Hair Shaping Device

Abstract

The invention relates to a hair-shaping device (1) comprising a winding core (4) for winding a strand of hair (20), a rotatably drivable entraining element (7), the axis of rotation (13) of which corresponds at least largely to the longitudinal axis of the winding core (4), which entraining element (7) is designed to grasp a strand of hair (20) to be wound on the winding core (4) and to wind said strand of hair around the winding core (4), and a housing (3) that at least largely encloses the winding core (4), wherein the radial distance of the inside of the housing from the lateral surface of the winding core (4) in the region of a winding space (18) is selected to be sufficiently large such that the winding of a strand of hair (20) onto the winding core (4) is not hindered, which housing (3) comprises a slot (9) extending in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the winding core (4) for inserting a strand of hair (20) to be shaped. In the case of said hair-shaping device (1), the entraining element (7) according to the invention is arranged inside the winding space (18) and the slot (9) is designed for inserting a segment of strand of hair (20) to be shaped into the winding space (18) and extends into the housing part facing the hair pull-in side and bounding the winding space in this direction, to such an extent that a strand of hair (20) inserted into the insertion slot (9) is caught by the entraining element (7) rotating inside the winding space (18), and that the housing (3) has a warm air flow inlet (17) for the purpose of supplying heat to a strand of hair (20) located in the winding space (18) between the winding core (4) and the housing (3), to which warm air flow inlet a warm air flow can be applied during operation of the hair-shaping device (1) in order to form a curl.

Claims

1-21. (canceled)

22. A hair shaping device comprising: a winding core for winding a strand of hair having a longitudinal axis; an entraining element configured to be rotatably driven around an axis of rotation which largely corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the winding core, the entraining element configured to grasp a strand of hair and wind the strand of hair around the winding core; and a housing that at least largely encloses the winding core, wherein a radial distance of the inside of the housing from the winding core in a winding space is selected to be sufficiently large such that winding of a strand of hair onto the winding core is not hindered, the housing comprising a slot extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the winding core for inserting a strand of hair to be shaped; wherein the entraining element is disposed within the winding space; wherein the slot is configured to receive a section of a strand of hair to be shaped into the winding space, the slot extends into the housing on a side for pulling in the strand of hair and delimits the winding space on the side for pulling in the strand of hair; wherein a strand of hair inserted into the slot is grasped by the entraining element rotating within the winding space when in operation; and wherein the housing comprises a warm air flow inlet for supplying heat via a warm air flow to a strand of hair located in the winding space between the winding core and the housing to form a curl.

23. The hair shaping device of claim 1, wherein the slot, on an end located opposite the entraining element, ends before termination of the housing.

24. The hair shaping device of claim 1, wherein the winding space is closed on a side of the housing located opposite the entraining element.

25. The hair shaping device of claim 1, wherein the winding core is formed by a sleeve which is mounted isolated from rotation on a shaft.

26. The hair shaping device of claim 4, wherein, to delimit the winding space, the sleeve comprises two peripheral delimiting flanges that are spaced apart from one another by the winding space of the winding core.

27. The hair shaping device of claim 4, wherein the entraining element is connected in a torque-locked manner to the shaft on which the winding core is mounted, and the shaft is driven by an electric motor.

28. The hair shaping device of claim 1, further comprising a wall separating the winding space between the winding core and the housing into two winding areas, wherein the wall projects from the inside of the housing, the distance between the wall and the winding core selected to be sufficiently large for a strand of hair to be shaped to be guided therethrough.

29. The hair shaping device of claim 1, further comprising one or more hold-down devices projecting from the inside of the housing toward the winding core.

30. A hair shaping device comprising: a winding core for winding a strand of hair having a longitudinal axis; an entraining element configured to be rotatably driven around an axis of rotation which largely corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the winding core, the entraining element configured to grasp a strand of hair to be wound onto the winding core and to wind the strand of hair around the winding core; and a housing that at least largely encloses the winding core, wherein a radial distance of the inside of the housing from the winding core in a winding space is selected to be sufficiently large such that the winding of a strand of hair onto the winding core is not hindered, the housing comprising a slot extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the winding core for inserting a strand of hair to be shaped; wherein the entraining element is disposed within the winding space; wherein the slot is configured to receive a section of a strand of hair to be shaped into the winding space, the slot extends into the housing on a side for pulling in the strand of hair and delimits the winding space on the side for pulling in the strand of hair; wherein a strand of hair inserted into the slot is grasped by the entraining element rotating within the winding space when in operation; wherein the housing comprises a warm air flow inlet for supplying heat via a warm air flow to a strand of hair located in the winding space between the winding core and the housing to form a curl; and wherein the entraining element has a free run across a certain rotation angle range with respect to a drive element driving the entraining element.

31. The hair shaping device of claim 9, wherein the entraining element is connected to the drive element via an interposed restoring member, the restoring member configured to return the entraining element to a predefined starting position in relation to the drive element after having been driven.

32. The hair shaping of claim 9, wherein the drive element is a driving cam engaging in a clearance of the entraining element.

33. The hair shaping device of claim 1, further comprising at least two shaping bodies disposed in the winding space at a radial distance from the winding core, each shaping body having a longitudinal extent which follows the slot, the sides of the shaping bodies facing one another each comprising a shaping surface at least where the shaping bodies are mutually opposing, the shaping surfaces held in relation to one another such that a strand of hair can be pulled between the shaping surfaces and make contact with the shaping surfaces.

34. The hair shaping device of claim 12, wherein the shaping bodies extend radially at least into the slot.

35. The hair shaping device of claim 12, wherein the shaping bodies comprise guide surfaces adjacent to the shaping surfaces, the guide surfaces having an increasing distance between one another moving out from the shaping surfaces.

36. The hair shaping device of claim 12, wherein the shaping bodies are displaceable relative to one another transversely to the longitudinal axis of the slot.

37. The hair shaping device of claim 15, wherein at least one shaping body is acted upon by a spring, a force of the spring configured to hold the at least one shaping body in a usage position in relation to the other shaping body.

38. The hair shaping device of claim 15, further comprising a locking device configured to hold at least one shaping body in a non-usage position moved away from the other shaping body.

39. The hair shaping device of claim 1, wherein the slot at an end facing the side for pulling in a strand of hair is configured as a hair strand catch comprising at least one elastic catch inlet member delimiting the hair strand catch.

40. The hair shaping device of claim 1, wherein the winding core and the entraining element form a single structural unit, the housing enclosing the winding space can be at least partially opened, and the single structural unit comprising the winding core and the entraining element can be connected in a torque-locked manner to a drive shaft of a drive motor.

41. The hair shaping device of claim 1, wherein the hair shaping device is configured as an attachment for attaching to a device supplying a warm air flow.

42. The hair shaping device of claim 1, further comprising a fan configured to provide a warm air flow, the fan accommodated in a handle of the hair shaping device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The present disclosure is described hereafter based on exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. In the drawings:

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a perspective schematic view of a hair shaping device comprising an air curler disposed thereon in the form of a handle;

[0034] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional illustration through the hair shaping device from FIG. 1 without a connected air curler;

[0035] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view along plane A-B through the hair shaping device from FIG. 2;

[0036] FIG. 4 shows an illustration corresponding to that of FIG. 2, including a strand of hair that is to be shaped and inserted into the hair shaping device;

[0037] FIG. 5 shows a hair shaping device designed for connection to an air curler;

[0038] FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-section through another embodiment of a hair shaping device;

[0039] FIG. 7 shows a schematic sectional illustration corresponding to that of FIG. 3 through a further hair shaping device in a first position;

[0040] FIG. 8 shows the hair shaping device from FIG. 7 in a driving arrangement for driving the entraining element after grasping a strand of hair;

[0041] FIGS. 9a, 9b show schematic cross-sections through a further hair shaping device;

[0042] FIG. 10 shows a perspective partial view of still another hair shaping device; and

[0043] FIG. 11 shows a partial longitudinal section through the hair shaping device from FIG. 10.

[0044] Before further explaining embodiments of the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangements shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments. While exemplary embodiments are illustrated in reference to the figures, it is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] FIG. 1 shows a hair shaping device 1, which is connected to an air curler 2. In this embodiment, the hair shaping device 1 and the air curler form one overall device. The hair shaping device 1 can, of course, likewise be attached to an air curler as an attachment, if designed appropriately.

[0046] The hair shaping device 1 is used to curl hair. The hair shaping device 1 comprises a winding core 4 located in a housing 3. The housing 3 has a ring cylinder-shaped design in the main section thereof. In this embodiment, both the winding core 4 and the housing 3 are made of a suitable plastic material. A front closing panel 5, which largely closes the space enclosed by the housing at one end, forms part of the housing 3. The closing panel 5 comprises a motor housing 6 with an electric motor disposed therein. The electric motor drives an entraining element 7 in a rotatory manner. The rotational movement of the entraining element 7 is isolated from rotation with respect to the winding core 4. The winding core 4, in turn, is integrally formed on a rear cover 8, which closes the side of the housing 3 located opposite the closing panel 5. The back of the rear cover 8 (not shown FIG. 1) is configured for placement against the head of a person using the hair shaping device 1. Accordingly, the back may be provided with padding.

[0047] An insertion slot 9 following the longitudinal extent of the winding core 4 is introduced into the housing 3. This slot is used to insert a strand of hair to be shaped by the hair shaping device 1. The insertion slot 9 is sufficiently wide to be able to accommodate a strand of hair therein. For insertion of a strand of hair, the entraining element 7 is in a position so as not to obstruct the insertion slot 9. In FIG. 1, the entraining element blocks the insertion of a strand of hair into the insertion slot 9 in the shown position. The insertion slot 9 is closed by the rear cover 8. Proceeding from the end on this side, the insertion slot 9 initially extends in the longitudinal extent of the winding core 4 and continues into the closing panel 5 disposed at an angle relative to the cylindrical housing 3. The insertion slot 9 thus has a radial extent in the region of the closing panel 5. In the shown embodiment, the insertion slot 9 extends to the lateral surface of the motor housing 6. The design of the insertion slot 9 on its end toward the head of a person using the hair shaping device 1 provides a hair strand support. The hair strand support has a larger radial distance from the winding axis than on the hair pull-in side, so that a strand of hair inserted into the insertion slot 9 extends with a section directly into the winding space enclosed by the housing 3. Such a strand of hair 20 inserted into the insertion slot 9 is shown in FIG. 4. The strand of hair 20 thus extends largely between the two ends of the insertion slot 9. Due to the angled arrangement of the closing panel 5 pointing to the hair pull-in side and the ring cylindrical portion of the housing 3, and the arrangement of the entraining element 7 adjacent to the closing panel 5, space gained by the angled arrangement is used for the arrangement of the entraining element 7, which is then entirely located in the winding space 18 enclosed by the housing 3. Without having to take additional measures, it is thus possible with this hair shaping device 1 to effectively insert a first section of a strand of hair 20 into the winding space 18, and more particularly such that this strand can be grasped by the entraining element 7. For this reason, the slot introduced into the housing 3 is also referred to as an insertion slot with respect to the subject matter of this hair shaping device 1.

[0048] In the depicted embodiment, the insertion slot 9 is illustrated larger than it actually is for the purpose of providing a look into the housing 3. The insertion slot 9 in fact may have a width of no more than 5 mm.

[0049] In the shown embodiment, the air curler 2 is used at the same time as a handle for handling the overall device, the device comprising both the hair shaping device 1 and the air curler 2. This air curler thus has a shaft-like design. The illustration of the air curler 2 is simplified in terms of the design thereof. The necessary sensors, such as probes, switches and the like, are not shown. The air curler 2 also comprises a switching device for switching the electric motor present in the motor housing 6 of the hair shaping device 1, and more particularly such a switching device that allows the motor to be operated in both directions of rotation. A warm air fan forms part of the air curler 2, for providing a warm air flow that is introduced into the interior of the housing 3. For operating the hair shaping device 1, the warm air flow is heated to at least such a temperature that the salt bonds in the hair of the strand to the shaped are broken. It is also possible to operate the air curler 2 with a warm air flow having a higher temperature at which disulfide bonds in the hair are also broken. The temperature of the warm air flow can be set in the shown embodiment depending on the type of hair to be shaped. The shown embodiment is supplied with AC line current via supply cable 10 in FIG. 1.

[0050] The composition of the hair shaping device 2 is apparent in detail from the sectional illustration of FIG. 2. The electric motor located in the motor housing 6 is identified by reference numeral 11 in FIG. 2. For the sake of simplicity, the electrical wiring thereof is not shown. The entraining element 7 is seated on the shaft 12 of the electric motor 11, the axis of rotation 13 of the entraining element being indicated by dash-dotted lines.

[0051] The entraining element 7 is shown in a side view in the sectional illustration of FIG. 3. The entraining element 7 in this embodiment has a double hook-shaped design and thus comprises two hooks 14.2, 14.3 pointing away from one another in terms of the openings 14 and 14.1 thereof. The entraining element 7 can thus be operated clockwise or counterclockwise to grasp hair to be shaped. The extent of the entraining element 7, seen in the circumferential direction, should be implemented as short as possible. In the shown embodiment, the extent of the entraining element 7 seen in the circumferential direction is slightly larger than 60 degrees, being approximately 75 degrees. Of course, the shorter the circumferential extent of the entraining element 7, the smaller the chance that the entraining element remains in a position that blocks the insertion slot 9 when the electric motor 11 is shut off. The entraining element 7 is shown in such a position in the figures. In general, however, the entraining element will not stop in this position when the electric motor 11 is stopped. In the embodiment of an entraining element comprising only one hook, the extent in the circumferential direction is accordingly lower.

[0052] The entraining element 7 is isolated from rotation with respect to the winding core 4. The winding core 4 serves as the core for winding a strand of hair to be shaped. In the shown embodiment, a wall 15 projecting in the direction of the winding core 4 is integrally formed on the inside of the cylindrical section of the housing 3 (see FIG. 2). The distance between the end face 16 of the wall 15 and the lateral surface of the winding core 4 is sufficiently large to allow a strand of hair to be pulled through the remaining gap without difficulty.

[0053] The housing 3 of the hair shaping device 1 comprises a warm air flow inlet 17, via which the warm air flow generated in the air curler 2 is introduced into the housing 3 of the hair shaping device 1. The warm air flow inlet 17 is shown only schematically in the figures. Of course, this warm air flow inlet may also extend across largely the entire longitudinal extent of the housing 3. The longitudinal extent of the warm air flow inlet 17 corresponds to the longitudinal extent of the air curler 2 connected to the hair shaping device 1. The axis of rotation 13 of the entraining element 7 and the longitudinal axis of the winding core 4 thus run transversely to the longitudinal extent of the air curler 2 serving as a handle.

[0054] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the warm air flow inlet 17 opens into the housing 3 opposite the insertion slot 9. This may be advantageous for distributing the warm air that is coupled into the housing 3. The warm air flow inlet 17 can, of course, also be disposed in another location. It is also possible to provide multiple warm air flow inlets, which are disposed at a certain angular distance from one another with respect to the longitudinal axis of the winding core.

[0055] The space present between the housing 3 and the winding core 4 is referred to as the winding space 18 herein. The winding space 18 is divided into two chambers 19, 19.1 by the wall 15. The section of the winding core 4, around which a strand of hair is wound during operation of the hair shaping device 1, is located in the chamber 19. The entraining element 7 is located in the chamber 19.1. This chamber 19.1 can also be referred to as the entraining element chamber. In this embodiment, the warm air flow inlet opens into the chamber 19. The end face 16 of the wall 15 forms an annular gap with the lateral surface of the winding core 4. Air flows through this gap during operation of the warm air fan. This annular gap is furthermore used to pull in a strand of hair to be wound around the winding core 4. When a warm air flow is supplied to the chamber 19, a strand of hair to be pulled into this chamber is preheated by a warm air flow flowing in a directed manner through the aforementioned annular gap, before the strand of hair is wound onto the winding core 4. As a result, this annular gap between the two chambers 19, 19.1 is also used to generate an airflow pathway preheating of a strand of hair to be wound.

[0056] In the shown embodiment, the entraining element 7 has a much wider design than has been known from entraining elements according to the prior art. This is provided to increase bending radii acting on a strand of hair to be wound, which at the same time constitutes strain relief. The width of such an entraining element, for example the entraining element 7, transversely to the direction of rotation thereof is preferably more than 8 mm (e.g., 10 to 15 mm).

[0057] After a strand of hair is inserted into the insertion slot 9, as shown in FIG. 4, the entraining element 7 is driven in a rotatory manner by the electric motor 11 to wind the strand of hair 20 onto the winding core 4 during operation of the hair shaping device 1. In FIG. 4, the hair shaping device 1 is positioned with the outside of the cover 8 thereof seated against the head 21 of a person whose strand of hair 20 is to be curled. When the entraining element 7 is driven in a rotatory manner, the strand of hair 20 is successively pulled into the housing 3 until the entire strand of hair has been wound onto the winding core 4. The strand of hair 20 is pulled in toward the free end thereof across the extent of the insertion slot 9 and into the closing panel 5 (see FIG. 4). During the winding process, the air curler 2 may provide a warm air flow into the winding space 18 via the warm air flow inlet 17. This flow is distributed within the winding space 18 and thus directly transports heat present in the warm air flow to hair present in the winding space 18. The radial extent of the winding space 18 is dimensioned such that a strand of hair 20 to be wound therein does not fill this space, but rather that sufficient space remains for the warm air flow to be distributed. The temperature of the warm air flow is sufficiently high to at least break the salt bonds in the hairs of the strand of hair 20 wound around the winding core 4. Once the winding process has ended, the supply of the warm air flow is maintained for a short time to ensure that also the last sections of the strand of hair 20 wound around the winding core 4 are sufficiently heated. Afterwards, the warm air flow supply is ended, so that the strand of hair 20 wound around the winding core 4 can cool, preferably to a temperature at which the bonds that were previously broken by the supply of heat have formed again. In this way, a particularly long-lasting nature of the shaped strand of hair 20 is achieved. The cooling process may also be accomplished by only shutting of the heat supply of the air flow and by cooling the hair present in the winding space 18 by way of an air flow present at ambient air. As a result, the temperature supplied to the hair can be subjected to rapid changes, in contrast to the previously known devices. The curled strand of hair is removed from the hair shaping device 1 by pulling it out of the hair insertion slot 9 again. For this purpose, the hair shaping device 1 will typically be moved away from the head 21. Since the above-described handling has cooled the strand of hair 20 present in the winding space 18 to a temperature at which the bonds that were previously broken in the hair of the strand of hair 20 have formed again, pulling the shaped strand of hair out of the winding space 18 does not change the previously shaped hair structure, at least not to a noteworthy degree. The shaping of the hair that was performed is consequently preserved.

[0058] FIG. 5 shows a hair shaping device 1.1, which has the same design as the hair shaping device 1 of FIGS. 1 to 4 with respect to the above-described features. Those comments thus apply equally to the hair shaping device 1.1. The hair shaping device 1.1 differs from the hair shaping device 1 in that two hold-down walls 22 are provided on the inside, pointing away from the housing 3.1 in the direction of the winding core 4.1. The hold-down walls 22 are designed in the same manner as the wall 15.1 and likewise extend peripherally along the inside of the cylindrical part of the housing 3.1, wherein the insertion slot 9.1 is kept clear. The hold-down walls 22 are used to hold the strand of hair wound onto the winding core 4.1 at the desired radius. A strand of hair wound around the winding core 4.1 is not wound around the winding core 4.1 with the use of tensile stress. The hold-down walls 22 are thus used to hold the desired radius for the intended hair curl.

[0059] FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of a hair shaping device 1.2, which likewise has a composition as the above-described hair shaping devices 1, 1.1 in terms of the principles already discussed. In the hair shaping device 1.2, the electric motor 11.1 is located in the rear cover 8.1. A shaft 23 is connected to the shaft 12.1 of the electric motor 11.1, the entraining element 7.1 being integrally formed on the end of the shaft located opposite shaft 12.1. The shaft 23 and the entraining element 7.1 are produced in one piece from a suitable plastic material in this embodiment. A sleeve 24, which is mounted on the shaft 23 isolated from rotation, serves as the winding core in the hair shaping device 1.2. The sleeve 24 extends between the inside 25 of the cover 8.1 and the entraining element 7.1. The effective width of the sleeve 24 is limited by a delimiting flange 26, 26.1 as part of the sleeve 24.

[0060] In another embodiment of the hair shaping devices 1 or 1.1, not shown in the figures, it is provided that likewise a sleeve is mounted isolated from rotation on the shaft described thereon as the winding core, as with the hair shaping device 1.2. The sleeve then serves as the winding core. The isolation from rotation of the winding core with respect to a bearing has an advantage that tensile stresses on the hair are largely avoided.

[0061] FIG. 7 shows a further hair shaping device 1.3, which, in principle, is designed in the same manner as the hair shaping device 1. The hair shaping device 1.3 differs as to the drive of the entraining element 7.2. While in the embodiment of the hair shaping device 1 the entraining element 7 is rigidly connected to the shaft 12 of the electric motor 11, in the hair shaping device 1.3 the entraining element 7.2 is kinematically connected to the rotational movement of the shaft of the electric motor, providing a certain free run. For this purpose, the entraining element 7.2 comprises a clearance 27, serving as the free run recess, on the side located opposite the hook openings. In the shown embodiment, this extends across approximately 125 degrees. The entraining element 7.2 is mounted isolated from rotation on the shaft 12.2 of the electric motor. A driving disk 28, which carries a driving cam 29 as the driving element, is connected to the shaft 12.2 in a torque-locked manner. The driving cam 29 projects into the clearance 27 of the entraining element 7.2, which is mounted isolated from rotation with respect to the shaft 12.2. A restoring member 30 is disposed between the driving cam 29 and the entraining element 7.2, which in the shown embodiment is implemented by a leaf spring. The restoring member 30 ensures that the unloaded entraining element 7.2 is in the position shown in FIG. 7 with respect to the driving disk 28 together with the driving cam 29 thereof. This cam is located in the clearance 27 relative to the circumferential extent. Without forced driving, the entraining element 7.2 can thus be moved relative to the driving cam 29, as indicated by the double arrow in the head of the entraining element 7.2. The energy stored in the restoring member 30 by such a movement brings the entraining element into the position shown in FIG. 7 with respect to the driving cam 29. This occurs, of course, regardless of the position in which the driving cam 29 is in relation to the direction of rotation thereof.

[0062] The restoring member 30, which is a leaf spring here, is sufficiently rigid for the entraining element 7.2 to move rotationally when the driving disk 28, together with the driving cam 29 thereof, is being driven, without one of the two driving surfaces 31 or 31.1 of the driving cam 29 becoming seated against the complementary stop surfaces 32, 32.1, which in turn frame the clearance 27 in the direction of rotation of the entraining element 7.2. The above applies as long as no force that is directed against the rotational movement acts on the entraining element 7.2. On the other hand, the restoring member 30 is sufficiently soft or elastically deformable for the driving cam 29, depending on the direction of rotation thereof, to become seated either with the driving surface 31 thereof against the stop surface 32, or with the driving surface 31.1 thereof against the stop surface 32.1, already at a low rotation-inhibiting force acting on the entraining element 7.2. Forced driving is then present in the particular direction of rotation. The restoring member 30 is designed to ensure that a forced driving arrangement is present between the driving cam 29 and the stop surfaces 32 or 32.1 of the entraining element when the entraining element 7.2 has grasped a strand of hair to be shaped in one of the two hook openings. As a result, the above-described driving situation materializes at a relatively low counter-force.

[0063] FIG. 8, by way of example, shows the one forced driving situation of the entraining element 7.2 after grasping a strand of hair 20.1, which is introduced in the hook direction pointing in the direction of rotation. The strand of hair 20.1 passes through the insertion slot 9.2 of the hair shaping device 1.3. Due to forced driving in this direction of rotation, the strand of hair 20.1 is then wound around the winding core of this hair shaping device 1.3. The entraining element 7.2 is driven in that the driving surface 31 of the driving cam 29 acts against the stop surface 32 of the entraining element 7.2 and thus no free-running region range is available any longer in this direction.

[0064] In this embodiment, the grasping of the strand of hair 20.1 took place while the entraining element 7.2 was rotating. When the entraining element 7.2 is rotating and no load is acting thereon, the driving cam 29 is approximately in the position shown in FIG. 7 with respect to the clearance 27, possibly slightly offset in the direction of rotation relative to the stop surface 32 of the entraining element 7.2 pointing to the driving cam 29. The remaining free run between the stop surface 31 of the driving cam 29 and the stop surface 32 of the entraining element 7.2 is the free run utilized to grasp a strand of hair that has been inserted into the insertion slot 9.2. Due to the isolation from rotation of the entraining element 7.2 with respect to the driving disk 28, together with the driving cam 29 thereof, the rotational movement of the entraining element 7.2 is delayed when resistance is detected, which is to say when impinging on a strand of hair or grasping the same, and more particularly until the driving surface 31 becomes seated against the stop surface 32. This delay of the hair entraining element 7.2 is sufficient to insert the strand of hair 20.1 into the hook opening pointing in the direction of rotation. To achieve the driving delay of the entraining element 7.2, the hook head has a hammer-like design and has a respective stop surface 33, 33.1 at each of the two sides pointing in the direction of rotation. In FIG. 8, the strand of hair 20.1 has already been introduced into the hook opening pointing in the direction of rotation. As a result, the entraining element 7.2 is stopped when the stop surface 33 acts against the strand of hair 20.1.

[0065] Thereafter, free running is no longer required. Rather, the driving cam 29 then acts against the stop surface 32 of the entraining element 7.2 so as to wind the strand of hair 20.1 around the winding core. The displacement of the leaf spring 30, serving as the restoring member, brought about during this course is shown schematically in FIG. 8.

[0066] When the strand of hair 20.1 has been wound around the winding core, no force acting against a rotation which is greater than the restoring force of the restoring member 30 acts on the entraining element 7.2, so that the entraining element 7.2 is then moved back into the position shown in FIG. 7, with respect to the arrangement of the driving cam 29 within the clearance 27.

[0067] FIG. 9a shows a cross-section of a further hair shaping device 1.4, which, in principle, is designed in the same manner as the hair shaping device 1. The comments made on the operating principle of the hair shaping device 1 thus apply equally to the hair shaping device 1.4. FIG. 9a shows a cross-section through the housing 3.3 of the hair shaping device 1.4, approximately through the center with respect to the longitudinal extent of the winding core 4.2, with a viewing direction toward the rear closing cover 8.2. As with the sectional illustration of FIG. 3, the warm air flow inlet is not shown in the sectional illustration of FIG. 9a (the same applies to FIG. 9b).

[0068] The hair shaping device 1.4 comprises one additional functionality compared to the hair shaping device 1. This additional functionality relates to a straightening functionality. For this purpose, the hair shaping device 1.4 comprises two shaping bodies 34, 34.1. The shaping bodies 34, 34.1 each carry a shaping surface 35, 35.1. The two shaping surfaces 35, 35.1 are disposed opposite one another with respect to a hair shaping gap 36 located between the shaping surfaces 35, 35.1. In addition to the shaping surfaces 35, 35.1, the shaping bodies 34, 34.1 each have a guide surface 37, 37.1. The guide surfaces 37, 37.1 are each angled relative to the abutting shaping surfaces 35, 35.1 and are used to simplify the insertion of a strand of hair into the hair shaping gap 36. In the depicted embodiment, the shaping bodies 34, 34.1 not only have the same design and are disposed mirror-symmetrically with respect to one another, but are also mounted in the housing 3.3 in the same manner. The mounting of the shaping body 34 is described hereafter. The same applies to the shaping body 34.1.

[0069] As is indicated by the block arrow in FIG. 9a, the shaping body 34 is held in a translatory manner in a guide, which is not shown in figure, and displaceably mounted. On the side pointing away from the hair shaping gap 36, the shaping body 34 is supported against a compression spring 38. An abutment protrusion 39 is integrally formed on the inside of the housing 3.3 and serves as the abutment for the compression spring 38. In this way, the shaping body 34 can be moved in the above-described direction against the restoring force of the compression spring 38. The purpose of this mounting of the shaping body 34 and the corresponding mounting of the shaping body 34.1 is that the shaping surfaces 35, 35.1 of the shaping bodies 34, 34.1 act on a strand of hair introduced into the hair shaping gap 36 with a certain contact pressure. This facilitates the straightening process. The temperature required for straightening is provided in the winding space 18.1 via the warm air flow inlet, which is not shown in the figure. If desired, at least one of the two shaping bodies 34, 34.1 may additionally be equipped with a heating element.

[0070] The hair shaping device 1.4 is operated either in a mode for straightening hair or in a mode for creating curls. FIG. 9a shows the shaping bodies 34, 34.1 of the hair shaping device 1.4 in the straightening functionality. When the hair shaping device 1.4 is used in this functionality, the entraining element is not being driven. As was described for the hair shaping device 1, a strand of hair is inserted into the insertion slot 9.3 of the housing 3.3 in the same manner for straightening and is pulled into the hair shaping gap 36. By pulling the strand of hair through the hair shaping gap 36, the entire strand of hair is successively straightened by the shaping surfaces 35, 35.1 of the shaping bodies 34, 34.1 acting with a certain contact pressure on the strand of hair.

[0071] If the hair shaping device 1.4 is intended to be operated for curling a strand of hair, the shaping bodies 34, 34.1 are moved away from one another and brought into the non-usage positions by way of a control device (not shown in the figure) as is illustrated in FIG. 9b. In this position, the shaping bodies 34, 34.1 are fixed. In the curling function of the hair shaping device 1.4, the guide surfaces 37, 37.1 support the insertion of a strand of hair into the insertion slot 9.3.

[0072] FIG. 10 shows a partial illustration of a further hair shaping device 1.5, which, in principle, is designed in the same manner as the above-described hair shaping devices, and in particular the hair shaping device 1. As with the other above-described hair shaping devices, the insertion slot 9.4 in this hair shaping device 1.5 also has an angled design and comprises a first section 40, which extends parallel to the winding core, and a second section 41, which has a radial extent. The first section 40 is recessed in relation to the termination of the housing 3.3 of the hair shaping device on this side. The inclined surfaces of the housing 3.3 relative to this section 40 are used to simplify feeding a strand of hair. The radially extending section 41 of the insertion slot 9.4 ends with a hair strand catch 42. The hair strand catch 42 is closed by two catch inlet members 43. The catch inlet members 43 are made of an elastic material. The elasticity of the catch inlet members 43 is designed such that a grasped strand of hair can be effortlessly introduced through the catch inlet members 43, which elastically adjust during this process, into the hair strand catch 42. The hair strand catch 42 is used to guide a strand of hair, which during operation of the hair shaping device is successively pulled in through the hair strand catch 42. This applies regardless of whether the hair shaping device 1.5 is used to curl a strand of hair or, in the case where the device is also configured with a straightening functionality, to straighten hair.

[0073] FIG. 11 shows a partial longitudinal section to provide a look inside the hair shaping device 1.5 from FIG. 10. The electric motor of the hair shaping device 1.5 is seated within the housing 3.3 adjacent to the head-side termination of the housing 3.3. The drive motor is identified by reference numeral 11.2 in this figure. The electric motor 11.2 comprises a drive shaft 12.3, which carries peripheral teeth 44 on the end thereof pointing away from the head-side end of the hair shaping device 1.5. The drive shaft 12.3 is designed in the manner of a sleeve in this region. The drive shaft continues with a straight shank 45, of which only the front section is shown in this figure. The connection to the drive shaft 12.3 is not shown so as not to obstruct a look into the teeth 44 located behind the straight shank 45. Two magnets 46 are held at the end of the straight shank 45. The magnets 46 serve as the first member of a magnetic coupling. The straight shank 45 is driven together with the drive shaft 12.3 and, together with the same, forms one unit.

[0074] In the hair shaping device 1.5, the front housing part 47 (the housing part that includes, among other things, the section 41 of the insertion slot 9.4) can be removed from the remaining housing. This housing part 47 is held on the other housing part by a detent mechanism, which is not shown in the figures. The detachability of the housing part 47 is provided so as to detach the winding core 4.3, which at the end pointing to the housing part 47 has the entraining element 7.3 integrally formed thereon, from the drive shaft 12.3 and replace it with another winding core, such as a winding core having a different diameter of the winding core. Due to the sectional illustration, the entraining element 7.3 is shown only with a section of the entraining element hook thereof in FIG. 11. At the end pointing to the drive shaft 12.3, the winding core 4.3 carries teeth 48 that are complementary to the teeth 44, so that a rotational movement of the drive shaft 12.3 causes the winding core 4.3, and thus the entraining element 7.3. to rotate. A metal ball 49, which is held in a ball cage 50, is accommodated in the component composed of the cylindrical winding core 4.3 and the entraining element 7.3. The ball 49 is made either of a ferromagnetic material or designed as a magnet itself. In the latter case, the polarity is complementary to the polarity of the magnets 46, so that the two parts attract one another. The magnets 46 are disposed to generate a magnetic field, which acts on the ball 49 so that this ball is attracted by the end face of the front magnet 46 pointing away from the drive shaft 12.3. As a result, the magnets 46 and the ball 49 provide a magnetic coupling, the ball 49 cooperating therewith and held in a form-locked manner in the ball cage 50 in the longitudinal axial direction. Due to the immediate proximity of the entraining element 7.3 and the hair strand catch 42, almost no forces act in the pull-off direction of the winding core 4.3 from the straight shank 45 of the drive shaft 12.3 when a strand of hair is pulled in the entraining element 7.3 so as to wind the strand onto the winding core 4.3. Thus, forces do not have to be designed to be excessively high to hold the component composed of the winding core 4.3 and the entraining element 7.3 on the straight shank 45.

[0075] In this depicted embodiment, winding core 4.3 comprises an outer cylinder body 51 made of plastic material, the entraining element-side termination of which carries the ball cage 50 or the same is formed in this component. The teeth 48 are part of an inner sleeve 52 held within the outer sleeve 51. The inner sleeve 52 may be a metal component, for examnple made of an aluminum alloy.

[0076] The above-described concept of a replaceability of the winding core, along with the entraining element, can likewise be applied to a hair shaping device in which the winding core is designed to be isolated from rotation with respect to the entraining element, as is described in the embodiment from FIG. 6.

[0077] The invention was described above based on selected embodiments. A person skilled in the art will derive further embodiments for implementing the invention without departing from the scope of the present claims. While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations are possible. It is intended that the following appended claims are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations, as they are within the true spirit and scope of the claims. Each embodiment described herein has numerous equivalents.

[0078] The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims. Whenever a range is given in the specification, all intermediate ranges and subranges, as well as all individual values included in the ranges given are intended to be included in the disclosure. When a Markush group or other grouping is used herein, all individual members of the group and all combinations and sub-combinations possible of the group are intended to be individually included in the disclosure.

[0079] In general, the terms and phrases used herein have their art-recognized meaning, which can be found by reference to standard texts, journal references and contexts known to those skilled in the art. The above definitions are provided to clarify their specific use in the context of the invention.