MULTI-MODE HAIR BLOWER WITH SELECTED BLOWING MODE INDICATOR SYSTEM

Abstract

Multi-mode blow-drying hair styling device with selected blow-drying mode indicator system. The invention relates to a portable hair styling device (1) comprising means for generating an airflow in two blow-drying modes, the device having a first face (2) having a first air blow-drying outlet (3) for blowing the airflow in a first blow-drying mode, and a second face (4) having a second air blow-drying outlet (5) for blowing the airflow in a second blow-drying mode, the device comprising a control system (20) for alternately selecting one or the other of the blow-drying modes, and an indicator system for providing visual information as to which of the blow-drying modes is selected, the indicator system comprising a visual selection indicator (21',21") alternately visible on the side of the first and second faces which bear the air outlet corresponding to the selected blowing mode. Hairdressing appliances. Figure for abbreviation: Fig. 10.

Description

Title of the invention: MULTI-MODE BLOWING HAIRDRESSING APPLIANCE WITH SELECTED BLOWING MODE INDICATOR SYSTEM

[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field of hairdressing appliances, for example for domestic use, and more precisely 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 hairdressing appliances, appliances are already known that are designed to blow a flow of air towards the hair using different blowing modes, in order to give these appliances a multifunctional character, for carrying out various hair drying and / or styling techniques using a single appliance. For example, hand-held hair dryers are known, comprising a handle and a blowing head, which has an air outlet for directing a forced flow of hot or cold air towards the hair of a user. The forced air flow follows a single path within the appliance, until it emerges through said air outlet.In order to modify the blowing mode of these hair dryers, additional accessories are generally provided, detachably or not, at the air outlet in order to typically modify the useful air passage section and / or the air blowing direction, and thus to define a plurality of different blowing modes adapted to the implementation of particular hair drying and / or styling techniques. These known hair dryers, while generally satisfactory, nevertheless have certain drawbacks. In particular, switching the hair dryer from one blowing mode to another requires the user to assemble / disassemble the accessories, or to manipulate an accessory pre-assembled at the air outlet. Such an operation can sometimes prove tedious, which affects the ease of use of the device and its ergonomics.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 are inaccessible to the user when the latter wishes to use them.

[0003] The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to propose a new multifunctional portable hairdressing appliance which is particularly practical and intuitive to use, even for a user without particular professional hairdressing skills.

[0004] Another object of the invention is to propose a new portable hairdressing appliance ergonomically designed and particularly practical to use.

[0005] Another object of the invention is to propose a new portable hairdressing appliance which is particularly safe to use.

[0006] Another object of the invention is to propose a new portable hairdressing appliance of particularly simple and compact construction.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to propose a new portable hairdressing appliance which is particularly robust and reliable.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to propose a new portable hairdressing appliance allowing a user to easily and efficiently carry out a plurality of separate operations, without requiring the use of an external complementary hairdressing appliance.

[0009] The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a portable hairdressing appliance comprising means for generating an air flow according to at least two different blowing modes, the appliance having a first face, which carries a first air blowing outlet for blowing said air flow out of the appliance in a first of said blowing modes, and a second face carrying a second air blowing outlet for blowing said air flow out of the appliance in a second of said blowing modes, said appliance comprising - a control system for enabling a user to alternately select one or other of said blowing modes, and - an indicator system for providing visual information to the user as to which of said blowing modes is thus selected, said indicator system comprising a visual selection indicator alternately visible on the side of that of said first and second faces which carries the air blowing outlet corresponding to the selected blowing mode.

[0010] Other features and advantages of the invention will appear and emerge in more detail on reading the description given below, with reference to the appended drawings, given solely as illustrative and non-limiting examples, among which:

[0011] [Fig-1] illustrates, in a side view, an embodiment of a hairdressing appliance according to the invention;

[0012] [Fig.2] illustrates, in a perspective view, the hairdressing appliance of [Fig.l];

[0013] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, according to a front view of the first face carrying a first air blowing outlet, three successive states of the hairdressing appliance of [Fig.l]. In the state illustrated on the left, a first blowing mode is selected (here, a “blowing brush” mode), and a visual selection indicator is visible (in black) on the side of the first face. In a transient state illustrated in the center, a button of a push-push button control mechanism of a control system of the hairdressing appliance is pressed to switch the appliance from the first mode of blowing to a second blowing mode (here, a “hair dryer” mode). In the state illustrated on the right, the second blowing mode is selected, and the visual selection indicator is then no longer visible on the side of the first face;

[0014] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, according to a front view of the second face carrying the second air blowing outlet, the three successive states of the device of [Fig.3]. In the state illustrated on the left, the first blowing mode is selected, and the visual selection indicator is therefore not visible on the side of the second face. In the state illustrated on the right, the second blowing mode is selected, and the visual selection indicator is then visible on the side of the second face (and no longer on the side of the first face);

[0015] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in a top view, the apparatus of [Fig.l]. A left, the first blowing mode is selected, as in the state shown on the left in [Fig.3]. On the right, the second blowing mode is selected, as in the state shown on the right in [Fig.4];

[0016] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates, according to a partial sectional view II (see [Fig.3]), the apparatus of [Fig.l], in the state illustrated on the left in Figures 3 and 4, corresponding to a selection of the first blowing mode, as illustrated on the left in [Fig.5]. [Fig.6] thus illustrates in particular an exemplary embodiment of the control system and the indicator system of the apparatus of [Fig.l];

[0017] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates, according to a partial sectional view II-II (see [Fig.4]), the apparatus of [Fig.l], in the state illustrated on the right in Figures 3 and 4, corresponding to a selection of the second blowing mode, as illustrated on the right in [Fig.5];

[0018] [Fig.8] illustrates, in a side view, another embodiment of an apparatus for hairstyle in accordance with the invention;

[0019] [Fig.9] illustrates, in a perspective view, the apparatus of [Fig.8];

[0020] [Fig. 10] schematically illustrates, according to a front view of the first face carrying a first air blowing outlet, three successive states of the hairdressing appliance of [Fig.8]. In the state illustrated on the left, a first blowing mode is selected (here, a “blowing brush” mode), and a visual selection indicator is visible (in black) on the side of the first face. In a transitional state illustrated in the center, a button of a push-push button control mechanism of a control system of the hairdressing appliance is pressed to switch the appliance from the first blowing mode to a second blowing mode (here, a “hairdryer” mode). In the state illustrated on the right, the second blowing mode is selected, and the visual selection indicator is then no longer visible on the side of the first face;

[0021] [Fig. 11] schematically illustrates, according to a front view of the second face carrying the second air blowing outlet, the three successive states of the device of [Fig. 10]. In the state illustrated on the left, the first blowing mode is selected, and the visual selection indicator is therefore not visible on the second side. In the state illustrated on the right, the second blowing mode is selected, and the visual selection indicator is then visible on the second side (and no longer on the first side);

[0022] [Fig. 12] schematically illustrates, according to a partial sectional view II (see [Fig. 10]), the apparatus of [Fig.8], in the state illustrated on the left in Figures 10 and 11, corresponding to a selection of the first blowing mode. [Fig. 12] thus illustrates in particular an exemplary embodiment of the control system and the indicator system of the apparatus of [Fig.8];

[0023] [Fig. 13] schematically illustrates, according to a partial sectional view II-II (see [Fig.l 1]), the apparatus of [Fig.8], in the state illustrated on the right in Figures 10 and 11, corresponding to a selection of the second blowing mode. [Fig. 13] thus illustrates in particular the same example of embodiment of the control system and the indicator system as in [Fig. 12];

[0024] [Fig. 14] schematically illustrates, according to a partial sectional view II (see [Fig. 10]), the apparatus of [Fig.8], in the state illustrated on the left in Figures 10 and 11, corresponding to a selection of the first blowing mode. [Fig. 14] illustrates in particular another example of embodiment of the control system and the indicator system of the apparatus of [Fig.8];

[0025] [Fig. 15] schematically illustrates, according to a partial sectional view II-II (see [Fig.l 1]), the apparatus of [Fig.8], in the state illustrated on the right in Figures 10 and 11, corresponding to a selection of the second blowing mode. [Fig. 14] illustrates in particular the same example of embodiment of the control system and the indicator system as in [Fig. 14];

[0026] [Fig. 16] schematically illustrates, according to a partial sectional view III-III (see [Fig.8]), the apparatus of [Fig.8], in the state illustrated on the left in figures 10 and 11, corresponding to a selection of the first blowing mode;

[0027] [Fig. 17] schematically illustrates, according to a partial sectional view III-III (see [Fig.8]), the apparatus of [Fig.8], in the transient state illustrated in the center in figures 10 and 11.

[0028] The hairdressing appliance 1 according to the invention is a portable hairdressing appliance, therefore designed to be grasped and handled by hand. It is a hairdressing appliance 1 preferably intended for use in a domestic setting by a user (male or female) without any particular professional skills in hairdressing, that is to say in terms of drying, styling, or shaping hair. Preferably, the hairdressing appliance 1 is designed so that the user uses the hairdressing appliance 1 on himself, that is to say on his own hair. However, it is perfectly conceivable that the hairdressing appliance 1 is designed for use by the user on the hair of a third person. Two non-limiting embodiments of the hairdressing appliance 1 are illustrated as examples in the above-mentioned figures. For the sake of simplicity, the elements that are substantially identical between the embodiments are identified with the same references in the drawings.

[0029] According to the invention, the hairdressing appliance 1 comprises means for generating an air flow F according to at least two different blowing modes. It is therefore an advantageously “multimode” or “multifunction” appliance, being designed and configured to blow an air flow F towards the user’s hair according to at least two different blowing modes, which can be alternately selected by the user. By “different blowing modes”, we preferably mean blowing modes according to which the hairdressing appliance 1 will blow a different air flow, for example by its shape, its direction and / or its intensity, and this in order to allow different operations to be carried out on the hair, depending on the blowing mode chosen, such as for example carrying out a hair drying operation or a hair shaping operation, as will be detailed later.The hairdressing appliance 1 has a first face 2, which carries a first air blowing outlet 3 for blowing said air flow F out of the hairdressing appliance 1 in a first of said blowing modes, and a second face 4 carrying a second air blowing outlet 5 for blowing said air flow F out of the hairdressing appliance 1 in a second of said blowing modes. Said first and second air blowing outlets 3, 5 are distinct, preferably distant from each other, and advantageously opposite each other. The first and second faces 2, 4, which carry said first and second air blowing outlets 3, 5, constitute different, and preferably opposite, faces of the hairdressing appliance 1. The first and second air blowing outlets 3, 5 advantageously exist simultaneously (that is to say they are both permanently present on the hairdressing appliance 1), and not alternately.Advantageously, the hairdressing appliance 1 comprises a housing 6, for example made of plastic, an external face of which defines at least a part of said first and second faces 2, 4 of the hairdressing appliance 1.

[0030] Said first and second blowing modes thus typically correspond to different paths of the air flow F within the hairdressing appliance 1. The hairdressing appliance 1 is therefore advantageously designed and configured so that the air flow F takes different (aeraulic) paths inside the hairdressing appliance 1 depending on the blowing mode selected by the user. In other words, the air flow F therefore follows at least a first path within the hairdressing appliance 1 in a first of said blowing modes, until it is blown out of the hairdressing appliance 1 via the first air blowing outlet 3. In a second of said blowing modes, the air flow F follows another path within the hairdressing appliance 1, that is to say a path which differs at least in part from the path(s) taken by the air flow F in the first of the blowing modes, until it is blown out of the hairdressing appliance 1 via the second air blowing outlet 5. The implementation of such different air paths advantageously allows the definition of very different blowing modes, depending in particular on the chosen configuration and conformation of the first and second air blowing outlets 3, 5, the relative arrangement of the latter, etc.

[0031] As in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, a first blowing mode can thus advantageously correspond to an operating mode of the hairdressing appliance 1 in “blowing brush” mode, while a second blowing mode can advantageously correspond to an operating mode of the hairdressing appliance 1 in “hairdryer” mode. Obviously, the invention is not limited to such particular blowing modes, and other blowing modes may be envisaged depending on the uses for which the hairdressing appliance 1 is intended in terms of drying and / or shaping the hair. Furthermore, the number of different blowing modes is not, in practice, limited to two. Furthermore, a given blowing mode may possibly correspond to a plurality of different paths of the air flow F inside the hairdressing appliance 1.

[0032] As in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing appliance 1 preferably comprises a handle 7 (or grip) for manual gripping, which is intended to be grasped manually by the user to manipulate the hairdressing appliance 1. Advantageously defined by a portion of the housing 6 of the hairdressing appliance 1, the handle 7 typically extends between a first end 8 and a second opposite end 9, preferably longitudinally along an axis A-A' of average extension. The handle 7 advantageously has a slender, elongate shape, so that it can be grasped with the full hand by an adult user.As illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing appliance 1 preferably further comprises a blowing head 10 connected to the handle 7 and advantageously carrying said first and second air blowing outlets 3, 5, so that the air flow F is therefore advantageously intended to be blown out of the hairdressing appliance 1 towards the user's hair via the blowing head 10. Advantageously defined by a portion of the housing 6 of the hairdressing appliance 1, said blowing head 10 has at least a first face which defines, or at least contributes to defining, said first face 2 of the hairdressing appliance 1, and a second face which defines, or at least contributes to defining, said second face 4 of the hairdressing appliance 1. Alternatively, however, the blowing head 10 could carry one of the first and second air blowing outlets 3, 5, while the other of the first and . second air blowing outlets 3, 5 would be carried by the handle 7, or another part of the hairdressing appliance 1. Advantageously, the blowing head 10 extends along an axis B-B' of average extension, between a lower end at which the blowing head 10 is connected to the handle 7, and thus preferably extends the handle 7 beyond the first end 8 of the latter, and an opposite upper (free) end. As in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the axis B-B' of average extension of the blowing head 10 is advantageously parallel or collinear (merged) with said axis A-A' of average longitudinal extension of the handle 7. The hairdressing appliance 1 then advantageously extends, in general, in a direction of average extension, which is parallel or collinear with said axis A-A' of average longitudinal extension of the handle 7 and with said axis B-B' of average extension of the blowing head 10.

[0033] As in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the first blowing mode advantageously corresponding to an operating mode of the hairdressing appliance 1 in “blowing brush” mode, the blowing head 10 typically comprises a mechanical hair engagement element 11, capable of mechanically interacting with the user’s hair in particular to brush it, style it and / or comb it. Advantageously carried by the first face of the blowing head 10 (which defines, or contributes to defining, said first face 2 of the hairdressing appliance 1), the mechanical hair engagement element 11 may comprise a plurality of rows or bars of bristles and / or brush pins.The first air blowing outlet 3 may advantageously comprise one or more air blowing outlet portions, for example defined (or each defined) by an elongated continuous opening such as a slot or by a plurality of separate orifices arranged in a line (straight or curved). As illustrated as an example in FIGS. 3 and 10 in particular, said first air blowing outlet 3 is advantageously arranged between the bristles and / or the brush pins of the mechanical hair engagement element 11. Respectively, the second blowing mode advantageously corresponding to an operating mode of the hairdressing appliance 1 in “hairdryer” mode, the second air blowing outlet 5 may have an opening of generally oblong, elongated shape, as illustrated as an example in [Fig. 4] and 11 in particular, to blow the air flow F in the form of an air blade.Alternatively, the second air blowing outlet 5 could have, for example, an opening of generally circular shape for blowing the air flow F in a substantially cylindrical or truncated cone shape.

[0034] Advantageously, the means for generating the air flow include a blower module 12 (or “motor-fan unit”) for initiating the air flow F, from ambient air in the environment of the hairdressing appliance 1. Preferably, the module blower 12 is embedded within the hairdressing appliance 1. The hairdressing appliance 1 is advantageously provided with an air inlet 13, through which ambient air can be sucked in by the blower module 12 in order to be blown towards the user's hair. The blower module 12, which typically comprises at least one fan driven by an electric motor, can advantageously be arranged within the handle 7 or within the blowing head 10. More preferably, however, the blower module 12 is assembled to the handle 7 at the second end 9 of the latter, so that the blower module 12 advantageously extends the handle 7 beyond the second end 9 of the latter. Advantageously, the blowing head 10 is connected to the handle 7 at the first end 8 of the latter.The hairdressing appliance 1 advantageously comprises a guide channel 14 arranged inside the handle 7 to guide, channel, the air flow F initiated by the blower module 12 to the blowing head 10. As in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the guide channel 14 can advantageously be unique, so that it defines a common portion of the different paths taken by the air flow F within the hairdressing appliance 1 according to the different blowing modes. Alternatively, however, several separate guide channels could be implemented, to the detriment of the simplicity of design and manufacture of the appliance 1. Advantageously, the means for generating the air flow F according to at least two different blowing modes thus comprise said guide channel (or channels) 14.

[0035] The blowing head 10 may be designed to be removably connected, assembled, to the handle 7, so that the user can separate the blowing head 10 from the handle 7, for example to clean or to replace the blowing head 10. Alternatively, as in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the blowing head 10 is designed to remain permanently connected to the handle 7 of the hairdressing appliance 1, and is therefore not intended (in normal use) to be dissociated from the handle 7 by the user. This simplifies both the design and the use of the hairdressing appliance 1. In any event, the blowing head 10 is preferably connected in a stationary manner relative to the handle 7.

[0036] Preferably, the hairdressing appliance 1 also comprises a heating element provided to raise the temperature of the air flow F initiated by the blower module 12. Embedded inside the hairdressing appliance 1, the heating element is arranged so as to be interposed in the air flow F initiated by the blower module 12. In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the heating element (not illustrated) is advantageously positioned inside the guide channel 14 formed in the handle 7. The heating element is typically an electric heating element, comprising a electrical heating resistor formed of an electrically conductive wire wound around an insulating core. Alternatively, the heating element could be housed in the blowing head 10, to the detriment however of the compactness of the latter. Advantageously, the hairdressing appliance 1 comprises means for manual control and / or adjustment 15, by the user, of the electrical operation of the hairdressing appliance 1, and in particular of the blowing module 12 and / or the heating element.These are adjustment means, for example of the rocker switch type, push button type and / or of the slide or thumbwheel type dimmers as in the example illustrated in the figures, on which the user can directly act in order to electrically activate / deactivate the hairdressing appliance 1 and to modify the rotation speed of the fan of the blower module 12, and therefore the speed / flow rate of the air flow F blown by the hairdressing appliance 1, and / or the heating temperature of the heating element. Such manual control / adjustment means 15 may be positioned, for example, at the handle 7 as illustrated in the figures, or at the blower module 12 when the latter is assembled to the second end 9 of the handle 7.The hairdressing appliance 1 may also optionally comprise a cold air / hot air switch (not shown), for example arranged at the handle 7, to control switching on and / or off of the heating element. Advantageously constituting a portable electric appliance, the hairdressing appliance 1 is preferably designed to be electrically powered from the mains, via a power cord 16 provided at a free end with an electrical connection plug (not shown).

[0037] Preferably, the means for generating the air flow F include an air directing member 17 (or “air deflection member” or “deflector”) for directing the air flow F initiated by the blower module 12 towards one and / or the other (and preferably one or the other) of the first and second air blowing outlets 3, 5 of the hairdressing appliance 1, depending on the blowing mode selected.In this respect, the air direction member 17 is advantageously mounted to be movable, within the hairdressing appliance 1, at least between a first air direction configuration in which the air direction member 17 directs the initiated air flow F towards (and preferably only towards) the first air blowing outlet 3 according to said first blowing mode, and a second air direction configuration in which the air direction member 17 directs the initiated air flow F towards (and preferably only towards) the second air blowing outlet 5 according to said second blowing mode.

[0038] The air direction member 17 is therefore advantageously designed and configured to define, or at least to contribute to defining, different paths of the air flow F within the hairdressing appliance 1 according to the air direction configuration that it occupies. Preferably, the air direction member 17 is arranged inside the blowing head 10, which contributes to a simple and compact design of the latter. The air direction member 17 is then advantageously configured to deflect the air flow F exiting the guide channel 14 formed in the handle 7, towards one and / or the other of the first and second air blowing outlets 3, 5. Even more advantageously, the air direction member 17 is configured to deflect the air flow F exiting the guide channel 14 alternately towards one or the other of the first and second blowing outlets 3, 5. Alternatively, the air direction member 17 could be arranged inside the handle 7, to the detriment, however, of the compactness of the latter.

[0039] Preferably, the air direction member 17 forms an air direction duct (or “air deflection duct”, “deflector duct” or “spool”) which extends longitudinally beyond one end of the handle 6, and typically beyond the first end 7 of the handle 6. The air direction member 17 then comprises at least one air direction outlet 18, via which the air flow F is directed by the air direction member 17 towards one and / or the other (and preferably towards one or the other) of the first and second air blowing outlets 3, 5 according to the air direction configuration occupied by the air direction member 17.In the case where the blower module 12 is arranged in the handle 7 or at the second end 9 of the handle 7, as in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the air direction member 17 may comprise an air inlet 19, connected to the air guide channel 14 of the handle 7 to collect the air flow F initiated by the blower module 12. The air direction member 17 thus advantageously extends the air guide channel 14 beyond the first end 8 of the handle 7. Advantageously, the air direction duct formed by the air direction member 17 comprises a hollow tube of generally cylindrical shape or preferably still frustoconical. Open at one of its ends to define said air inlet 19, the hollow tube then preferably has a substantially airtight wall through which said air direction outlet 18 is formed.

[0040] The hairdressing appliance 1 also comprises a control system 20 to allow the user to alternately select one or other of said blowing modes, that is to say to control the passage of the hairdressing 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 (figures 3 and 4, and 10 and 11) and vice versa from said second blowing mode to said first blowing mode. In this respect, as in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the control system 20 is advantageously connected to the air direction member 17 to control each passage of said air direction member 17 from one to the other of said first and second air direction configurations mentioned above.

[0041] By acting on the control system 20, the user can thus alternately select one or other of the blowing modes of the hairdressing appliance 1 from among said at least two different blowing modes. The user can thus advantageously choose via which of the first and second air blowing outlets 3, 5 the air flow F will be blown out of the hairdressing appliance 1, and thus choose the operating mode of the hairdressing appliance 1. As in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the control system 20 is advantageously distinct from the manual control and / or adjustment means 15 of the electrical operation of the hairdressing appliance 1 and of the cold air / hot air switch, as described previously, which the hairdressing appliance 1 may optionally comprise.It is thus advantageously possible for the user to select one of the blowing modes, while another of said blowing modes is selected, prior to starting the blowing module 11 of the hairdressing appliance 1. As illustrated as an example in the figures, the control system 20 is advantageously embedded in the blowing head 10, and is preferably positioned on the axis B-B' of average extension of the latter. Preferably, at least a portion of an element of the control system 20 forms, or at least contributes to forming, said upper (free) end of the blowing head 10. This allows easy and intuitive activation of the control system by the user.

[0042] According to the invention, the hairdressing appliance 1 further comprises an indicator system for providing visual information to the user as to which of the blowing modes is thus selected via the control system 20. By "visual information" is meant here an indication visually perceptible, to the naked eye, by the user looking at the hairdressing appliance 1 which he holds in one of his hands. The indicator system comprises a visual selection indicator 21, 21', 21" which is alternately visible from the side of that of the first and second faces 2, 4 which carries the (first or second) air blowing outlet 3, 5 corresponding to the (first or second) blowing mode selected.In other words, the visual selection indicator 21, 21', 21” is designed and configured to be arranged on, and visible from, the side of the (first or second) face 2, 4 of the hairdressing appliance 1 carrying the selected (first or second) air blowing outlet 3, 5, typically when an eye of the user is positioned opposite and facing the (first or second) face 2, 4 of the hairdressing appliance 1 carrying the selected (first or second) air blowing outlet 3, 5. It is therefore understood that the visual selection indicator 21, 21', 21” is only visible from the side of that of the (first and second) faces 2, 4 which carries the cor- air blowing outlet 3, 5. corresponding to the selected blowing mode.

[0043] Thus, in the case where, as illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing appliance 1 only comprises first and second faces 2, 4 respectively carrying a first and a second air blowing outlet 3, 5, said visual selection indicator 21, 21', 21” is therefore visible - either on the side of the first face 2 (and not on the side of the second face 4, [Fig.5] on the left) when the first blowing mode is selected, so as to visually inform the user that the first blowing mode is selected, and therefore that the air flow F will be blown out of the hairdressing appliance 1 via the first air blowing outlet 3, - either on the side of the second face 4 (and not on the side of the first face 2, [Fig.5] on the right) when the second blowing mode is selected, so as to visually inform the user that the second blowing mode is selected, and therefore that the air flow F will be blown out of the hairdressing appliance 1 via the second air blowing outlet 5. In other words, the visual selection indicator 21, 21', 21” is only visible on the face (first face 2 or second face 4) which carries the air blowing outlet (first air blowing outlet 3 or second air blowing outlet 5) which has been previously selected by the user using the control system 20. This allows the user to identify very easily and quickly, and without having to orient the hairdressing appliance 1 in a specific way, which air blowing outlet 3, 5 will be used, and therefore which face 2, 4 of the hairdressing appliance 1 he must orient in relation to his hair.Furthermore, if the user has any doubt as to which air blowing outlet 3, 5 is selected, he will intuitively tend to look at one or other of the faces 3, 5 of the hairdressing appliance 1, and he will then immediately observe the presence of the visual selection indicator 21, 21', 21” on the face (first face 2 or second face 4) which will be active (i.e. through which the air flow F will be blown out of the hairdressing appliance 1).

[0044] The hairdressing appliance 1 according to the invention is thus particularly practical and intuitive to use, even for a user without particular professional hairdressing skills, insofar as the user can thus choose at will, using the control system 20, a blowing mode from a plurality of different blowing modes offered by the hairdressing appliance 1, and then be informed in a particularly simple and practical manner, with a simple glance at the hairdressing appliance 1, as to which of the blowing modes is actually selected, and therefore as to which of the air blowing outlets 3, 5 through which the air flow F will be blown out of the hairdressing appliance 1. Thus, after selecting one of the blowing modes by acting on the system control 20 (if the desired blowing mode was not already selected), the user can very easily ensure that the flow F will be blown out of the hairdressing appliance 1 via those of the air blowing outlets 3, 5 that he plans to orient in relation to his hair in order to benefit from the corresponding blowing mode. The safety of use of the hairdressing appliance 1 is also advantageously increased, since the risk that the user may inadvertently burn himself, by being surprised by the face 3, 5 through which the hot air flow F is blown, is considerably reduced thanks to the presence of the visual selection indicator 21, 21', 21” directly visible on the face 3, 5 corresponding to the selected blowing mode.

[0045] Preferably, as in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, said first and second air blowing outlets 3, 5 are carried by the blowing head 10 of the hairdressing appliance 1, and the visual selection indicator 21, 21', 21” is also carried by the blowing head 10. Thus, when the first blowing mode is selected, the visual selection indicator 21, 21', 21” is arranged on, and visible (only) from, the side of the first face of the blowing head 10 of the hairdressing appliance 1 carrying the first air blowing outlet 3. Symmetrically, when the second blowing mode is selected, the visual selection indicator 21, 21', 21” is arranged on, and visible (only) from, the side of the second face of the blowing head 9 of the hairdressing appliance 1 carrying the second air blowing outlet 5.Advantageously, regardless of the arrangement of the (first and second) air blowing outlets 3, 5, said visual selection indicator 21, 21', 21” is arranged at a distance of between 10 mm and 100 mm, and even more advantageously of between 20 mm and 50 mm, from the (first or second) air blowing outlet 3, 5 corresponding to the (first or second) blowing mode selected. More precisely, said visual selection indicator 21, 21', 21” is for example arranged at a distance of 25 mm from the first air blowing outlet 3 and at a distance of 46 mm from the second air blowing outlet 3. The aforementioned distances advantageously correspond to the shortest distance which separates the respective proximal edges of each of the elements from each other. Each of these additional technical features contributes to making the 1 hairdressing appliance even more practical and intuitive to use.Furthermore, an arrangement of the visual selection indicator 21, 21', 21” at the level of the blowing head 10 of the hairdressing appliance 1, and not at the level of the handle 6 of the latter, makes it possible to guarantee good visual accessibility of the visual selection indicator 21, 21', 21”, without the risk of the latter being masked by a hand of the user handling the hairdressing appliance 1 (and in particular by a hand of the user holding the handle 6 of the latter).

[0046] Still in order to further improve the practical and intuitive nature of the hairdressing appliance 1 to use, said first and second air blowing outlets 3, 5 are preferably arranged opposite each other, on either side of a plane PI in which a mean extension direction of the hairdressing appliance 1 (or where appropriate one of the mean extension directions(s) of the hairdressing appliance 1) is inscribed. In the case where said first and second air blowing outlets 3, 5 are carried by the blowing head 10 of the hairdressing appliance 1, as in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, said mean extension direction of the hairdressing appliance 1 preferably corresponds to the mean extension direction B-B' of the blowing head 10.Said first and second air blowing outlets 3, 5 are therefore preferentially arranged opposite each other, on either side of a plane PI in which said direction B-B' of average extension is inscribed. In this way, the first and second air blowing outlets 3, 5 are thus advantageously not simultaneously visible to the user, when the latter looks straight on at the first air blowing outlet 3, and respectively at the second air blowing outlet 5. The user can easily use the hairdressing appliance 1 alternately according to the first blowing mode or according to the second blowing mode by a simple 180° rotation of the handle 6 of the hairdressing appliance 1 to orient the corresponding one of said first and second air blowing outlets 3, 5 opposite the hair to be treated.

[0047] Preferably, as illustrated by example in Figures 3 and 10 (left), the first face 2 of the hairdressing appliance 1 has a first longitudinal axis of symmetry S1, and the visual selection indicator 21, 21', 21” is advantageously arranged (and visible) aligned along said first longitudinal axis of symmetry S1 when the first blowing mode is selected. Preferably, as illustrated by example in Figures 4 and 11 (right), the second face 4 of the hairdressing appliance 1 has a second longitudinal axis of symmetry S2, and the visual selection indicator 21, 21', 21” is advantageously arranged (and visible) aligned along said second longitudinal axis of symmetry S2 when the second blowing mode is selected.Taken independently of one another, or preferably in combination, these additional technical characteristics contribute in particular to giving the hairdressing appliance 1 a particularly intuitive, ergonomic and aesthetic character. Advantageously, as illustrated in the figures, said first and second axes of symmetry S1, S2 are inscribed in a plane orthogonal to the aforementioned plane P1, in which a mean extension direction of the hairdressing appliance 1 is inscribed. This contributes advantageously to the overall aesthetics of the hairdressing appliance, as well as to its good balance in the hand.

[0048] Advantageously, the control system 20 comprises a control member manual control member 22 which is movable, for example a button or a wheel, to allow the user to act on said control system 20, and thus manually select alternately one or the other of said blowing modes. By "mobile", it is advantageously meant here that the manual control member 22 is able to move between at least two advantageously predefined positions and / or spatial orientations (relative to the rest of the hairdressing appliance 1), typically by translation, rotation and / or even by tilting under the effect of a manual mechanical action exerted against it by the user. Preferably, as illustrated as an example in the figures, said manual control member 22 is arranged at the level of the blowing head 10, that is to say that it is carried by (or that it belongs to) the blowing head 10, and not at the level of the handle 7.This makes it possible to limit a risk of involuntary manipulation of the manual control member 22 by the hand of the user holding the handle 7. More preferably, the manual control member 22 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 to a finger of the hand of the user holding the handle 7, the manual control member 22 remains, however, advantageously accessible to a finger of the other hand of the user. More preferably still, still as illustrated in the example in the figures, said manual control member 22 is arranged substantially along an axis parallel to or coincident with the axis B-B' of average extension of the blowing head 10, so that it is therefore accessible to the user from above the blowing head 10.

[0049] According to an exemplary embodiment, the indicator system comprises - at least one opening 23A, 23B provided through a portion 24A, 24B of a peripheral wall of the manual control member 22 (mobile), which portion 24A, 24B of peripheral wall is visible (by the user at least) from outside the hairdressing appliance 1, and - a support part 25 which carries the visual selection indicator 21, and which is housed at least partially in a free space 26 provided inside the manual control member 22 (mobile) so that the visual selection indicator 21 is arranged opposite said opening 23A, 23B according to the blowing mode selected.

[0050] In other words, the manual control member 22 has on the one hand a peripheral wall, at least one portion 24A, 24B of which is arranged to be visible to the user from outside the hairdressing appliance 1 and is provided with at least one through opening 23A, 23B, and comprises on the other hand a free space 26 arranged inside the manual control member 22. Said at least one opening 23A, 23B thus opens on the one hand to the outside of the hairdressing appliance 1 and on the other hand into said free space 26. The support part 25, which carries the indicator visual selection 21, is arranged at least partially within said free space 26.

[0051] According to this exemplary embodiment, and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the indicator system comprises, more preferably: - a first opening 23A formed through a first portion 24A of said peripheral wall, which first portion 24A is visible from the outside of the hairdressing appliance 1 on the side of the first face 2 of the latter, in particular when the user looks at the first face 2 perpendicular to the latter, and - a second opening 23B (distinct from said first opening 23A) formed through a second portion 24B of said peripheral wall, which second portion 24B is visible from the outside of the hairdressing appliance 1 on the side of the second face 4 of the latter, in particular when the user looks at the second face 4 perpendicular to the latter.

[0052] In this preferred case (hereinafter referred to as “Example 1”), said support part 25 is then advantageously mounted movably in said free space 26 provided inside the manual control member 22 between - a first position in which the visual selection indicator 21 is arranged opposite the first opening 23A when the first blowing mode is selected ([Fig.6]), and - a second position, in which the visual selection indicator 21 is arranged opposite the second opening 23B when the second blowing mode is selected (as visible in the example in [Fig.7]).

[0053] When the support part 25 is in said first position, the visual selection indicator 21 is thus visible to the user through said first opening 23A when the user looks at the first face 2, advantageously perpendicular to said first face 2 (as visible in the example in [Fig.5] on the left, and in [Fig.6]). When the support part 25 is in said second position, the visual selection indicator 21 is then visible to the user through said second opening 23B when the user looks at the second face 4, advantageously perpendicular to the latter (as visible in the example in [Fig.5] on the right, and in [Fig.7]).On the other hand, in said first position, the visual selection indicator 21 is therefore not arranged opposite the second opening 23B, and is therefore not visible to the user when the latter looks at the second face 4 of the hairdressing appliance 1, advantageously perpendicular to the latter ([Fig.5] on the left, and [Fig.6]). Conversely, in said second position, the visual selection indicator 21 is therefore not arranged opposite the first opening 23A, and is therefore not visible to the user when the latter looks at the first face 2 of the hairdressing appliance 1, advantageously perpendicular to the latter ([Fig.5] on the right, and [Fig.7]).

[0054] According to another exemplary embodiment (hereinafter, “Example 2”) illustrated as an example in Figures 8 to 17, the indicator system comprises, on the one hand, a first opening 27A formed through a first portion 28A of the (fixed) cover of the hairdressing appliance 1, an external face of which defines at least a part of the first face 2 of the hairdressing appliance 1, and a second opening 27B formed through a second portion 28B of the (fixed) cover of the hairdressing appliance 1, an external face of which defines at least a part of the second face 4 of the hairdressing appliance 1. Said first and second portions 28A, 28B of the cover advantageously contribute to forming the housing 6 of the hairdressing appliance 1. The indicator system comprises, on the other hand, a support part 25', 25” which carries the visual selection indicator 21', 21”.Said support part 25', 25” is housed in an internal housing 26', 26” which is defined by (in particular between) said first and second portions 28A, 28B of cover, and is mounted movably between. - a first position in which the visual selection indicator 21', 21” is arranged opposite said first opening 27A when the first blowing mode is selected, and - a second position, in which the visual selection indicator 21', 21” is arranged opposite said second opening 27B when the second blowing mode is selected.

[0055] This Example 2 can be presented in different ways, and in particular as illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 (“Example 2A”) or as illustrated in Figures 14 and 15 (“Example 2B”). When the visual selection indicator 21', 21” is in said first position, the visual selection indicator 21', 21” is thus visible to the user, through said first opening 27A formed through said first portion 28A of cover, when the latter looks at the first face 2 of the hairdressing appliance 1, advantageously perpendicular to said first face 2. When the visual selection indicator 21', 21” is in said second position, the visual selection indicator 21', 21” is then visible to the user, through the second opening 27B formed through said second portion 28B of cover, when the latter looks at the second face 4 of the hairdressing appliance 1, advantageously perpendicular to said second face 4.On the other hand, in said first position, the visual selection indicator 21', 21” is not arranged opposite the second opening 27B, and is therefore not visible to the user when the latter looks at the second face 4 of the hairdressing appliance 1 (figures 12 and 14). Conversely, in said second position, the visual selection indicator 21', 21” is not arranged opposite the first opening 27A, and is therefore not visible to the user when the latter looks at the first face 2 of the hairdressing appliance 1 (figures 13 and 15).

[0056] In Examples 1 and 2, the visual selection indicator 21', 21” can advantageously gently include, or be formed by, a colored element, which is then for example fixed, affixed, on all or part of the support part 25, 25', 25”, or defined by a portion of the support part 25, 25', 25” itself. As is apparent from the above, the indicator system can thus advantageously be a mechanical indicator system, therefore devoid of electrical or electronic components. Such a mechanical indicator system has the advantage of being able to be arranged easily and without risk near area(s) of the hairdressing appliance 1 likely to have a high temperature when the hairdressing appliance 1 is in operation, in particular due to an internal circulation of the flow F of air heated by the heating element. Such an indicator system thus has a simple, economical and reliable character which is particularly interesting.Alternatively, however, the indicator system could comprise one or more light sources, such as, for example, one or more light-emitting diodes, which, in an illuminated state, form(s) the visual selection indicator. In this case, the indicator system would therefore be an electrically controlled indicator system.

[0057] Advantageously, as illustrated in the figures, the control system 20 of the hairdressing appliance 1 is a push-push button control mechanism 29, 29', 29” (or “push-push kinematic control mechanism”, or “push-push” button control mechanism), to thus control each transition of the hairdressing appliance 1 from one of the blowing modes to another of the blowing modes. Intended to be actuated by the user, for example manually, the control system 20 is therefore designed and configured to transform each push exerted by the user (for example using a finger of the user) on a button 29, 29', 29” of the control system 20 into a transition of the hairdressing appliance 1 from one of the blowing modes to another of the blowing modes or, at the very least, from one of the blowing modes to another of the blowing modes. blowing.The button 29, 29', 29” of the control system 20 then advantageously forms said manual control member 22 mentioned above. As in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the push-push button control mechanism 29, 29', 29” is thus advantageously connected to the air direction member 17 to control each passage of the air direction member 17 from one to the other of the first and second air direction configurations.

[0058] Thanks to such a push-push button control mechanism 29, 29', 29”, the use of the hairdressing appliance 1 is thus particularly simple and intuitive, since the reproduction of a simple pushing action carried out by the user against the button 29, 29', 29” of the control mechanism, each time in the same pushing direction, controls each change of blowing mode of the hairdressing appliance 1. Each push exerted by the user on the button 29, 29', 29” of the control mechanism thus controls a cyclical transition of the hairdressing appliance 1 from a given initial blowing mode to a subsequent blowing mode, and so on, until returning to the initial blowing mode after the control mechanism has been actuated successively as many times as the hairdressing appliance 1 has different blowing modes. In the event that the means for generating the air flow F of the hairdressing appliance 1 are provided to generate the air flow F according to only two different blowing modes, each push exerted by the user on the button 29, 29', 29” thus controls the alternating transition from a first operating mode of the hairdressing appliance 1 (first blowing mode) to a second operating mode of the hairdressing appliance 1 (second blowing mode), then from the first operating mode to the second operating mode of the hairdressing appliance 1, and so on. following..

[0059] Advantageously, the push-push button control mechanism 29, 29', 29” is designed and configured to control in a purely mechanical manner each transition of the hairdressing appliance 1 from one of the blowing modes to another of the blowing modes. The control mechanism is therefore designed and configured to mechanically transform each push exerted by the user (for example using a finger of the user) on a button 29, 29', 29” of the control mechanism into a transition of the hairdressing appliance 1 from one of the blowing modes to another of the blowing modes or, at the very least, from one of the blowing modes to another of the blowing modes. The push-push button control mechanism 29, 29', 29” is therefore advantageously devoid of electrical or electromechanical components, so that its design is particularly simple, economical and reliable.As in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the button 29, 29', 29” of the push-push button control mechanism is thus advantageously mechanically connected to the air direction member 17 to mechanically transform each movement of the button 29, 29', 29” of the push-push button control mechanism under the effect of a push exerted on the button 29, 29', 29” (by the user) into a movement of the air direction member 17 from one to the other of said first and second air direction configurations. It is therefore advantageously not an electromechanical push-push button control mechanism, which would establish an electromechanical connection between the button of the control mechanism and the air direction member, i.e. which would be designed to transform a mechanical push exerted on the button by the user into an electrical command of an electric actuator which would be connected to the air direction member 17.The implementation of such a purely mechanical control mechanism advantageously allows the user to modify the blowing mode of the hairdressing appliance 1 even when the latter is not powered on (i.e. when . the hairdressing appliance 1 is stopped, or even unplugged). The safety of use of the hairdressing appliance 1 is improved, since the risk of an immediate blowing of air in a direction not expected by the user, and for example towards his face, is thus limited. The hairdressing appliance 1 nevertheless remains simple to use, since the user retains the possibility of changing the blowing mode of the hairdressing appliance 1 while the latter is in operation. Furthermore, the implementation of a purely mechanical control of the change of blowing mode, rather than an electromechanical control, tends to improve the operational reliability of the hairdressing appliance 1, and to reduce its manufacturing cost.

[0060] According to one variant (not shown), the button of the push-push button control mechanism is a bistable button. Typically, the control mechanism is then designed and configured so that the button is capable - to move from a first stable position (called the relaxed position) to a second unstable position (called the unstable depressed position) under the effect of a first push exerted by the user, and - to then automatically return to a third stable position (called stable depressed position), intermediate to said first stable position and second unstable position, under the effect of an elastic return member when the first push exerted by the user ceases. The button then remains temporarily locked in said stable depressed position, corresponding to one of the blowing modes of the hairdressing appliance 1.

[0061] Conversely, the control mechanism is then designed and configured so that the button is able to move from the third stable depressed position to the second unstable depressed position under the effect of a second push exerted by the user, which is consecutive to the first push and which thus makes it possible to unlock the button, and to then return to the first stable released position, under the effect of an elastic return member, when the second push exerted by the user ceases. For example, such a bistable push-push button control mechanism can implement a mechanism, a kinematic, called “cardioid”.

[0062] According to a more preferred variant, implemented in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the button 29, 29', 29” of the push-push button control mechanism 29, 29', 29” is a monostable button. The control mechanism is therefore preferably designed and configured so that the button 29, 29', 29” is capable - to move from a first stable position (called the released position, or “non-pressed position”, or “resting position”) to a second unstable position (called the pressed position) under the effect of a push exerted by the user (as illustrated for example by the first and second states of figures 3 and 4 (Example 1) and figures 10 and 11 (Examples 2A and 2B)), and - to then return automatically from the pressed position to the released position when the push exerted by the user ceases (as illustrated for example by the third state of figures 3 and 4 (Example 1) and figures 10 and 11 (Examples 2A and 2B)).

[0063] In this respect, the control mechanism then advantageously comprises an elastic return member 30, such as a spring, to automatically return the button 29, 29', 29” to the released position (or stable released position, or non-pressed position) when the thrust exerted by the user ceases. This “monostable” variant proves to be more advantageous than the aforementioned “bistable” variant insofar as, since the button 29, 29', 29” systematically returns to the released position, it remains just as accessible to the user regardless of the blowing mode selected. In addition, such a “monostable” variant is simpler to design and more robust in use.

[0064] According to a variant (not illustrated), the control mechanism can be designed and configured to transform each push exerted by the user on the button of the control mechanism into a change of the hairdressing appliance 1 from one of the blowing modes to another of the blowing modes. In this case, the single push exerted by the user on the button of the control mechanism makes it possible to change the hairdressing appliance 1 from one of the blowing modes to another of the blowing modes. Once the hairdressing appliance 1 affects this other blowing mode, the user can then stop exerting his pushing force on the button.According to another more preferred variant, implemented in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the push-push button control mechanism 29, 29', 29” is designed and configured to transform each push, exerted by the user, on the button 29, 29', 29” of the control mechanism into a passage, a transition, of the hairdressing appliance 1 from one of the blowing modes to another of the blowing modes, then to automatically finalize the passage of the hairdressing appliance 1 to the other of the blowing modes under the effect of the automatic return of the button 29, 29', 29” to said stable released position (non-pressed position), when the push exerted by the user ceases. In other words, the change of blowing mode is then initiated only by pressure exerted by the user on the button 29, 29', 29”, then automatically completed by the control mechanism.In particular, this allows for easier, more intuitive and faster blowing mode changes for the user.

[0065] The button 29, 29', 29” of the push-push button control mechanism 29, 29', 29” typically has a contact portion 31, 31', 31”, or portion interaction mechanism, intended to come into direct contact with the user (for example with a finger of the latter) when the latter exerts a push against the button 29, 29', 29” to control the change of blowing mode. The aforementioned peripheral wall of the button 29 then advantageously extends projecting from the contact portion 31, typically following a peripheral contour of the latter. According to a variant (not illustrated), at least the contact portion of the button projects from an external surface of the hairdressing appliance 1 in the absence of a push exerted on the button. The control mechanism is therefore advantageously designed and configured so that at least the contact portion 31, 31', 31” of the button 29, 29', 29” is arranged above the external surface of the hairdressing appliance 1 in the absence of a push exerted on the button 29, 29', 29”. This makes it easier for the user to access and operate the 29, 29', 29” button.This can also advantageously contribute to limiting the risk of contact between the user and the external surface of the hairdressing appliance 1, which could be hot, and therefore the risk of burns. According to another variant, implemented in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the control mechanism is advantageously designed and configured so that the contact portion 31, 31', 31” of the button 29, 29', 29” is arranged flush with, or barely touches, the external surface (or at the very least, the external geometric envelope) of the housing 6 of the hairdressing appliance 1 in the absence of pressure exerted on the button 29, 29', 29”. This variant has the particular advantage of giving the hairdressing appliance 1 greater compactness and an even more aesthetic appearance, but also of reducing a risk of damage to the . button 29, 29', 29” in the event of the hairdressing appliance 1 being dropped or impacted. In any event, the control mechanism is preferably designed and configured so that the contact portion 31, 31', 31” of the button 29, 29', 29” is arranged below the external surface (or at least, the external geometric envelope) of the housing 6 of the hairdressing appliance 1 (i.e. so that the button 29, 29', 29” retracts, retracts, entirely inside the hairdressing appliance 1) when the button 29, 29', 29” moves towards its depressed position under the effect of a push exerted by the user to switch the hairdressing appliance 1 from one blowing mode to another. The risk of an involuntary change of the blowing mode blowing by interaction of the button 29, 29', 29” with the user or with a surrounding element is thus advantageously limited.

[0066] Different kinematics of the air distribution member 17 can be envisaged. In order in particular to simplify the design of the hairdressing appliance 1 and to improve its compactness, the air direction member 17 is however preferably mounted mobile in rotation, in pivoting, around an axis C-C' of rotation, between at least the first and second air direction configurations, as in the embodiments illustrated in the figures. The push-push button control mechanism 29, 29', 29” then controls the passage of the air direction member 17 from one to the other of the first and second air direction configurations by rotation of the air direction member 17 according to a predetermined angle of rotation about said axis C-C' of rotation. More preferably, the air direction member 17 is mounted to rotate relative to the handle 7 of the hairdressing appliance 1, the axis C-C' of rotation of the air direction member 17 being preferably parallel to, or more preferably merged with, the axis A-A' of longitudinal extension of the handle 7.

[0067] Thus, as in the embodiments illustrated in the figures where the air direction member 17 is arranged in the blowing head 10, the air direction duct advantageously formed by the air direction member 17 may comprise a hollow tube of generally frustoconical shape (as envisaged above), an axis of revolution of which is advantageously formed by an axis of longitudinal extension of the air direction member 17. The axis of longitudinal extension of the air direction member 17 is here advantageously coincident with the axis B-B' of average extension of the blowing head 10. The respective axes of longitudinal extension of the blowing head 10 and of the air direction member 17 are advantageously collinear with the axis A-A' of average longitudinal extension of the handle 7.The air direction duct extends the air guide channel 14 formed inside the handle 7, by means of a large base of the frustoconical tube, at the level of which the air inlet 19 of the air direction duct is arranged. The useful passage section of the air flow F inside the tube thus decreases along the longitudinal extension axis of the air direction duct, moving away from the handle 7. The air direction duct advantageously comprises a single air direction outlet 18, which is formed through the side wall of the hollow tube. The air direction outlet 18 takes, for example, the form of an oblong slot which extends longitudinally in a plane carrying the longitudinal extension axis of the air direction duct. The generally truncated shape of the air direction duct tube advantageously makes it possible to homogenize the profile of the air flow F which circulates inside the tube.The air direction outlet 18 is advantageously provided with fins for straightening the air flow F, in order to optimally guide the air flow F towards the first air blowing outlet 3 or second air blowing outlet 5, depending on the blowing mode selected. In return, the blowing head 10 advantageously comprises, in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, a first portion of duct 32A provided to ensure aeraulic communication of the air direction outlet 18 of the air direction member 17 with the first air blowing outlet 3 when the air direction member 17 occupies the first configuration of . air direction, and a second duct portion 32B provided to ensure air communication between the air direction outlet 18 of the air direction member 17 and the second air blowing outlet 5 when the air direction member 17 occupies the second air direction configuration. As illustrated in the figures, said first and second duct portions 32A, 32B may advantageously be defined by an internal duct device 33, which therefore constitutes a “two-way” internal duct device (or “two-way distributor”). Housed within the blowing head 10, the internal duct device 33 is advantageously connected in a stationary manner to the handle 7 of the hairdressing appliance 1.Thus, when the air direction member 17 occupies the first air distribution configuration (first blowing mode, figures 6, 12 and 14 in particular), the air direction outlet 18 of the air direction member 17 is in air communication with the first duct portion 32A, and therefore with the first air blowing outlet 3. On the other hand, the wall of the tube of the air direction member 17 then closes the second duct portion 32B of the internal ducting device 33. Conversely, when the air direction member 17 occupies the second air distribution configuration (second blowing mode, figures 7, 13 and 15 in particular), the air direction outlet 18 of the air direction member 17 is in air communication with the second air blowing outlet 5. The wall of the tube of the air direction member 17 then closes the second duct portion 32B of the internal ducting device 33. air direction 17 then closes the first portion of pipe 32A of the internal pipe device 33.

[0068] In order to ensure a mechanical connection, as mentioned above, between the button 29, 29', 29” of the control mechanism and the air direction member 17, and thus to transmit to the latter the mechanical thrust force exerted by the user on the button 29, 29', 29”, the control mechanism preferably comprises a rotary coupling part 34, forming a cam and mechanically connected to the air direction member 17 on the one hand, and preferably on the other hand to the button 29, 29', 29”. The button 29, 29', 29” of the push-push button control mechanism 29, 29', 29” is advantageously secured to at least one pin 35 (or roller) forming a follower which cooperates with the cam so that each thrust exerted on the button 29, 29', 29” causes a in rotation of the rotary coupling part 34 around an axis of rotation and a corresponding rotation of the air direction member 17 around its axis C-C' of rotation.Preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the button 29, 29', 29” of the push-push button control mechanism 29, 29', 29” is mounted in pure rectilinear translation along a translation axis D-D', relative to the rest of the hairdressing appliance 1 and in particular relative to the handle 7 of the latter, between a non-pressed position (or released position) and a pressed-in position as mentioned previously. Thus, the movement of the button 29, 29', 29” under the effect of a push exerted by the user is a pure rectilinear translation movement, that is to say according to a rectilinear sliding connection, of the same average direction as the pushing force exerted by the user. The manipulation of the button 29, 29', 29” is thus particularly easy and intuitive for the user, regardless of the position and orientation of the button 29, 29', 29” relative to the user in use of the hairdressing appliance 1. Alternatively, although less advantageously in terms of simplicity of design and size, but also in terms of ergonomics, the button could for example be mounted to rotate or pivot, to rock, and be shaped and configured so that the contact portion of the button describes a curvilinear trajectory in an arc of a circle under the effect of the push exerted by the user.Even more preferably, the button 29, 29', 29” is arranged relative to the rotary coupling part 34 so that the rectilinear translation axis D-D' of the button 29, 29', 29” coincides with the rotation axis of the rotary coupling part 34. Thus, each push exerted by the user on the button 29, 29', 29” causes a rectilinear translation movement of the button 29, 29', 29” and, preferably directly, a rotation of the rotary coupling part 34 around the translation axis D-D' of the button 29, 29', 29”, according to a design which is particularly simple and compact due to the preferential absence of an intermediate part between the button 29, 29', 29” and the rotary coupling part 34.Alternatively, the rectilinear translation axis D-D' of the button could be provided parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotary coupling part 34 and offset relative to the latter, or even provided oblique or orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the rotary coupling part 34, to the detriment, however, of the simplicity of design and the compactness of the control mechanism.

[0069] Advantageously, the rotary coupling part 34 is immobilized in rotation relative to the air direction member 17, the axis of rotation of the rotary coupling part 34 being coincident with the respective axis C-C' of rotation of the air direction member 17. Thus, each movement of the button 29, 29', 29” under the effect of a thrust exerted by the user causes a joint rotation of the rotary coupling part 34 and the air direction member 17, of said predetermined angle of rotation, around a common axis of rotation. This contributes to the simplicity and reliability of design and operation of the hairdressing appliance 1. For example, as illustrated in the figures, the rotary coupling part 34 and the air direction member 17 can be assembled together by form fit and secured to each other by screwing (or by clipping / snapping or gluing).Alternatively, the rotary coupling part 34 and the air direction member 17 could possibly together form a monolithic part.

[0070] Preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the rotary coupling part 34 more specifically forms a grooved drum cam. The rotary coupling part 34 thus comprises at least one cylindrical portion of revolution, which is provided with a groove 36 forming a cam path delimited by two opposite side walls of the groove 36 and intended to be traveled by the pin 35 forming a follower secured to the button 29, 29', 29”. The pin 35 is thus captive within the groove 36, which contributes to ensuring a reliable mechanical connection between the button 29, 29', 29” and the rotary coupling part 34. Even more preferably, the groove 36 is peripheral, extending along the entire periphery of the cylindrical portion of revolution, and closed on itself.In this way, the rotation of the rotary coupling part 34 around its axis of rotation can be done in the same direction of rotation at each command to change the blowing mode.

[0071] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the button 29, 29', 29” is mounted in pure rectilinear translation along its axis D-D' of rectilinear translation, which coincides with the axis of rotation of the rotary coupling part 34. Preferably, the axis D-D' of rectilinear translation is parallel or coincides with the axis B-B' of average extension of the blowing head 10, said axis B-B' of average extension itself being advantageously parallel or coincident with the axis C-C' of rotation of the air direction member 17, said axis C-C' of rotation itself being advantageously parallel or coincident with the axis A-A' of average longitudinal extension of the handle 7. This thus advantageously results, in particular when the four aforementioned axes A-A', B-B', C-C', D-D' are coincident, in a particularly simple construction and a particularly compact hairdressing appliance 1.The button 29, 29', 29” advantageously comprises a lateral skirt portion 37, 37', 37” of circular section, of revolution along the axis D-D' of rectilinear translation, which is arranged parallel to the cylindrical portion of revolution of the rotary coupling part 34, at least partially overlapping said cylindrical portion. The button 29, 29', 29” is connected not to a single pin 35, but to two pins 35 forming followers, arranged on either side of the axis D-D' of rectilinear translation, in order to further make the mechanical connection between the button 29, 29', 29” and the rotary coupling part 34 more reliable. A free end portion of each of the pins 35 is housed in the groove 36 of the grooved drum cam formed here by the rotary coupling part 34.In order to ensure rotational locking of the button 29, 29', 29” relative to the rest of the hairdressing appliance 1, and in particular relative to the handle 7 of the latter, and to guide the translational movement of the button 29, 29', 29” along the rectilinear translation axis D-D', a portion of each of the pins 35 is housed within a respective oblong guide slot 38 formed in a part that is stationary relative to the handle 7. To facilitate assembly of the hairdressing appliance 1, hairstyle 1, the pins 35 may each be defined by a cylindrical pin force-fitted into an orifice provided through the wall of the side skirt portion 37, 37', 37” of the knob 29, 29', 29”, once the knob 29, 29', 29” is assembled to overlap the cylindrical portion of revolution of the rotary coupling part 35, such that a portion of the pins defining such a follower-forming pin 35 extends radially inside the knob 29, 29', 29”. Optionally, as illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 16 and 17, an opposite portion of the pins may extend radially outside the knob 29', 29” and is captured in one of the oblong guide slots 38.A similar configuration (not shown) of groove, pins and guide light is advantageously implemented in the embodiment of Figures 1-7, except that the opposite portion of the pins is then advantageously captured in the side skirt portion 37.

[0072] Advantageously, the push-push button control mechanism 29, 29', 29” comprises an elastic return member 30, as already mentioned previously, such as for example a compression spring. The elastic return member 30 is configured and arranged to automatically return the button 29, 29', 29” to its stable released position (unpressed position) when the user stops pushing the button 29, 29', 29”. As illustrated in the figures, the compression spring may be arranged between an inner surface of the button 29, 29', 29” and a surface of the rotary coupling part 34.The cam formed by the rotary coupling part 34 is preferably shaped and configured so that the rotation of the air direction member 17 according to said predetermined angle of rotation, which allows the hairdressing appliance 1 to switch from one blowing mode to another by a corresponding switch of the air direction member 17 from one air direction configuration to another, is carried out: . - for only a first part of said predetermined rotation angle, by a movement of the button 29, 29', 29” of the push-push button control mechanism under the effect of a thrust exerted, by the user, on the button 29, 29', 29”, - then, for the remainder of said predetermined rotation angle, by a movement in the opposite direction of the button 29, 29', 29” under the joint effect of the elastic return member 30 and the cam, when the thrust exerted by the user ceases.

[0073] Thus, the change of blowing mode is only initiated by a push exerted by the user on the button 29, 29', 29”, as mentioned previously as a preferred variant, the change of blowing mode being finalized automatically by the control mechanism, after the user has stopped pushing on the button 29, 29', 29” of the latter. The user therefore advantageously only needs to provide a part of the force necessary to rotate the air direction member 17 according to the predetermined rotation angle for to switch the latter from one of its air direction configurations to another. As indicated above, this allows in particular an easier, more intuitive and faster change of blowing mode for the user. Even more preferably, the cam is shaped and configured so that the rotation of the air direction member 17 according to said predetermined angle of rotation is carried out 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 29, 29', 29” of the control mechanism under the effect of a thrust exerted on the button 29, 29', 29”, 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 29, 29', 29” under the joint effect of the elastic return member 30 and the cam, when the thrust exerted ceases.

[0074] Such a feature can be achieved for example by modulating the profile of the cam path defined by the groove 36 of the grooved drum cam mentioned above, to define at least two consecutive cam path portions, forming ramps of opposite slopes, and the path of which by the follower-forming pin 35 causes the air direction member 17 to rotate according to the predetermined rotation angle in the following manner. Firstly, when the user exerts pressure on the button 29, 29', 29” to bring the latter from the released position (non-pressed position) to the pressed position, the pin 35 travels a first cam path portion by sliding against one of the side walls of the groove 36 which forms a first ramp, thus causing the rotary coupling part 34 to rotate according to a first rotation angle.Then, when the user stops pushing the button 29, 29', 29”, the elastic return member 30 automatically returns the button 29, 29', 29” to its released position (unpressed position), the pin 35 then traveling a second portion of cam path by sliding, this time bearing against the other of the side walls of the groove 36 which forms a second ramp, with a slope opposite that of the first ramp, the pin 35 being pressed against the second ramp under the effect of the elastic return member 30, thus forcing a rotation in the same direction of the rotary coupling part 34 according to a second angle of rotation. The slope of the first ramp is chosen to be steeper, more pronounced, than the slope of the second ramp, so that the first angle of rotation is thus less than the second angle of rotation, the sum of the first and second angles of rotation corresponding to the predetermined angle of rotation.Thus, the first rotation angle corresponds to the movement initiated by the user's push, while the second rotation angle corresponds to the automatic complementary movement described previously.

[0075] For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the passage of the air steering member 17 from one to the other of the first and second air steering configurations is achieved by rotating the air steering member 17 along its rotation axis C-C' by a predetermined rotation angle of 180°. Thus, by rotating 360° along its rotation axis C-C' under the effect of two successive pushes exerted on the button 29, 29', 29”, the air steering member 17 can advantageously change its angular configuration twice, alternating between said first and second air steering configurations. The grooved drum cam can then be advantageously shaped and configured so that the rotation of the air steering member 17 according to said predetermined rotation angle is achieved: - for 90° (first angle of rotation) only (i.e. 50%) by a pure rectilinear translation movement of the button 29, 29', 29”, from its released (stable) position to its pressed (unstable) position, under the effect of a push exerted by the user on the button 29, 29', 29”, - then for the remaining 90° by a pure rectilinear translation movement in the opposite direction of the button 29, 29', 29”, from its pressed (unstable) position to its released (stable) position, under the joint effect of the elastic return member 30 and the grooved drum cam, when the thrust exerted by the user ceases.

[0076] Advantageously, as in the embodiments illustrated in the figures and in Examples 1, 2A and 2B, which will be described in more detail below in connection with figures 6 and 7, 12 and 13, and 14 and 15 respectively, the support part 25, 25', 25” carrying the visual selection indicator 21, 21', 21” is mechanically connected to the air direction member 17 by means of the rotary coupling part 35, and is immobilized in rotation relative to the latter, so that the rotation of the rotary coupling part 34 and of the air direction member 17 causes a joint rotation of the support part 25, 25', 25”, when the air direction member 17 passes from one to the other of said first and second air direction configurations.

[0077] As illustrated by example in Figures 6 and 7 (Example 1), the support part 25 can advantageously comprise a tubular part 25A, mounted to slide in rectilinear translation within the rotary coupling part 35, along the axis D-D' of rectilinear translation of the button 29, and an upper part 25B, for example in the form of a hemispherical shell, which extends said tubular part 25A and which is housed in the free space 26 formed inside the button 29 (manual control member 22).

[0078] Said upper portion 25B is then advantageously mechanically connected to rotate with the button 29, and has an external face, which is oriented opposite an internal face of the peripheral wall of the button 29 delimiting said free space 26, and which is locally provided with a colored marker forming said visual selection indicator 21. The elastic return member 30, such as for example a compression spring, can advantageously be housed inside the tubular part 25A of the support part 25 and of the rotary coupling part 34, so as to exert an automatic return force of the button 29 towards its released position (non-pressed position) by means of the support part 34.

[0079] As mentioned previously, the peripheral wall of the button 29 advantageously has a first opening 23A formed through a first portion 24A of said peripheral wall, which is visible from the outside of the hairdressing appliance 1 on the side of the first face 2 of the latter, and a second opening 23B formed through a second portion 24B of said peripheral wall, which is visible from the outside of the hairdressing appliance 1 on the side of the second face 4 of the latter. Thus, when the first blowing mode is for example initially selected, the support part 25 occupies a first position ([Fig.6]) in which the visual selection indicator 21 (colored marker) carried by the upper part 25B of the support part 25 is arranged opposite the first opening 23A, so that the visual selection indicator 21 is thus visible to the user through said first opening 23A when the user looks at the first face 2 of the hairdressing appliance 1, advantageously perpendicular to said first face 2 ([Fig.5] on the left, and [Fig.6]). Then, when the user pushes the button 29 to move the latter from its released position (non-pressed position) to its pressed position, then releases his pushing force, to control a change from the first blowing mode to the second blowing mode, the support part 25, the rotary coupling part 34 and the air direction member 17 rotate jointly according to said predetermined rotation angle (for example equal to 180°) along the rotation axis C-C' of the air direction member 17.The support part 25 is thus brought to occupy a second position ([Fig.7]) in which the visual selection indicator 21 is this time arranged opposite the second opening 23B, so that the visual selection indicator 21 is then visible to the user through said second opening 23B when the user looks at the second face 4 of the hairdressing appliance 1, advantageously perpendicular to said second face 4 ([Fig.5] on the right, and [Fig.7]).

[0080] Alternatively, as illustrated by way of example in Figures 12 and 13 (Example 2A) and in Figures 14 and 15 (Example 2B), the support part 25', 25” may advantageously comprise a tubular part 25A', 25A”, mounted to slide in rectilinear translation within the rotary coupling part 34, along the axis C-C' of rectilinear translation of the button 29', 29”, and an upper part 25B', 25B”, which extends said tubular part 25A', 25A” and which is housed in the free space 26', 26” provided at inside the button 29', 29” (manual control member 22). Said upper portion 25B', 25B” is then advantageously mechanically connected to rotate with the button 29', 29”. The elastic return member 30, such as for example a compression spring, can be advantageously housed inside the tubular portion 25A', 25A” of the support part 25', 25” and the rotary coupling part 34, so as to exert an automatic return force of the button 29', 29” towards its released position (non-pressed position) via the support part 25', 25”. The side skirt portion 37', 37” of the button 29', 29” is advantageously provided with a first slot 39A', 39A” and a second slot 39B', 39B”.In these Examples 2A and 2B, and as mentioned previously, the indicator system advantageously comprises a first opening 27A formed through a first portion 28A of the cover of the hairdressing appliance 1, and a second opening 27B formed through a second portion 28B of the cover of the hairdressing appliance 1. Said first light 39A', 39A” and second light 39B', 39B” of the button 29', 29” are advantageously designed and configured to be arranged respectively opposite the first opening 27A of the first portion 28A of the cover and opposite the second opening 27B of the second portion 28B of the cover.

[0081] As illustrated by example in Figures 12 and 13 (Example 2A), the tubular part 25A' of the support part 25' can advantageously have an external face, which is oriented opposite an internal face of the lateral skirt portion 37' of the button 29', and which is provided locally with a colored marker forming said visual selection indicator 21'.Alternatively, as illustrated as an example in Figures 14 and 15 (Example 2B), the upper part 25B” of the support part 25” may comprise a pair of curved arms, each of which has an external face oriented opposite an internal face of the side skirt portion 37” of the button 29”, only the external face of one of said arms being provided locally with a colored marker forming said visual selection indicator 21” (it will be noted here that it is obviously conceivable that the upper part 25B” of the support part 25” comprises only a single curved arm, having an external face provided locally with a colored marker).

[0082] Thus, when the first blowing mode is for example initially selected, the support part 25', 25” occupies a first position (figures 12 and 14) in which said visual selection indicator 21', 21” (colored marker) carried by the tubular part 25A' of the support part 25' ([Fig. 12]) or by an arm of the upper part 25B” of the support part 25” ([Fig. 14]), is arranged opposite the first opening 27A formed through the first portion 28A of the cover, so that the visual selection indicator 21', 21” is thus visible to the user through on the one hand said first opening 27A and on the other hand said first light 39A', 39A”, when the user looks at the first face 2 of the hairdressing appliance 1, advantageously perpendicular to said first face 2 (figures 12 and 14).

[0083] Then, when the user pushes the button 29', 29'' to move the latter from its released position (non-pressed position) to its pressed position, then releases his pushing force, to control a change from the first blowing mode to the second blowing mode, the support part 25', 25”, the rotary coupling part 34 and the air direction member 17 rotate jointly according to said predetermined rotation angle (for example equal to 180°) along the axis C-C' of rotation of the air direction member 17.The support part 25', 25” is thus brought to occupy a second position (figures 13 and 15) in which said visual selection indicator 21', 21” is this time arranged opposite said second opening 27B formed through the second portion 28B of cover, so that the visual selection indicator 21', 21” is then visible to the user on the one hand said second opening 27B and on the other hand said second light 39B', 39B” when the user looks at the second face 4 of the hairdressing appliance 1, advantageously perpendicular to said second face 4 (figures 13 and 15).

[0084] In the particular case where the hairdressing appliance 1 adopts a design of the indicator system in accordance with Example 1 described previously, in combination at least with a design of the control system in which, as envisaged previously, the control system 20 is a push-push button 29 control mechanism whose button 29 is mounted in pure rectilinear translation along an axis D-D' of rectilinear translation between a non-pressed position and a pressed position, it is advantageous to provide that, as illustrated by example in FIGS. 1 to 7, - the peripheral wall of the button 29 forming said manual control member 22 is arranged at least partly in the housing 6 of the hairdressing appliance 1 when said button 29 is in the non-pressed position, and that - the housing 6 of the hairdressing appliance 1 has at least one first notch 40A opposite which said first opening 27A, formed through said first portion 28A of the peripheral wall, is arranged when the button 29 is in the non-pressed position ([Fig.3], on the right and on the left), and at least one second notch 40B opposite which said second opening 27B, formed through said second portion 28B of the peripheral wall, is arranged when the button 29 is in the non-pressed position ([Fig.4], on the right and on the left).

[0085] In other words, the first face 2 of the hairdressing appliance 1 therefore carries the first notch 40A, while the second face 4 of the hairdressing appliance 1 carries said second notch 40B. When, as in the embodiment illustrated in example in Figures 1 to 7, the button 29 of the push-push button control mechanism and the indicator system are both arranged at (i.e., they are carried by, or belong to) the blowing head 10 of the hairdressing appliance 1, said first notch 40A is thus advantageously carried by a portion of the housing 6 which defines the first face of the blowing head 10. Conversely, the second notch 40B is then advantageously carried by a portion of the housing 6 which defines the second face of the blowing head 10. Such a particular design in particular advantageously makes it possible to give the hairdressing appliance 1 a particularly compact character, by allowing the button 29 to be arranged as much as possible inside the housing 6, while nevertheless ensuring good visibility of the visual selection indicator 21.

[0086] What is more, when the button 29 of the push-push button control mechanism is further arranged substantially along an axis parallel to or coincident with the axis B-B' of average extension of the blowing head 10, as illustrated in the figures, said first and second notches 40A, 40B advantageously each have an opening oriented in the direction of the upper (free) end of the blowing head 9. Said first and second notches 40A, 40B and their respective openings can then be advantageously shaped and dimensioned to allow the introduction of at least one finger of the user into said opening when the user exerts a pushing force against the button 29 to control a change of blowing mode.The manipulation of the control system by the user is thus made even easier and more practical, in particular when the contact portion 31 of the button 29 is advantageously arranged flush with, or barely touches, the external surface (or at the very least, the external geometric envelope) of the housing 6 of the hairdressing appliance 1 in the absence of pressure exerted on the button 29.

Claims

Claims

1. A portable hairdressing appliance (1) comprising means for generating an air flow (F) in at least two different blowing modes, the appliance (1) having a first face (2), which carries a first air blowing outlet (3) for blowing said air flow (F) out of the appliance (1) in a first of said blowing modes, and a second face (4) carrying a second air blowing outlet (5) for blowing said air flow (F) out of the appliance (1) in a second of said blowing modes, said appliance (1) comprising - a control system (20) for allowing a user to alternately select one or other of said blowing modes, and - an indicator system for providing visual information to the user as to which of said blowing modes is thus selected, said indicator system comprising a visual selection indicator (21, 21',21”) alternately visible from the side of that of said first and second faces (2, 4) which carries the air blowing outlet (3, 5) corresponding to the selected blowing mode.,

2. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said first and second air blowing outlets (3, 5) are arranged opposite each other, on either side of a plane (PI) in which a mean extension direction of the apparatus (1) is inscribed.

3. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control system (20) comprises a movable manual control member (22), for example a button or a wheel, to allow the user to act on said control system (20).

4. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, which comprises a handle (7) for manual gripping and a blowing head (10) connected to the handle (7), the blowing head (10) carrying said first and second air blowing outlets (3, 5), said manual control member (22) being preferentially arranged at the level of the blowing head (10).

5.

6.

7. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the indicator system comprises at least one opening (23A, 23B) provided through a portion (24A, 24B) of a peripheral wall of the manual control member (22) which is visible from the outside of the apparatus (1), and a support part (25) which carries the visual selection indicator (21), and which is housed at least partially in a free space (26) provided inside the manual control member (22) so that the visual selection indicator is arranged opposite said opening (23A, 23B) according to the blowing mode selected. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the indicator system comprises: - a first opening (23A) formed through a first portion (24A) of said peripheral wall, which is visible from the outside of the device (1) on the side of the first face (2) of the latter, and - a second opening (23B) formed through a second portion (24B) of said peripheral wall, which is visible from the outside of the device (1) on the side of the second face (4) of the latter, said support part (25) being mounted movably in said free space (26) arranged inside the manual control member (22) between a first position in which the visual selection indicator (21) is arranged opposite the first opening (23A) when the first blowing mode is selected, and a second position in which the visual selection indicator (21) is arranged opposite the second opening (23B) when the second blowing mode is selected. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the indicator system comprises: - on the one hand, a first opening (27A) formed through a first portion (28A) of the cover of the device, an external face of which defines at least a part of the first face (2) of the device (1), and a second opening (27B) formed through a second portion (28B) of the cover of the device (1), an external face of which defines at least a part of the second face (4) of the device (1), and - on the other hand, a support part (25', 25”) which carries said visual selection indicator (21', 21”), which is housed in an internal housing (26', 26”) defined by said first and second portions (28A, 28B) of cover, and which is mounted to move between a first position in which the visual selection indicator (21', 21”) is arranged opposite said first opening (27A) when said first blowing mode is selected, and a second position in which the visual selection indicator (21', 21”) is arranged opposite said second opening (27B) when said second blowing mode is selected.

8. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said air flow generating means include a blower module (12) for initiating said air flow (F) and an air directing member (17) which is mounted movably at least between: - a first air directing configuration in which said air directing member (17) directs the initiated air flow (F) towards the first air blowing outlet (3) according to said first blowing mode, and - a second air directing configuration in which said air directing member (17) directs the initiated air flow (F) towards the second air blowing outlet (5) according to said second blowing mode, the control system (20) being connected to the air directing member (17) for controlling each passage of said air directing member (17) from one to the other of said first and second air direction configurations.

9. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said control system (20) is a push-push button control mechanism (29, 29', 29”).

10. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the button (26, 26', 26”) of the push-push button control mechanism is mechanically connected to the air direction member (17) for mechanically transforming each movement of the button (29, 29', 29”) under the effect of a push exerted on the button (29, 29', 29”) into a movement of the air direction member (17) from one to the other of said first and second air direction configurations.

11. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 9 and 10, wherein the air directing member (17) is mounted rotatably about an axis (C-C') of rotation, between at least said first and second air directing configurations, the push-push button control mechanism (29, 29', 29”) controlling the passage of the air directing member from one to the other of the first and second air directing configurations by rotation of the air directing member (17) through a predetermined angle of rotation.

12. Apparatus (1) according to claims 10 and 11, wherein the push-push button control mechanism (29, 29', 29”) comprises a rotary coupling piece (34) forming a cam and mechanically connected to the air direction member (17), said button (29, 29', 29”) being secured to at least one pin (35) forming a follower which cooperates with the cam so that each push exerted on the button (29, 29', 29”) causes the rotary coupling piece (34) to rotate about an axis of rotation and a corresponding rotation of the air direction member (17).

13. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the push-push button control mechanism comprises an elastic return member (30), said cam being shaped and configured so that the rotation of the air direction member (17) according to said predetermined angle of rotation is carried out - for a first part only of said predetermined angle of rotation, and preferably for 50% or less of said predetermined angle of rotation, by a movement of the button (29, 29', 29”) under the effect of a push exerted on said button (29, 29', 29”), - then, for the remainder of said predetermined angle of rotation, by a movement in the opposite direction of said button (29, 29', 29”) under the joint effect of the elastic return member (30) and said cam.

14. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein said button (29, 29', 29”) is mounted in pure rectilinear translation along an axis (D-D') of rectilinear translation, between a non-pressed position and a pressed position.

15. Apparatus (1) according to claims 6 and 14, which comprises a housing (6), an external face of which defines at least part of the first and second faces (2, 4) of the apparatus (1), the button (29) forming said manual control member (22), the peripheral wall of which is arranged at least partly in said housing (6) when the button (29) is in the non-pressed position, said housing (6) having a first notch (40A) opposite which said first opening (27A) is arranged when the button (19) is in the non-pressed position, and a second notch (40B) opposite which said second opening (27B) is arranged when the button (29) is in the non-pressed position.

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