (C-C') between: - a first angular position in which one of the first air directing outlets (24, 25) of the air directing organ (23) is in aerodynamic communication with the first air outlet (18) of the working element (14), and - a second angular position in which another of the said air directing outlets (24, 25) of the air directing organ (23) is in aerodynamic communication with the second air outlet (19) of the working element (14).

2. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the first and second angular positions are opposite extreme angular positions, the said predetermined angular range being between 10° and 60°, preferably between 20° and 60°, and more preferably between 20° and 40°.

3. Apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, which is designed and configured to prevent aerodynamic communication between the second air outlet (19) of the working element (14) and the second air directing outlet (25) of the air directing organ (23) when the working element (14) occupies said first angular position, and reciprocally to prevent aerodynamic communication between the first air outlet (18) of the working element (14) with the first air directing outlet (24) of the air directing organ (23) when the working element (14) occupies respectively said second angular position.

4. Apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in which the first and second air outlets (18, 19) of the working element (14) are shaped and configured to blow the airflow (F) out of the apparatus (1) towards the mechanical hair engagement element (15).

5. Apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in which the first and second air outlets (18, 19) of the working element (14) are shaped and configured to blow the airflow (F) out of the apparatus (1) substantially tangentially to a support surface (17) of the mechanical hair engagement element (15).

6. Apparatus (1) according to any of claims 4 and 5, in which the first and second air outlets (18, 19) of the working element (14) are each formed by a plurality of distinct orifices disposed within a plurality of distinct protrusions (28) protruding from an external surface (20) of the working element (14).

7. Apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, which is designed and configured such that the working element is capable of occupying a third angular position, which is angularly intermediate to said first and second angular positions, in which the first and second air directing outlets (24, 25) of the air directing organ (23) are simultaneously in aerodynamic communication with the first and second air outlets (18, 19) of the working element (14).

8. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the third angular position is a resting position, the said working element (14) comprising a return organ (30) for automatically returning said working element (14) to said third angular position when it occupies either of said first and second angular positions.

9. Apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in which the said air directing organ (23) forms an air directing duct, extending longitudinally from one end (3) of the handle (2) along a longitudinal extension axis (D-D') which is preferably parallel to or coincident with the rotation axis (C-C') of the working element (14) relative to the handle (2).

10. Apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in which the rotation axis (C-C') of the working element (14) is parallel to or coincident with a longitudinal extension axis (A-A') of the handle (2).

11. Apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in which the hair styling head (6) comprises a third air outlet (36), distinct from the first and second air outlets (18, 19) of the working element (14), the said air directing organ (23) being mounted mobile, preferably rotatable, relative to the handle (2) at least between: - a first air directing configuration in which at least one of the air directing outlets (24, 25) of the air directing organ (23) is in aerodynamic communication with at least one of the first and second air outlets (18, 19) of the working element (14), and - a second air directing configuration in which at least one of the air directing outlets (24, 25) of the air directing organ (23) is in aerodynamic communication only with the third air outlet (36) of the hair styling head (6).

12. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a push-push button control mechanism (40) for controlling each transition of the air directing organ (23) from one of the first and second air directing configurations to the other of the first and second air directing configurations.

13. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the push-push button control mechanism (40) is arranged on the housing (13) of the hair styling head (6) of the apparatus (1), at least one contact portion of the push-push button control mechanism (40) preferably protruding from an external surface of the housing (13) when no pressure is applied to the button (41).

14. Apparatus (1) according to any of claims 11 to 13, in which the first and second air outlets (18, 19) of the working element (14) on one side, and the third air outlet (36) on the other side, are arranged on either side of a plane containing the rotation axis (C-C') of the working element (14).

15. Apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in which the said mechanical hair engagement element (14) is removable.