HAIR STYLISH WITH AIR GUIDE

Description

Object of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair styling appliance, in particular a stick-shaped hair dryer, the air outlet of which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the appliance. The present invention further relates to a stick-shaped hair dryer with an air deflector elbow inside the appliance, allowing the air to be diverted towards the outlet. State of the art

[0002] There is a current trend to modify the design of classic pistol-grip hair dryers, making them more similar to blow dryers. The hair dryer then takes the form of an elongated cylinder with a distal and a proximal end. The proximal end acts as a handle and has an air inlet at its base, while the distal end expels air through an outlet positioned radially on the cylinder's outer casing. The airflow initially follows an axial path within the hair dryer before being deflected to exit perpendicular to the cylindrical axis. A 90° bend is therefore incorporated inside the cylinder to guide the airflow towards the outlet. This particular design combines the advantages of both hair dryers and blow dryers: performance and ease of use. The cylinder itself acts as a handle, making the hair dryer more ergonomic.

[0003] To create an efficient and well-distributed airflow across the entire outlet, the geometry of the elbow inside the hairdryer is of great importance. The elbow is equipped with various vanes to improve airflow guidance.

[0004] Document CN114073368A discloses a cylindrical hair dryer with a radial outlet, comprising an airflow reversing device with multiple fins to guide and change the direction of the airflow. The reversing device also includes a connecting bar linking the individual fins, making the structure more robust and less prone to deformation. The fins are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal axis.

[0005] Document WO2022089673A1 discloses a cylindrical hair dryer with a radial outlet comprising an air guide grid to change the direction of the airflow. The blades of the guide grid are arc-shaped and have an air outlet that bifurcates in a Y shape to narrow the outlet cross-section, thereby increasing the speed and pressure of the airflow. Objectives of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, and in particular to provide a hair styling device in the shape of a "stick" comprising a deflector elbow allowing the airflow generated in a longitudinal direction to be diverted to a radial direction and allowing better distribution of the flow at the air outlet. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention discloses a hair styling device comprising: a cylindrical body comprising a proximal side acting as a handle and a distal side; an axial air inlet located on the proximal side of the cylindrical body; a radial air outlet located on the distal side of the cylindrical body; a turbine located in said cylindrical body which, in use, is driven in rotation by a motor, which allows air to be drawn in through the air inlet and expelled through the air outlet; a deflector elbow located in the cylindrical body in order to guide the air moving axially in the cylindrical body towards the radial air outlet, said deflector elbow comprising an air inlet and an air outlet and at least two vanes for directing the airflow; the at least two blades each comprise a base arranged to separate the air inlet of the deflector elbow into different channels, and in that each of said blades divides inside the deflector elbow into at least two arms so as to create a set of baffles at the air outlet of the deflector elbow, and the baffles located in the air outlet are positioned in a staggered pattern.

[0008] According to specific embodiments, the invention comprises one or more of the following features: The angle of curvature of the first arm of each blade is greater than the angle of curvature of the second arm of each blade; the cylindrical body includes an internal tube connected to the inlet of the deflector elbow to channel the axial flow into the cylindrical body of the hair dryer, before it is deflected by the deflector elbow, said internal tube constituting thermal insulation for the casing of the hair dryer; the cross-section of the air inlet is between 180 and 300 cm² and the cross-section of the air outlet is between 200 and 500 cm²; the distance between the air inlet and the air outlet along the total length of the cylindrical body is between 0.05 and 0.2; the ratio of the diameter of the internal tube to the diameter of the cylindrical body is between 0.4 and 0.9; the ratio of the length of the internal tube to the diameter of the internal tube is between 3.5 and 6.5; the ratio of the angle of curvature of the first arm to the angle of curvature of the second arm is between 0.35 and 0.7; the deflector elbow is an assembly of two pieces, each corresponding to half of the deflector elbow, the blade arms being at a different level for each piece so as to form staggered baffles; the section of the apparatus is ellipsoidal in shape. Brief description of the figures

[0009] There figure 1 represents a three-dimensional view of an example of a hair dryer according to the invention. figure 2 This represents a three-dimensional view of the air deflector elbow and the internal tube, shown outside the hairdryer casing. figure 3A This represents a view of the deflector elbow relative to its air outlet. figure 3B This represents a view of the deflector elbow relative to its air inlet. Figures 4A and 4B are equivalent to Figures 3A and 3Bon which the internal blades are represented by dotted lines. The figure 5 This represents a side view of the deflector elbow, with the internal blades shown as dotted lines. Figures 6A and 6B These diagrams, in the case where the deflector elbow is made in two pieces, represent a view of the left side of the deflector, respectively in relation to the air outlet and air inlet of the deflector elbow. Figures 7A and 7B These diagrams, in the case where the deflector elbow is made in two pieces, represent a view of the right side of the deflector, respectively in relation to the air outlet and air inlet of the deflector elbow. Figures 8A and 8B These represent diagrams of the air velocity distribution of a prior art bend, this one having no internal blades. figure 8A is the 3D diagram at the hairdryer outlet, while the figure 8B is the 2-dimensional diagram at the outlet of the hair dryer. The Figures 9A and 9Brepresent diagrams of the air velocity distribution of a prior art bend, this one having three continuous internal blades, which do not separate into two arms but whose curvature remains parallel to the external surface of the bend. figure 9A is the 3D diagram at the hairdryer outlet, while the figure 9B is the 2-dimensional diagram at the outlet of the hair dryer. The Figures 10A and 10B represent diagrams of the air velocity distribution of an example of a bend according to the present invention, as illustrated in the Figures 1 to 7B This one has two internal blades, each with two arms of different curvatures. Figure 10A is the 3D diagram at the hairdryer outlet, while the figure 10B is the 2-dimensional diagram at the outlet of the hair dryer. List of reference symbols

[0010] 1: Hair dryer 2: Cylindrical body of the hair dryer 3: Air inlet in the base of the proximal part of the cylindrical body 4: Air outlet in the casing of the distal part of the cylindrical body 5: Deflector elbow 51: Deflector elbow inlet 52: Deflector elbow outlet 6: Inner tube 7: Deflector elbow blade 8: Deflector elbow inlet channels 9: Deflector elbow air outlet baffles 10: First blade arm 11: Second blade arm 12: Blade base 13: Proximal part of the hair dryer 14: Distal part of the hair dryer Detailed description of the invention

[0011] The stick-shaped hair dryer 1 according to the present invention is shown in the Figure 1This device comprises a cylindrical body 2, or tubular casing, having a proximal end 13 serving as a gripping handle, and a distal end 14 where the air is expelled. Air flows through the hairdryer, entering through an air inlet 3 located in the base of the proximal end of the cylindrical body, and then exiting through an air outlet 4 positioned radially on the outer casing of the distal end of the cylindrical body. A turbine (not shown) is located within the cylindrical body and is driven in rotation by a motor (not shown), which allows air to be drawn in through the air inlet and expelled through the air outlet. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet is between 180 and 300 cm², while the cross-sectional area of ​​the air outlet is between 200 and 500 cm².The ratio between the distance between the two air vents and the total length of the cylindrical body is preferably between 0.05 and 0.2, with the distance measured along the axis of the hairdryer. The distance between the inlet and outlet of the air vent is preferably between 25 mm and 60 mm, and even more preferably between 35 mm and 50 mm. The total length of the cylindrical body can be between 250 mm and 350 mm.

[0012] The hair dryer of the present invention includes a deflector elbow 5 located upstream of the air outlet, in order to deflect the incoming airflow axially towards the air outlet located radially on the cylinder's outer casing. An internal tube 6 may be provided inside the cylindrical body to channel the axial flow within the cylindrical body of the hair dryer before it is deflected by the elbow. As shown in the Figure 2The inner tube is connected to the air inlet of the deflector elbow. This inner tube also provides thermal insulation. The motor, turbine, and heating elements are located inside the tube, which insulates the core of the cylindrical body from the outer casing that will be held by the user. The ratio of the inner tube's diameter to the cylindrical body's diameter is preferably between 0.4 and 0.9. This allows for a space between the two walls to thermally insulate the outer casing of the hairdryer. Preferably, the inner tube's diameter is between 25 and 50 mm, and preferably between 30 and 40 mm. Preferably, the cylindrical body has an ellipsoidal cross-section. The ratio of the inner tube's length to its diameter is preferably between 3.5 and 6.5. Preferably, the inner tube's length is between 150 and 200 mm.

[0013] The deflector elbow, which is illustrated in detail on the Figures 3A-7B , includes 7 vanes to guide the flow so that it is as homogeneous as possible at the outlet of the hair dryer.

[0014] More specifically, the elbow comprises an inlet 51 and an outlet 52. At least two blades are located within the elbow and extend between the inlet and outlet. Each blade comprises a base 12 situated in the elbow inlet, and two arms 10, 11 extending to the elbow outlet. The base of each blade thus gradually divides into two arms between the elbow inlet and outlet.

[0015] In this way, the entrance, as illustrated on the Figures 3B and 4Bis separated into several 8 air inlet channels. In the example, two vanes are shown, resulting in 3 air inlet channels. The channels are subdivisions of the elbow's inlet surface, creating several separate and distinct inlet surfaces. Preferably, each surface is between 60 and 100 mm².

[0016] Each blade has a first arm 10 and a second arm 11. At the outlet, the two arms of each blade obstruct the outlet, creating a set of baffles 9. Four baffles are shown in the example figures, given that there are two blades. To form the baffles, the two arms of the same blade have different angles of curvature. In this way, the first arm of the blade will be located at one level in the elbow outlet, and the second arm of the blade will be located at a second level in the elbow outlet. Preferably, the first blade creates a first baffle attached to one lateral side of the elbow outlet, and a second baffle attached to the other lateral side of the elbow outlet. The two baffles of the same blade are thus staggered relative to each other at the elbow outlet. The same applies to the second blade, and so on if additional blades are present.Preferably, the ratio of the first arm's angle of curvature to the second arm's angle of curvature is between 0.35 and 0.7. Since the arm's radius of curvature is variable, the defined measured angle is the angle measured between the base of the deflector elbow (at the elbow's inlet) and a straight line connecting the elbow's inlet point of tangency and its outlet point of tangency. In the examples shown, the defined angle of curvature of the first arm is 38° and the defined angle of curvature of the second arm is 48°.

[0017] THE Figures 8A to 10B compare the airflow distribution at the outlet of different hair dryers. These diagrams represent the airflow velocity in m / s. Figures 8A and 8B They concern a bend from the earlier art, without paddles. Figures 9A and 9BThese concern a bend of the prior art comprising 3 classic blades, which do not divide to create chicanes at the exit of the bend, and whose curvature is substantially parallel to that of the bend. Figures 10A and 10B relate to an example of an elbow fitting the hair styling device according to the present invention, which is notably represented on the Figures 1 to 7B The airflow is better distributed at the outlet of the elbow and the hairdryer of the invention. Indeed, the specific geometry of the blades allows for better airflow distribution, which also improves heat distribution at the outlet of the styling device. The styling device according to the present invention offers a better and faster styling result due to the improved heat distribution.

[0018] THE Figures 6A-7Brepresent an example of an elbow according to the present invention, in two parts. For ease of assembly, the elbow can be manufactured by joining two parts, each corresponding to one half of the elbow, as shown in the Figures 6A-7B In order to produce staggered baffles in the elbow outlet, the two parts are different. Indeed, as shown on the Figures 6B and 7B The blade arms at the elbow exit are not at the same level. Regarding the blade bases, each piece comprises two half-blades, which will form the bases of the two blades once the two pieces are assembled.

Claims

1. A hair-styling device (1) comprising: - a cylindrical body (2) comprising a proximal side (13) serving as a handle and a distal side (14); - an axial air inlet opening (3) located on the proximal side (13) of the cylindrical body (2); - a radial air outlet opening (4) located on the distal side (14) of the cylindrical body (2); - a turbine located in said cylindrical body (2) which, in use, is driven in rotation by a motor, which makes it possible to draw in air through the air inlet opening (3) and to expel air through the air outlet opening (4); - a deflecting bend (5) located in the cylindrical body (2) so as to guide the air moving axially in the cylindrical body (2) toward the radial air outlet opening (4), said deflecting bend (5) comprising an air inlet (51) and an air outlet (52) and at least two vanes (7) for directing the air flow; the at least two vanes (7) each comprise a base (12) arranged so as to separate the air inlet (51) of the deflecting bend (5) into different channels (8), and each of said vanes (7) splits inside the deflecting bend into at least two arms (10, 11) so as to create a set of baffles (9) at the air outlet (52) of the deflecting bend (5), characterized in that the baffles (9) located in the air outlet (4) are positioned in a staggered arrangement.

2. The hair-styling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the curvature angle of the first arm (10) of each vane (7) is greater than the curvature angle of the second arm (11) of each vane (7).

3. The hair-styling device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cylindrical body (2) includes an internal tube (6) connected to the inlet (51) of the deflecting bend (5) to channel the axial flow in the cylindrical body (2) of the hair dryer, before it is deflected by the deflecting bend (5), said internal tube (6) forming a thermal insulation for the casing of the hair dryer.

4. The hair-styling device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross-section of the air inlet opening (3) is between 180 and 300 cm2 and the cross-section of the air outlet opening (4) is between 200 and 500 cm2.

5. The hair-styling device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance between the air inlet opening (3) and the air outlet opening (4) over the total length of the cylindrical body (2) is between 0.05 and 0.2.

6. The hair-styling device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ratio of the diameter of the internal tube (6) to the diameter of the cylindrical body (2) is between 0.4 and 0.9.

7. The hair-styling device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ratio between the length of the internal tube (6) and the diameter of the internal tube (6) is between 3.5 and 6.5.

8. The hair-styling device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ratio of the curvature angle of the first arm (10) to the curvature angle of the second arm (11) is between 0.35 and 0.7.

9. The hair-styling device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deflecting bend (5) is an assembly of two assembled parts each corresponding to half of the deflecting bend (5), the arms (10, 11) of the vanes (7) being at a different level for each of the parts so as to form the baffles (9) in a staggered arrangement.

10. The hair-styling device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross-section of the appliance is ellipsoidal in shape.