Steam hair-cutting appliance

Abstract

The present invention relates to a steam hair styling appliance (1) having: a first jaw (2) and a second jaw (3) which are arranged opposite one another and articulated to one another, a first treatment surface (4) carried by the first jaw (2) and a second treatment surface (4) carried by the second jaw (3), the first and second treatment surfaces being configured to clamp at least one lock of hair; a liquid container; the first and / or second jaw (2, 3) further having: a vaporization system (7) for vaporizing the liquid into steam, which has at least one vaporization chamber (71) having an inner surface and being in communication with the liquid container by means of an injection pipe (74), the injection pipe (74) having a free end which forms a liquid injection point in the vaporization chamber (71), and a distribution system (7') for distributing the steam from the vaporization system (7), which has at least one steam distribution hole (75) for distributing the steam along at least one lock of hair, characterized in that the injection pipe (74) has a through hole which extends substantially along the injection pipe (74) from the free end forming the injection point, and in the case where scale deposits accumulate on the free end of the injection pipe (74), the shape of the through hole enables the liquid from the container to flow into the vaporization chamber (71).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of hair care appliances, and more particularly to hair care appliances that generate steam. Background Art

[0002] Hair care appliances generally consist of two jaw pieces that are hinged to each other and arranged opposite each other, each having a treatment surface, at least one of which is heated, and the other treatment surface bringing a lock of hair into contact with the heated surface. The hinged jaw pieces generally have an appliance gripping area at the end with the hinge so as to be able to manipulate the appliance, in particular to pivot the jaw pieces towards the closed position to clamp the hair lock.

[0003] In normal operation, the hair is shaped, for example ironed, by clamping the hair lock at the root and then sliding the hair care appliance along the hair lock from the root to the tip.

[0004] Depending on the desired hair shaping, treatment surfaces of different shapes can be arranged on the jaw pieces. Usually, treatment surfaces that are complementary in shape are used, which are flat when ironing, curved when curling, and corrugated when perming.

[0005] Steam can also be sprayed onto the hair to improve the hair shaping efficiency. Document WO2014064660, for example, proposes a hair care appliance that has a liquid container, where the jaw pieces have a vaporization system and a steam distribution system for distributing steam to the hair lock. The liquid, usually water or a hair care agent, is stored in the container and is injected by a tube into the vaporization system having a chamber. The liquid, under the action of a heater, comes into contact with the vaporization chamber and turns into a steam state, and can reach the distribution system, which has a number of slit-shaped holes that are oriented to spray the steam onto the hair lock clamped between the two treatment surfaces. However, the liquid that may contain minerals rapidly increases in temperature in the vaporization chamber, which may cause scale or calcareous deposits to gradually accumulate in the pipe or at the end of the pipe until it is blocked. This phenomenon can cause the hair care appliance to malfunction and shorten the service life of the hair care appliance.

[0006] In addition, in order to make the hair care appliance user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing, the structure of the hair care appliance should be made more compact, especially by reducing the volume of the vaporization system. However, reducing the volume of the vaporization chamber will shorten the service life of the hair care appliance because dirt will be generated more quickly at the liquid injection point at the end of the pipe in the vaporization chamber.

[0007] In order to reduce the risk of appliance fouling, the use of softened water is advocated. However, this solution is restrictive for the user and is not actually widely adopted, which means that the appliance still has a fouling risk and technical and usage solutions should be sought.

[0008] Therefore, a hair cutting appliance is proposed that adds a recovery device for discharging the scale accumulated in the vaporization chamber. Such a device is described, for example, in document FR2987242, which proposes a collection container having rock chips for adsorbing scale and a scraping blade at the end of the container for scraping the surface of the vaporization chamber. However, such a device is complex and reduces the structural compactness of the hair cutting appliance.

[0009] Therefore, there is always a need for a solution that can extend the service life of the hair cutting appliance, remove dirt, and is not complex in structure. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to propose a solution to the above-mentioned problems, in particular to extend the service life of the hair cutting appliance, in particular to remove dirt, without reducing its structural compactness, and in particular to maintain a low height of the vaporization chamber.

[0011] According to a first embodiment, the present invention proposes a steam hair cutting appliance for hair shaping, which has:

[0012] A first jaw piece and a second jaw piece, which are arranged opposite to each other and hinged to each other, a first treatment surface is carried by the first jaw piece, a second treatment surface is carried by the second jaw piece, and the first and second treatment surfaces are configured to at least clamp a lock of hair.

[0013] A liquid container

[0014] The first and / or second jaw piece further has:

[0015] A vaporization system for vaporizing the liquid into steam, which has at least one vaporization chamber, which is communicated with the liquid container through an injection pipe, and the free end of the injection pipe forms a liquid injection point in the vaporization chamber.

[0016] A steam distribution system for distributing the steam from the vaporization system, which has at least one steam distribution hole for distributing the steam along the direction of at least one lock of hair.

[0017] It is characterized in that the inner surface of the vaporization chamber is at least partially covered with a hydrophobic layer, which is positioned below the injection point.

[0018] The hair cutting appliance proposed according to this first embodiment may have, individually or in combination,

[0019] The following features:

[0020] - The hydrophobic layer has polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE);

[0021] - The hydrophobic layer is only positioned below the injection point, and the area is between 10 mm 2 and 2000 mm 2 preferably between 100 mm 2 and 1000 mm2 Between, more preferably between 500 mm 2 And 600 mm 2 Between, for example, 552 mm 2 ;

[0022] - The hydrophobic layer has a planar shape, preferably substantially rectangular or triangular;

[0023] - Alternatively, the hydrophobic layer has a three-dimensional shape with an inclined plane, for example, having a conical or frustoconical shape;

[0024] - The hydrophobic layer is a component installed in the vaporization chamber and is held in place by a fixing device. The fixing device has a positioning member for positioning the installed component relative to the injection point. Preferably, the positioning member has a positioning half-pin formed in the vaporization chamber for mating with a complementary-shaped groove arranged on the installed component;

[0025] - Alternatively, the vaporization chamber is molded from a metallic material, wherein the hydrophobic layer is formed by applying a hydrophobic material on the inner surface of the vaporization chamber, such as applying a coating or a covering layer;

[0026] - The inner surface of the vaporization chamber also has a hydrophilic layer;

[0027] - The hydrophilic layer is at least partially covered with a hydrophobic layer;

[0028] - The hydrophilic layer has a fabric material, preferably having a fiberglass fabric material;

[0029] - The injection tube is beveled at the free end forming the injection point;

[0030] - The injection tube has a semi-cutaway portion;

[0031] - The vaporization system also has an auxiliary vaporization chamber that is in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber. The auxiliary chamber has a number of flow guide vanes;

[0032] - The steam distribution system has a distribution chamber in which at least one steam distribution hole is arranged. The distribution chamber is in steam communication with the vaporization chamber. Preferably, the distribution chamber is arranged on the side of the vaporization chamber and the auxiliary vaporization chamber;

[0033] - The vaporization system has a heater that is at least partially located below the vaporization chamber and has a positive temperature coefficient resistor or a ceramic material;

[0034] - The first and second treatment surfaces are substantially complementary and have a planar or curved or corrugated shape.

[0035] According to the second embodiment, the present invention provides a steam hair styling appliance having:

[0036] A first jaw piece and a second jaw piece, which are arranged opposite to each other and are hinged to each other. A first treatment surface is carried by the first jaw piece, and a second treatment surface is carried by the second jaw piece. The first and second treatment surfaces are configured to at least clamp a lock of hair.

[0037] A liquid container

[0038] The first and / or second jaw piece further has:

[0039] A vaporization system for vaporizing the liquid into vapor, which has at least one vaporization chamber having an inner surface and is in communication with the liquid container through an injection tube. The free end of the injection tube forms a liquid injection point in the vaporization chamber.

[0040] A steam distribution system for distributing the steam from the vaporization system, which has at least one steam distribution hole and distributes the steam along the direction of at least one lock of hair.

[0041] It is characterized in that the injection tube has a through hole that extends substantially along the injection tube from the free end forming the injection point. In the case where scale accumulates and deposits on the free end of the injection tube, the shape of the through hole allows the liquid from the container to flow into the vaporization chamber.

[0042] The hair cutting appliance according to this second embodiment may, individually or in combination, have the following features:

[0043] - The through hole has at least one pore that extends along a line substantially parallel to the axis of the injection tube. Preferably, it has at least two pores that extend on both sides of the injection tube, and the at least two pores form a plane that preferably extends parallel to the inner surface of the vaporization chamber.

[0044] - The through hole is a cut portion on the cross-section of the injection tube and extends along a line substantially parallel to the axis of the injection tube. Preferably, the injection tube is arranged in the vaporization chamber such that the cut portion is on the opposite side of the inner surface of the vaporization chamber.

[0045] - The injection tube has a bevel at the free end forming the injection point.

[0046] - The ratio of the height of the vaporization chamber to the inner diameter of the injection tube is 0.55 to 0.75.

[0047] - A hydrophilic layer extends on the inner surface of the vaporization chamber.

[0048] - The hydrophilic layer extends over the entire inner surface of the vaporization chamber.

[0049] - The hydrophilic layer has a fabric material, preferably a fiberglass fabric material.

[0050] - A part of the hydrophilic layer is arranged to partially enter the free end of the injection tube.

[0051] - The vaporization chamber has a hydrophobic layer disposed below the injection tube, at least at the injection point;

[0052] - The hydrophobic layer has polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE);

[0053] - The hydrophobic layer is only located below the injection point, with an area between 10 mm 2 and 2000 mm 2 preferably between 100 mm 2 and 1000 mm 2 more preferably between 500 mm 2 and 600 mm 2 for example 552 mm 2 ;

[0054] - The hydrophobic layer is a component installed in the vaporization chamber, preferably a plate, held in place by a fixing device having a positioning member for positioning the installed component relative to the injection point;

[0055] - The vaporization system further has an auxiliary vaporization chamber that is in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber and has a number of guide vanes;

[0056] - The steam distribution system has a distribution chamber in which at least one steam distribution hole is arranged, and the distribution chamber is in steam communication with the vaporization chamber. Preferably, the distribution chamber is arranged on the side of the vaporization chamber and the auxiliary vaporization chamber;

[0057] - The vaporization system has a heater that is at least partially located below the vaporization chamber and has a positive temperature coefficient resistor or a ceramic material;

[0058] - The first and second treatment surfaces are substantially complementary and have a planar or curved or corrugated shape. Description of the Drawings

[0059] Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description given as a non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are as follows:

[0060] Figure 1 is the general assembly of the hair cutting appliance of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a vaporization system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 3 is according to Figure 2 the shown embodiment of the vaporization system.

[0063] Figure 4A is according to the first embodiment of the vaporization chamber Figure 3 the shown cross-sectional view of the vaporization system along axis A-A.

[0064] Figure 4B is based on Figure 4A the embodiment of the vaporization chamber shown Figure 3 a sectional view along axis B - B of the vaporization system shown.

[0065] Figure 5 is based on the second embodiment of the vaporization chamber Figure 3 a sectional view along axis A - A of the vaporization system shown.

[0066] Figure 6A is based on Figure 5 a sectional view of the vaporization system at the first instant according to the embodiment shown.

[0067] Figure 6B is based on Figure 5 the vaporization system at Figure 6A the second instant after the first instant shown.

[0068] Figure 7 is based on the fourth embodiment of the vaporization chamber Figure 3 a sectional view along axis A - A of the vaporization system shown.

[0069] Figure 8A is based on Figure 7 a sectional view of the vaporization system at the first instant according to the embodiment shown.

[0070] Figure 8B is based on Figure 7 the vaporization system at Figure 8A the second instant after the first instant shown. Detailed implementation mode

[0071] Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of a steam hair styling appliance for hair shaping. As described above, the steam hair styling appliance 1 generally has a first jaw 2 and a second jaw 3, which are arranged relative to each other and hinged to each other by a hinge hinge 20. The maximum opening angle α (not shown) between the first and second jaws is 5° to 60°, preferably 10° to 20°, and more preferably approximately equal to 15°.

[0072] The first treatment surface is carried by the first jaw 2, and the second treatment surface 4 is carried by the second jaw 3. The first and second surfaces are used to clamp a lock of hair.

[0073] The first treatment surface and the second treatment surface 4 are generally complementary surfaces. They can have different shapes according to the required use of the hair care appliance l and are preferably replaceable. Usually, the treatment surface is flat when the hair care appliance l is used as an ironing appliance, or curved (not shown) when used as a curling appliance (not shown), or corrugated (not shown) when used as a hair perming appliance. The curling appliance is described, for example, in the document EP0619087. The treatment surface can also be uneven, i.e., have many protrusions such as teeth (not shown).

[0074] The steam hair care appliance also has a liquid container, which is usually a water container (not shown in Fig. 1), or a container filled with a hair care agent, which can be installed in one of the jaws or arranged at a certain distance from the appliance in the offset base as designed in the document EP3025610.

[0075] As Figure 2 and 3 shown, the liquid container is in fluid communication with the liquid vaporization system 7 by means of an injection tube 74. Advantageously, the liquid container is located in the jaw having the liquid vaporization system 7.

[0076] The vaporization system 7 has at least one vaporization chamber 71, which is called the first vaporization chamber or the main vaporization chamber and occupies a specific first volume, i.e., an uninterrupted or unobstructed volume. The specific volume can be substantially parallelepipedal in shape, for example, having a rectangular, square or trapezoidal cross-section. This can well balance the structural compactness and efficiency of the vaporization system. The inner surface of the vaporization chamber 71 is the surface of the lower wall of the vaporization chamber 71, i.e., the wall that forms the bottom of the vaporization chamber 71. Therefore, the fluid is preferentially sent to this inner surface by the injection tube 74 and is transformed into steam.

[0077] The free end of the injection tube 74 forms an injection point in the main vaporization chamber 71. Preferably, the injection tube protrudes into the vaporization chamber 71, and the liquid in the container can be injected into the main vaporization chamber 71 at this injection point. Therefore, the injection tube 74 is different from the vaporization chamber 71, i.e., they are not the same component. Usually, the liquid in the container is water or a hair care agent.

[0078] The hair care appliance also has a steam distribution system 7', which is in communication with the vaporization system 7 and has one or more steam distribution holes 75 for distributing steam along the direction of a lock of hair.

[0079] The distribution system 7' has, for example, a distribution chamber 76, which is in steam communication with the vaporization chamber 71 and in which at least one steam distribution hole 75 is arranged. The distribution chamber 76 can extend on the side of the vaporization system 7 and preferably extends substantially over the entire length of the vaporization system 7. This can balance the structural compactness and efficiency of the vaporization system 7 and the distribution system 7'.

[0080] Preferably, the vaporization chamber 71 is a compartment heated by a heater 8, for example, the heater 8 is arranged in contact with the vaporization chamber 71 to vaporize the liquid injected into the vaporization chamber 71, and it is not restricted by the heating of other components of the hair appliance.

[0081] The heater 8 can be positioned, for example, below the vaporization system 7, as shown in the exploded view of FIG. 1.

[0082] The heater 8 can be arranged on a larger outer surface of the vaporization system 7, preferably relative to the dispensing hole 75, and at least partially closely attached to the side surface of the vaporization system 7.

[0083] Generally, vaporization takes place in the vaporization system 7 and the steam distribution system 7'.

[0084] Preferably, the maximum external volume of the vaporization system 7 is 110 x 35 x 12.5 mm, and the internal volume is sufficient to store the scale in at least 35 liters of hard water with a hardness of 28°F. The heater 8 is used, for example, to vaporize water in the sequence of stopping for 10 seconds and then heating for 10 seconds continuously, and the flow rate is about 1 g / min ± 0.5 g / min.

[0085] The vaporization system 7 can be made of metal, alloy or any heat-conducting material. Generally, the vaporization system 7 is made of aluminum and can be molded or press-molded.

[0086] The vaporization system 7 can have multiple parts, especially at least one cover. According to the exploded view shown in FIG. 1, the vaporization system 7 has a first part, which has a vaporization chamber 71, closely attached to the heater 8, and a second part is arranged thereon, here it is a cover, which has holes that are connected to the steam distribution holes 75. Preferably, these different parts are sealed, for example, by a silicone rubber seal ring.

[0087] Advantageously, the reed can be pressed by the vaporization system 7 against the heater 8 to ensure permanent contact and optimal operation.

[0088] The heater 8 can generally be a positive temperature coefficient resistor or a ceramic material, however, generally it can be any system that can heat the vaporization chamber 71 according to the required purpose.

[0089] In other embodiments, the heater 8 can have two heating elements, which are arranged on each side of the vaporization system 7 on the sides. Advantageously, one of the two heating elements is closely attached between the outer surface of the vaporization chamber 71 and the outer surface of the steam distribution system 7' to heat the vaporization system 7 and the distribution system 7' simultaneously in a small volume.

[0090] The heater 8 can be adjusted by a thermistor, which, for example, has a negative temperature coefficient and operates as a temperature sensor, preferably arranged above the injection point. The thermistor can make the hair cutting appliance l safer and stop the liquid injection under special conditions, such as according to the temperature of the heater 8. Generally, the lower temperature limit is about 95 °C, the upper temperature limit is 130 °C, or according to a small temperature range, the lower temperature limit is 105 °C, the upper temperature limit is 120 °C, or even 110 °C.

[0091] Advantageously, the injection tube 74 is substantially arranged in the center of the vaporization chamber 71. The end of the injection tube 74 forming the injection point is substantially arranged at a quarter of the length of the vaporization chamber 71. In fact, the injection point should be arranged in the area where the maximum temperature of the vaporization chamber 71 is adjusted and away from the inner wall of the vaporization chamber 71 to improve the vaporization efficiency of the injected liquid. It should also be away from the injection point of the steam distribution device 7'to limit the risk of hot water ejection that has not been vaporized.

[0092] Preferably, the outer wall of the injection tube 74 is at least 1 mm away from the inner wall of the vaporization chamber 71, and the height of the vaporization chamber is greater than 8 mm to limit the scale deposition at the free end of the injection tube 74, thus preventing premature blockage.

[0093] The material of the injection tube 74 can have or be coated with a material to which scale does not easily adhere to limit scale deposition. Generally, the material selected can be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, trade name Téflon), which has the advantage of excellent anti - adsorption performance and is very heat - resistant at the same time. Preferably, at least the inner wall of the injection tube 74 is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene, so that the injection tube 74 is heat - resistant, especially at temperatures above 300 °C, and the inner wall has a very low coefficient of friction, thus limiting the scale deposition on the inner wall of the injection tube 74.

[0094] The injection tube 74 preferably has a large inner cross - section to prevent premature blockage, for example, at the free end of the injection tube 74. The diameter of the inner cross - section is usually greater than 3 mm. Preferably, it is greater than 4 mm. To limit the heat transfer from the wall of the vaporization chamber 71 to the liquid, the wall thickness of the injection tube 74 is preferably greater than 1 mm. A polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) ring with an inner cross - section of 6 mm and an outer cross - section of 7 mm can be attached to the injection tube 74 to limit the heat transfer to the inner wall of the injection tube 74.

[0095] Preferably, the ratio of the height of the vaporization chamber 71 to the diameter of the inner cross - section of the injection tube 74 is 0.55 to 0.75. Generally, for a height of 4.9 mm and an inner diameter of mm, this ratio is about 0.6. In fact, these dimensions have been optimized to ensure greater resistance to fouling while taking into account the dimensions of different components.

[0096] Advantageously, the part forming the free end of the injection tube 74 can have a special shape to concentrate the possible scale accumulation in a specific area, while providing an area where the liquid can continue to enter the vaporization chamber 71 without being affected by scale accumulation.

[0097] For example, the injection tube 74 is beveled at the free end where the injection point is formed, as Figure 4A shown.

[0098] In other embodiments, or additionally, the injection tube 74 may have a through-hole that extends substantially along the injection tube from the free end where the injection point is formed. Even in the case where scale accumulation deposits occur at the free end of the injection tube 74, the shape of the through-hole may allow the liquid from the container to flow into the vaporization chamber 71.

[0099] In one embodiment, the through-hole of the injection tube 74 is a cut portion on a half-section of the injection tube 74 that extends along a line substantially parallel to the axis of the injection tube 74. In Figures 2 to 5 the embodiment shown, the injection tube 74 is arranged in the vaporization chamber 71 such that the cut portion is on the opposite side of the wall forming the bottom of the vaporization chamber 71. Generally, in embodiments where the vaporization chamber 71 is closed by a plate forming a lid, this means that the cut portion of the tube 74 thus faces the plate forming the lid.

[0100] In Figure 7 the embodiment shown, the through-hole of the injection tube 74 has at least one slit that extends along a line substantially parallel to the axis of the injection tube 74. Preferably, the through-hole may have two slits that extend on both sides of the injection tube 74.

[0101] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the inner surface of the vaporization chamber 71 is at least partially covered with a hydrophobic layer 9 that is positioned below the injection point. The hydrophobic layer 9 does not cause vaporization below the injection point, but instead pushes out the liquid to vaporize it in the vaporization chamber 71 so that no deposited scale is stored below the injection point. In fact, the hydrophobic layer 9 is characterized by a high surface tension.

[0102] Advantageously, the hydrophobic layer 9 has polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In fact, polytetrafluoroethylene is a material that is resistant to high temperatures (especially above 300 °C) and has a very low coefficient of friction, thereby limiting scale deposition at the injection point because water cannot stay there.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the hydrophobic layer 9 is only positioned below the injection point. This means that only the surface below the injection point is covered with the hydrophobic layer 9, and thus, it does not cover the entire inner surface of the vaporization chamber 71. In particular, the surface that the hydrophobic layer 9 can cover is between 10 mm 2 and 2000 mm 2 preferably between 100 mm 2 and 1000 mm 2 more preferably between 500 mm 2 and 600 mm 2between. Generally, the hydrophobic layer 9 may cover the inner surface forming the bottom of the vaporization chamber 71, and the covered surface is about 552 mm 2 .

[0104] The hydrophobic layer 9 may have a planar shape, preferably substantially rectangular or triangular. It may also adopt a three-dimensional shape defined by, for example, inclined planes to improve the slip efficiency of the liquid at the vaporization point at the free end of the injection tube 74. Such a three-dimensional shape may also help to well distribute the liquid when the liquid reaches the vaporization chamber, remove large droplets, and make it distribute in the form of smaller droplets on the entire inner surface of the vaporization chamber 71. Therefore, the vaporization efficiency is improved while reducing the risk of fouling (blockage) of the appliance. In an embodiment where the hydrophobic layer 9 has a three-dimensional shape, the shape of the hydrophobic layer 9 may also be formed during the manufacture of the vaporization chamber 71, usually formed in molding.

[0105] In Figure 4A and 4B In the illustrated embodiment, the hydrophobic layer 9 has, for example, a conical shape. Alternatively, the hydrophobic layer 9 may have a frustum shape.

[0106] In one embodiment, the hydrophobic layer 9 may be formed by applying a hydrophobic material on the inner surface of the vaporization chamber 71. Generally, the hydrophobic material may be applied in the form of a coating or a covering layer, or a steaming treatment may be performed on the inner surface of the vaporization chamber 71.

[0107] Advantageously, the hydrophobic layer 9 is a member fitted in the vaporization chamber 71. The fitted member is held in place in the vaporization chamber 71 by fixing means having a positioning member 710 for positioning the fitted member relative to the injection point.

[0108] In Figure 2 and 3 In the illustrated embodiment of the vaporization chamber 71, the positioning member 710 has a positioning half-pin 710a formed in the vaporization chamber 71 for mating with a groove 9a having a complementary shape arranged in the fitted member 9.

[0109] In other embodiments, or additionally, the inner surface of the vaporization chamber 71 has a hydrophilic layer, that is, a layer characterized by low surface tension. The hydrophilic layer 10 extends over the entire or part of the inner surface of the vaporization chamber 71.

[0110] In the sense that only the surface below the injection point is covered with the hydrophilic layer 10, the hydrophilic layer 10 may be only positioned below the injection point. Preferably, the hydrophilic layer 10 extends over the entire inner surface of the vaporization chamber 71 to maximize the diffusion of the liquid.

[0111] Preferably, the hydrophilic layer 10 has a fabric material, such as a fiberglass fabric, which can significantly limit the bumping phenomenon.

[0112] According to especially inFigure 4A and 4B In the particular embodiment shown above, the vaporization chamber 71 has a hydrophilic layer 10 which is at least partially covered with a hydrophobic layer 9. In this embodiment, the liquid injected at the injection point falls in the form of droplets on the hydrophobic layer 9 and remains in a spherical shape due to the high surface tension of the hydrophobic material forming the hydrophobic layer 9. Thus, such a sphere slides towards the hydrophilic layer 10 and remains at a certain distance from the injection point. The hydrophilic layer 10 has a low surface tension and the water droplets can be immediately vaporized. This reduces the appearance of scale and, in any state, keeps it away from the injection point if necessary.

[0113] Advantageously but not restrictively, in particular as Figure 2 and 3 shown, the liquid vaporization system 7 may also have a second vaporization chamber, or auxiliary vaporization chamber 72, which is in fluid communication with the first vaporization chamber 71 and has a different second volume. Thus, the first vaporization chamber 71 is arranged upstream of the second vaporization chamber 72 in the direction of steam passage.

[0114] In this embodiment, the liquid injected into the vaporization chamber 71 is transformed into steam in at least two different vaporization chambers (71, 72). This can effectively retain unwanted scale, improve the anti-limescale efficiency of the hair cutting appliance l, and thus extend the service life.

[0115] Preferably, the second vaporization chamber, i.e., the auxiliary vaporization chamber 72, has discontinuities or obstacles due to the presence of flow guiding vanes 73, forming a tortuous path for the steam.

[0116] The so-called flow guiding vanes 73 refer to any obstacles arranged in the chamber, which, for example, form a meandering movement of the steam, reduce the passing speed in the auxiliary vaporization chamber 72, and increase the contact with the surfaces of different walls of the chamber 72. This can vaporize the possible droplets, thus ensuring complete vaporization of the liquid, and the heat exchange surface is increased due to the presence of the flow guiding vanes 73. The flow guiding vanes 73 can be distributed parallel to each other, for example. This can make the steam pass along a regular geometry, thus uniformly intercepting the scale in the second vaporization chamber 72.

[0117] Preferably, the first volume occupied by the first vaporization chamber 71 is larger than the second volume occupied by the second vaporization chamber 72, even at least twice as large, so as to enable rapid vaporization in the first volume without reducing the structural compactness of the vaporization system 7.

[0118] In this embodiment, the distribution chamber 76 can be arranged on the side of the vaporization chamber 71 and the auxiliary vaporization chamber 72, preferably, substantially along the entire length of the vaporization system 7.

[0119] Such a corresponding arrangement and operation have been described in detail in the document EP2591698.

[0120] Schematically shows a special embodiment of the vaporization system 7 during the working process, which is given by Figure 6A , 6B and 8A, 8B, showing the advantages obtained by the aforementioned features.

[0121] In Figure 6A and 6B In the first embodiment shown, the injection tube 74 has a through hole which has a cut portion on a cross section, and the inner surface of the vaporization chamber 71 is covered with a hydrophobic layer 9 which covers the whole or part of the inner surface of the vaporization chamber 71. During operation, as Figure 6A shown, at the first instant T1, usually when the hair cutting appliance l is used for the first time, the liquid from the container is injected into the vaporization chamber 71 by the injection tube 74 at the free end where the initial injection point 11 is formed.

[0122] The injected water contacts the hydrophobic layer 9 at the vaporization point far from the initial injection point 11 and is vaporized by rapidly increasing the temperature. The injected liquid water may contain minerals, and limescale gradually accumulates at the end where the initial injection point 11 is formed. Limescale may gradually deposit in the injection tube until the end is blocked.

[0123] As Figure 6B shown, at the instant T2 after the instant T1, for example, after hard water with a hardness of more than 10 liters and usually 28 °f is injected into the vaporization chamber 71, the limescale blockage 12 blocks the end of the injection tube 74. Therefore, water flows into the vaporization chamber 71 at another injection point 11' located upstream of the injection tube 74 relative to the initial injection point 11. The water can flow on both sides of the injection tube 74 or above the limescale blockage 12.

[0124] In this embodiment, during the whole use process of the hair cutting appliance l, according to the limescale accumulation situation, the injection point 11' gradually deviates along the cut portion of the injection tube 74. In other words, the time when the injection point is blocked by limescale is significantly postponed because water will not be injected until the whole length of the cut portion of the injection tube 74 is blocked by limescale. Therefore, the anti-fouling ability of the appliance is significantly improved.

[0125] In Figure 8A and 8B In the second embodiment shown, the injection tube 74 has a through hole which has a slit at the free end, and the inner surface of the vaporization chamber 71 is covered with a layer of hydrophobic layer 9 which covers the whole or part of the inner surface of the vaporization chamber 71. During operation, as Figure 8A shown, at the first instant Tl', usually when the hair cutting appliance l is used for the first time, the liquid from the container is injected into the vaporization chamber 71 by the injection tube 74 at the free end where the initial injection point 11 is formed.

[0126] As in the previous embodiment, the injected water contacts the hydrophobic layer 9 at the vaporization point far from the initial injection point 11 and vaporizes through a rapid increase in temperature. The injected liquid water may contain minerals, and lime gradually accumulates at the end forming the initial injection point 10. Scale may gradually deposit in the injection pipe 74 until the end is blocked.

[0127] As Figure 8B shown, at the instant T2' following the instant T1', for example, after hard water with a hardness of usually 28°F and a volume of more than 10 liters is injected into the vaporization chamber 71, the scale blockage 12 blocks the end of the injection pipe 74. Therefore, water flows into the vaporization chamber 71 at another injection point 11' located upstream of the injection pipe relative to the initial injection point 11. In the special case where the through-hole has two slits on both sides of the injection pipe 74, water can flow at the injection points on both sides of the injection pipe 74.

[0128] As in the previous embodiment, during the entire use of the hair cutting appliance l, the injection point 11' gradually deviates along the slit according to the scale accumulation. In other words, the time when the injection point is blocked by scale is significantly postponed because water stops being injected only after the entire length of the cut part of the injection pipe 74 is blocked by scale. Therefore, the anti-fouling ability of the appliance is significantly improved.

[0129] Therefore, adding through-holes to the injection pipe 74 and / or arranging a hydrophobic layer 9 at the injection point can make the appliance l better anti-fouling and extend the service life of the appliance l.

[0130] The reader should understand that many changes can be made, but actually do not exceed the new content and advantages described here. Therefore, all such changes fall within the scope of the proposed hair cutting appliance.

Claims

1. A steam hair styling appliance (1) for shaping hair, comprising: - a first jaw (2) and a second jaw (3) which are arranged opposite to each other and hinged to each other, the first jaw (2) having a first treatment surface (4) and the second jaw (3) having a second treatment surface (4), the first and second treatment surfaces being configured to clamp at least one lock of hair, - a liquid container, The first and / or second jaw (2, 3) further comprises: - a vaporization system (7) for vaporizing the liquid into steam, having at least one vaporization chamber (71) with an inner surface, being in communication with the liquid container by an injection pipe (74), the injection pipe (74) having a free end which forms a liquid injection point in the vaporization chamber (71), - a distribution system (7') for distributing the steam from the vaporization system (7), having at least one steam distribution hole (75) for distributing the steam along at least one lock of hair, It is characterized in that The injection pipe (74) has a through hole which extends substantially along the injection pipe (74) from the free end forming the injection point. In the case where scale deposits accumulate at the free end of the injection pipe (74), the shape of the through hole enables the liquid from the container to flow into the vaporization chamber (71). The through hole has at least one slit which extends substantially parallel to the axis of the injection pipe (74); Alternatively, the through hole is a cut portion on a half cross-section of the injection pipe (74), extending substantially parallel to the axis of the injection pipe (74).

2. The steam hair-cutting appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The through hole has at least two slits which extend on both sides of the injection pipe (74), the at least two slits being in the same plane which extends parallel to the inner surface of the vaporization chamber (71).

3. The steam hair grooming appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The through hole is a cut portion on a half cross-section of the injection pipe (74), and the injection pipe (74) is arranged in the vaporization chamber (71) such that the cut portion is on the opposite side of the inner surface of the vaporization chamber (71).

4. The steam hair-cutting appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The injection pipe (74) is beveled at the free end forming the injection point.

5. The steam hair grooming appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The ratio of the height of the vaporization chamber (71) to the inner diameter of the injection pipe (74) is 0.55 to 0.

75.

6. The steam hair-cutting appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A hydrophilic layer (10) extends on the inner surface of the vaporization chamber (71).

7. The steam hair-cutting appliance (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The hydrophilic layer (10) extends on the entire inner surface of the vaporization chamber (71).

8. The steam hair grooming appliance (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The hydrophilic layer (10) comprises a fabric material.

9. The steam hair grooming appliance (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, A part of the hydrophilic layer (10) is arranged to partially enter the free end of the injection pipe (74).

10. The steam hair-cutting appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The vaporization chamber (71) has a hydrophobic layer (9) which is arranged below the injection pipe (74), at least at the injection point.

11. The steam hair care appliance (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The hydrophobic layer (9) comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

12. The hair cutting appliance (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The hydrophobic layer (9) is located only below the injection point, with a positioning area between 10 mm 2 and 2000mm 2 between.

13. The steam hair grooming appliance (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The hydrophobic layer (9) is a fitting member fitted in the vaporization chamber (71), being held in place by a fixing device which has a positioning member (710) for positioning the fitting member relative to the injection point.

14. The steam hair grooming appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The vaporization system further has an auxiliary vaporization chamber (72) which is in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber (71) and comprises a plurality of guide vanes (73).

15. The steam hair grooming appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The steam distribution system (7') has a distribution chamber (76) in which at least one steam distribution hole (75) is arranged, the distribution chamber (76) being in steam communication with the vaporization chamber (71).

16. The steam hair care appliance (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The steam distribution system (7') has a distribution chamber (76) in which at least one steam distribution hole (75) is arranged. The distribution chamber (76) is in steam communication with the vaporization chamber (71), and the distribution chamber (76) is arranged on the side of the vaporization chamber (71) and the auxiliary vaporization chamber (72).

17. The steam hair care appliance (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fabric material is a fiberglass fabric.

18. The steam hair grooming appliance (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The positioning area is 552 mm 2 .

19. The steam hair grooming appliance (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The embedded member is a plate.

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