CATALYTIC GAS COMBUSTION DEVICE FOR AN APPLIANCE FOR PERSONAL USE

The invention relates to a catalytic gas combustion engine for an appliance for personal use, especially a hair styling device, such as curling tongs (1 ) or a hairdryer, comprising a gas delivery device (12) and a catalyst (5) whi ch is connected to said gas delivery device. An ignition device (38, 39) which is controlled by an ignition system is provided for igniting the gas-air mixtur e and initiating catalytic combustion on the catalyst (5). According to the invention, the gas delivery device (12) has a bypass (40) for diverting a partial gas stream which flows against the ignition device (38, 39). This enables the ignition system to be activated shortly after the gas valve devi ce has been opened and the catalyst can be heated to its operating temperature by the explosion of the gas-air mixture. In addition to the short waiting times for the start of the catalyst (5), the invention also provides a catalytic g as combustion device which functions better and reacts more quickly.