Hairstyling appliance having a rotating head, with automatic selection of the direction of rotation of the head and detangling assistance

Abstract

The invention relates to a hairstyling appliance (1) comprising a head (4) with a rotating part (15) provided with a mechanical hair-engaging element (7), a drive module for rotating the rotating part, and a system for controlling the drive module, which comprises a device for detecting the direction in which the rotating part is forced to rotate as a result of the interaction between the hair and the mechanical hair-engaging element, and a manual control member (34) for triggering the rotation of the rotating part in the opposite direction to the detected forced direction, the control system being designed to automatically trigger rotation in the detected forced rotation direction if the control member is not activated. - Hairstyling appliance.

Description

HAIRDRESSING APPLIANCE WITH ROTATING HEAD, AUTOMATIC SELECTION OF THE DIRECTION OF ROTATION OF THE HEAD AND DETANGLING ASSISTANCE TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field of hairdressing appliances, for example for domestic use, and more specifically to the field of portable hairdressing appliances designed to assist in shaping hair.

[0002] The invention relates more specifically to a portable electric hairdressing appliance comprising a main body including a manual gripping handle, a styling head connected to the main body and comprising a rotating part which is provided with a mechanical hair engagement element intended to come into contact with the hair to help shape said hair, an electric drive module for driving said rotating part in rotation about an axis of rotation relative to the main body alternately in a first direction of rotation and in a second opposite direction of rotation, and a system for controlling the operation of the electric drive module. PRIOR ART

[0003] Generally speaking, portable electric hairdressing appliances are known, a styling head of which comprises a mechanical hair engagement element, such as brush bristles for example, intended to come into contact with the hair to help shape the latter. In particular, hairbrushes, whether blow-drying or not, are known, a part of the styling head of which is mounted to rotate thanks to an onboard electric motor, in order to achieve certain hair shaping effects, such as for example "blow-drys". These known hairdressing appliances are provided with manual control switches on which the user can interact in order to control rotation of a rotating part of the styling head in a desired direction of rotation.

[0004] Such control of the rotation of the rotating part of the styling head of the hairdressing appliance, by means of manual control switches, isgenerally relatively simple and practical to implement for a user working on the hair of a third person. On the other hand, it turns out to be much more complex and counter-intuitive for a user wishing to implement the hairdressing appliance on his own hair, in particular when the user uses a mirror, which returns an inverted image, during the styling operation. For example, depending on the position and general orientation of the rotating hairbrush relative to his head and hair, the user may have difficulty identifying which switch he must act on to obtain the desired styling effect by rotating the rotating part of the styling head of the hairbrush.Furthermore, given this difficulty in identifying the correct direction of rotation, there is a risk of the rotating part of the styling head being inadvertently rotated in a direction tending to cause the hair to become tangled around the rotating part and the mechanical hair engagement element. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to provide a response to the above-mentioned problem, and to propose a new portable electric hairdressing appliance whose use is particularly simple and intuitive, while being pleasant and safe, in particular for a person using the hairdressing appliance on their own hair.

[0006] Another object of the invention is to propose a new, particularly ergonomic portable electric hairdressing appliance.

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

[0008] Another object of the invention is to propose a new portable electric hairdressing appliance of particularly simple construction, the manufacture of which is relatively easy and its costs controlled.

[0009] The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a portable electric hairdressing appliance comprising a main body including a manual gripping handle, a styling head connected to said main body and comprising a part rotating which is provided with a mechanical hair engagement element intended to come into contact with the hair to help shape said hair, an electric drive module for driving said rotating part in rotation about an axis of rotation relative to the main body alternately in a first direction of rotation and in a second opposite direction of rotation, and a system for controlling the operation of the electric drive module, the apparatus being characterized in that said control system comprises: - a device for detecting a direction of forced rotation of the rotating part of the styling head under the effect of a mechanical force exerted by the hair against said mechanical hair engagement element, - a control member manually activatable by a user to trigger a rotation of the rotating part of the styling head in the direction of rotation opposite to the direction of forced rotation detected, said control system being designed and configured to automatically trigger, in the absence of manual activation of said first control member, a rotation of the rotating part of the styling head in a direction of rotation corresponding to said direction of forced rotation detected. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[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: - Figure 1 illustrates, in a front view, an embodiment of a hairdressing appliance according to the invention, which the appliance here constitutes a rotating brush, advantageously blow-drying and heating. The appliance is illustrated here in a configuration in which the styling head of the latter is in a first position relative to the main body of the appliance (straight configuration); - figure 2 illustrates, in a side view, the apparatus of figure 1, which is here represented in another configuration, in which the styling head is in a second position relative to the main body of the apparatus (angled configuration); - Figure 3 illustrates, in a side view in longitudinal section, the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2, in its straight configuration. The manually operated control member activatable by a user to trigger rotation of the rotating part of the styling head in the direction of rotation opposite to the direction of forced rotation detected, is shown here deactivated, the manual actuation button being in the unpressed position; - Figure 4 illustrates, in a side view in longitudinal section, the device of Figures 1 to 3, in its straight configuration. The control member is this time illustrated activated, the manual actuation button being in the pressed position; - figure 5 illustrates, in a partially exploded perspective side view, the apparatus of figures 1 to 4; - figure 6 illustrates schematically and in an exploded front view, the apparatus of figures 1 to 5; - Figure 7 illustrates, in a truncated view in longitudinal section along the axis of rotation of the rotating part of the styling head of the appliance, a detail of the particular design of the styling head of the appliance of Figures 1 to 6, in which the device for detecting a direction of forced rotation of said rotating part comprises first and second optical fork sensors, as sensors of a first and a second angular position that the rotating part of the styling head can occupy; - Figure 8 illustrates, in an exploded perspective view, a detail of the particular design illustrated in Figure 7; - Figure 9 illustrates, according to a schematic sectional view ll (see Figure 7) of the styling head, three particular angular positions that the rotating part of the styling head can occupy within a predetermined angular range of pivoting according to the particular design of Figures 7 and 8. In Figure 9(a), the rotating part occupies a first angular position, in which a first activation / deactivation member cooperates with the first optical fork sensor. In Figure 9(c), the rotating part occupies a second angular position, in which a first activation / deactivation member cooperates with the second optical fork sensor. In Figure 9(b), the rotating part occupies a third angular position, intermediate the first and second angular positions, in which the activation / deactivation members do not cooperate with any of the optical fork sensors; - figure 10 illustrates, according to a schematic sectional view ll-ll (see figure 7) of the styling head, the three particular angular positions of figure 9. Produced at a different altitude along the axis of rotation of the rotating part of the styling head, coincident with the longitudinal extension direction of the styling head, figure 10 illustrates the abutment of a case of the electric drive module with a motor cradle secured to the motor housing of a geared motor of the electric drive module to delimit the predetermined angular range of pivoting of the rotating part of the styling head; - Figure 11 illustrates, in a truncated side view in longitudinal section, the apparatus of Figures 1 to 6 according to another particular design, in which the detection device comprises first and second switches, as sensors of the first and second angular positions, and first and second activation / deactivation members intended to cooperate with the switches according to the position reached by said rotating part, said switches and activation / deactivation members being arranged to allow actuation of the switches in an actuation direction which is orthogonal to the axis of rotation of said rotating part. A part of the bristles / pins of the mechanical hair engagement element has been omitted; - Figure 12 illustrates, in an exploded perspective view, a detail of the particular design illustrated in Figure 11; - Figure 13 illustrates, according to a schematic sectional view 1'-1' (see Figure 11) of the styling head, three particular angular positions that the rotating part of the styling head can occupy within a predetermined angular range of pivoting according to the particular design of Figures 11 and 12. In Figure 13(a), the rotating part occupies a first angular position, in which the first activation / deactivation member cooperates with the first switch. In Figure 9(c), the rotating part occupies a second angular position, in which the second activation / deactivation member cooperates with the second switch. In Figure 9(b), the rotating part occupies a third angular position, intermediate the first and second angular positions, in which said activation / deactivation members do not cooperate with any of said switches; - figure 14 illustrates, according to a schematic sectional view ll'-ll' (see figure 11) of the styling head, the three particular angular positions of figure 13. Produced at a different altitude along the axis of rotation of the rotating part of the styling head, coincident with the longitudinal extension direction of the styling head, figure 14 illustrates the abutment of a case of the electric drive module with a motor cradle secured to the motor housing of a geared motor of the electric drive module to delimit the predetermined angular range of pivoting of the rotating part of the styling head; - figure 15 illustrates, in an exploded perspective view, a detail of another particular design of the apparatus of figures 1 to 6, different from that illustrated in figures 11 to 14 in that said switches and actuating members are arranged to allow actuation of each of the switches in an actuation direction which is this time parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating part of the styling head; - figure 16 illustrates, in a top view, a case of the electric drive module of the rotating part of the styling head according to the particular design of figure 15; - figure 17 illustrates, in a longitudinal sectional view along the axis of rotation of the rotating part of the styling head of the appliance, a detail of the particular design of figures 15 and 16; - figure 18 illustrates schematically and in an exploded view, a detail of the particular design of figures 15 to 17; - Figure 19 illustrates an example of an electrical design diagram of an apparatus according to the invention, which can be implemented for the particular design illustrated in particular in Figures 7 to 10; - figure 20 schematically illustrates an example of use and operation of the device of figures 1 to 6; - figure 21 schematically illustrates another example of use and operation of the device of figures 1 to 6; - figure 22 schematically illustrates yet another example of use and operation of the apparatus of figures 1 to 6; - Figure 23 schematically illustrates yet another example of use and operation of the apparatus of Figures 1 to 6. BEST WAY TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] The invention relates to a portable, manual electric hairdressing appliance 1. The appliance 1 according to the invention is therefore designed to be grasped and manipulated by hand, and intended to be powered by an electrical energy source to ensure its operation. Preferably, the appliance 1 is intended for use in a domestic setting by a user (woman or man) without any particular professional hairdressing skills. Preferably, the appliance 1 is designed and configured so that the user uses the appliance 1 on themselves, that is to say on their own hair. However, it is perfectly conceivable that the appliance 1 is designed and configured for use by the user on the hair of a third person.

[0012] The appliance 1 comprises a main body 2 including a handle 3 for manual gripping and a styling head 4 connected to said main body 2. The main body 2 therefore comprises at least one portion forming a handle 3, by which the appliance 1 is intended to be held manually for use. The handle 3 thus forms a manual gripping member, intended to be grasped by the user to manipulate the appliance 1. Advantageously, the main body 2 extends in a mean longitudinal extension direction D1 -DT, between a first end 2A and an opposite second end 2B, and therefore has a generally elongated shape. For example, the handle 3 of the appliance 1 forms a handle, and thus has an elongated shape. In other words, the handle 3 thus has a slender, elongate shape, so that it can be grasped with the whole hand.Advantageously, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the handle 3 extends longitudinally in a direction parallel to, or coincident with, the average direction of longitudinal extension D1 -DT of the main body 2. Preferably, the styling head 4 is connected, advantageously in a removable manner, to the main body 2 at the first end 2A of the latter, so that the styling head 4 extends the main body 2 from the first end 2A of the latter.

[0013] The device 1 is preferably designed to be electrically powered from the mains (power supply from the electrical distribution network, under an alternating voltage), and can thus include a power cord 5 (illustrated truncated in the figures) provided at a free end with an electrical connection plug (not shown). Alternatively, the device 1 could comprise one or more electric batteries or accumulators, advantageously embedded inside the main body 2, in order to provide electrical power to the device 1. Advantageously, the device 1 may comprise a general switch 6 for electrical power supply, on which the user can act at least to alternately put into electrical operation or interrupt the electrical operation of the device 1.

[0014] Typically, the styling head 4 can extend longitudinally along a mean longitudinal extension direction D2-D2'. The styling head 4 of the appliance 1 comprises a mechanical engagement element 7 for the hair C, which is intended to come into contact with the hair C (in use of the appliance 1) to shape said hair C, or at least to help shape said hair C. Designed and configured to interact mechanically with the hair C, in particular to brush it, set it, style it and / or comb it, the mechanical engagement element 7 for the hair C can typically comprise a plurality of bristles, tufts of bristles and / or spikes and / or teeth, which are arranged to project from an external surface of the styling head 4.In use of the apparatus 1, the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C may thus be applied to and against the hair C to help shape the latter by mechanical interaction between the hair C and the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C. More specifically, when using the apparatus 1, the bristles and / or pins and / or teeth of the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C penetrate into the user's hair, so that a reciprocal mechanical interaction is generated between the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C and the user's hair C.

[0015] Advantageously, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing appliance 1 may comprise a blower module 8 (or “motor-fan unit”), advantageously on board, to generate a flow of air intended to be blown towards the hair via the styling head 4. The hairdressing appliance 1 is then advantageously provided with at least one air inlet 9, through which ambient air can be sucked in by the blower module 8 in order to be blown towards the user’s hair. The blower module 8, which typically comprises at least one fan driven by an electric motor 10, is preferably arranged within the main body 2. More preferably, in particular from an ergonomic point of view, the blower module 8 is arranged so that the handle 3 of the main body 2 is positioned between the styling head 4 and the blower module s. The appliance 1 advantageously comprises a guide channel 11 (figures 3 and 4) arranged inside the main body 2 to guide, channel, the air flow from the blower module 8 to the styling head 4. In return, the styling head 4 comprises at least one air blower outlet 12, which is (or can be put) in air communication with the blower module 8 to allow the ejection, out of the appliance 1, of the air flow generated by the blower module 8 towards the user's hair C.For example, the air blowing outlet 12 may comprise, or be formed by, a plurality of (distinctive and spaced apart from each other) air blowing orifices, as illustrated as an example in the figures. Advantageously, said air blowing orifices are arranged between bristles and / or pins and / or teeth of the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C, so as to blow the air flow as close as possible to the hair C in contact with the mechanical engagement element 7. The apparatus 1 may then thus constitute a blow-drying brush, for example, allowing the user to use the air flow, advantageously heated, both to dry and to facilitate the shaping of the hair C.

[0016] Advantageously, the hairdressing appliance 1 may comprise an electric heating element, designed and configured for example to raise the temperature of the air flow generated by the blower module 8 and / or to heat at least one zone of the styling head 4, and preferably then a zone of the styling head 4 which is intended to come into contact with the hair C in use of the appliance 1. Optionally, the electric heating element may be designed and configured to raise (directly) the temperature of the air flow generated by the blower module 8 and to indirectly heat a zone of the styling head 4 which, in operation of the appliance 1, is in contact with the air flow thus heated.In the case where the electric heating element is at least intended to raise the temperature of the air flow generated by the blower module 8, the electric heating element is advantageously arranged so as to be interposed in the air flow, upstream of the air blowing outlet 12 of the styling head 4. As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the electric heating element (not illustrated) can advantageously be positioned inside the air guide channel 11 formed in the main body 2 (figures 3 and 4). Alternatively, the electric heating element can. be housed inside the styling head 4, in particular when it is intended to heat an area of ​​the styling head 4, typically by thermal conduction. The electric heating element is typically an electric heating element operating on the principle of the Joule effect, and thus comprises, for example, at least one electric heating resistor 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E formed of an electrically conductive wire wound around an insulating core and / or at least one “Positive Temperature Coefficient” (PTC) thermistor). The device 1 can then constitute a heating brush or a blow-drying heating brush, for example.

[0017] Optionally, as in the example illustrated in the figures, the device 1 may comprise an articulation system 14 of the styling head 4 relative to the main body 2 to allow the styling head 4 to move between at least two different, stable functional positions, namely: - a first position in which the average longitudinal extension direction D1-D1' of the main body 2 and the average longitudinal extension direction D2-D2' of the styling head 4 form a flat angle between them, i.e. said directions are coincident or parallel, so that the styling head 4 is thus aligned with the main body 2 of the appliance 1 (figure 1 in particular, so-called straight configuration), and - a second position in which the average longitudinal extension direction D1 -D1' of the main body 2 and the average longitudinal extension direction D2-D2' of the styling head 4 form between them an angle α different from the flat angle, so that the styling head 4 and the main body 2 of the appliance 1 form an elbow, one being inclined relative to the other (figure 2, so-called elbow configuration). For example, said angle α is between 100° and 170°, preferably between 130° and 170°, and advantageously equal to 150°.

[0018] The hairdressing appliance 1 can then advantageously comprise a locking device which is movable between a free position, allowing the styling head 4 to move between the first position and the second position, and conversely, a locked position in which the styling head 4 is locked in position in one of the first and second positions, according to the user's choice. Advantageously, such an articulation of the styling head 4 can be produced as described in the patent application French FR-3 102 347 A1 . The implementation of such an articulation of the styling head 4 makes it possible to remarkably improve the ergonomics of the hairdressing appliance 1, in particular for a user who would use the appliance 1 on himself. Indeed, the user can use the appliance 1 in the first position to shape his hair located on the side of his head. The user can also place the styling head 4 of the appliance 1 in the second position to shape his hair located at the back of his head and / or on the sides of the head.The fact that the main body 2 (and therefore advantageously the manual gripping handle 3) and the styling head 4 are then angled relative to each other makes it possible to avoid the user having to "break his arm" (i.e. raise his shoulder in order to extend his arm perpendicular to his body, while folding his forearm completely back) or his wrist to reach the hair arranged behind his head. The dispensation of this complex and uncomfortable movement greatly improves the ergonomics of the device 1 and avoids any corresponding pain for the user. In addition, to shape the hair arranged on the top of his head, it is not necessary for the user to raise his shoulder and his arm (i.e. to form a right angle between his arm and his body).Indeed, by placing the styling head 4 in the second position, the user can reach the top of his head while keeping his arm and shoulder alongside the body.

[0019] The styling head 4 of the appliance 1 according to the invention comprises a rotating part 15 which is provided with the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C, described previously, so that the latter is carried by said rotating part 15 and is therefore integral with the latter in rotation. Thus, a rotation of the rotating part 15 causes a joint rotation of the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C. Mounted for rotation about an axis A of rotation relative to the main body 2 of the appliance 1, the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 may for example be of cylindrical shape (for example with a circular base), and the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C may be arranged along all or part of a length of the rotating part 15 and along all or part of an outer periphery of the rotating part 15, projecting from an outer surface of said rotating part 15.The rotational movement of the rotating part 15 is advantageously a rotational movement at least over one complete revolution, i.e. at least over 360°. However, it could be envisaged, without departing from the scope of the invention, that the rotational movement of the rotating part 15 is limited. angularly, that is to say that the rotation does not take place over a complete turn, but only according to a certain predefined angular amplitude. Advantageously, the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 extends longitudinally along an extension axis which coincides with said axis A of rotation. Optionally, the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 can form a removable accessory, which is therefore connected in a separable, detachable manner to the main body 2 of the appliance 1, so that for example the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 can thus constitute an interchangeable accessory of the appliance 1.

[0020] The apparatus 1 further comprises an electric drive module 16 for driving the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 in rotation about its axis A of rotation relative to the main body 2, and therefore relative to the manual gripping handle 3 (or sleeve), alternately in a first direction of rotation SRI and in a second opposite direction of rotation SR2 (i.e. either in said first direction of rotation SRI, or in said second direction of rotation SR2).In this respect, the electric drive module 16 may comprise an electric motor, or preferably an electric geared motor 17 (i.e. an electric motor associated with a mechanical reducer), as well as advantageously an output shaft 18 to which the rotary part 15 of the styling head 4 is connected (or at least capable of being connected) so that a rotation of the output shaft 18 causes a joint rotation of the rotary part 15, along the axis A of rotation of the latter. Preferably, the output shaft 18 and the rotary part 15 of the styling head 4 are connected to each other in rotation via a coupling system, advantageously reversible, detachable. Preferably in terms of space requirement in particular, the output shaft 18 is rotatable along the axis A of rotation of said rotary part 15.The hairdressing appliance 1 also comprises a system for controlling the operation of the electric drive module 16, which is therefore connected to the electric drive module 16 to control the operation of the latter, and in particular to control the rotation by the latter of the rotary part 15 of the blowing head 4 according to said first direction of rotation SR1 and alternately according to said second direction of rotation SR2.

[0021] The electric drive module 16 is preferably arranged inside the styling head 4. Thus, the electric drive module 16 can advantageously be connected to the main body 2 and housed within a free internal space. arranged inside the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4. Such an arrangement of the electric drive module 16 outside the main body 2, and therefore outside the manual gripping handle 3 of the appliance 1, thus makes it possible in particular to reduce the size of the manual gripping handle 3, in particular its diameter, which improves the ergonomics of the appliance 1.

[0022] As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing appliance 1 is advantageously devoid of an auxiliary arm pivotally connected to the main body 2, and movable between - an open position (first position), in which the auxiliary arm is sufficiently far from the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 to allow the placement of hair C between the auxiliary arm and said rotating part 15, and - a closed position (second position), in which the auxiliary arm is sufficiently close to the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 to force the hair C, placed between the auxiliary arm and said rotating part 15, into contact with the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C carried by the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4.

[0023] In particular, the hairdressing appliance 1 is advantageously devoid of such an auxiliary arm which would also carry a mechanical hair engagement element (or "styling arm"). The absence of such an auxiliary arm facilitates the use of the hairdressing appliance 1, by limiting the number of actions or manipulations necessary to carry out a hairdressing operation. It also makes the use of the hairdressing appliance 1 more comfortable and safer, by making it possible to avoid hair tangling around the auxiliary arm which could prove to be inconvenient for the proper performance of the intended hairdressing operation or even painful for the user, or even a pinching of a finger or an ear between the auxiliary arm and the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4. In addition, the absence of such an auxiliary arm allows for a simpler, more robust and less expensive design and manufacture of the hairdressing appliance 1.

[0024] The apparatus 1, and in particular the control system of the electric drive module 16, comprises a device for detecting a direction of forced rotation SRFI, SRF2 of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 under the effect of a mechanical force (for example, traction) exerted by the hair C against the element mechanical engagement 7 of the hair. Said detection device is therefore a device which is designed and configured to detect a direction in which the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 is forced to rotate (or at the very least, tends to be forced to rotate), along its axis A of rotation, under the effect of a resistive mechanical force, of friction, resulting from the interaction between the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C and said hair C, typically during a displacement or movement of the styling head 4 relative to the hair C. In other words, said detection device is therefore designed and configured to detect a mechanical force exerted against the rotating part 15 of the blowing head 4, and which tends to force said rotating part 15 to rotate in a direction of forced rotation SRFI, SRF2 linked to a respective direction of exertion of said mechanical force.By "forced rotation" is here advantageously meant a rotation of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4, while the electric drive module 16 is stopped (electric drive module 16 not electrically powered) and therefore does not positively drive said rotating part 15 in rotation.

[0025] The control system of the electric drive module 16 also comprises a control member which can be manually activated by a user of the appliance 1 to trigger (effective) rotation of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 in the direction of rotation SRI, SR2 opposite to said forced rotation direction SRFI, SRF2 detected by the detection device, i.e. in that of said first and second directions of rotation SRI, SR2 which is opposite to said detected forced rotation direction SRFI, SRF2.

[0026] In other words, the hairdressing appliance 1, and in particular the control system of the electric drive module 16 thereof, therefore comprises or constitutes a device for automatically preselecting a direction of rotation of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4, from among said first and second directions of rotation SRI, SR2, as a function of the forced rotation direction SRFI, SRF2 detected, which is designed and configured so that said rotating part 15 is rotated in a direction of rotation SRI, SR2 opposite to the forced rotation direction SRFI, SRF2 detected when the user manually activates said control member. Thus, when a force of forced rotation of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 in a first direction of forced rotation SRFI (OR “first forced direction SRFI”) is detected, the automatic preselection device automatically preselects that of said first and second directions of rotation SRI, SR2 (and for example said first direction of rotation SRI), which is opposite to said first direction of forced rotation SRFI, and in which the rotating part 15 will rotate when the user manually activates said control member. Conversely, when a force of forced rotation of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 in a second direction of forced rotation SRF2 (OR "second forced direction SRF2") opposite is detected, said automatic preselection device automatically preselects that of said first and second directions of rotation SRI, SR2 (and for example said second direction of rotation SR2), which is opposite to said second direction of forced rotation SRF2, and in which the rotating part 15 will rotate when the user manually activates said control member.

[0027] In addition, the control system of the electric drive module 16 is designed and configured to automatically trigger, in the absence of manual activation of said control member by the user, a rotation of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 in a direction of rotation SRAI, SRA2 corresponding (i.e. identical) to said direction of forced rotation SRFI, SRF2 detected.

[0028] In other words, the control system is designed and configured to automatically trigger a rotation of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 in a direction of rotation SRAI, SRA2 (OR “assisted rotation direction”) which is identical to the (first or second) forced rotation direction SRFI, SRF2 detected (and which is therefore opposite to the direction of rotation automatically preselected by the automatic selection device), in the absence of manual activation by the user of the control member, i.e. when the detection device has detected a forced rotation effort but the user has not yet activated said control member.

[0029] Preferably, as will be seen in the following, said control system is designed and configured to automatically trigger the rotation of the rotary part 15 of the styling head 4 in said direction of rotation SRAI, SRA2 corresponding to said direction of forced rotation SRFI, SRF2 detected, in the absence of manual activation of said control member, but only when said detection device detects a forced orientation of the rotary part 15 of the styling head 4. styling 4 under the effect of a mechanical force exerted by the hair C against the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair. Thus, the apparatus 1 is therefore preferably designed so that the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 remains stationary in rotation in the absence of detection of forced orientation of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 by said detection device and in the absence of manual activation of said control member. This contributes to the safety of use of the hairdressing apparatus 1.

[0030] Thus, the invention is based first of all on the general principle of detecting a direction of forced rotation SRFI, SRF2 of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 along said axis A of rotation under the effect of a mechanical force, resulting from the interaction between the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C and said hair C, and tending to cause a forced rotation of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 along said axis A of rotation, to automatically preselect the direction in which the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 will be rotated by the electric drive module 16 to treat the hair C when the user manually activates said control member.The invention is also based on a particular configuration of the control system of the electric drive module 16 such that the latter ensures by default the rotation of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 in the forced rotation direction SRFI, SRF2 detected, and therefore in the opposite direction to said automatically preselected rotation direction.

[0031] Such a design makes the use of the hairdressing appliance 1 according to the invention particularly simple and intuitive, in particular for a user without any particular knowledge of hairdressing, insofar as this design allows automatic adaptation of the direction of rotation SRI, SR2 of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 of the appliance 1 in response to a simple gesture of use of the appliance 1 on and against the hair C, without the user needing to have visual contact with the appliance 1, and with, in addition, a particularly limited risk (if not totally avoided) of untimely selection of one or other of the directions of rotation SRI, SR2 of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 of the appliance 1.The fact of detecting a direction of forced rotation of the rotating part 15 of the blowing head 4 carrying the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C, and not of detecting a possible movement of another part of the hairdressing appliance 1 which would be distinct from said part. rotating 15, allows a particularly simple and effective detection of an interaction of the device 1 with the hair C to preselect the direction of rotation in which the rotating part 15 must be rotated, even when the interaction of the device 1 with the hair C results from a more complex movement than a simple movement of the device 1 along the hair.

[0032] The particular design of the apparatus 1 according to the invention also makes the use of the latter particularly pleasant and safe. Indeed, the rotation of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 in the preselected direction of rotation SRI, SR2 advantageously tends to generate a winding of the hair around said rotating part 15, to help shape the hair C, while the automatic triggering of a rotation of said rotating part 15 in an opposite direction of rotation SRAI, SRA2 corresponding to said detected direction of forced rotation SRFI, SRF2, and therefore opposite to the automatically preselected direction of rotation, tends on the contrary advantageously to avoid a winding of the hair around said rotating part 15.Without positive manual action on the part of the user against said control member, the exertion of a force against the rotating part 15 by interaction between the hairs C and the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hairs C can only trigger a rotation of the rotating part 15 in a direction of rotation which tends to cancel this exerted force and therefore to cancel the corresponding forced rotation torque.

[0033] Thus, when the electric drive module 16 is stopped, and when the user puts for example into contact with his hair C (or with the hair of a third person) the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C of the styling head 4 of the appliance 1, by placing the styling head 4 between the hair C and the scalp, and exerts a movement of displacement of the styling head 4 in contact with the hair C on the right side of the face / head of the user (or of the third person), and from top to bottom (i.e. from the roots of the hair to their tips, as illustrated by a thin arrow in figure 20(a)), the interaction between the hair C and the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair tends to forcefully rotate the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 in the corresponding first direction of forced rotation SRFI (figures 9(a) and 10(a), figures 13(a) and 14(a), and figure 20(a)).This forced rotation is detected by said detection device, which causes the. automatic preselection, by the control system of the electric drive module 16, of the first direction of rotation SRI of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4, i.e. the automatic preselection of a first predefined electrical operating mode corresponding to a rotation of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 according to its first direction of rotation SRI, opposite to said first forced direction of rotation SRFI. Thus, when the user then acts manually on the control member, the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 is then rotated according to the first direction of rotation SRI thus preselected (figure 20(c)) and can cause a corresponding winding of the hair C around the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4.On the other hand, if the control member is not manually activated by the user, the control system sets the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 into rotation in a first direction of rotation SRAI (“first direction of assisted rotation SRAI”) which corresponds to said first direction of forced rotation SRFI detected (figure 20(b)), so that winding of the hair C around the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 can be advantageously avoided.

[0034] Conversely, when the electric drive module 16 is stopped, and when the user puts for example into contact with his hair C (or with the hair of a third person) the styling head 4 of the appliance 1, by placing the styling head 4 between the hair C and the scalp, and exerts a movement of displacement of the styling head 4 in contact with the hair on the left side of the face / head of the user (or of the third person), and from top to bottom (i.e. from the roots of the hair to their tips, as illustrated by a thin arrow in figure 21 (a)), the interaction between the hair C and the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair tends to forcefully rotate the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 in the corresponding second direction of forced rotation SRF2, opposite to said first direction of forced rotation SRFI (figures 9(c) and 10(c), figures 13(c) and 14(c), and Figure 21(c)).This forced rotation is detected by said detection device, which causes the automatic preselection, by the control system of the electric drive module 16, of the second direction of rotation SR2 of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4, that is to say the automatic preselection of a second predefined electrical operating mode corresponding to a rotation of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 according to its second direction of rotation SR2, opposite to said second direction of forced rotation SRF2. Thus, when the user acts manually on. the control member, the rotating part 15 is then rotated according to the second direction of rotation SR2 thus preselected (figure 21 (c)) and can cause a corresponding winding of the hair C around the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4. On the other hand, if the control member is not manually activated by the user, the control system rotates the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 in a second direction of rotation SRA2 ("second assisted direction of rotation SRA2") which corresponds to said detected second forced direction of rotation SRF2 (figure 21 (b)), so that a winding of the hair C around the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 can be advantageously avoided.

[0035] Depending on the styling habits and / or the desired hairstyling effect, it is also possible to arrange, for example, the styling head 4 of the appliance 1 not between the hair C and the scalp, as described above (Figures 20 and 21), but on the outside of the hair C, as illustrated as an example in Figures 22 and 23. In this case, when the user exerts a pulling force from the top downwards (i.e. from the roots of the hair C towards their tips, as illustrated by a thin arrow in Figures 22(a) and 23(a)), the interaction between the hair C and the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C tends to forcefully rotate the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4. - either in the first direction of forced rotation SRFI (figures 9(a) and 10(a), figures 13(a) and 14(a), and figure 22(a)), in which case this forced rotation is detected by the detection device, which results in the automatic preselection of the first direction of rotation SRI of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 (figure 22(c)), - either in the second direction of forced rotation SRF2 (figures 9(C) and 10(c), figures 13(c) and 14(c), and figure 23(a)), in which case this forced rotation is detected by the detection device, which results in the automatic preselection of the second direction of rotation SR2 of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 (figure 23(c)).

[0036] The following table summarizes the different possible operations described above of the device 1, depending on the positioning of the styling head 4 of the latter in relation to the hair C (figures 20 to 23). We then understand the whole interest of the invention, which makes it possible to automatically select the direction of rotation SRI, SR2 suitable depending on the position of the styling head 4 of the appliance 1, and this without the user having to wonder which direction of rotation should be selected. This thus makes it possible to offer a hairdressing appliance 1 which is particularly intuitive, simple to use, well-suited for novices (without any particular knowledge in the field of hairdressing) and which limits the risks of hair tangling.

[0037]

[0038] Thus, the automatic selection of the direction of rotation of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 can therefore be done in a particularly simple, natural and intuitive manner, for example by a simple rectilinear movement of the appliance 1, or even by simply letting the appliance 1 fall, move, under its own weight, the styling head 4 of the latter being brought into contact with the hair C, without therefore requiring in particular a rotational movement of the wrist on the part of the user. Furthermore, as introduced above, the user does not have to think about the direction of rotation to be given to the rotating part 15 depending on the positioning of the styling head 4 relative to his hair C, since the appliance 1 selects systematically by itself, and therefore automatically and transparently for the user, the appropriate direction of rotation SRI, SR2 of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4, which advantageously makes it possible to prevent a risk of knotting / tangling of the hair, while guaranteeing the best possible hairdressing result. What is more, the risk of involuntary winding or tangling of the hair C is all the more limited since, without positive manual action on the part of the user against the first control member, the exertion of a force against the rotating part 15 by interaction between the hair C and the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair can thus advantageously only trigger a rotation of the rotating part 15 in a direction of rotation which tends to cancel this exerted force and therefore to cancel the corresponding forced rotation torque.Advantageously, the control system of the electric drive module 16 can thus play an automatic “assistance” role which accompanies the movement of the device 1 to help untangle the hair C engaged with the mechanical hair engagement element 7.

[0039] In order to ensure such detection of the direction of forced rotation SRFI, SRF2 of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4, said detection device preferably comprises: - the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4, which is pivotally mounted relative to the main body 2 in a predetermined angular range along said rotation axis A so that, when the electric drive module 16 is stopped (i.e. when the electric drive module 16 is not electrically powered), the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 remains able to pivot in said predetermined angular range, in the first direction of forced rotation SRFI towards a first angular position and in the second direction of forced rotation SRF2 towards a second opposite angular position, under the effect of said mechanical force exerted by the hair C against the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C (in other words, this predetermined angular range defines a functional clearance necessary to detect the direction of forced rotation SRFI, SRF2), and - at least one sensor 19A, 19B for detecting the reaching of each of said first and second angular positions by said rotating part 15.

[0040] Thus, when the electric drive module 16 is stopped and therefore does not rotate the rotating part 15, the mechanical force exerted by the hair against the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair C during a movement of the styling head 4 relative to the hair causes a “forced” pivoting (forced rotation) of the rotating part 15 about its axis A of rotation in said predetermined angular range, in one or the other of the first and second directions of forced rotation SRFI, SRF2 depending on the direction and direction of movement of the styling head 4 relative to the hair C. The detection device may comprise either a single sensor for detecting the reaching of each of said first and second angular positions, or preferably two sensors 19A, 19B for each respectively detecting the reaching of one and the other of said first and second angular positions.

[0041] In return, the control system of the electric drive module 16 is designed and configured to rotate the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 - in the first direction of rotation SRI (therefore opposite to the first direction of forced rotation SRFI) when the reaching of the first angular position is detected, and vice versa - in the second direction of rotation SR2 (therefore opposite to the second direction of forced rotation SRF2) when the reaching of the second angular position is detected, and said control member is manually activated by the user.

[0042] In other words, the device for automatic selection of the direction of rotation, which comprises or advantageously constitutes the control system of the electric drive module 16, advantageously comprises an electric or electronic control circuit (hereinafter "control circuit") which is connected to the electric drive module 16, to set the rotary part 15 of the styling head 4 in rotation, when therefore said first manual control member is activated: - in the first direction of rotation SRI when the reaching of the first angular position is detected, that is to say when the (or one of the) sensor(s) 19A, 19B detects that the rotating part 15 occupies said first angular position, and, respectively, - in the second direction of rotation SR2 when the reaching of the second angular position is detected, i.e. when the (or another of the) sensor(s) 19A, 19B detects that the rotating part 15 occupies said second angular position.

[0043] The control system / drive circuit of the electric drive module 16 may be connected to the sensor(s) 19A, 19B or include said sensor(s) 19A, 19B.

[0044] Advantageously, said predetermined angular range is chosen, that is to say fixed by design of the apparatus 1, with an amplitude of between 1° and 15°, preferably between 5° and 15°, and for example equal to 10°. In other words, the apparatus 1 is designed and configured so that the passage of the rotary part 15 of the styling head 4 from the first angular position to the second angular position, and vice versa from the second angular position to the first angular position, corresponds to a pivoting of the rotary part 15 of the styling head 4 by an angle preferably of between 1° and 15°, preferably of between 5° and 15°, and for example equal to 10°, along the axis A of rotation of said rotary part 15.Such an amplitude in fact advantageously allows particularly easy and comfortable detection, based on a slight forced rotation of the rotating part 15 by interaction between the hair and the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair during a movement of the styling head 4 relative to the hair, and therefore without the user needing to perform a particularly broad brushing gesture and / or pull particularly hard on the hair, nor to modify his intuitive and natural styling movement.

[0045] Advantageously, said at least one sensor 19A, 19B, or each of said sensors 19A, 19B in the case of a plurality of sensors, is arranged inside the styling head 4 of the appliance 1. This contributes in particular to limiting the size of the main body 2, and in particular of the portion of the latter which forms the handle 3, so as to make it easier for the user to hold the appliance 1. This also makes it possible to simplify and make more reliable the electrical design of the appliance 1 when the electric drive module 16 is also arranged inside the styling head 4, in particular in the case where the appliance 1 comprises an articulation system 14 of the styling head 4 relative to the main body 2.

[0046] Preferably, as illustrated in the figures, the detection device comprises: - two sensors 19A, 19B, as previously envisaged, namely a first sensor 19A and a second sensor 19B for each respectively detecting the reaching of one and the other of said first and second angular positions of the rotary part 15 of the styling head 4, and - a first activation / deactivation member 20A, 20A', 20A” to cause a change of state of the first sensor 19A when the first angular position is reached, and - a second activation / deactivation member 20B, 20B', 20B” to cause a change of state of the second sensor 19B when the second angular position is reached.

[0047] By "activation / deactivation member" is here advantageously meant a member which causes a change in state of the corresponding sensor by activation (for example by closing an electrical contact or an optical path), or on the contrary by deactivation (for example by opening an electrical contact or cutting an optical path), of said sensor or of a characteristic of the latter.

[0048] For example, as in the design variants illustrated as examples in the figures, the first activation / deactivation member 20A, 20A', 20A” may be provided to cooperate with the first sensor 19A when the first angular position is reached (figures 9(a) and 13(a) for example) to cause a change of state of said first sensor 19A, while the second activation / deactivation member 20B, 20B', 20B” cooperates respectively with the second sensor 19B when the second angular position is reached (figures 9(c) and 13(c)) to cause a change of state of said second sensor 19B.However, an inverse configuration could be envisaged as an alternative, in which the first activation / deactivation member ceases to cooperate with the first sensor when the first angular position is reached, and respectively the second activation / deactivation member ceases to cooperate with the second sensor when the second angular position is reached. Said first and second activation / deactivation members 20A, 20A', 20A”; 20B, 20B', 20B” may be formed by parts or elements distinct from one another, or on the contrary be formed by a single part or element.

[0049] According to a variant, an exemplary embodiment of which is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 10, said first and second sensors 19A, 19B are optical sensors 21 A, 21 B, preferably optical fork sensors (“optosensors” or “optoswitches”), i.e. optical sensors with two arms (“U” sensors) of which one fork arm carries an optical transmitter and another fork arm carries an optical receiver.According to this variant, said first and second activation / deactivation members 20A, 20B advantageously form one or more occulting elements designed and arranged to be respectively positioned between the arms of the optical fork sensors 21A, 21B to selectively cut off a detection light beam emitted by the optical transmitter in the direction of the optical receiver according to the first or second angular position occupied by the rotary part 15 of the styling head 4, and thus cause a respective change of state of said first and second optical fork sensors 21A, 21B. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10, said first and second activation / deactivation members 20A, 20B can thus form a single, monolithic occulting element, which is designed and arranged. - to position itself between the arms of the first optical fork sensor 21 A and cut off the detection light beam emitted by the optical transmitter in the direction of the optical receiver of the first optical fork sensor 21 A when the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 occupies said first angular position (figure 9(a)), and - to position itself between the arms of the second optical fork sensor 21 B and cut off the detection light beam respectively emitted by the optical transmitter in the direction of the optical receiver of the second optical fork sensor 21 B when the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 occupies said second angular position (figure 9(c)).

[0050] Alternatively, although less preferably, each of said optical sensors could comprise an optical transmitter and an optical receiver and said first and second activation / deactivation members could form one or more reflective elements designed and arranged to selectively return a detection light beam emitted by the optical transmitter towards the optical receiver according to the first or second angular position occupied by the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4, and thus cause a respective change of state of said first and second optical sensors. The implementation of first and second sensors 19A, 19B of the optical sensor type 21 A, 21 B, and in particular of the optical fork sensor type, allows contactless detection (and therefore without friction and with less mechanical play constraints) of the reaching of said first and second angular positions. This advantageously allows particularly precise and reliable detection of the reaching of said first and second angular positions, while giving the detection device excellent mechanical robustness.

[0051] According to another variant, examples of embodiment of which are illustrated in figures 11 to 14 on the one hand and 15 to 18 on the other hand, said first and second sensors 19A, 19B are switches 22A, 22B. The first activation / deactivation member 20A', 20A” then advantageously forms a first actuating member which cooperates with a first of said switches 22A, 22B when the first angular position is reached (figures 13(a) for example), to thus cause a change in the switching state of said first switch 22A. Symmetrically, the second activation / deactivation member 20B', 20B” advantageously forms a second actuating member which cooperates with a second of said switches 22A, 22B when the second angular position is reached (figure 13(c) for example), to thus respectively cause a change in the switching state of said second switch 22B.Advantageously, the first activation / deactivation member 20A', 20A” does not cooperate with the first switch 22A when the second angular position is reached (figure 13(c) for example), and the second activation / deactivation member 20B', 20B” does not cooperate with the second switch 22B when the first angular position is reached (figure 13(a) for example).

[0052] By "switch" (or "electrical switch"), we here advantageously mean a device intended to cut off, restore, reverse the direction of the electric current, or even to distribute said electric current at will in different circuits. Preferably, as illustrated in figures 11 to 14 and 15 to 18, the first and second switches 22A, 22B are electromechanical switches. An electromechanical switch is a switch which makes it possible to cut off, establish or direct an electric current between at least two contact terminals under the effect of an external mechanical action. It will be noted here that an electromechanical switch is a particular electromechanical switch, which alternately allows an electric current to be cut off or established between two contact terminals. Advantageously, the first and second switches 22A, 22B are monostable electromechanical switches, i.e. with momentary mechanical contact, such as microswitches (miniature push-button switches, or "microswitches" in English) for example.In this respect, said first and second electromechanical switches 22A, 22B each comprise a housing, at least two contact terminals, a movable internal mechanical contact mounted on a spring between a closed contact position and an open contact position, and a movable button 23A, 23B which projects from the housing and which is movable relative to the latter to cause a movement of the internal mechanical contact between said closed contact position and said open contact position and vice versa, when an external mechanical force is applied to said movable button against the return force of the spring. More advantageously still, as in the examples of FIGS. 11 to 14 and 15 to 18, said first and second switches 22A, 22B are monostable “reversing” electromechanical switches.They thus comprise three contact terminals, and the internal mechanical contact is designed and configured to alternately ensure, under the effect of a movement of said movable button 23A, 23B, an electrical contact between a first of the contact terminals called “common” and a second contact terminal called “normally open” or an electrical contact between said “common” contact terminal and a third contact terminal called “normally closed”. In return, the first and second actuating members ( / .e. first and second activation / deactivation members 20A', 20B'; 20A”, 20B”) may for example each be formed of a protuberance (or “.positive relief”) intended to cooperate mechanically each respectively with one of the electromechanical switches 22A, 22B, by interaction with the movable button 23A, 23B of the latter, to cause a change in the switching state of the electromechanical switches 22A, 22B according to the angular position which is reached, as in the example illustrated in the figures.

[0053] Alternatively, the first and second switches may be first and second electromagnetic switches (or "Flexible Reed Switches (FRS)"), and the first and second activation / deactivation members may for example each be formed by a permanent magnet. The use of such electromechanical or electromagnetic switches advantageously contributes to great simplicity and low design and manufacturing cost of the device 1. The first and second sensors 19A, 19B thus advantageously being components providing an electrical connection function, it is therefore possible to transmit electrical power directly to the electric geared motor 17 of the electric drive module 16 via the first and second sensors 19A, 19B, without therefore having to use an additional component, such as a relay or an "H" bridge for example, between the first and second sensors 19A, 19B and the electric geared motor 17. The first and second sensors 19A, 19B can thus be advantageously included in the control system (or even in the electrical or electronic control circuit of the latter if applicable), mentioned above.The use of switches 22A, 22B of the monostable electromechanical “inverter” switch type, as envisaged above, makes it possible to further simplify both the mechanical design and the electrical design of the device 1, and to reduce its manufacturing costs.

[0054] Preferably, regardless of the type of sensors 19A, 19B chosen, the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A, 20B; 20A', 20B'; 20A”, 20B” are arranged inside the styling head 4 of the appliance 1, in particular in the preferred case where said first and second sensors 19A, 19B are themselves arranged inside the styling head 4, as in the examples illustrated in the figures. This advantageously makes it possible to simplify the mechanical design of the appliance 1.

[0055] According to a preferred variant implemented in the examples illustrated in the figures, the electric drive module 16 is arranged inside the styling head 4 and comprises a motor housing 24 which is mounted to pivot relative to the main body 2 in said predetermined angular range along the axis A of rotation of the rotary part 15 of the styling head 4. Typically constituting an envelope ("casing") of the electric geared motor 17 of the electric drive module 16, the motor housing 24 is thus advantageously connected immovably to a stator of the electric geared motor 17. The electric drive module 16 also comprises an output shaft 18 to which, as already mentioned previously, said rotary part 15 is connected so that a rotation of the output shaft 18 causes a joint rotation of said rotary part 15. In this variant, the output shaft 18 is advantageously mounted to rotate along the axis A of rotation of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4. In addition, the electric drive module 16 is designed and configured so that the output shaft 18 is substantially immobilized in rotation relative to the motor housing 24 when the electric drive module 16 is stopped (i.e. not electrically powered), so that a pivoting of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 in said predetermined angular range (under the effect of forced rotation) causes a corresponding pivoting of the motor housing 24 along the axis A of rotation of said rotating part 15 of the styling head 4. The electric drive module 16 is therefore advantageously designed and configured so as to oppose a force of forced rotation of the output shaft 18 when the electric drive module 16 is stopped.For example, the output shaft 18 may constitute an output shaft of the reducer of the electric geared motor 17, and its immobilization against rotation may then advantageously result from friction forces generated by gears of the reducer of the electric geared motor 17 which oppose free rotation of the output shaft 18 when the electric drive module 16 is stopped. In this respect, the electric drive module 16 may typically comprise a case 25, 25', 25”, for example cylindrical, which is fixed immobile relative to the main body 2 of the device 1, and within which said motor housing 24 is arranged to pivot. For example, the case 25, 25', 25” may have a base 26, 26', 26” forming a male imprint designed and configured to cooperate without the possibility of relative rotation with a corresponding female imprint carried by the main body 2 of the device 1.The case 25, 25', 25” may be provided within it with at least one pair of opposite stops 27A, 27B; 27A', 27B'; 27A”, 27B” which mechanically delimit the permitted pivoting range (predetermined angular range) of the motor housing 24 along said axis A of rotation, as illustrated in figures 10, 14 and 16 in particular.

[0056] In the case where said first and second sensors 19A, 19B are optical sensors 21 A, 21 B, preferably optical fork sensors, as mentioned previously, it is advantageous to provide that said first and second optical sensors 21 A, 21 B are arranged immobile relative to the axis A of rotation of the rotary part 15 of the styling head 4, and that said first and second activation / deactivation members 20A, 20B are fixed immobile in rotation relative to said motor housing 24. This advantageously contributes to simplifying the mechanical and electrical / electronic design of the device 1.

[0057] In this respect, the electric drive module 16 may advantageously comprise a support 28 for optical sensors, to which the first and second optical sensors 21 A, 21 B are fixed, which is secured to the case 25. Conversely, said first and second activation / deactivation members 20A, 20B are advantageously secured to the motor housing 24 without the possibility of relative rotation, for example by means of a motor cradle 29 in which the motor housing 24 is received without the possibility of relative rotation. Being mounted so as to pivot about said axis A of rotation inside the case 25, the motor cradle 29 then advantageously forms an oscillating cradle secured to the motor housing 24 and the support 28 for optical sensors pivoting in said predetermined angular range.Advantageously, the motor cradle 29 and / or the optical sensor support 28 comprises at least one pair of stops 30A, 30B, which are arranged and configured to cooperate respectively with a corresponding stop of the pair of stops 27A, 27B with which the case 25 is provided to mechanically delimit the amplitude of said predetermined angular range.

[0058] Alternatively, in the case where said first and second sensors 19A, 19B are switches 22A, 22B, as previously envisaged, it is then advantageous to provide that said first and second switches 22A, 22B are preferably fixed immobile in rotation relative to said motor housing 24, while the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A', 20B'; 20A”, 20B” are preferably arranged immobile in rotation relative to the axis A of rotation of said rotary part 15 of the styling head 4. Unlike the first and second switches 22A, 22B, the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A', 20B'; 20A”, 20B” are therefore not mounted in rotation along the axis A of rotation of the rotary part 15 of the styling head 4.This makes it possible to simplify and make more reliable the electrical design of the device 1, in particular when the first and second switches 22A, 22B are themselves advantageously arranged inside the styling head 4. In this respect, the electrical drive module 16 can advantageously comprise a switch support 28', 28” to which the first and second switches 22A, 22B are fixed, which is secured to the. motor housing 24 without the possibility of relative rotation, for example by means of a motor cradle 29', 29” in which the motor housing 24 is received without the possibility of relative rotation. Being mounted so as to pivot about said axis A of rotation inside the case 25', 25”, the motor cradle 29', 29” then advantageously forms an oscillating cradle secured to the motor housing 24 and to the support 28', 28” of switches pivoting in said predetermined angular range. Advantageously, the motor cradle 29', 29” and / or the support 28', 28” of switches comprises at least one pair of stops 30A, 30B, 30A', 30B', which are arranged and configured to cooperate respectively with a corresponding stop of the pair of stops 27A', 27B'; 27 A”, 27B” with which the case 25', 25” is provided to mechanically delimit the amplitude of said predetermined angular range.

[0059] According to a design sub-variant illustrated as an example in Figures 11 to 14, the first and second switches 22A, 22B are monostable electromechanical switches as envisaged above, advantageously identical, and said first and second switches 22A, 22B and said first and second activation / deactivation members 20A', 20B' are arranged to allow actuation of each of the first and second switches 22A, 22B in an actuation direction which is orthogonal to the axis A of rotation of the rotary part 15 of the styling head 4 ("radial" arrangement).According to this sub-variant, the first and second switches 22A, 22B and the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A', 20B' are advantageously arranged so that the actuation of the first and second switches 22A, 22B, by the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A', 20B' respectively, is achieved by a mechanical force which results from the interaction between the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A', 20B' and the buttons 23A, 23B of the first and second switches 22A, 22B, and which is exerted in a direction inscribed in a plane orthogonal to the axis A of rotation of the rotary part 15 of the styling head 4. Such an arrangement offers in particular the advantage of limited axial size.Advantageously, the first and second switches 22A, 22B can be arranged one above the other along the axis A of rotation of the rotary part 15, and for example in a “head-to-tail” assembly, with their respective button 23A, 23B oriented opposite said axis A of rotation. The first and second activation / deactivation members 20A', 20B' can then form first and second. protrusions, as already mentioned previously, which can advantageously be combined so as to form a single protrusion, and which are arranged to project from an internal surface of the case 25', facing the first and second switches 22A, 22B.

[0060] According to another design sub-variant illustrated as an example in Figures 15 to 18, the first and second switches 22A, 22B are monostable electromechanical switches as envisaged above, advantageously identical, and said first and second switches 22A, 22B and said first and second activation / deactivation members 20A”, 20B” are arranged to allow actuation of each of the first and second switches 22A, 22B in an actuation direction which is parallel to the axis A of rotation of the rotary part 15 of the styling head 4 (“axial” arrangement).According to this sub-variant, the first and second switches 22A, 22B and the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A”, 20B” are thus advantageously arranged so that the actuation of the first and second switches 22A, 22B, respectively by the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A”, 20B”, is carried out by a mechanical force which results from the interaction between the first and second activation / deactivation members 20A”, 20B” and the buttons 23A, 23B of the first and second switches 22A, 22B, and which is exerted in a direction inscribed in a plane parallel to the axis A of rotation of the rotary part 15 of the styling head 4.

[0061] Advantageously, as illustrated in particular in figures 15, 17 and 18, the first and second switches 22A, 22B can be arranged at the same altitude along the axis A of rotation of the rotary part 15, preferably on either side of said axis A of rotation. Such an alternative arrangement offers in particular the advantage of limited radial size. It also advantageously allows less mechanical stress on the first and second switches 22A, 22B when pivoting the rotary part 15 of the styling head 4 from one to the other of said first and second angular positions, which makes it possible to increase the reliability and the service life of the first and second switches 22A, 22B.

[0062] It is particularly advantageous to further provide, in this sub-variant: - that the first and second switches 22A, 22B are arranged to move in rectilinear translation along the axis A of rotation of the rotary part 15 of the styling head 4, and - that the styling head 4 comprises an elastic return member 31, such as for example a compression spring, designed and configured to exert an automatic axial bringing together force of the first and second switches 22A, 22B in the direction of a surface carrying said first and second activation / deactivation members 20A”, 20B”.

[0063] This particularly advantageous configuration makes it possible to automatically compensate for any dimensional manufacturing tolerances of the parts of the device 1. In particular, this configuration makes it possible to automatically compensate for any axial play that the movable button 23A, 23B of the first and second switches 22A, 22B may have due to more or less significant dimensional manufacturing tolerances. This ensures particularly reliable and repeatable operation of the first and second switches 22A, 22B, including when using conventional switches that are readily available commercially. Furthermore, when the electric drive module 16 and the first and second switches 22A, 22B are advantageously all arranged inside the styling head 4, this makes it possible to facilitate and make more reliable the electrical wiring of the first and second switches 22A, 22B and the electric geared motor 17.

[0064] In this respect, as illustrated in figures 15 to 18, the switch support 28”, to which the first and second switches 22A, 22B are fixed, is preferably secured to the motor housing 24 without the possibility of relative rotation, by means of a motor cradle 29” in which the motor housing 24 is received so as to be able to slide purely (no relative rotation) in a direction parallel to, and preferably coincident with, the axis A of rotation of the rotary part 15 of the styling head 4. As described above, said motor cradle 24 is itself mounted so as to pivot along said axis A of rotation inside the case 25”, and advantageously forms an oscillating cradle secured to the motor housing 24 and the switch support 28” so as to pivot in said predetermined angular range. The buttons 23A, 23B of the first and second switches 22A, 22B can advantageously be oriented towards and opposite a bottom of the case 25” which defines said surface carrying said first and second activation / deactivation members 20A”, 20B”. The latter can advantageously form two protuberances, such as material domes, distinct and distant from each other which are arranged projecting from said surface. The elastic member 31, such as for example a compression spring, can be arranged to bear against an internal surface of a cover 32” of the case 25” and a corresponding bearing surface defined by the motor cradle 29”, to elastically push the motor cradle 29” towards the bottom of the case 25” and thus to exert an automatic axial bringing together force of the first and second switches 22A, 22B towards said protuberances arranged on the surface of the bottom of the case 25”.

[0065] Preferably, the apparatus 1 comprises an automatic return member 33, 33', 33” for automatically returning the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 to a third angular position which is intermediate to said first and second angular positions when said mechanical force exerted by the hair ceases (figures 9(b), 10(b), 13(b) and 14(b) for example). Thus, in the absence of force exerted by interaction between the hair C of the user and the mechanical engagement element 7 of the hair, the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 advantageously returns automatically by itself, from the first angular position or from the second angular position, to said third intermediate angular position, called the rest position.The force and the amplitude of forced rotation of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 which are necessary for the detection of said forced rotation by reaching one or other of said first and second angular positions are thus advantageously reduced, which further improves the ease and comfort of use of the device 1. More preferably still, the third angular position is a position angularly median to the first and second angular positions within said predetermined angular range. The amplitude of pivoting of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 between the first and third angular positions is then identical to the amplitude of pivoting of said rotating part 15 between the second and third angular positions.

[0066] Preferably, the automatic return member 33, 33', 33” is an elastic automatic return member. For example, the automatic return member 33, 33' may be a leaf spring, as in the particular designs illustrated in Figures 7 to 10 and Figures 11 to 14, which is typically fixed at its center to a part integral with the motor cradle 29, 29', and two opposite free ends of which bear against corresponding surfaces provided inside the case 25, 25' of the electric drive module 16. Alternatively, as in the particular design illustrated in Figures 15 to 18, the automatic return member 33” may be a “U”-shaped spring (or “hairpin” spring), one belly of the “U” of which is fixed immovably to the case 25”, and each of the legs of the “U” of which is arranged to bear against one or more ribs with which the motor cradle 29” is provided. Obviously, other suitable conformations, configurations and arrangements of the automatic return member 33, 33', 33” may be considered.By means of an adequate choice and dimensioning of the elastic automatic return member 33, 33', 33” (length, stiffness constant, etc.), it is advantageously possible to precisely adjust, when designing the appliance 1, the forced rotation force that will be necessary for the user to move the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 from the third angular position to one or other of the first and second angular positions. In this way, it is therefore possible to define a minimum value of the force necessary for the forced rotation that is sufficiently low to avoid the user having to pull too hard on the hair, which could prove painful, while being sufficiently high to nevertheless avoid excessive detection sensitivity, which could lead to an involuntary modification of the direction of rotation of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4.In practice, the definition of this minimum force value by means of a choice and dimensioning of the elastic automatic return member 33, 33', 33” may depend on the general dimensioning of the appliance 1 and its styling head 4, as well as the use of possible friction forces likely to oppose the pivoting of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 in the predetermined angular range.

[0067] Advantageously, the control system of the electric drive module 16 is designed and configured to inhibit, i.e. to prohibit, the operation of the electric drive module 16 in the absence of detection, by said at least one sensor 19A, 19B (and therefore advantageously by said first and second optical sensors 21 A, 21 B, or by said first and second switches 22A, 22B), of the reaching of one or other of said first and second angular positions. Thus, in the absence of mechanical force exerted by the hair against the mechanical hair engagement element 7 and detected by the detection device, said control system / pilot circuit interrupts the electrical supply to the electric drive module 16 so that the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 cannot therefore be rotated by the electric drive module 16 in either of said directions of rotation. This contributes to safer, more efficient and more economical use of the appliance 1.

[0068] Particularly preferably, when the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 occupies the third intermediate angular position mentioned above (under the return effect of the automatic return member 33, 33', 33”), the control system of the electric drive module 16 therefore advantageously prevents the effective rotation of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 by the electric drive module 16. This makes it possible to further improve the operation of the appliance 1, in particular by avoiding a possible oscillation effect of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 between said first and second angular positions.

[0069] Advantageously, as in the example illustrated in the figures, said control member manually activatable by the user (to trigger the effective rotation of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 in the direction of rotation SRI, SR2 opposite to the direction of forced rotation SRFI, SRF2 detected) comprises a manual actuation button 34, preferably arranged at the handle 3 of the appliance 1, and a first electrical switch 35 (or “normal rotation switch”) connected to said manual actuation button 34. For example, the manual actuation button 34 is a monostable button (push button), one or more springs 36 (or equivalent) automatically returning the manual actuation button 34 from an “activated” position under the effect of a manual force exerted by the user against it to a “deactivated” position, when said manual force ceases.The device 1, on the other hand, is devoid of a manual actuation button which would be provided to control rotation of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4 in a direction of rotation SRAI, SRA2 corresponding to the direction of forced rotation SRFI, SRF2 detected by the detection device, since such rotation is carried out automatically by said control system.

[0070] For example, as illustrated in the figures, the control system may comprise, for this purpose, a second electrical switch 37 also connected to said manual actuation button 34, following an assembly inverse to that of said first electrical switch 35, such that - when the manual actuation button 34 is manually activated by the user, for example by being pressed by the latter's finger, the first electrical switch 35 is activated while the second electrical switch 37 is simultaneously deactivated, and vice versa - when the manual actuation button 34 is not manually activated by the user, for example when the user stops exerting manual force against it, the first electrical switch 35 is deactivated while the second electrical switch 37 is simultaneously activated.

[0071] For example, as illustrated in the figures, said first and second electrical switches 35, 37 are monostable electromechanical switches, i.e. with momentary mechanical contact, such as microswitches (miniature push-button switches, or “microswitches” in English).

[0072] In order to further explain the implementation of some of the functional characteristics described above, Figure 19 illustrates an example of an electrical design diagram of the apparatus 1 illustrated in the figures, according to the variant described previously in which the first and second sensors 19A, 19B are optical sensors 21A, 21B, and preferably optical fork sensors. This electrical design has the particular advantage of being particularly simple, robust and inexpensive to implement. The apparatus 1 is here intended to be electrically powered from the mains (power supply from the electrical distribution network, at an alternating voltage of 220-240 Vac, 50-60 Hz). However, the electric geared motor 17, as well as the electric motor 10 of the blower module 8, are here advantageously direct current electric motors.In this respect, diode bridges 38, 39 are provided to provide full-wave rectification to electrically power each of the direct current electric motors 10, 17. These diode bridges 38, 39 could be omitted in the case where the apparatus 1 is intended to be electrically powered by a direct current source. The heating element of the apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of electrical resistors 13A-13E. The motor. The electric circuit 10 of the blower module s and the electric gear motor 17 are respectively electrically powered, via their respective diode bridge 38, 39, by derivation from the power supply circuit of the electric resistors 13A-13E.

[0073] In this example, the general switch 6 of the device is a three-position selector, which is connected to the electrical resistors 13A-13E and to the diode bridges 38, 39 which supply the electric motor 10 of the blower module s and the electric geared motor 17 of the electric drive module 16 of the rotating part 15 of the styling head 4. The first and second electric switches 35, 37 of the control system of the electric drive module 16 are here monostable electromechanical “inverter” switches, advantageously conforming to the general description of such switches which was given previously.

[0074] Still in the diagram of figure 19, the first and second optical sensors 21 A, 21 B are electrically connected to an “H” transistor bridge (or “H” bridge, here in the form of an integrated circuit 40) to control the latter, said “H” bridge being further electrically connected on the one hand to the bridge 39 of electrical power supply diodes of the electric geared motor 17 of the electric drive module 16, and on the other hand to the first and second electrical switches 35, 37, which are themselves electrically connected to the electric geared motor 17.

[0075] In the case where said first and second sensors 19A, 19B are switches 22A, 22B, and in particular monostable electromechanical “inverter” switches, as envisaged in the above, an electrical design diagram similar to that of figure 19 may be put in addition, except that the optical sensors 21 will therefore be replaced by said switches 22A, 22B, and that the “H” bridge 40 will be omitted.

[0076] Obviously, other suitable mechanical, electrical or electronic designs may be considered for the desired purposes, depending in particular on the choice of general electrical power supply for the device (direct or alternating current), the choice of the sensor(s) 19A, 19B (number, type, etc.), the choice of the electric gear motor 17 (direct or alternating current), etc. POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

[0077] The invention finds its industrial application in the design and manufacture of hairdressing appliances, for example for domestic use, and more precisely of portable hairdressing appliances designed to assist in shaping hair.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Portable electric hairdressing appliance (1) comprising a main body (2) including a handle (3) for manual gripping, a styling head (4) connected to said main body (2) and comprising a rotating part (15) which is provided with a mechanical engagement element (7) for the hair (C) intended to come into contact with the hair (C) to help shape said hair (C), an electric drive module (16) for driving said rotating part (15) in rotation about an axis (A) of rotation relative to the main body (2) alternately in a first direction of rotation (SR1) and in a second opposite direction of rotation (SR2), and a system for controlling the operation of the electric drive module (16), the appliance (1) being characterized in that said control system comprises: - a device for detecting a direction of forced rotation (SRFI, SRF2) of the rotating part (15) of the styling head (4) under the effect of a mechanical force exerted by the hair (C) against said mechanical engagement element (7) of the hair, - a control member manually activatable by a user to trigger a rotation of the rotating part (15) of the styling head (4) in the direction of rotation (SR1, SR2) opposite to the direction of forced rotation (SR1, SRF2) detected, said control system being designed and configured to automatically trigger, in the absence of manual activation of said control member, a rotation of the rotating part (15) of the styling head (4) in a direction of rotation (SR1, SRF2) corresponding to said direction of forced rotation (SR1, SRF2) detected.

2. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that: - said detection device comprises • said rotating part (15) of the styling head (4), which is pivotally mounted relative to the main body (2) within a predetermined angular range along said axis (A) of rotation so that, when the electric drive module (16) is stationary, the rotating part (15) of the styling head (4) remains able to pivot in said predetermined angular range, in said first forced rotation direction (SRFI) towards a first angular position and in said second forced rotation direction (SRF2) towards a second opposite angular position, under the effect of said mechanical force exerted by the hair against the mechanical engagement element (7) of the hair, and • at least one sensor (19A, 19B) for detecting the reaching of each of said first and second angular positions, - said control system of the electric drive module (16) being designed and configured to rotate said rotating part (15) in the first direction of rotation (SRI) when reaching the first angular position is detected and in the second direction of rotation (SR2) when reaching the second angular position is detected, and said control member is manually activated by a user.

3. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said predetermined angular range is of an amplitude between 1° and 15°, preferably between 5° and 15°, and for example equal to 10°.

4. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that it comprises an automatic return member (33, 33', 33”), preferably elastic, for automatically returning the rotating part (15) of the styling head (4) to a third angular position which is intermediate, and preferably median, to said first and second angular positions when said mechanical force exerted by the hair (C) ceases.

5. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the control system of the electric drive module (16) is designed and configured to inhibit the operation of the electric drive module (16) in the absence of detection by said at least one sensor (19A, 19B) of the reaching of one or other of said first and second angular positions.

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

7. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, said detection device comprises - a first sensor (19A) and a second sensor (19B) for each respectively detecting the reaching of one and the other of said first and second angular positions, and - a first activation / deactivation member (20A, 20A', 20A”) for causing a change of state of the first sensor (19A) when the first angular position is reached, and a second activation / deactivation member (20B, 20B', 20B”) for causing a change of state of the second sensor (19B) when the second angular position is reached.

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

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

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

11. Apparatus according to claims 8 and 10, characterized in that - the electric drive module (16) comprises a motor housing (24) which is mounted to pivot relative to the main body (2) in said predetermined angular range along the axis (A) of rotation of the rotary part (15) of the styling head (4), said electric drive module (16) comprising an output shaft (18) which is rotatable along the axis (A) of rotation of said rotating part (15), said rotating part (15) being connected to the output shaft (18) in such a way that a rotation of the output shaft (18) causes a joint rotation of said rotating part (15), the output shaft (15) being immobilized in rotation relative to the motor housing (24) when the electric drive module (6) is stopped, - said first and second optical sensors (21 A, 21 B) being arranged immobile relative to the axis (A) of rotation of said rotary part (15), said first and second activation / deactivation members (20A, 20B) being fixed immobile in rotation relative to said motor housing (24).

12. Apparatus according to claims 9 and 10, characterized in that - the electric drive module (16) comprises a motor housing (24) which is mounted to pivot relative to the main body (2) in said predetermined angular range along the axis (A) of rotation of the rotary part (15) of the styling head (4), said electric drive module (16) comprising an output shaft (18) which is rotatable along the axis (A) of rotation of said rotary part (15), said rotary part (15) being connected to the output shaft (18) in such a way that a rotation of the output shaft (18) causes a joint rotation of said rotary part (15), the output shaft (18) being immobilized in rotation relative to the motor housing (24) when the electric drive module (16) is stopped, - said first and second switches (22A, 22B) being fixed immobile in rotation relative to said motor housing (24), said first and second activation / deactivation members (20A', 20B'; 20A”, 20B”) being arranged immobile relative to the axis (A) of rotation of said rotary part (15).

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

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