Multimodal blow-drying device with one blow-dry head with mechanical hair return element and air blow-dry nozzle

Description

[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.

[0002] In the field of hair styling tools, devices designed to blow air onto the hair using different blowing modes are already available, giving them a multifunctional character and allowing for various hair drying and / or styling techniques with a single appliance. For example, there are handheld hair dryers, consisting of a handle and a blower head with an air outlet that directs a forced stream of hot or cold air onto the user's hair. The forced airflow follows a single path within the device until it exits through this air outlet.To modify the airflow pattern of these hair dryers, additional accessories, either detachable or fixed, are generally provided at the air outlet. These accessories typically modify the effective airflow cross-section and / or the direction of the airflow, thus defining a variety of different airflow patterns adapted to specific hair drying and / or styling techniques. While these well-known hair dryers are generally satisfactory, they do have some drawbacks. In particular, switching between airflow patterns requires the user to assemble / disassemble accessories or manipulate a pre-mounted accessory at the air outlet. This can sometimes be tedious, which detracts from the ease of use and ergonomics of the device.There is also a significant risk of burns when handling the accessory(ies), as well as a possible risk of losing the accessories, when they are not simply stored out of reach and inaccessible to the user when the latter wishes to use them.

[0003] Document EP3841913A1 describes a hair dryer comprising means for generating an airflow in at least two different blowing modes. To address these issues, a new portable hair styling device has recently been proposed comprising means for generating an airflow in at least two different blowing modes. The device has a first face, which has a first air outlet for blowing said airflow out of the device in a first blowing mode, and a second face having a second air outlet for blowing the airflow out of the device in a second blowing mode.While such a multifunctional hair styling tool offers several advantages in addressing the aforementioned issues, it has been observed that even a known model can still be improved, particularly regarding the user's understanding of its multifunctionality and the ease with which the air outlets are positioned. The device's operation may therefore prove insufficiently intuitive, especially for users without specific professional hairstyling skills.

[0004] The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to address the aforementioned problems, and in particular to offer a new multifunctional portable hair styling device that is particularly intuitive and easy to use.

[0005] Another object of the invention is to propose a new portable hairdressing device of particularly simple and compact construction.

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

[0007] 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.

[0008] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new portable multifunctional hairdressing device that is particularly ergonomic, easy and safe to use, especially for a user without any particular professional hairdressing skills.

[0009] The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a portable hair styling device comprising means for generating an airflow according to at least two different blowing modes, the device having a first face, which has a first air blowing outlet for blowing said airflow out of the device in a first of said blowing modes, and a second face having a second air blowing outlet for blowing said airflow out of the device in a second of said blowing modes, said first face having a mechanical hair engagement element, said second face having a nozzle which defines said second air blowing outlet and at least part of which protrudes from an external surface of said second face of the device.

[0010] 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, in perspective view, an embodiment of a hair styling device according to the invention; the figure 2 illustrates, from a side view, the device of the figure 1 ; there figure 3 illustrates, according to a truncated side view, the head of the device Figures 1 And 2 ; there figure 4 illustrates, according to a front view, one side of the device of figures 1 to 3 , which is here in its first blowing mode (the "blower brush" mode); the figure 5 illustrates, from a side view, the apparatus of the figures 1 to 4A button on the device's control system is shown here in the pressed position, whereas it is shown in the released position. figures 1 to 4 ; there figure 6 illustrates, from a front view, a second side of the device figures 1 to 4 , which is now in a second blowing mode (the "hair dryer" mode); the figure 7 illustrates, in perspective view, the nozzle that defines the second air outlet of the device. figures 1 to 6 ; there figure 8 illustrates, according to another perspective view, the buzzard of the figure 6 ; there figure 9 schematically illustrates, from a side view, the nozzle of the figures 7 and 8 ; there Figure 10 schematically illustrates, from a top view, the nozzle of the figures 7 to 9 ; there figure 11 schematically illustrates, from a side view, the hair styling device of the figures 1 to 6 in contact with a rigid, horizontal, flat surface via a protrusion on the nozzle; the figure 12schematically illustrates, from a front view, the hairdressing device of figures 1 to 6 in contact with a rigid, horizontal, flat surface via a protrusion on the nozzle; the figure 13 illustrated schematically, according to a sagittal section view II (see figure 4 ), the device of figures 1 to 6 in its first blowing mode; the figure 14 illustrates, according to a sagittal section view II, the apparatus of figures 1 to 6 with the button in the pressed position; the figure 15 schematically illustrates, according to a sagittal section view II, the apparatus of figures 1 to 6 in its second blowing mode; the figure 16 illustrated, according to a truncated frontal section view II-II (see figure 5 ), a design detail of a device control system figures 1 to 6 The control system here consists of a monostable "push-push" button control mechanism, the button being shown in the released position; the figure 17illustrates, according to a truncated frontal sectional view II-II, the design detail of the control system of the figure 16 the button is shown this time in the pressed position; the figure 18 illustrates schematically, according to a top view of the device figures 1 to 6 This is an advantageous additional design feature of the device. On the left, the device is in its first blowing mode, with the control mechanism button in the released position. On the right, the device is in its second blowing mode, with the button also in the released position. In the center, the device button is in the pressed position, placing the device in a transitional mode between the first and second blowing modes.

[0011] The hair styling device 1 according to the invention, a non-limiting embodiment of which is illustrated in the figures, 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 (male or female) without any particular professional skills in hairstyling, i.e., in terms of drying, styling, or shaping hair. Preferably, the hair styling device 1 is designed so that the user uses 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.

[0012] The hair styling appliance 1 includes means for generating an airflow F that are designed and configured to generate said airflow F according to at least two different blowing modes, namely at least a first blowing mode and a second blowing mode, which is therefore different from said first blowing mode. It is thus advantageously a "multimode" or "multifunctional" appliance, being designed and configured to blow an airflow F towards the hair according to at least two different blowing modes, which can be alternately selected by the user.By "different blowing modes" we preferentially mean blowing modes in which the hair styling appliance 1 blows a flow of air which differs, for example, in its shape, direction and / or intensity, in order to allow different operations to be carried out on the hair, depending on the blowing mode chosen, such as carrying out a hair drying operation or a hair styling operation.

[0013] The hair styling device 1 comprises at least one first air outlet 2 for blowing the airflow F out of the hair styling device 1, in a first of said blowing modes, and a second air outlet 3 for blowing the airflow F out of the hair styling device 1, in a second of said blowing modes. Said first and second air outlets 2, 3 are distinct from each other, preferably separated from each other, and preferably opposite each other. The hair styling device 1 has a first face 4, which carries said first air outlet 2, and a second face 5, which carries said second air outlet 3. Said first and second faces 4, 5 constitute different, and preferably opposite, faces of the hair styling device 1.Advantageously, the first and second air outlets 2, 3 exist simultaneously (i.e., they are both permanently present on the hair styling device 1), and not alternately. Typically, the hair styling device 1 comprises a housing 6, for example made of plastic, an outer face of which defines at least a portion of the first and second faces 4, 5 of the hair styling device 1. The housing 6 has an outer surface (defined by the outer face) that defines at least a portion of an outer surface of the hair styling device 1. As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the housing 6 may comprise a plurality of cover pieces, each of which defines a portion of the outer surface of the hair styling device 1.

[0014] Preferably, these blowing modes correspond to different paths of the airflow F within the hair styling appliance 1. The hair styling appliance 1 is therefore preferably designed and configured so that the airflow F follows different (aerodynamic) paths within the hair styling appliance 1 depending on the blowing mode selected by the user. Thus, the airflow F advantageously follows at least one first path within the hair styling appliance 1 in the first blowing mode, until it is blown out of the hair styling appliance 1 via the first air blowing outlet 2 ( figure 13). In the second blowing mode, the airflow F advantageously follows a different path within the hair styling appliance 1, i.e., a path that differs at least in part from the path(s) taken by the airflow F in the first blowing mode, until it is blown out of the hair styling appliance 1 via the second air blowing outlet 3 ( figure 15The implementation of such different airflow paths advantageously allows for the definition of very different blowing modes, depending in particular on the chosen configuration and shape of the first and second air blowing outlets 2, 3, their relative arrangement, etc. In particular, this makes it possible to plan blowing modes in which the airflow F is blown out of the hair styling device 1 in different, possibly opposite, directions, and for example through air blowing outlets 2, 3 that are far apart from each other.

[0015] The hair styling appliance 1 preferably includes a handle 7 (or grip) for manual handling, intended to be grasped manually by the user to operate the hair styling appliance 1. Advantageously defined by a portion of the housing 6 of the hair styling appliance 1, the handle 7 typically extends between a first end 8 and a second opposite end 9, preferably longitudinally along an axis AA' of average extension. The handle 7 advantageously has a slender, elongated shape so that it can be grasped fully by an adult user. The hair styling appliance 1 further preferably includes a blower head 10 for blowing the airflow F out of the hair styling appliance 1 towards the hair.Connected to the handle 7, the blower head 10 advantageously carries said first and second air outlets 2, 3, so that the airflow F is advantageously intended to be blown out of the hair styling appliance 1 towards the hair via the blower head 10. Advantageously defined by a portion of the housing 6 of the hair styling appliance 1, said blower head 10 preferably has at least one first face, which advantageously defines or at least contributes to defining the first face 4 of the hair styling appliance 1, and which carries the first air outlet 2. The blower head 10 preferably also has a second face, which advantageously defines or at least contributes to defining the second face 5 of the hair styling appliance 1, and which carries the second air outlet 3.Advantageously, the blower head 10 extends along a mean extension axis BB', between a lower end (first end) at which the blower head 10 is connected to the handle 7, and thus preferably extends the handle 7 beyond its first end 8, and an opposite free upper end (second end). Depending on the shape and dimensions of the blower head 10, this mean extension axis BB' can constitute a longitudinal extension axis of the blower head 10. As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the mean extension axis BB' of the blower head 10 is advantageously parallel or collinear (coinciding) with the mean longitudinal extension axis AA' of the handle 7.The hair styling appliance 1 then advantageously extends, generally speaking, along an average extension direction that is parallel or collinear with the average longitudinal extension axis AA' of the handle 7 and the average extension axis BB' of the blow-dry head 10. The blow-dry head 10 can be designed to be removably connected to the handle 7, so that the user can separate the blow-dry head 10 from the handle 7, for example, to clean or replace the blow-dry head 10. Alternatively, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the blow-dry head 10 is designed to remain permanently connected to the handle 7 and is therefore not intended (under normal use) to be separated from the handle 7 by the user. This simplifies both the design and the use of the hair styling appliance 1.

[0016] The means for generating the airflow F advantageously include a blower module 11 (or "motor-fan unit") to initiate the airflow F, ie. to produce the airflow F from ambient air in the environment of the hair styling appliance 1. Preferably, the blower module 11 is integrated within the hair styling appliance 1 itself. The hair styling appliance 1 is advantageously provided with an air inlet 12, through which ambient air can be drawn into the blower module 11 for blowing towards the hair. The blower module 11, which typically includes at least one fan driven by an electric motor, can advantageously be arranged within the blower head 10 or within the handle 7, or alternatively, be assembled to the handle 7 at its second end 9. More preferably, however, the wind tunnel module 11 is assembled to the handle 7 at the second end 9 of the latter, so that the wind tunnel module 11 advantageously extends the handle 7 beyond the second end 9 of the latter.Advantageously, the blower head 10 is connected to the handle 7 at its first end 8. If the blower module 11 is thus arranged within the handle 7 or, more preferably, is assembled to the handle 7 at its second end 9, the hair styling device 1 advantageously includes a guide channel 13 arranged, at least partially, inside the handle 7 to guide and channel the airflow F initiated by the blower module 11 to the blower head 10. As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the guide channel 13 may advantageously be a single channel, so that it defines a common portion of the different paths taken by the airflow F within the hair styling device 1 according to the different blowing modes.Alternatively, however, several separate guide channels could be implemented, at the expense of the simplicity of design and manufacture of the hairdressing appliance 1. Advantageously, the means for generating the airflow F according to at least two different blowing modes thus include said guide channel 13.

[0017] Preferably, the hair styling device 1 also includes a heating element for raising the temperature of the airflow F, which is advantageously initiated by the blower module 11. Typically integrated within the hair styling device 1, the heating element is advantageously arranged to be interposed in the airflow F initiated by the blower module 11. As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the heating element is advantageously positioned inside the guide channel 13 arranged in the handle 7. The heating element is typically an electric heating element, comprising a heating resistor formed of an electrically conductive wire (not shown) wound around an insulating core 14. Alternatively, the heating element could be housed in the blower head 10, although this would reduce the compactness of the latter.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 11 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 rotational speed of the blower module 11's fan, and therefore the speed / flow rate of the airflow F blown by the hair styling appliance 1, and / or the heating temperature of the heating element.Such manual control / adjustment means 15 can be positioned, for example, on the handle 7 or on the blower module 11, when the latter is assembled to the second end 9 of the handle 7 as in the example illustrated in the figures. The hair styling appliance 1 may also optionally include a hot / cold air switch (not shown), for example arranged on the handle 7, preferably at its first end 8, 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 fitted at one free end with a plug (not shown).

[0018] The first face 4 of the hair styling appliance 1, and therefore preferably the first face of the blow-dry head 10, carries a mechanical hair engagement element 16, intended to interact mechanically with the user's hair, in particular for brushing, styling, and / or combing it, in addition to the aforementioned first air outlet 2. Typically, the mechanical hair engagement element 16 comprises a plurality of rows or bars of bristles and / or brush bristles, as illustrated in the figures. Preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the first air outlet 2 comprises a plurality of air outlet orifices, i.e., a plurality of air outlet portions, which outlet orifices are advantageously arranged between bristles or brush bristles comprising the mechanical hair engagement element 16.For example, these air outlets can each be formed by a slit (straight or curved). Thus, the airflow F can be optimally directed towards the hair when it is in contact with the mechanical engagement element 16 during a styling operation. Therefore, the first blowing mode advantageously corresponds to the operating mode of the hair styling appliance 1 in "blowing brush" mode.

[0019] Conversely, the second face 5 of the hair styling appliance 1, and therefore preferably the second face of the blower head 10, carries a nozzle 17 (or "air blower nozzle", or "air blower nozzle") which defines said second air blower outlet 3, and at least part of which protrudes from an external surface 5A of said second face 5 of the hair styling appliance 1, and therefore preferably from an external surface of the second face of the blower head 10. The second blower mode thus advantageously corresponds to an operating mode of the hair styling appliance 1 in "hair dryer" mode.Typically, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, at least a portion of the nozzle 17 extends beyond the external surface of the housing 6, the latter advantageously being distinct from the nozzle 17, which thus constitutes a part of the hair styling appliance 1 that advantageously does not form a cover for the latter. The second air outlet 3 is therefore not defined or delimited by the housing 6 of the hair styling appliance 1. Thus arranged in this protrusion, the nozzle 17 therefore presents an external surface, visible from outside the hair styling appliance 1, which is discontinuous with respect to the external surface 5A of the second face 5 of the hair styling appliance 1, and therefore preferably with respect to the second face of the blower head 10.In any event, the said nozzle 17 therefore constitutes a prominent element of the hair styling device 1, and preferably of the blower head 10 of the latter, the external shape of which marks a visual discontinuity, perceptible to the naked eye by the user, in the general external shape of the hair styling device 1.

[0020] Thus, the hair styling device 1 according to the invention constitutes a portable, multifunctional hair styling device that is particularly intuitive and easy to use, since the user can immediately identify, on the one hand, its multifunctional nature (blow-dryer mode / hair dryer mode), and on the other hand, the position of the air outlets associated with these different functions and blow-drying modes. The user intuitively understands how to orient the hair styling device 1 in relation to the hair to be styled, depending on the styling operation to be performed and therefore the blow-drying mode to be used.

[0021] As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the nozzle 17 is preferably fixed, i.e., it is attached to the rest of the hair styling appliance 1, and preferably to the blower head 10 thereof, in a way that cannot be detached by the user (during normal use of the hair styling appliance 1). This contributes to the ease of use of the hair styling appliance 1, in particular by preventing the risk of loss and / or improper attachment of the nozzle 17 by the user. For example, the nozzle 17 can be attached to the rest of the hair styling appliance 1 using screws or by a non-reversible elastic (clip-on) connection, for example, via fixing rings or tabs 18 ( figures 7 to 10) which can be provided with nozzle 17. Alternatively, however, the nozzle could be removable, that is to say, designed and configured so that it can be assembled and disassembled from the rest of the hair styling appliance by the user, for example in order to store the hair styling appliance, to clean the nozzle, or to replace the latter with another nozzle, identical or not.

[0022] Advantageously, as illustrated in figures 7 to 10In particular, the nozzle 17 includes a side wall 19, which delimits an internal channeling space for the airflow F, and which is arranged (at least partially) projecting from the external surface 5A of the second face 5 of the hair styling device 1, and therefore preferably from the second face of the blower head 10 thereof. The side wall 19 typically has an internal face oriented opposite the internal channeling space, and an opposite external face. The nozzle 17 advantageously has a distal peripheral edge 20 (oriented therefore outwards from the hair styling device 1), to which the side wall 19 advantageously extends, in the direction of airflow F through the nozzle 17, from an opposite proximal end 21 (oriented therefore inwards from the hair styling device 1) of the side wall 19.Said distal peripheral edge 20 advantageously defines an air blowing opening 22, preferably unique, of said second air blowing outlet 3, through which the air flow F is therefore blown out of the hair styling device 1 in the second blowing mode. Preferably, the side wall 19 has a substantially constant thickness from said proximal end 21 towards said distal peripheral edge 20. In return, the nozzle 17 advantageously has an air inlet orifice 23, opposite said air blow-out opening 22, through which the airflow F enters the nozzle 17. Furthermore, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the nozzle 17 may advantageously include a base 24, through which the nozzle 17 is connected to the rest of the hair styling device, and in which the air inlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 17 is provided.As illustrated in the figures, said base 24 can then carry the mounting rings or tabs 18 of the nozzle 17. For example, said base 24 can be in the form of a plate. Advantageously, the proximal end 21 of the side wall 19 is carried or defined by said base 24, i.e., said side wall 19 projects from said base 24 towards said distal peripheral edge 20. As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the external face of the side wall 19 of the nozzle 17 can advantageously be provided with ribs 25, which typically extend between (and preferably from) said proximal end 21 towards said distal peripheral edge 20.The incorporation of such ribs 25 contributes to the mechanical reinforcement of the side wall 19 of the nozzle 17, making it possible to maintain a relatively small thickness of the side wall 19 (and therefore the amount of material used) without compromising robustness. Furthermore, the incorporation of such ribs 25 enhances the visibility of the nozzle 17, and thus of the second air outlet 3, for the user. Conversely, the inner face of the side wall 19 of the nozzle 17 is advantageously smooth, so as not to disrupt the flow of air F.

[0023] Preferably, the first air outlet 2 extends longitudinally along the average extension axis BB' of the blower head 10. This facilitates rapid and efficient hair processing with a limited number of passes of the styling appliance 1 over the hair. For example, the first air outlet 2 may then comprise a plurality of air outlets, each in the form of a slot, arranged in a stepped fashion along the average extension axis BB' of the blower head 10 ( figure 4Preferably, the second air outlet 3 of the hair styling device 1 has a single, preferably continuous, air outlet 22 extending longitudinally along the average extension axis BB' of the blower head 10. As mentioned above, this air outlet 22 is advantageously defined by the distal peripheral edge 20 of the lateral wall 19 of the nozzle 17. The second air outlet 3 of the blower head 10 thus has an opening that is advantageously oblong in shape, extending along the average extension axis BB' of the blower head 10, as seen in the example shown in figures 6 , 13 à 15in particular. Such a configuration allows the airflow F to be diffused over a large portion of the hair, which notably promotes quick and effective hair treatment in a limited number of passes of the hair styling device 1 over the hair, while also contributing to the ergonomics and ease of use of the hair styling device 1. However, it is quite possible to consider a different shape for the air blowing opening 22 of said second air blowing outlet 3. For example, the nozzle 17 could alternatively define a circular air blowing opening.

[0024] Advantageously, the nozzle 17 extends longitudinally along an average extension direction of a portion of the hair styling appliance 1 that carries the nozzle 17, over a length L2 that is at least equal to half of, and preferably at least equal to two-thirds of, or even substantially equal to, a respective length L1 along which the mechanical hair engagement element 16 extends longitudinally along an average extension direction of a portion of the hair styling appliance 1 that carries the mechanical hair engagement element 16. When the mechanical hair engagement element 11 and the nozzle 17 are carried by the blow dryer head 10, said average extension direction of the hair styling appliance 1 therefore advantageously corresponds to the average extension axis BB' of the blow dryer head 10. Thus, for example, when the hair styling appliance 1 is viewed from the side ( figures 2 And 3In particular, the length L2 of the nozzle 17, relative to the respective length L1 of the mechanical engagement element 16 of the hair, makes the nozzle 17, and therefore the associated air-blowing function, particularly easy for the user to identify. While such a feature can be advantageously combined with an elongated shape of the air-blowing opening 22 of the second air-blowing outlet 3, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, these features are obviously not intrinsically linked, and a nozzle 17 with an elongated external shape but a circular air-blowing opening, for example, could certainly be considered.Typically, the nozzle 17 can have, according to the said average extension direction considered of the hair styling device 1, and therefore preferably along the BB' average extension axis of the blower head 10, a length L2 advantageously between 60 mm and 130 mm, more advantageously between 80 mm and 120 mm, and for example equal to about 95 mm.

[0025] In order to obtain a particularly interesting compromise in terms of visibility of the nozzle 17, its size and the aerodynamic performance of the hair styling device 1, it is advantageous to provide that said nozzle 17 (or at least part of it) extends outwards from the hair styling device 1, from the external surface 5A of the second face 5 of the latter, over a distance d2 between 2 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm, and for example equal to 8 mm ± 1 mm (without taking into account the possible protrusion 28 which will be mentioned later).The said maximum distance d2 advantageously corresponds to the distance which separates the external surface 5A of the second face 5 of the hair styling device 1 from a point on the distal peripheral edge 20 (or carried by the latter) of the nozzle 17 furthest from said external surface 5A, along a direction orthogonal to a mean extension direction of a portion of the hair styling device 1 which carries the nozzle 17. Thus, when the mechanical engagement element 16 of the hair and the nozzle 17 are carried by the blow-dry head 10, said mean extension direction of the hair styling device 1 advantageously corresponds to the mean extension axis BB' of the blow-dry head 10.

[0026] As illustrated in the figures, it is advantageous to provide that the lateral wall 19 of the nozzle 17 is flared outwards from the hair styling appliance 1, and therefore that the nozzle 17 is advantageously divergent, as schematically illustrated in the Figures 9 and 10(using dotted lines). Thus, the outer face of the side wall 19 of the nozzle 17 forms an acute angle with the outer surface 5A of the second face 5 of the hair styling appliance 1. Advantageously, the internal channeling space for the airflow F defined by the side wall 19 of the nozzle 17 is itself divergent in shape, from the proximal end 21 of the side wall 19 towards the distal peripheral edge 20 of the nozzle 17. The nozzle 17 is thus particularly visible to the user, its particular shape standing out particularly clearly from the general shape of the hair styling appliance 1, typically given to the latter by the housing 6. In addition, such a divergent shape advantageously contributes to a particularly efficient blowing of the airflow F towards the hair.Advantageously, the nozzle 17 can have a ratio between the useful section (free area) of the air blowing opening 22 which it defines and the air inlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 17 which is between 1.1 and 3, preferably between 1.5 and 2.5, and for example 1.9.

[0027] Preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the second face 5 of the hair styling device 1 is provided with a housing (or recess) in which the nozzle 17 is partially arranged via the proximal end 21 of its lateral wall 19 ( figures 13 to 15Typically, this housing is defined by the casing 6. The nozzle 17 thus extends from the external surface 5A of the second face 5, starting from a peripheral edge of an opening in the housing. Advantageously, the base 24 of the nozzle 17 is fully received within this housing, with the base 24 preferably positioned in contact with the bottom of the housing. This design advantageously contributes to strengthening the robustness of the hair styling appliance 1 by limiting the risk of the nozzle 17 being detached. Furthermore, it allows for a more aesthetically pleasing integration of the nozzle 17 into the rest of the hair styling appliance 1.

[0028] To contribute to the practical and intuitive use of the hair styling appliance 1, the first and second air outlets 2, 3 are preferably arranged opposite each other, on either side of a plane P1 in which is inscribed a mean extension direction of the hair styling appliance 1 (or, where applicable, one of the mean extension directions of the hair styling appliance 1). This mean extension direction advantageously corresponds to at least one mean extension direction of a portion of the hair styling appliance 1 that carries the first and second air outlets 2, 3. Thus, when these outlets are carried by the blower head 10, this mean extension direction of the hair styling appliance 1 advantageously corresponds to the mean extension axis BB' of the blower head 10.The first and second air outlets 2, 3 are thus preferentially arranged opposite each other, on either side of a plane P1 in which is inscribed the axis BB' of average extension of the blower head 10. In this way, the first and second air outlets 2, 3 are advantageously not simultaneously visible to the user when the latter looks head-on at the first air outlet 2, and respectively the second air outlet 3. The user can easily use the hair styling appliance 1 alternately according to the first blowing mode or according to the second blowing mode, typically by a simple 180° rotation of the handle 7 of the hair styling appliance 1 to orient the corresponding of the first and second air outlets 2, 3 towards the hair to be treated.

[0029] More advantageously, the nozzle 17 has a distal end 26, which is arranged at a maximum distance D2 from said plane P1, measured along a direction orthogonal to the latter, with a value between 80% and 120%, and preferably between 90% and 110%, with a value of a maximum distance D1 from said plane P1, measured along a direction orthogonal to the latter, to which is respectively arranged a distal end 27 of said mechanical engagement element 16 of the hair. In other words, as schematically illustrated in the figure 3The distal end 27 of the mechanical engagement element 16 of the hair, which is defined, for example, by a distal end of a bristle or brush hair of the mechanical engagement element 16 of the hair, is arranged at a first maximum distance D1 from the plane P1. This first maximum distance D1 therefore corresponds to a distance measured between the plane P1 and a point on the mechanical engagement element 16 of the hair that is furthest from said plane P1, along a direction orthogonal to the latter. Conversely, the distal end 26 of the nozzle 17, which is defined, for example, by a point on the distal peripheral edge 20 (or carried by it) of the nozzle 17, is arranged at a second maximum distance D2 from the plane P1. The said second maximum distance D2 therefore corresponds to a distance between the plane P1 and a point of the nozzle 17 which is furthest from said plane P1, following a direction orthogonal to the latter.Such a ratio between the first and second maximum distances D1, D2 mentioned above contributes advantageously to further improving the visibility of the nozzle 17, and therefore the understanding of the blowing mode associated with it, in relation to the mechanical engagement element 16 of the hair. It also contributes to giving the hair styling appliance 1 a well-balanced appearance, both mechanically and aesthetically.

[0030] As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the nozzle 17 is preferably designed and configured so that, when the hair styling appliance 1 is placed on a rigid flat surface Sp (for example on a furniture top or on a bathroom sink or washbasin), with its second face 5 arranged opposite said rigid flat surface Sp, the hair styling appliance 1 cannot rest stably in a position in which the distal peripheral edge 20 of the nozzle 17 rests entirely in contact with said rigid flat surface Sp.Indeed, this would lead to an obstruction of the second air outlet 3, which could prove problematic for the proper functioning of the hair styling appliance 1, or even dangerous if the hair styling appliance 1 is operating in this second blowing mode, since this would prevent the airflow F from exiting the hair styling appliance 1 normally, risking overheating. Such a preferred design therefore contributes to making the use of the hair styling appliance particularly safe.

[0031] Accordingly, the distal peripheral edge 20 of the nozzle 17 preferably has at least one portion that is convex, curved, outwards from the hair styling appliance 1. As illustrated in the example to figures 7 to 10 In particular, the distal peripheral edge 20 may include: two portions 20A, 20B not curved outwards from the hair styling device 1 (and for example substantially straight), which extend globally along the average extension direction of the portion of the hair styling device 1 which carries the nozzle 17 (preferably therefore, globally along the BB' extension axis of the blower head 10), and two portions 20C, 20D curved outwards from the hair styling device 1, which extend globally along a direction orthogonal to said average extension direction of the portion of the hair styling device 1 which carries the nozzle 17, and which each connect one of said uncurved portions 20A, 20B to the other of the latter, at the respective ends of the uncurved portions 20A, 20B.

[0032] Alternatively, or in a complementary manner as illustrated in the embodiment shown in the figures, the nozzle 17 may advantageously have at least one protrusion 28 (or "lug") arranged locally along the distal peripheral edge 20 of the nozzle 17, projecting from said distal peripheral edge 20. Said protrusion 28 thus extends from said distal peripheral edge 20 and beyond the air outlet 22 defined by the latter. Said protrusion 28 therefore extends outwards from the hair styling device 1, said distal peripheral edge 20 being arranged between the external surface 5A of the second face 5 of the hair styling device 1 and said protrusion 28.Thus, when the hair styling device 1 is placed on a rigid flat surface Sp (for example on a piece of furniture or on a bathroom sink or washbasin), said protrusion 28 can come into contact with said rigid flat surface Sp and thus keep at least part of the distal peripheral edge 20 of the nozzle 17 away from said rigid flat surface Sp (. Figures 11 and 12 ). If the hair styling device 1 is then in the second blowing mode, the airflow F can then exit through the second air blowing outlet 3 and escape through a free space thus created between the distal peripheral edge 20 of the nozzle 17 and said rigid flat surface Sp ( figure 12 ).

[0033] Preferably, as illustrated in the figures, the first face 4 of the hair styling appliance 1 has a (first) longitudinal plane of symmetry S1 (or sagittal plane of symmetry). Preferably, as illustrated in the figures, the second face 5 of the hair styling appliance 1 has a (second) longitudinal plane of symmetry S2 (or sagittal plane of symmetry). Advantageously, as illustrated in the figures, said first and second planes of symmetry S1, S2 are orthogonal to said plane P1, in which is inscribed a mean extension direction of the hair styling appliance 1 (which mean extension direction therefore preferably corresponds to the mean extension axis BB' of the blow dryer head 10). This advantageously contributes to the overall aesthetics of the hair styling appliance 1, as well as to its good balance in the hand.

[0034] Advantageously, said protrusion 28 of the nozzle 17 is arranged along the (second) plane of symmetry S2 of the second face 5 of the hair styling device 1. Said protrusion 28 can thus advantageously constitute an unstable support point, on either side of which the hair styling device 1 can tip over, when the hair styling device 1 is placed on a rigid flat surface with the protrusion 28 in contact with said rigid flat surface Sp (as schematically represented by double arrows in the figure 12 ), so that the second air outlet 3 is thus more free from said rigid flat surface Sp with the protrusion 28, ensuring that the second air blowing outlet 3 is not obstructed.

[0035] Preferably, the means for generating the airflow F include an air direction device 29 (“air distribution device” or “air deflection device”), for directing and distributing the airflow F initiated by the blower module 11 towards one and / or the other (and preferably one or the other) of the first and second air outlets 2, 3 of the hair styling appliance 1, depending on the selected blowing mode. For this purpose, the air direction device 29 is advantageously mounted to move relative to said first and second air outlets 2, 3, at least between a first air direction configuration (or "first air distribution configuration") in which the air direction device 29 directs the initiated airflow F towards (and preferably only towards) the first air outlet 2, according to the first blowing mode ( figures 4 And 13), and a second air direction configuration (or "second air distribution configuration") in which the air direction device 29 directs the initiated airflow F towards (and preferably only towards) the second air outlet 3, reciprocally therefore according to the second blowing mode ( figures 6 , 12 And 15 ).

[0036] The air direction element 29 is therefore advantageously designed and configured to define, or at least to help define, different paths of the airflow F within the hair styling appliance 1, depending on its air direction configuration. When the first and second air outlets 2, 3 are located on the blower head 10, the air direction element 29 is preferably arranged inside the blower head 10, which contributes to a simple and compact design of the latter. The air direction element 29 is then advantageously configured to divert the airflow F exiting the guide channel 13 arranged in the handle 7 towards one and / or the other of the first and second air outlets 2, 3.More advantageously, the air direction member 29 is configured to deflect the airflow F exiting the guide channel 13 alternately towards one or the other of the first and second blow-out outlets 2, 3. Alternatively, the air direction member 29 could be arranged inside the control stick 7, although this would compromise the stick's compactness. Preferably, the air direction member 29 forms an air direction duct (or "air deflection duct," or "flush") that extends beyond one end of the control stick 7, and typically beyond the first end 8 of the control stick 7.The air direction device 29 includes at least one air direction outlet 30, through which the airflow F is directed by the air direction device 29 to one and / or the other (and preferably to one or the other) of the first and second air outlets 2, 3, depending on the air direction configuration occupied by the air direction device 29. Preferably, the latter includes a single air direction outlet 30, through which the airflow F is directed to the first air outlet 2 when the air direction device 29 is in said first air direction configuration and to the second air outlet 3 when the air direction device 29 is in said second air direction configuration. The design of the hair styling appliance 1 is thus simplified.In the case where the blower module 11 is arranged in the sleeve 7 or at the second end 9 of the sleeve 7, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the air direction member 29 may include an air inlet 31, connected to the air guidance channel 13 of the sleeve 7 to collect the air flow F initiated by the blower module 11. The air direction member 29 thus advantageously extends the guidance channel 13 beyond the first end 8 of the sleeve 7. Advantageously, the air direction duct formed by the air direction member 29 comprises a hollow tube with a generally cylindrical or preferably frustoconical internal shape.Open at one of its ends to define said air inlet 30, the hollow tube then preferentially presents a substantially airtight wall through which said air direction outlet 30 is provided, so that the air flow F entering through the air inlet 31 exits through the air direction outlet 30 along an average exit direction which is secant to (or at least arranged in an inclined manner with respect to) an average inlet direction of the air flow F (. Figures 13 And 15 ).

[0037] Advantageously, the hair styling appliance 1 also includes a control system to allow the user to alternately select one or the other of said blowing modes, that is, to control the transition of the hair styling appliance 1 from one of said blowing modes to another of said blowing modes, and for example from said first blowing mode to said second blowing mode and vice versa from said second blowing mode to said first blowing mode. In this respect, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the control system is advantageously connected to the air direction element 29 to control each transition of said air direction element 29 from one to the other of said first and second air direction configurations mentioned above.By operating the control system, the user can thus alternately select one or the other of the at least two different blowing modes of the hair styling appliance 1. The user can therefore advantageously choose through which of the first and second air outlets 2, 3 the airflow F will be blown out of the hair styling appliance 1, and thus select the operating mode of the hair styling appliance 1. The control system is advantageously separate from the manual control and / or adjustment means 15 for the electrical operation of the hair styling appliance 1 and the hot / cold air switch, as described above, which the hair styling appliance 1 may optionally include.It is advantageous for the user to select one of the blowing modes while another blowing mode is selected, prior to switching on the blower module 11 of the hair styling appliance 1. The control system is advantageously integrated into the blower head 10 and is preferably positioned along its mid-extension axis BB'. Preferably, at least a portion of an element of the control system forms, or at least contributes to forming, the upper (free) end of the blower head 10. This allows for easy and intuitive activation of the control system by the user.

[0038] Advantageously, the control system for changing the blow-drying mode of the hair styling appliance 1 includes a movable manual control element, for example a button 32 or a dial, to allow the user to operate said control system and thus manually select one or the other of said blow-drying modes. By "movable," it is advantageously understood here that the manual control element is capable of moving between at least two advantageously predefined positions and / or spatial orientations (relative to the rest of the hair styling appliance 1), typically by translation, rotation, and / or tilting under the effect of a manual mechanical action exerted on it by the user.Preferably, as illustrated in the figures, the manual control element is arranged at the level of the blower head 10, that is to say, it is carried by (or belongs to) the blower head 10, and not at the level of the handle 7. This limits the risk of unintentional manipulation of the manual control element by the hand of the user holding the handle 7. Even more preferably, the manual control element is arranged at such a distance from the handle 7 that it cannot be reached by a finger of the hand of the user holding the handle 7. Inaccessible by a finger of the hand of the user holding the handle 7, the manual control element remains, however, advantageously accessible by a finger of the user's other hand.Even more preferably, as illustrated by example in the figures, said manual control organ is arranged substantially along an axis parallel to, or coinciding with, the average extension axis BB' of the blowing head 10, so that it is accessible to the user from the top of the blowing head 10.

[0039] Different kinematics of the air direction member 29 with respect to the said first and second air blow outlets 2, 3, and therefore preferably in particular with respect to the blow head 10, can be envisaged, depending in particular on the conformation and configuration of the air direction member 29. Preferably however with regard to the simplicity of design and use of the hair styling device 1, the blow head 10 is fixedly connected to the handle 7 of the hair styling device 1, and the air direction member 29 is mounted movable with respect to the blow head 10 and the handle 7 between the said first and second air direction configurations.In order to simplify the design of the hair styling appliance 1 and improve its compactness, the air direction member 29 and the blower head 10 are preferably mounted to rotate and pivot about an axis DD' of rotation relative to each other between at least the first and second air direction configurations. Preferably, said axis DD' of rotation coincides with (is collinear with), or at least parallel to, the average extension axis BB' of the blower head 10. According to a variant (not illustrated), the air direction member 29 is fixed relative to the handle 7, and the blower head 10 is then mounted to rotate about said axis DD' of rotation relative to the air direction member 29 and the blower head 10.According to another variant, implemented in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the blower head 10 is fixedly connected to the handle 7, and the air direction element 29 is mounted to rotate about the axis of rotation D-D' relative to the blower head 10 and the handle 7. In accordance with the foregoing, this second variant is preferable insofar as it contributes to simplifying the design and operation of the hair styling device 1. The control system, and for example the push-push button control mechanism 32 mentioned above, then controls the switching of the air direction element 29 from one to the other of the first and second air direction configurations by rotating the air direction element 29 through a predetermined angle of rotation about the axis of rotation DD'.Preferably, the air direction member 29 is mounted to rotate freely relative to the handle 7 of the hair styling device 1, the axis DD' of rotation of the air direction member 29 being preferably parallel to, or preferably coincident with, the axis AA' of longitudinal extension of the handle 7.

[0040] Thus, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures where the air direction member 29 is arranged in the blower head 10, the air direction duct advantageously formed by the air direction member 29 can comprise a hollow tube of generally frustoconical internal shape (as envisaged above), the axis of revolution of which is advantageously formed by a longitudinal extension axis of the air direction member 29. The longitudinal extension axis of the air direction member 29 advantageously coincides with the average extension axis BB' of the blower head 10. Said respective extension axes of the blower head 10 and the air direction member 29 are advantageously collinear with the average longitudinal extension axis AA' of the handle 7.The air direction duct extends the air guide channel 13 arranged inside the handle 7, via a large base of the hollow tube, which has a generally frustoconical internal shape. At this base, the air inlet 31 of the air direction duct is located. The effective cross-sectional area for the airflow F inside the tube thus decreases along the longitudinal axis of the air direction element 29, moving away from the handle 7.

[0041] As described previously, the air direction member 29 preferably comprises a single air direction outlet 30. Said air direction outlet 30 is provided in said wall of the hollow tube and advantageously extends along the longitudinal axis of the air direction member 29. The air direction outlet 30 thus forms a lumen which extends longitudinally in a direction coplanar to the longitudinal axis of the air direction member 29. The generally frustoconical internal shape of the air direction duct tube advantageously allows for homogenization of the airflow profile F circulating inside the tube.The air direction outlet 30 is advantageously provided with a plurality of air deflectors 33 (straightening fins), called "primary deflectors", to straighten the air flow F exiting through the air direction outlet 30 from the air inlet 31 of the air direction member 29, and to optimally guide the air flow F towards the first air blow outlet 2 or the second air blow outlet 3, depending on the blowing mode selected. In return, the blower head 10 advantageously includes, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, a first portion of piping 34 provided to ensure an aerodynamic connection of the air direction outlet 30 of the air direction member 29 with the first air blower outlet 2 when the air direction member 29 occupies the first air direction configuration (. figures 4 And 13), and a second section of piping 35 provided to ensure an aerodynamic connection of said air direction outlet 30 with the second air supply outlet 3 when the air direction device 29 occupies the second air direction configuration ( figures 6 , 12 And 15 ). As illustrated in the figures, the said first and second duct sections 34, 35 can advantageously be defined, at least in part, by an internal ducting device 36, which thus constitutes a "two-way" internal ducting device (or "two-way distributor"). Advantageously housed within the blower head 10, the internal ducting device 36 is advantageously fixedly connected to the handle 7 of the hair styling appliance 1. Thus, when the air direction member 29 occupies the first air direction configuration ( figures 4 And 13in particular), the air direction outlet 30 of the air direction unit 29 is in aerodynamic communication with the first duct section 34, and therefore with the first air supply outlet 2. Conversely, the wall of the tube of the air direction unit 29 then blocks the second duct section 35 of the internal ducting system 36. Conversely, when the air direction unit 29 occupies the second air direction configuration ( figures 6 , 12 And 15 in particular), the air direction outlet 30 of the air direction member 29 is in aerodynamic communication with the second portion of the duct 35, and therefore with the second air blow outlet 3. The wall of the tube of the air direction member 29 then closes the first portion of the duct 34 of the internal ducting device 36.

[0042] Particularly advantageous in terms of optimal straightening and guidance of the airflow F, the blower head 10 can then comprise: of the first outlet air deflectors 37 (“first secondary air deflectors”) to straighten the airflow F directed towards the first air blower outlet 2 from the air direction outlet 30 of the air direction unit 29 when the latter is in said first air direction configuration, and of the second outlet air deflectors 38 (“second secondary air deflectors”) to straighten the initiated airflow F directed towards the second air blower outlet 3 from the air direction outlet 30 of the air direction unit 29 when the latter is in said second air direction configuration, a plurality of said air deflectors 33 of the air direction outlet 30 of the air direction member 29 being arranged aligned with a plurality of said first outlet air deflectors 37 when the air direction member 29 is in said first air direction configuration ( figures 4 And 13 in particular), and a plurality of said air deflectors 33 of the air direction outlet 30 of the air direction member 29 being respectively arranged aligned with a plurality of said second air deflectors outlet 38 when the air direction unit 29 is in said second air direction configuration ( figures 6 , 12 And 15 notably).

[0043] In this case, the nozzle 17 is advantageously devoid of air deflectors, which would be arranged for example in the internal channeling space of the air flow F of the nozzle 17. This simplifies the design and maintenance of the nozzle 17.

[0044] Advantageously, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the first section of duct 34 has a useful air passage cross-section that decreases continuously towards the first air outlet 2. Conversely, the second section of duct 35 advantageously has a useful air passage cross-section that decreases continuously towards the second air outlet 3. This advantageously helps to facilitate the circulation of the airflow F towards the first air outlet 2, respectively towards the second air outlet 3, and thus to reduce the risk of air blockage and increased air pressure inside the blower head 10, as well as the risk of air (possibly hot) leaking into other parts of the blower head 10.Preferably, the nozzle 17 is directly connected to the second duct section 35, so that an air outlet of the latter advantageously opens directly into the air inlet orifice 23 of the nozzle 17. For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the second duct section 35 can form the bottom of the housing in which the nozzle 17 is partially arranged, the base 34 of the latter being arranged in contact with the bottom of the housing thus formed. The advantageous combination of a second duct section 35 with a convergent cross-section, as envisaged above, with a divergent shape of the internal duct space for the airflow F of the nozzle 17 advantageously makes it possible to accelerate the airflow F, and thus to allow for particularly effective hair treatment when the hair styling device 1 is in its second blowing mode.

[0045] Advantageously, as illustrated in the figures, the control system of the hair styling appliance 1 is a push-push button control mechanism 32 (or "push-push kinematic control mechanism", or button control mechanism). "push-push"),to control each transition of the hair styling appliance 1 from one blowing mode to another. Designed to be operated by the user, for example manually, the control system is therefore designed and configured to transform each push exerted by the user (typically with a finger) on the control system's button 32 into a transition of the hair styling appliance 1 from one blowing mode to another, or at the very least, from one blowing mode to another. The control system's button 32 then advantageously forms the aforementioned manual control element.As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the push-push button control mechanism 32 is thus advantageously connected to the air direction member 29 to control each passage of the air direction member 29 from one to the other of the first and second air direction configurations.

[0046] Thanks to such a push-push button control mechanism 32, the use of the hair styling appliance 1 is particularly simple and intuitive, since the reproduction of a simple pushing action performed by the user against the button 32 of the control mechanism, each time in the same direction of push, controls each change of blowing mode of the hair styling appliance 1. Each push exerted by the user on the button 32 of the control mechanism thus controls a cyclic passage of the hair styling appliance 1 from a given initial blowing mode to a next blowing mode, and so on, until returning to said initial blowing mode after the control mechanism has been successively activated as many times as the hair styling appliance 1 has different blowing modes.Assuming that the means for generating the airflow F of the hair styling appliance 1 are designed to generate the airflow F according to only two different blowing modes, each push exerted by the user on the button 32 thus controls the alternating passage from a first operating mode of the hair styling appliance 1 (first blowing mode) to a second operating mode of the hair styling appliance 1 (second blowing mode), then from the first operating mode to the second operating mode of the hair styling appliance 1, and so on.

[0047] Advantageously, the push-push button control mechanism 32 is designed and configured to control each transition of the hair styling appliance 1 from one blow-drying mode to another in a purely mechanical manner. The control mechanism is therefore designed and configured to mechanically convert each push exerted by the user (e.g., with a finger) on the button 32 of the control mechanism into a transition of the hair styling appliance 1 from one blow-drying mode to another, or at the very least, from one blow-drying mode to another. The push-push button control mechanism 32 is thus advantageously free of electrical or electromechanical components, making its design particularly simple, economical, and reliable.As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the button 32 of the push-push control mechanism is advantageously mechanically connected to the air direction member 29 to mechanically transform each movement of the button 32 of the push-push control mechanism, under the effect of a push exerted on the button 32 (by the user), into a movement of the air direction member 29 from one to the other of the said first and second air direction configurations. It is therefore advantageously not an electromechanical push-push control mechanism, which would establish an electromechanical link between the button 32 of the control mechanism and the air direction member 29, that is to say, which would be designed to transform a mechanical push exerted on the button by the user into an electrical command of an electric actuator that would be connected to the air direction member 29.The implementation of such a purely mechanical control mechanism advantageously allows the user to change the airflow mode of the hair styling appliance 1 even when it is not powered on (i.e., when the hair styling appliance 1 is switched off or even unplugged). This improves the safety of using the hair styling appliance 1, as it reduces the risk of an unexpected burst of air blowing in a direction not anticipated by the user, for example, towards their face. The hair styling appliance 1 remains easy to use, however, since the user retains the ability to change the airflow mode while it is operating.Furthermore, the implementation of a purely mechanical control of the change of blowing mode, rather than an electromechanical control, tends to improve the reliability of operation of the hairdressing device 1, and to reduce its manufacturing and operating costs.

[0048] According to one variant (not shown), the button of the push-push control mechanism is bistable. Typically, the control mechanism is then designed and configured so that the button is capable of moving from a first stable position (called the released position) to a second unstable position (called the unstable pressed position) under the effect of an initial push by the user, and then automatically returning to a third stable position (called the stable pressed position), intermediate between the first stable and second unstable positions, under the effect of an elastic return mechanism when the initial push by the user ceases. The button then remains temporarily locked in this stable pressed position, corresponding to one of the blow-drying modes of the hair styling appliance 1.Conversely, the control mechanism is then designed and configured so that the button can move from the third stable pressed position to the second unstable pressed position under the effect of a second push exerted by the user, which follows the first push and thus unlocks the button, and then return to the first stable released position, under the effect of an elastic return element, when the second push exerted by the user ceases. For example, such a control mechanism with a bistable push-push button can implement a mechanism, a kinematic, called a "cardioid" mechanism.

[0049] According to a more preferred variant, implemented in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the button 32 of the push-push control mechanism is a monostable button. The control mechanism is therefore preferably designed and configured so that the button 32 is capable of moving from a first stable position (called the released position, or "unpressed position", or "rest position") to a second unstable position (called the pressed position) under the effect of a push exerted by the user, and then automatically returning from the pressed position to the released position when the push exerted by the user ceases, under the effect of an elastic return element 39.This "monostable" variant proves more advantageous than the aforementioned "bistable" variant because, since button 32 always returns to its released position, it remains equally accessible to the user regardless of the selected blowing mode. Furthermore, such a "monostable" variant is simpler to design and more robust in use.

[0050] Regardless of whether the "bistable" or "monostable" variant is considered, the push-push button control mechanism 32 advantageously includes at least one elastic return element 39 to automatically return the button 32 from the pressed position to the released position. Preferably, said elastic return element 39 is a spring, and in particular a tension, compression, or flexural spring (leaf spring).

[0051] The button 32 of the push-push control mechanism typically has a contact portion 40, or interaction portion, intended to come into direct contact with the user (for example, with the user's finger) when the user pushes against the button 32 to change the blow-drying mode. The contact portion 40 thus defines a portion of the external surface of the button 32, facing outwards from the hair styling appliance 1, and accessible to and visible to the user from outside the hair styling appliance 1. Advantageously, the contact portion 40 defines a free upper end of the button 32, which is opposite a lower end of the button 32 that is permanently located inside the hair styling appliance 1.As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the control mechanism is therefore designed and configured so that the contact portion 40 of the button 32 is preferably (entirely) located outside the housing 6 of the hair styling appliance 1 when the button 32 is in the released position. Thus, in the released position, and therefore in the absence of pressure exerted on the button 32, the latter advantageously protrudes from the external surface of the hair styling appliance 1, typically protruding from the external surface of its housing 6. This facilitates visual and / or tactile identification of the button 32, access to said button 32, and its manipulation by the user. Furthermore, this can advantageously help to limit the risk of contact between the user and the external surface of the hair styling appliance 1, which might be hot, and thus limit the risk of burns.

[0052] In any event, the control mechanism is preferably designed and configured so that the contact portion 40 of the button 32 is arranged below the external surface (or at the very least, the external geometric envelope) of the housing 6 of the hair styling appliance 1 (i.e., so that the button 32 retracts completely inside the hair styling appliance 1) when the button 32 moves to its depressed position under the effect of a push exerted by the user to switch the hair styling appliance 1 from one blowing mode to another. The risk of an unintentional change in the blowing mode due to interaction of the button 32 with the user or with a surrounding element is thus advantageously limited. As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the contact portion 40 of the button 32 is preferably provided with a concave area, i.e.of an area having a concavity oriented outwards from the hair styling device 1. The presence of such a concave area, preferably positioned in the center of said contact portion 40, advantageously allows to guide the placement of an end of a fingertip, and in particular a portion of fingertip, on the contact portion 40 of the button 32, to help to keep the finger thus positioned for the application effectively of a pushing force against the button 32 to control the change of blowing mode, and this even in particular without visual contact with the button 32.

[0053] According to one variant (not shown), the control mechanism can be designed and configured to transform each push by the user on the control mechanism button into a switch of the styling appliance 1 from one blow-drying mode to another. In this case, a single push by the user on the control mechanism button switches the styling appliance 1 from one blow-drying mode to another. Once the styling appliance 1 is in this other blow-drying mode, the user can then stop pushing the button.According to another, more preferred variant, implemented in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the push-push button control mechanism 32 is designed and configured to transform each push exerted by the user on the button 32 of the control mechanism into a transition of the hair styling appliance 1 from one blow-drying mode to another, and then to automatically finalize the transition of the hair styling appliance 1 to the other blow-drying mode by the automatic return of the button 32 to its stable released position (unpressed position) when the user's push ceases. In other words, the change of blow-drying mode is initiated only by a press exerted by the user on the button 32, and then automatically completed by the control mechanism.This allows, in particular, an easier, more intuitive and faster change of blowing mode for the user.

[0054] When, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the air direction element 29 is advantageously mounted to rotate and pivot about the axis DD' of rotation between at least the first and second air direction configurations, the control system, for example the push-push button control mechanism 32 mentioned above, then controls the transition of the air direction element 29 from one of the first and second air direction configurations to the other by rotating the air direction element 29 through a predetermined angle of rotation about the axis DD' of rotation. Preferably, the air direction element 29 is mounted to rotate relative to the handle 7 of the hair styling device 1, the axis DD' of rotation of the air direction element 29 being preferably parallel to, or even more preferably coinciding with, the longitudinal extension axis AA' of the handle 7.

[0055] In order to ensure a mechanical connection, as mentioned previously, between the button 32 of the push-push control mechanism and the air direction member 29, and thus to transmit to the latter the mechanical pushing force exerted by the user on the button 32, the control mechanism preferably includes a rotating coupling piece 41, forming a cam and mechanically connected to the air direction member 29 on one side, and preferably on the other side to the button 32. Said button 32 is advantageously secured to at least one pin 42 (or roller) forming a follower which cooperates with the cam so that each push exerted on the button 32 causes a rotation of the rotating coupling piece 41 about an axis of rotation and a corresponding rotation of the air direction member 29 about its axis DD' of rotation.Preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the button 32 of the push-push control mechanism is mounted for linear translation, and even more preferably for pure linear translation, along a direction CC' of translation, relative to the rest of the hair styling appliance 1, and in particular relative to the handle 7 thereof, between an unpressed (or released) position and a pressed position as described above. Thus, the movement of the button 32 under the effect of a push exerted by the user is a pure linear translational movement, that is to say, along a straight sliding joint, in the same average direction as the pushing force exerted by the user. The operation of the button 32 is therefore particularly easy and intuitive for the user, regardless of the position and orientation of the button 32 relative to the user when using the hair styling appliance 1.Alternatively, although less advantageous in terms of design simplicity and size, as well as ergonomics, the button could, for example, be mounted to rotate or pivot, or to rocker, and be shaped and configured so that the contact portion of the button describes a curved arc under the pressure exerted by the user. Even more preferably, the button 32 is arranged relative to the rotating coupling piece 41 such that the direction CC' of rectilinear translation of the button 32 coincides with the axis of rotation of the rotating coupling piece 41.Thus, each push exerted by the user on the button 32 results in a rectilinear translational displacement of the button 32 and, preferably directly, a rotation of the rotating coupling piece 41 in the direction CC' of translation of the button 32, according to a design which is particularly simple and compact due to the preferential absence of an intercalated piece between the button 32 and the rotating coupling piece 41. Alternatively, the direction CC' of rectilinear translation of the button 32 could be provided parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating coupling piece 41 and offset from the latter, or provided oblique or orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the rotating coupling piece 41, at the expense however of the simplicity of design and the compactness of the control mechanism.Advantageously, the rotating coupling piece 41 is fixed against rotation relative to the air direction member 29, the axis of rotation of the rotating coupling piece 41 coinciding with the respective axis of rotation DD' of the air direction member 29. Thus, each movement of the button 32 under the effect of a push exerted by the user causes the rotating coupling piece 41 and the air direction member 29 to rotate simultaneously, by the predetermined angle of rotation, around a common axis of rotation. This contributes to the simplicity and reliability of the design and operation of the hair styling appliance 1. For example, the rotating coupling piece 41 and the air direction member 29 can be assembled by complementary shapes and secured to each other by screwing, clipping / snapping, or gluing.Alternatively, the rotating coupling piece 41 and the air direction member 29 could possibly form together as a monolithic piece.

[0056] Preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the rotating coupling piece 41 more specifically forms a grooved drum cam. The rotating coupling piece 41 thus comprises at least one cylindrical portion of revolution, which is provided with a groove 43 forming a cam track delimited by two opposing lateral walls of the groove 43 and intended to be traversed by the follower pin 42 fixed to the button 32. The pin 42 is thus captive within the groove 43, which helps to ensure a reliable mechanical connection between the button 32 and the rotating coupling piece 41. Even more preferably, the groove 43 is peripheral, extending around the entire circumference of the cylindrical portion of revolution, and closed upon itself.The rotation of the rotating coupling part 41 around its axis of rotation can thus be done in the same direction of rotation with each command to change the configuration of the direction of air, and therefore the blowing mode.

[0057] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the button 32 is mounted in rectilinear (pure) translation, its translation direction CC' (sliding joint), which coincides with the axis of rotation of the rotating coupling part 41. Preferably, the rectilinear translation direction CC' is parallel to, or coincides with, the average extension axis BB' of the blower head 10, said average extension axis BB' being itself advantageously parallel to, or coincides with, the rotation axis DD' of the air direction member 29, said rotation axis DD' being itself advantageously parallel to, or coincides with, the average longitudinal extension axis AA' of the handle 7. This advantageously results, in particular when the four axes and directions mentioned above are coincident, in a particularly simple construction and a particularly compact hairdressing device 1.The button 32 advantageously comprises a circular-sectioned lateral skirt portion 44, rotating along the rectilinear translation direction CC', arranged parallel to the cylindrical portion of revolution of the rotating coupling piece 41, at least partially overlapping said cylindrical portion. The button 32 is connected not to a single pin 42, but to two follower pins 42, arranged on either side of the rectilinear translation direction CC', in order to further enhance the mechanical connection between the button 32 and the rotating coupling piece 41. A free end portion of each pin 42 is housed in the groove 43 of the grooved drum cam formed here by the rotating coupling piece 41.In order to ensure a rotational lock of the button 32 relative to the rest of the hairdressing device 1, and in particular relative to the handle 7 of the latter, and to guide the translational movement of the button 32 along the direction CC' of rectilinear translation, a portion of each of the pins 42 is housed within a respective oblong guide light 45 provided in a part fixed relative to the handle 7 (for example a part integral with the aforementioned internal channeling device 36).To facilitate the assembly of the hair styling device 1, the pins 42 can each be defined by a cylindrical pin press-fitted into an orifice provided through the wall of the side skirt portion 44 of the button 32, once the button 32 is assembled overlapping the cylindrical portion of revolution of the rotating coupling piece 41, so that a portion of the pins defining such a follower pin 42 extends radially inside the button 32, while an opposite portion of the pins extends radially outside the button 32 and is captured in one of the oblong guide slots 45.

[0058] Advantageously, the push-push button control mechanism 32 includes a spring return element 39, as previously mentioned, such as a compression spring. The spring return element 39 is configured and arranged to automatically return the button 32 to its stable released position (unpressed position) when the user ceases to push on the button 32. As illustrated in the figures, the compression spring can be arranged between an inner surface of the button 32 and a surface of the rotating coupling piece 41.The cam formed by the rotating coupling piece 41 is preferably shaped and configured so that the rotation of the air direction member 29 according to said predetermined angle of rotation, which allows the passage of the hair styling device 1 from one blowing mode to another by a corresponding passage of the air direction member 29 from one air direction configuration to another, is achieved: . for a first part only of said predetermined angle of rotation, by a movement of the button 32 of the push-push control mechanism under the effect of a push exerted, by the user, on the button 32, then, for the rest of said predetermined angle of rotation, by a movement in the opposite direction of the button 32 under the joint effect of the elastic return member 39 and the cam, when the push exerted by the user ceases.

[0059] Thus, the change in blowing mode is initiated simply by the user pushing button 32, as previously mentioned as the preferred option. The change in blowing mode is then automatically completed by the control mechanism after the user releases the button 32. The user therefore only needs to exert a fraction of the effort required to rotate the air direction element 29 to the predetermined angle to switch it between its different air direction configurations. As mentioned above, this allows for a simpler, more intuitive, and faster change in blowing mode for the user.More preferably, the cam is shaped and configured so that the rotation of the air direction member 29 according to said predetermined angle of rotation is achieved for 50% or less (i.e. for at most 50%, and for example for 30%, 40% or 50% only) of said predetermined angle of rotation, by a movement of the button 32 of the control mechanism under the effect of a push exerted on the button 32, and then, for the remainder (i.e. 50% or more, for example for 50%, 60% or 70%) of said predetermined angle of rotation, by a movement in the opposite direction of the button 32 under the combined effect of the elastic return member 39 and the cam, when the push exerted ceases.

[0060] Such a feature can be achieved, for example, by modulating the cam track profile defined by the groove 43 of the aforementioned grooved drum cam, to define at least two consecutive cam track segments, forming ramps of opposite slopes, and whose path by the follower pin 42 causes the air direction member 29 to rotate by the predetermined angle of rotation as follows. First, when the user presses the button 32 to move it from the released position to the pressed position, the pin 42 travels along a first cam track segment, sliding against one of the lateral walls of the groove 43, which forms a first ramp, thus causing the rotating coupling piece 41 to rotate by a first angle of rotation.Then, when the user stops pushing on button 32, the elastic return element 39 automatically returns button 32 to its released position (not pressed). Pin 42 then travels a second portion of the cam track, sliding against the other side wall of groove 43, which forms a second ramp with a slope opposite to that of the first ramp. Pin 42 is held against this second ramp by the elastic return element 39, thus forcing the rotating coupling piece 41 to rotate in the same direction by a second angle of rotation. The slope of the first ramp is chosen to be equal to or steeper than the slope of the second ramp, so that the first angle of rotation is less than the second angle of rotation. The sum of the first and second angles of rotation corresponds to the predetermined angle of rotation.Thus, the first angle of rotation corresponds to the movement initiated by push by the user, while the second angle of rotation corresponds to the complementary automatic movement described previously.

[0061] For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the transition of the air direction member 29 from one to the other of the first and second air direction configurations is achieved by rotating the air direction member 29 about its axis DD' of rotation by a predetermined angle of rotation of 180°. Thus, by rotating 360° about its axis DD' of rotation under the effect of two successive pushes exerted on the button 32, the air direction member 29 can advantageously change its angular configuration twice, alternating between said first and second air direction configurations.The grooved drum cam can then be advantageously shaped and configured so that the rotation of the air direction member 29 according to said predetermined angle of rotation is achieved for 90° (first angle of rotation) only (i.e. 50%) by a pure rectilinear translational movement of the button 32, from its released (stable) position to its pressed (unstable) position, under the effect of a push exerted by the user on the button 32, and then for the remaining 90° by a pure rectilinear translational movement in the opposite direction of the button 32, from its pressed (unstable) position to its released (stable) position, under the joint effect of the elastic return member 39 and the grooved drum cam, when the push exerted by the user ceases.

[0062] Preferably, the hair styling appliance 1 further includes an indicator system, comprising a visual selection indicator, to provide the user with visual information as to which of the blow-drying modes is selected. The implementation of such an indicator system is particularly advantageous in the preferred case, illustrated in the figures, where the control mechanism button 32 is a monostable button, i.e., a button that always occupies the same rest position, regardless of the operating mode of the appliance 1. As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the indicator system can be a mechanical indicator system, i.e., an indicator system whose change of state is controlled purely mechanically to reflect the selected blow-drying mode.Accordingly, the indicator system preferably comprises at least one opening 46A (through, optionally closed by a transparent element) formed in one face of the control mechanism's button 32, and an indicator piece 47, which is housed at least partially in a free space provided inside the button 32 and which is movable relative to said opening 46A so as to be visible or not, or to be visible in a different way (from outside the device 1), through said opening 46A depending on which of the blowing modes is selected. Advantageously, the face of the button 32 in which said opening 46A is formed is a face that is visible to the user regardless of the blowing mode selected. Even more advantageously, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, said face of the button 32 carries the contact portion 40 of the latter mentioned previously.More preferably, the indicator system comprises at least two (distinct) openings 46A, 46B provided in the face of the button 32, the indicator piece 47 being movable relative to the button 32 so as to be visible or not, or to be visible in a different way (from outside the device 1), alternately through one or the other of the openings 46A, 46B depending on which of the blowing modes is selected. More generally, the indicator system may advantageously comprise as many openings 46A, 46B as the hair styling device 1 has different blowing modes. The openings 46A, 46B may have an identical shape (. Figures 12 And 18 ), or different, distinctive forms.

[0063] For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the indicator piece 47 can be mechanically connected to the air direction member 29 via the rotating coupling piece 41, and be prevented from rotating relative to it, such that the rotation of the rotating coupling piece 41 causes a corresponding rotation of the indicator piece 46. The indicator piece 47 may advantageously include at least one arm or disc 48, which extends radially about an axis of rotation of the indicator piece 47, and whose upper face, oriented towards the face of the button 32 carrying the openings 46A, 46B, has a colored (or otherwise marked) area 49 of which ( Figures 12 And 18). Said colored zone 49 then forms said visual selection indicator. The rotating coupling piece 41 being advantageously fixed against rotation relative to the air direction member 29, the axis of rotation of the rotating coupling piece 41 being coincident with the respective axis DD' of rotation of the air direction member 29, a rotation of the air direction member 29 by said predetermined angle of rotation thus entails a corresponding rotation of the indicator piece 47 by the same predetermined angle of rotation. The openings 46A, 46B are advantageously configured and arranged such that: when the air direction element 29 occupies the first air direction configuration, a colored area 49 on the upper face of the disc 48 of the indicator part 47 is arranged opposite one of the openings 46A, 46B so as to be visible to the user through it ( figure 18, on the left), then when the air direction device 29 occupies the second air direction configuration by rotation of said predetermined rotation angle, said colored area 49 is then arranged opposite the other of the openings 46A, 46B so as to be visible to the user through the latter ( figure 18 (on the right).

[0064] As previously mentioned, the predetermined angle of rotation is 180° in the example illustrated in the figures, and the air direction member 29 advantageously changes its angular configuration twice, alternating between the first and second air direction configurations, when it is rotated 360° about its axis DD' of rotation under the effect of two successive pushes exerted on the button 32. As illustrated in the figures, the openings 46A, 46B are advantageously arranged on either side of the coincident axes of rotation of the air direction member 29, the rotating coupling piece 41, and the indicator piece 47. The indicator piece 47 here comprises a disk 48, which extends radially with respect to the axis of rotation of the indicator piece 47, and whose upper face, oriented towards the face of the button 32 carrying the openings 46A, 46B, presents a colored area 49 which occupies half of the upper surface of the disk, for example.

[0065] Of course, other designs and configurations of the indicator system could alternatively be considered. In particular, one could alternatively consider implementing an indicator system comprising a visual selection indicator light, and therefore electrically controlled. Furthermore, while in the embodiment illustrated in the figures the visual selection indicator is visible from the top of the blower head 10 of the hair styling appliance 1, it can advantageously be provided that the indicator system includes a visual selection indicator, illuminated or not, which is alternatively visible from the side of the first and second faces 4, 5 that bear the air blower outlet 2, 3 corresponding to the selected blowing mode, so as to make the hair styling appliance 1 even more practical and intuitive to use.

Claims

1. A portable hair styling device (1) comprising means for generating a flow (F) of air according to at least two different blowing modes, the device (1) having a first face (4) that carries a first air blowing outlet (2) for blowing said flow (F) of air out of the device (1) in a first of said blowing modes, and a second face (5) carrying a second air blowing outlet (3) for blowing said flow (F) of air out of the device (1) in a second of said blowing modes, said first face (4) carrying a mechanical hair engagement element (16), characterized in that said second face (5) carries a nozzle (17) that defines said second air blowing outlet (3) and of which at least part protrudes from an outer surface (5A) of said second face (5) of the device (1).

2. A portable hair styling device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which said nozzle (17) is non-removable.

3. A portable hair styling device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a handle (7) for manual gripping and an air blowing head (10) connected to the handle (7), the air blowing head (10) carrying said first and second air blowing outlets (2, 3).

4. A portable hair styling device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the air blowing head (10) extends along an average extension axis (B-8') between a lower end at which the air blowing head (10) is connected to the handle (7) and an opposing free upper end.

5. A portable hair styling device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first air blowing outlet (2) extends longitudinally along the average extension axis (8-8') of the air blowing head (10).

6. A portable hair styling device (1) according to one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the second air blowing outlet (3) features a preferentially single air blowing opening (22) extending longitudinally along the average extension axis (B-8') of the air blowing head (10).

7. A portable hair styling device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle (17) extends longitudinally, following an average extension direction of a portion of the device (1) that carries said nozzle (17), over a length (L2) that is at least half, preferably at least two-thirds, of a respective length (L1) along which the mechanical hair engagement element (16) extends longitudinally following an average extension direction of a portion of the device (1) that carries said mechanical hair engagement element (16).

8. A portable hair styling device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle (17) protrudes outwardly from the device (1) from the external surface (5A) of the second face (5) over a maximum distance (d2) ranging from 2 mm to 20 mm, preferably ranging from 5 mm to 10 mm, and for example equal to 8 mm ± 1 mm.

9. A portable hair styling device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second air blowing outlets (2, 3) are oppositely arranged with respect to each other, on either side of a plane (P1) within which an average extension direction of said device (1) is inscribed.

10. A portable hair styling device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the nozzle (17) has a distal end (26) that is arranged at a maximum distance (D2) from said plane (P1), measured in a direction orthogonal to the latter, of a value ranging from 80% to 120%, and preferably ranging from 90% to 110%, of a value of a maximum distance (D1) from said plane (P1), measured in a direction orthogonal to the latter, at which a distal end (27) of said mechanical hair engagement element (16) is respectively arranged.

11. A portable hair styling device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said nozzle (17) includes a side wall (19) that protrudes from the external surface (5A) of the second face (5) of the device (1), and is flared towards the outside of said device (1).

12. A portable hair styling device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said nozzle (17) has a distal peripheral edge (20), and at least one protuberance arranged locally along said distal peripheral edge (20), protruding from the latter, said protuberance (28) being preferably arranged along a symmetry plane (S2) of the second face (5) of said device (1).

13. A portable hair styling device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a control system to allow a user to alternately select one or the other of said blowing modes.

14. A portable hair styling device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said means for generating the flow (F) of air include a blower module (11) to initiate said flow (F) of air and an air directing member (29) which is mounted movable at least between: - a first air direction configuration wherein said air directing member (29) directs the initiated air flow (F) towards the first air blowing outlet (2) according to said first blowing mode, and - a second air direction configuration wherein said air directing member (29) directs the initiated air flow (F) towards the second air blowing outlet (3) according to said second blowing mode, the control system being connected to the air directing member (29) to control each transition of said air directing member (29) from one to the other of said first and second air direction configurations.