Hair care device

Abstract

A device (1) for caring for hair, in particular for curling and / or straightening hair, capable of caring for hair by moving along a hair bundle from a hair root to a hair tip, the device (1) having a first and a second direction of use during caring for the hair bundle, in the first direction of use, in which the hair bundle travels from a front face (F1) of the device to an opposite back face (F2); in the second direction of use, the hair bundle travels from the back side (F2) to the opposite front side (F1). The device (1) comprises: a sensor (30) detecting a use characteristic of the device (1) along the hair bundle, the use characteristic indicating a use direction of the device (1) at least in a first and a second use direction; and a processor configured to receive the use characteristics detected by the sensor (30) so as to determine a use direction of the device (1) at least in the first and second use directions based on the detected use characteristics, and to generate information about the detected use direction of the device (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for hair care, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to devices for shaping hair, particularly for curling and / or straightening hair.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a hair curling device comprising two relative movable jaws, the jaws being configurable to open to introduce hair strands therebetween and to close to care for the hair strands. Background Technology

[0003] Various such devices have been proposed. These devices typically include internal heating plates between which a strand of hair can be held, especially when straightening, and / or heating plates on their outer surfaces, especially when curling, or at least for giving hair a wavy style. These devices are typically used by moving the device between the roots and ends of the hair, with the strand of hair wrapped around or not wrapped around the device, depending on the desired effect and the type of device.

[0004] Some of these devices are designed to be used along the hair strand in a specific direction. In particular, for some devices, incorrect usage direction can lead to poor treatment results or even discomfort for the user. This is especially true for asymmetrical devices, such as those including one or more additional treatment components (steam jets, combs, etc.), each positioned only on one side of the heating plate. Therefore, when the device is used in the opposite direction, the treatment effect of passing through the comb / steam first and then the heating plate may differ from the effect of passing through the heating plate first and then the comb / steam.

[0005] WO2021 / 102751 discloses a device including a heating plate and a gyroscope for measuring the attitude and motion of the device. The gyroscope is capable of sending motion or attitude information to a processor, which causes to interrupt power supply in the absence of motion, or to issue audible and / or visual and / or haptic alerts based on detected attitude or motion, in order to improve the user experience. This application does not specify how the user experience is improved, except from an aesthetic or sensory perspective.

[0006] CN109288230 discloses a hair straightener that includes a device posture detector, such as an accelerometer or gyroscope. The device is capable of determining whether the current posture falls within an acceptable range for proper hair straightening. If the posture is incorrect, an alert is issued to the user, such as through sound or vibration, prompting the user to correct their posture.

[0007] WO2019 / 122838 describes a system capable of detecting the movement of a hair straightener in order to determine whether the movement of the appliance is consistent with the desired care, particularly regarding the speed of use.

[0008] EP2359710 discloses a device including a heating plate and a motion sensor, such as an accelerometer or an optical sensor. The motion sensor is capable of emitting audible and / or visual alerts based on detected motion, particularly based on the speed of movement. For example, an alert signal is issued if the speed of movement is too fast or too slow.

[0009] These devices do not allow users to know whether they are using the device in the optimal direction between two directions with different care effects during the care process. Summary of the Invention

[0010] There is a need for hair care devices that enable users to achieve optimal and easily repeatable care results without making the device too complicated to use.

[0011] Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a device for hair care, particularly for curling and / or straightening hair, the device capable of caring for hair by moving along the hair strand from root to tip, the device having a first use direction and a second use direction during care, in the first use direction the hair strand travels from the front of the device to the opposite back side; in the second use direction the hair strand travels from the back side to the opposite front side. The device includes: - A sensor, the sensor detection device detecting the usage characteristics along the hair strand, the usage characteristic indicating device indicating the usage direction in at least a first usage direction and a second usage direction. - A processor configured to receive usage characteristics detected by a sensor in order to determine the usage direction of the device in at least a first usage direction and a second usage direction based on the detected usage characteristics, and to generate information about the detected usage direction of the device.

[0012] This detection of the direction of use enables the identification of the direction of use from a first direction of use and a second direction of use, and is particularly useful for checking whether the user is using the hair care device according to the preferred direction of use defined by the device designer, especially selected from the first and second directions of use. Once this check is completed, if the direction of use is not correct, it is easy to alert the user, for example, as will be described in detail below.

[0013] Preferably, the device is a hair shaping device, especially for curling and / or straightening.

[0014] Preferably, the device includes a handheld component, which in particular has a handle and a head. The handle makes the device easier to hold and allows complementary elements, in particular a user interface, a reservoir for vaporized fluid, and possibly a cosmetic reservoir, to be inserted into the device. The head preferably has a front and an opposite back.

[0015] The head of the care device can have any cross-sectional shape. Preferably, the head of the care device has a generally polygonal cross-section, especially a generally rectangular or generally square, or a generally elliptical or circular cross-section. Other cross-sectional shapes are feasible, such as a cross-section with a polygonal profile on one side and a non-polygonal, especially annular (e.g., circular) cross-section on the other side. Preferably, the cross-section of the head of the device is generally flat.

[0016] jaws The handle can extend along the longitudinal axis. The front and back can extend along the longitudinal axis of the handle.

[0017] Preferably, the handpiece is asymmetrical about at least one longitudinal midplane extending between the front and back sides of the handpiece.

[0018] The fact that the handpiece is asymmetrical about at least one longitudinal midplane has the effect of causing the hair to be treated asymmetrically during the treatment. That is, if the treatment is divided into two parts of equal duration, then for the same handpiece movement rate, the second part of the treatment is different from the reverse process of the first part. Therefore, the treatments under the first and second usage directions are different.

[0019] As a result, this asymmetry of the device produces different care effects on the hair strands depending on whether the device is used in the first or second direction of use. Therefore, detecting the direction of use makes it possible to identify the care applied to the hair strands. This, in particular, makes it possible to obtain the desired and easily repeatable care on the hair strands.

[0020] When the direction of use is not specified, this asymmetry in nursing care can lead to poorer nursing outcomes, meaning the quality of care is lower than that achievable when the device is used correctly in the optimal direction.

[0021] Therefore, by using sensor data that indicates the direction of use, it is possible to alert the user if they are not performing care correctly.

[0022] The device, particularly the handheld part, and especially the head of the handheld part, may include two jaws that are interconnected and can be configured to open to guide hair in, and to close for care.

[0023] The device may include a jaw configuration detection component, particularly a Hall effect sensor, which is configured to detect whether the jaws are in a closed or open configuration.

[0024] The processor can be configured to determine the orientation of the device only when the jaw configuration detection component detects a closed jaw configuration.

[0025] At least one of the device, particularly the handheld component, and particularly the clamp jaws, may include at least one internal care member, said internal care member comprising an internal care surface configured to contact or oppose a portion of the hair strand during care. The internal care surface is preferably a heated surface. The care member is preferably a heating plate.

[0026] The internal care surface can extend between the front and the opposite back.

[0027] Each jaw may include an internal care member, the internal care member including an internal care surface configured to contact or be opposite a care member of another jaw.

[0028] The handle can extend along the longitudinal axis, especially when the jaws are in a closed configuration. Preferably, the handle is asymmetrical about at least one longitudinal midplane transverse to the care surface.

[0029] The device, particularly the handheld component, may include at least one external care member, the external care member including an external care surface configured to contact a portion of the hair bundle during care, the external care surface being, in particular, a heating surface, especially a heating plate.

[0030] In one embodiment, particularly for curled surfaces, the outer care surface extends on one of the front and back sides.

[0031] External care components are particularly effective at curling hair by wrapping it around the handpiece and / or around one or each clamp.

[0032] Preferably, when the handpiece includes two jaws that are interconnected and can be configured to open to guide hair and to close for care, the jaws extend to the distal end of the handle.

[0033] Each jaw may be carried by one arm, and the two arms are connected to each other, particularly by a hinge at one end, so that the jaws are in a closed or open configuration. Each arm may include a half-handle at the end corresponding to the hinge, and each arm may include a jaw at the end corresponding to its free end.

[0034] Additional nursing components The device may include additional care components, particularly selected from steam applicators, cosmetic applicators, combs, and combinations thereof.

[0035] Steam can be applied through a series of holes, which are particularly aligned along the longitudinal axis of the device, especially the handheld component.

[0036] Additional care components may be installed on one of the jaws and extend at least partially between the two jaws.

[0037] Additional hair care components may be arranged asymmetrically on the device, particularly on the handpiece, and especially on one of the jaws, with respect to a central plane, particularly transverse to the central plane extending between the jaws when the jaws are in a closed configuration. The additional hair care components may be arranged on the device, particularly on the handpiece, such that they care for the hair in front of one or more plates in one direction of use, and behind one or more plates in another direction of use. The additional hair care components may be laterally positioned on the handpiece, particularly laterally positioned on one of the jaws.

[0038] information The processor can be configured to transmit the generated usage direction information to a user warning component that is connected to or forms part of the device.

[0039] The device may include a user alerting component configured to receive information relating to the direction of use of the device, particularly a handheld device, and to issue a user alert for at least one direction of use, particularly a signal perceptible to the user, especially an audible, visual, or tactile signal depending on the direction of use.

[0040] User warning components may be included within or on the handheld device.

[0041] As a variation, the user alert component can be detached from the handheld device. For example, the user alert component could be a phone or tablet that is wirelessly connected to the processor.

[0042] One of the first and second usage directions may be optimal for performing care along the hair strand, and the other of the first and second usage directions may be inferior, with a user warning issued by the user warning component corresponding to one of the two usage directions, especially the inferior usage direction.

[0043] In this way, if the user uses the device in a poor orientation, the user is quickly alerted, allowing the user to correct the usage and move the handpiece in the optimal care direction. The device thus simplifies its use.

[0044] At least one component is controlled according to a usage direction determined from at least a first usage direction and a second usage direction, and is controlled in a different manner. The control may be performed by a processor.

[0045] "Component" refers to any part that a device can control.

[0046] The component may be a heat-care member, particularly a heating plate. In this case, the heating temperature can be controlled to reach different temperatures in a first and a second use direction. In one embodiment, the heat-care member is turned off when the device is used in one use direction, particularly the worse one.

[0047] The component may be an additional care element, particularly a vaporization element. In this case, the amount of steam generated or delivered may vary depending on the direction of use. In one embodiment, the vaporization element is shut off when the device is used in a particular direction of use, especially a less favorable direction, that is, no steam is generated.

[0048] sensor Usage characteristics may include the acceleration, orientation, and / or tilt angle of the device, especially the handheld component.

[0049] The characteristic can be measured relative to one or more relative devices, especially handheld devices, with a fixed axis.

[0050] The property can be measured along an axis that extends at least partially between the front and back sides.

[0051] Usage characteristics can refer to the orientation variation or orientation characteristics of the device, especially the handheld component, relative to the longitudinal axis of the device, especially the handheld component. Each usage direction can correspond to a range of orientations of the device, especially the handheld component. Preferably, one usage direction corresponds to a range of orientations of the device such that the additional care component precedes the internal care component on the hair strand being cared for from the root to the tip, while another usage direction corresponds to a range of orientations of the device such that the additional care component follows the internal care component on the hair strand being cared for from the root to the tip.

[0052] When the characteristic used is acceleration, the acceleration can be the acceleration of the device, especially the handheld component, and / or the gravitational acceleration applied to the device.

[0053] Acceleration can be measured along an axis that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, especially the longitudinal axis of the handheld component.

[0054] Acceleration can be measured in the middle plane of the device.

[0055] Where applicable, acceleration can be measured in or perpendicular to the plane extending between the jaws when the jaws are in a closed configuration.

[0056] When the characteristic used is orientation, the measured orientation can be the orientation of the device, especially the handheld part, relative to the horizontal plane.

[0057] Orientation can be measured about one, two or three axes fixed relative to the device, especially the handheld part, particularly about at least an axis that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handheld part.

[0058] When the characteristic is tilt angle, the tilt angle can be measured relative to an axis that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, especially relative to an axis that is parallel to the plane extending between the jaws when the jaws are in a closed configuration.

[0059] The sensor may include one or more gyroscopes, one or more accelerometers, one or more tilt sensors, one or more tilt switches, one or more sensors configured to determine position relative to an initial position, or a combination thereof.

[0060] The tilt switch can operate in binary mode, switching between two states, one of which is advantageously a characteristic of the device’s specific orientation of use, especially the optimal orientation of use.

[0061] The tilt switch may include: - A ball that moves between two mechanical, electrical, or optical contacts within a channel; or - Liquid metal that moves freely within a channel that includes two capacitive sensors.

[0062] The sensor can be configured to detect the usage characteristics only when the jaws are in a closed configuration.

[0063] When the jaws are in an open configuration, the operation of the sensor can be disabled, for example by using the locking finger, by cutting off the power supply, or by cutting off the processor's ability to generate information.

[0064] method According to another aspect of the invention, in conjunction with the foregoing, another subject of the invention is a method for hair care, particularly for straightening or curling hair, achieved by moving a device along the hair strand from the root to the tip, particularly the device described above, the method comprising: - The device's performance characteristics are detected while it moves along the hair strand. - Based on usage characteristics, the usage direction of the device is determined from at least a first usage direction and a second usage direction. In the first usage direction, the hair strand travels from the front of the device to the opposite back side; in the second usage direction, the hair strand travels from the back side to the opposite front side. The two directions produce different care effects. - When the device is used in at least one direction, information about the direction of use of the device is generated.

[0065] When using the device, the user adjusts the orientation of the device by rotating it around its axis, especially around its longitudinal axis, and especially by holding the device.

[0066] "The orientation of the adjustment device" means that the user changes the angle of the device, especially the handheld part, relative to the ground plane around the axis, especially its longitudinal axis.

[0067] The orientation of the device, especially the handheld component, advantageously indicates the direction of use of the device, especially the handheld component. In particular, each direction of use corresponds to an orientation or range of orientations, and the orientations or ranges of orientations for different directions of use are different and do not completely overlap. Each range of orientations can be between 20° and 200°, especially between 60° and 100°.

[0068] The method may include issuing a user warning when the device is used in at least one direction, especially at least one poor direction.

[0069] User alerts can correspond to signals that the user can perceive, especially sound, visual, or tactile signals.

[0070] The device may include two jaws capable of opening to guide hair and closing for care, wherein the method may issue an alert only when the jaws are in the closed configuration. The method may include determining the jaw configuration before determining the direction of use. The determination of the direction of use is performed only when the jaws are detected to be in the closed configuration.

[0071] The method may include treating hair on the internal care surface of the handheld device, particularly a heated surface, particularly a heated plate.

[0072] The method may include treating hair on the internal care surface of the handheld device, particularly a heated surface, particularly a heated plate.

[0073] The method may include additional care, particularly steam application, cosmetic application, and / or combing. Attached Figure Description

[0074] The invention can be better understood by reading the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention and studying the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 An example of a device in a closed configuration according to the present invention is shown in a side view; Figure 2 Shown in 3D Figure 1 The device is in an open configuration; Figure 3a A top-down schematic diagram is shown. Figure 1 An example of the use of the device; Figure 3b A side view diagram is shown in Figure 3a The orientation of the device in the usage example; Figure 3c A side view diagram is shown in Figure 3a The orientation of the sensor in the usage example; Figure 4a A top-down schematic diagram is shown. Figure 1 Another example of the use of the device; Figure 4b A side view diagram is shown in Figure 4a The orientation of the device in the usage example; Figure 4c A side view diagram is shown in Figure 4a The orientation of the sensor in the usage example; and Figure 5 Another example of a sensor is shown in a side view schematic diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0075] In the following description, elements that are the same or have the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals. For the sake of brevity, each figure is not described with reference to every figure; only the differences between embodiments are described.

[0076] For clarity, the accompanying drawings may not be to scale.

[0077] Figure 1 Figure 4 shows an example of the device 1 according to the invention, in which it is used to straighten hair.

[0078] The device 1 has a handheld component 2, which includes two jaws 3 and 4, the jaws being able to open relative to each other in an open configuration. Figure 2 (as shown) and closed care configuration ( Figure 1 The hair strands are moved between the open and closed configurations, and the hair strands are cared for in the closed configuration.

[0079] Jaws 3 and 4 are supported by upper arm 5 and lower arm 6 respectively. In this example, the arms are connected to each other at one end by hinge 8, so that the handpiece 2 forms a clamp-like structure.

[0080] Arms 5 and 6 define corresponding half handles 10 and 11 between the hinge 8 and the jaws 3 and 4, which the user can press to bring the jaws 3 and 4 together, thereby clamping the hair extending between the two jaws.

[0081] The widths of arms 5 and 6 at half handles 10 and 11 are less than the widths of jaws 3 and 4.

[0082] Jaws 3 and 4 each have a convex outer surface and a generally flat inner surface.

[0083] Preferably, a resilient reset element (not shown) is provided to reset jaws 3 and 4 to an open configuration. The resilient reset element is, for example, a pivot pin surrounding the hinge portion 8 or a spring disposed adjacent to it.

[0084] The invention is not limited to the specific way arms 5 and 6 are connected, and jaws 3 and 4 can move in other ways without departing from the scope of the invention. However, the presence of the hinge is highly preferred due to the ergonomic benefits it provides.

[0085] Handheld component 2 extends, for example, along the longitudinal axis L.

[0086] Jaw 3 extends, for example, along the longitudinal axis Y1.

[0087] Jaw 4 extends, for example, along the longitudinal axis Y2.

[0088] Device 1 may include a water reservoir 7 for generating steam, particularly disposed within the handheld component 2. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the water reservoir 7 is preferably integrated within the handpiece 2, and more particularly within one of the arms 5 and 6. Advantageously, the water reservoir 7 is integrated within the arm that includes the steam outlet 21, which will be described in detail later. This makes the device structure particularly compact and the internal construction relatively simple. However, other integration methods of the water reservoir 7 (within the other arm or even completely away from the handpiece 2) are feasible without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0089] A user interface (not shown) may exist on device 1, especially on handheld device 2, to allow the user to control the operation of device 1.

[0090] Device 1 includes a conductor 17, which is designed to supply the energy required for the operation of the device. The conductor 17 can therefore be an electrical wire, designed to connect the device to mains power. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the conductor can also be a fluid conduit, designed to supply fluid (e.g., water) to the device.

[0091] The wire 17 has a rotating fastener 18 for attaching it to the handpiece.

[0092] The rotating fastener 18 allows the wire 17 to rotate.

[0093] heating plate The handpiece 2 has a heating inner surface 14 on each of the two jaws 3 and 4 for heating the hair to be treated. The heating inner surfaces are opposite each other when the jaws 3 and 4 are in a closed configuration, thereby defining a heated treatment area between them when the jaws 3 and 4 are in a closed configuration. For example, the two heating inner surfaces 14 are configured to clamp hair extending between the two jaws 3 and 4 when the jaws 3 and 4 are in a closed configuration.

[0094] The two heated inner surfaces 14 are generally flat, but their configurations can be different. For example, they can be complementary wavy shapes or complementary curved shapes.

[0095] In the example shown, the heated inner surface 14 is formed by the contact surface of the inner plates 16 made of thermally conductive material, each inner plate 16 extending over a jaw. Each inner plate 16 constitutes an internal care component of the device.

[0096] In a variant not shown, only one of the jaws 3 or 4 may carry the inner plate 16, which has a heated contact surface facing the abutting surface of the other jaw 3 or 4. The abutting surface may be formed by the body of the jaw or by elements added to the jaw.

[0097] The handheld component 2 may include a jaw configuration detection component, particularly a Hall effect sensor, which is configured to detect the configuration of jaws 3 and 4, i.e., whether jaws 3 and 4 are in a closed care configuration or an open configuration.

[0098] As shown in the figure, plate 16 can be laterally offset on jaws 3 and 4, that is, it is not centered on axes Y1 and Y2. Therefore, the handpiece 2 is asymmetrical about the midplane P perpendicular to the heated inner surface 14 of jaws 3 and 4 in the closed configuration.

[0099] Additional nursing components In the example shown, the device 1 includes an additional hair care component 12 that extends from the jaw 4 toward the other jaw 3 when the jaws 3 and 4 are in a closed configuration and is laterally arranged on the jaw 4 relative to the inner plate 16.

[0100] For example, jaw 3 has no additional care.

[0101] When viewed along the longitudinal axis L of the device 1, the component 12 extends longitudinally along the edge 13 of the inner plate 16 of the jaw 4 and parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2 of the jaw 4, and is separated from the inner plate 16.

[0102] The jaws 4 may be without any additional care members on the side of edge 15 opposite to edge 13 of inner plate 16. This increases the asymmetry of the handpiece 2 relative to the intermediate plane P.

[0103] Component 12 may include steam outlet 21 and / or comb teeth 22, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown.

[0104] The comb teeth 22 can preferably be detachably arranged in a housing such as the longitudinal grooves 23, for example... Figure 2 As shown. Therefore, users can replace or remove the comb teeth 22 as needed.

[0105] The slot 23 may have a rectangular cross-section and extend to the distal end of the jaw 4.

[0106] The comb teeth 22 may include elements 24 in the distal portion of the device 1 to grip the comb teeth 22 when they are inserted into or removed from the slot 23.

[0107] The comb teeth 22 may extend, for example, over the entire length of the guide portion. In a variant, they may extend only over a portion of the length of the guide portion.

[0108] Steam treatment can be achieved via a vaporization component comprising a heating element that heats an evaporation chamber supplied with water from a reservoir located within one arm of the apparatus, or, in a variant, from a remote reservoir. The apparatus may include an electric pump, preferably a peristaltic pump, that draws water from the reservoir to be delivered to apparatus 1. This pump is disclosed, for example, as in document FR2967018. The evaporation chamber may be constructed according to the teachings of application EP2449909A1 or otherwise.

[0109] The evaporation chamber can be located on one of the arms, in this example the lower arm 6, and the steam outlet 21 is located on the same arm 6.

[0110] Steam outlet 21 can be in the form of a spray line extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2.

[0111] The spray line may include multiple steam injection holes, such as 4 to 10, preferably 7, which are preferably evenly distributed along the spray line, with the axis of each hole being approximately perpendicular to the mid-plane of the treatment.

[0112] The vaporization component is electrically powered, and the temperature sensor is advantageously located within the evaporation chamber. The device is designed to maintain the temperature of the evaporation chamber between 110°C and 130°C.

[0113] The teeth of comb 22 may have a rectangular cross-section.

[0114] Direction of use As previously mentioned, the handpiece 2 is preferably asymmetrical about the mid-plane P of the jaws 3 and 4 in the closed configuration, which is perpendicular to the heated inner surface 14.

[0115] When the device shown is used to care for hair, the hair is held between jaws 3 and 4, and the handpiece 2 moves along the hair strand.

[0116] Therefore, the asymmetry relative to plane P leads to asymmetrical hair care.

[0117] Handheld component 2 can be used in four directions: - In the first direction of use, with jaw 4 located below jaw 3, the following steps are performed: combing, applying steam, and heating.

[0118] - The second direction of use involves the following steps when jaw 4 is below jaw 3: heating, applying steam, and combing.

[0119] - The third direction of use involves the following steps when jaw 4 is above jaw 3: combing, applying steam and heating.

[0120] - The fourth direction of use involves the following steps when jaw 4 is above jaw 3: heating, applying steam, and combing.

[0121] The first and third nursing care are performed from front F1 toward the opposite back F2; the second and fourth nursing care are performed from back F2 toward front F1.

[0122] The first and third application directions apply essentially the same care to the hair, and the second and fourth application directions perform essentially the same care on the hair.

[0123] The first and third application directions are considered optimal because they provide superior care quality compared to the other two directions, as combing occurs before steam and heating are applied. In practice, this allows for a clear distinction between the three key steps of hair care and styling. In the first step, the hair is combed and properly oriented and distributed across the entire width of the treatment.

[0124] In the second step, separate from the first step, the hair is steamed, slightly moistened to protect it and properly prepare it for the upcoming heat treatment. In the third step, separate from the first two steps, the hair undergoes thermomechanical treatment by the temperature of plate 16 and the pressure applied by clamps formed by arms 5 and 6. The sequence of these three steps produces excellent styling results while protecting the health of the hair. Therefore, it will be understood that using the device in different directions, in this case, the second and fourth directions, is undesirable as it will not produce optimal results.

[0125] In order to visually guide the user to use the handheld device in a first direction, the handheld device 2 may be provided with an arrow 25, which indicates the optimal direction to the user.

[0126] sensor Device 1 includes sensor 30, which detects the usage characteristics of handheld device 2 along the hair strand, such as... Figures 3a to 3c and Figures 4a to 4c As shown.

[0127] Sensor 30 is located, for example, within the housing of one of jaws 3 and 4, therefore in Figure 1 and Figure 2 It is not visible in the middle.

[0128] Sensor 30 can be located near the care area, i.e. near the distal ends of jaws 3 and 4.

[0129] For example, sensor 30 is a tilt switch capable of measuring the tilt angle of handheld device 2.

[0130] In this example, the measurement axis Y is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and parallel to the plane extending between the jaws when jaws 3 and 4 are in the closed position. Therefore, in this configuration, axis Y is approximately parallel to the hair between jaws 3 and 4 during treatment. In this example, axis Y extends between the front F1 and the back F2.

[0131] The sensor 30 includes a channel 31 oriented along the Y axis, a ball 32 that can move from one end to the other within the channel 31, and a switch contactor 33 at one end of the channel 31.

[0132] To illustrate the operation of sensor 30 Figures 3a to 3c The handheld component 2 is shown in use along the first direction. Figures 4a to 4c This is shown as being used in the second direction. As previously described, hair C is processed along direction D from the root Ra to the tip Po.

[0133] exist Figures 3a to 3c and Figures 4a to 4c In this context, sensor 30 visualizes the handheld device 2 by observing it from the end corresponding to the wire 17 along direction A.

[0134] As shown in the figure, when the device is used, the intermediate plane T extending between jaws 3 and 4 forms a non-zero angle β with the horizontal plane H.

[0135] It can be seen that, Figures 3a to 3c In the first direction of use, the ball 32 contacts the switch contactor 33.

[0136] The handheld component 2 is oriented so that the switch contactor 33 is at the bottom and the ball 32 is in contact with the switch contactor 33, thereby realizing the detection of the ball 32.

[0137] On the contrary, Figures 4a to 4c In the second direction of use, the switch contactor 33 is located at the top, and the ball 32 is no longer in contact with the switch contactor 33.

[0138] Therefore, sensor 30 operates in binary mode, switching between two states, each state being a characteristic of the orientation range of handheld device 2.

[0139] Handheld device (not shown) with Figures 3a to 3c and Figures 4a to 4cWhen the switch is used in a 180° orientation, corresponding to the fourth and third usage directions mentioned above, the switch contactor 33 is located at the bottom and the ball 32 is in contact with the switch contactor 33 in the third usage direction, while the switch contactor 33 is located at the top and the ball 32 is not in contact with the switch contactor 33 in the fourth usage direction.

[0140] Therefore, based on the detection of the ball 32, the sensor 30 can provide usage characteristics corresponding to the orientation range of the handheld part 2.

[0141] This usage characteristic is received by the processor of device 1, which uses this characteristic to deduce the usage direction of handheld device 2.

[0142] In fact, orientation is a characteristic of using direction, especially the orientation range, as shown in the diagram just now.

[0143] The processor can therefore generate information about the direction of use, and in particular determine whether the handheld device 2 is used in the optimal first or third direction of use, or in the less desirable second or fourth direction of use.

[0144] The device 1 may include a user alerting component (not shown) configured to receive information relating to the use direction of the handheld device 2 and to issue a user alert for at least one use direction, particularly a direction different from the optimal use direction, especially a signal perceptible to the user, particularly an audible, visual or tactile signal.

[0145] The following describes an example of a method for hair care using the device 1 of the present invention.

[0146] In this example, the care to be performed is straightening. In the variant, the care to be performed is curling.

[0147] In the first step, device 1 is powered by inserting wire 17 into an AC outlet.

[0148] In the second step, the user places a section of hair between the jaws 3 and 4, with the jaws in an open configuration. The handheld part 2 is positioned specifically near the roots of the hair.

[0149] Then, in the third step, the user brings jaws 3 and 4 into the closed configuration.

[0150] When jaws 3 and 4 are in a closed configuration, the jaw configuration detection component detects this and sends a signal to the warning component or sensor 30 to initiate the detection of orientation.

[0151] The signal can also be transmitted to any other logic unit of device 1, as long as that logic unit is able to initiate the detection of the direction of use.

[0152] The direction of use is not detected before this signal from the detection component.

[0153] In this step, the user has already adjusted the orientation of the handheld device 2 by changing its tilt angle relative to the ground plane H, as previously described.

[0154] In the fourth step following the third step, sensor 30 determines the direction of use.

[0155] This detection is achieved by the switch contactor 33 detecting or not detecting the ball 32.

[0156] Based on this detection, sensor 30 determines the tilt angle range of handheld device 2.

[0157] The sensor 30 then transmits the data to the processor, which generates information about the direction of use of the handheld device 2 for the warning component.

[0158] If the direction used is the optimal direction, the warning component can be set not to emit any perceptible signal to the user.

[0159] If the orientation being used is poor, warning components can be set to emit perceptible signals to the user, such as visual, auditory, or tactile signals or combinations thereof.

[0160] Alternatively, the opposite approach could be considered: emitting a perceptible signal when used in the optimal direction, but not emitting a signal in other directions.

[0161] It is even conceivable to emit a perceptible signal for all directions of use, the signal of which differs depending on whether the direction of use is the optimal or the inferior direction.

[0162] If the user is warned of incorrect orientation, the method may include the step of reorienting the handheld device 2 correctly relative to the hair.

[0163] Once the handpiece 2 is in the correct orientation that allows it to be used in the optimal direction of use, it moves along the hair from the root to the tip to perform the following steps on a given area of ​​the hair strand: combing, applying steam, and heating.

[0164] The present invention is not limited to the examples just described.

[0165] The number of nursing steps, the type of nursing care, and the order of nursing care can vary.

[0166] This method may include the step of applying cosmetics.

[0167] The handpiece may include a heated outer surface for curling hair by wrapping the hair around the handpiece and / or around one or each jaw.

[0168] The sensors can be different; for example, they can be accelerometers or gyroscopes.

[0169] An example of sensor 30 including a gyroscope is shown in Figure 5 As shown in the image.

[0170] In this case, sensor 30 includes rocker arm 40, which is rotatable about a pivot pin G parallel to the longitudinal axis L of handheld part 2.

[0171] The sensor 30 also includes a housing 41 on which a pivot pin G is mounted. The housing 41 is fixed relative to the handheld component 2.

[0172] Sensor 30 is able to determine the relative position between housing 41 and rocker arm 40.

[0173] When the handpiece 2 is oriented to perform care, the rocker arm 40 will maintain its orientation generally in the vertical direction V, and the housing 41 will move about the pivot pin G.

[0174] exist Figure 5 In the example, the handheld part 2 is used in a first use direction, which has the effect of causing the housing 41 to rotate clockwise around the pivot pin G under the action of gravity.

[0175] Therefore, the housing 41 and the rocker arm 40 form an angle 5 between them relative to the horizontal stationary position, which is equal to the angle β.

[0176] For the accelerometer, sensor 30 measures, for example, acceleration parallel to the direction of movement D. Therefore, in a stationary state, when the intermediate plane between jaws 3 and 4 is parallel to the horizontal plane H, the measured acceleration is zero.

[0177] When users use handheld device 2, they orient it as described above. Therefore, due to the effect of gravity, the measured acceleration increases with the angle.

Claims

1. A device (1) for hair care, particularly for curling and / or straightening hair, the device being capable of caring for hair by moving along a hair bundle from the root to the tip, the device (1) having a first use direction and a second use direction during the care process, wherein in the first use direction, the hair bundle travels from the front (F1) of the device to the opposite back (F2); and in the second use direction, the hair bundle travels from the back (F2) to the opposite front (F1). The device (1) includes: - Sensor (30) detects the usage characteristics of the device (1) along the hair strand, the usage characteristics indicating the usage direction of the device (1) at least in a first usage direction and a second usage direction. - A processor configured to receive usage characteristics detected by the sensor (30) in order to determine the usage direction of the device (1) in at least a first usage direction and a second usage direction based on the detected usage characteristics, and to generate information about the detected usage direction of the device (1).

2. The device (1) according to the preceding claim includes two jaws (3, 4) interconnected and capable of being in an open configuration to introduce hair therebetween and in a closed care configuration, the device (1) including a jaw configuration detection member, in particular a Hall effect sensor, the jaw configuration detection member detecting the configuration of the jaws (3, 4) and configured to detect whether the jaws (3, 4) are in a closed care configuration or an open configuration, the processor being configured to determine the use direction of the device (1) only when the jaw configuration detection member detecting the configuration of the jaws (3, 4) detects the closed configuration of the jaws (3, 4).

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 2, wherein, At least one of the jaws (3, 4), and in particular each of the jaws (3, 4) includes at least one internal care member (16), more preferably two internal care members (16) opposite to each other, the internal care member including an internal care surface configured to contact or be opposite a portion of the hair bundle when the jaws (3, 4) are in a closed configuration, the internal care surface being in particular a heating surface, in particular a heating plate, the internal care surface extending toward the other jaw (3, 4).

4. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims includes an additional care component (12), said additional care component being particularly selected from steam applicators, cosmetic applicators, combs, and combinations thereof.

5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The additional care component (12) is arranged asymmetrically on the device (1) about the intermediate plane (P).

6. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims includes a handpiece (2) that extends along a longitudinal axis (L) and is asymmetrical about a longitudinal mid-plane (P) extending between the front (F1) and back (F2) of the handpiece (2).

7. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims includes a user alerting member configured to receive information from the processor about the direction of use and to issue a user alert for at least one direction of use, in particular a signal perceptible to the user, especially an auditory, visual or tactile signal.

8. The apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, One of the first and second usage directions is optimal for performing care along the hair strand, and the other of the first and second usage directions is inferior. The user warning issued by the user warning component corresponds to one of the two usage directions, especially the inferior usage direction.

9. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The usage characteristics include the acceleration, orientation, and / or tilt angle of the device (1).

10. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The sensor (30) includes one or more gyroscopes, one or more accelerometers, one or more tilt sensors, one or more tilt switches, one or more sensors configured to determine position relative to an initial position, or a combination thereof.

11. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The usage characteristics are measured along an axis (Y) that extends at least partially between the front (F1) and the back (F2).

12. A method for hair care, particularly for straightening or curling hair, implemented by means of a hair strand moving device (1), particularly the device according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: - The usage characteristics of the device (1) are detected while the device (1) moves along the hair bundle. - Based on the aforementioned usage characteristics, the usage direction of the device (1) is determined from at least a first usage direction and a second usage direction. In the first usage direction, the hair strand travels from the front (F1) of the device to the opposite back (F2); in the second usage direction, the hair strand travels from the back (F2) to the opposite front (F1). - When the device (1) is used in at least one direction, information about the direction of use of the device (1) is generated.

13. The method according to the preceding claim, comprising issuing a user warning when the device (1) is used in at least one orientation.

14. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein, The user alert corresponds to a signal that the user can perceive, especially a sound, visual, or tactile signal.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, At least one component of the device (1) is controlled based on a determined direction of use.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, comprising a heat treatment step, particularly heat treatment on a heated care surface, particularly on a heating plate (16), and / or comprising at least one additional care step, particularly steam application, cosmetic application and / or combing.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein, The device (1) includes two jaws (3, 4) that can be in an open configuration to guide hair therebetween and in a closed care configuration. In the method, an alert is issued only when the jaws (3, 4) are in the closed configuration. The configuration of the jaws (3, 4) is determined before the direction of use is determined. The direction of use of the device (1) is determined only when the jaws (3, 4) are detected to be in the closed configuration.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising determining the configuration of the jaws (3, 4) before detecting the use characteristics, and performing the detection of the use characteristics only if the jaws (3, 4) are detected to be in a closed configuration.

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