Steam treatment device for hair, in particular for curling and / or straightening hair

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for treating hair, comprising: - at least one steam outlet configured to face or be in contact with the hair, - an evaporation system comprising an evaporation chamber in fluid communication with the steam outlet, - a liquid supply member having a fluid outlet that extends inside the evaporation chamber and is designed to supply the evaporation chamber with liquid in a liquid supply zone of the evaporation chamber, the liquid supply zone extending at least over the entire length of the fluid outlet of the supply member inside the evaporation chamber, - a heating structure of the evaporation chamber housed in the device and overlapping the evaporation chamber in a heat exchange zone of the evaporation chamber distinct from the liquid supply zone.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for treating hair, particularly for curling and / or straightening hair, especially for treating hair by applying steam, and a corresponding treatment method.

[0002] Existing technology

[0003] There are many types of hair styling tools or accessories known for shaping hair, especially those that shape hair by straightening, curling, or wrinkling, such as straighteners or curling irons.

[0004] To enhance the treatment effect, some appliances provide steam distribution to individual hair strands or the entire head of hair. Applications WO2014064660, EP2959793, EP2765884, and EP2449911, for example, describe steam treatment devices for hair, which include a liquid reservoir, and one of the clamps includes an evaporation system and a system for distributing steam to individual hair strands. The liquid, typically water or a cosmetic product for hair, is stored in the reservoir and injected through pipes into the evaporation system, which includes chambers. Under the action of a heating device in contact with the evaporation chambers, the liquid becomes vaporized and reaches the distribution system, which includes multiple orifices in the form of slots oriented to spray steam onto the hair strands held between two treatment surfaces. However, the rapid temperature rise of the liquid (which may contain minerals) in the evaporation chambers can cause scale or limescale to gradually deposit inside or at one end of the pipes until the pipes become blocked. This leads to malfunction of the hair styling appliance and shortens its lifespan.

[0005] International application WO2020 / 127852 describes an apparatus comprising an evaporation chamber and a dispensing chamber, the evaporation chamber being supplied with fluid via a conduit having an opening along the conduit and / or a hydrophobic layer below an injection point where the liquid enters the evaporation chamber. Such features extend the service life of these devices, particularly by limiting conduit blockage.

[0006] Therefore, there is still a need for a device that treats hair by applying steam at least once, where service life is improved by limiting scaling of the liquid supply from the steam outlet, while having a simple structure. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention addresses this need by providing a device for processing hair, particularly for curling and / or straightening hair, the device comprising: - At least one steam outlet configured to face or contact the hair. - An evaporation system comprising an evaporation chamber in fluid communication with a steam outlet. - A liquid supply component having a fluid outlet extending inside the evaporation chamber and designed to supply liquid to the evaporation chamber in a liquid supply zone extending at least along the entire length of the fluid outlet of the supply component inside the evaporation chamber. - The heating structure of the evaporation chamber is housed in the equipment and overlaps with the evaporation chamber in a heat exchange zone that is different from the liquid supply zone.

[0008] "Fluid connectivity" refers to the ability of fluids to flow directly or indirectly between two things.

[0009] The fact that the heat exchange zone and liquid supply zone in the evaporation chamber are different means that the hottest area in the evaporation chamber does not have to be in the liquid supply zone. This limits scale formation in that area, thus delaying the blockage of the supply components by scale that would otherwise form there. Indeed, scale is generally considered to form faster in areas undergoing greater heat exchange. Therefore, this invention places the largest heat exchange zone away from the water supply zone of the evaporation chamber. This particularly limits the risk of failure due to steam stoppage and the frequency of descaling maintenance, thereby reducing operation.

[0010] Preferably, the device is for shaping hair, especially for curling and / or straightening hair.

[0011] Preferably, the processing device is elongated along the main axis. In variations, the processing device has different, non-elongated shapes.

[0012] Preferably, the processing device includes a handheld component with a handle and a head. The handle facilitates gripping the device and allows for the insertion of additional components, particularly a user interface, a reservoir for the fluid to be evaporated, and optionally a reservoir for cosmetic products. Preferably, the head includes an evaporation chamber and a heating structure.

[0013] The head of the processing device can have any shape in cross-section. Preferably, the cross-section of the processing device head is substantially polygonal, particularly substantially rectangular or substantially square, or substantially elliptical or circular. Other cross-sectional shapes are feasible, such as a cross-section with a polygonal profile on one side and a non-polygonal (especially rounded, e.g., circular) profile on the other side. Preferably, the head of the device has a generally flat shape in cross-section.

[0014] Preferably, the device, particularly the head of the device, includes a hair processing base plate configured to contact or face the hair and have a steam outlet. Preferably, the processing base plate includes a base having a substantially planar or substantially outwardly convex outer surface. Preferably, the processing base plate has a substantially polygonal (especially rectangular or square) profile when viewed from the front, but it can also be circular or elliptical.

[0015] The device may include a reservoir of fluid to be evaporated, incorporated into a handheld component, particularly its handle, as mentioned above. In a variant, the device includes a base in fluid communication with the handheld component (particularly its handle), into which the reservoir of fluid to be evaporated is incorporated. In another variant, the device is connected via its handle to an external liquid supply source, particularly to an external outlet.

[0016] Preferably, the device is a hair straightening and / or curling device.

[0017] The device may include at least one processing surface configured to contact or face a portion of the hairline.

[0018] The device may include two jaws arranged opposite each other and hinged together, movable between a closed processing configuration and an open configuration in which hair is engaged between the jaws. At least one of the jaws includes an internal processing member, which in particular defines a processing base plate including an internal processing surface configured to contact or face a portion of a hair lock in the closed configuration.

[0019] The surface being processed can be a heat-treated surface, or a processing component, particularly a heating plate facing the other jaw.

[0020] At least one of the jaws may include an evaporation chamber and a heating structure.

[0021] Preferably, the other jaw has no steam outlet and no steam chamber.

[0022] The jaws can be held by the free arms, which are connected to each other, particularly by a hinge at one end, so that the jaws can be in a closed or open configuration. Each arm may include a half-handle on the hinge side and one jaw on the free end side.

[0023] Preferably, the fluid to be evaporated is water, and more preferably, water that has not undergone demineralization treatment and has not been distilled.

[0024] Supply components

[0025] The supply component for the fluid to be evaporated can be connected to a reservoir that contains the liquid (especially water).

[0026] Preferably, the supply member is a liquid supply conduit that extends partially inside the evaporation chamber and is designed to define a supply area within the evaporation chamber in which the conduit extends.

[0027] The evaporation chamber may extend along the main axis, especially the longitudinal axis, and the supply components, especially the conduits, extend at least partially along the main axis inside the evaporation chamber.

[0028] The supply components, especially the supply conduit, may have a free end that forms an injection point for injecting liquid into the evaporation chamber.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively, the sidewall of the supply component, particularly the supply conduit, may be at least partially open from its free end, and this lateral opening is particularly shaped to allow liquid from the reservoir to flow into the evaporation chamber in the event of scale buildup and deposition at the free end of the supply component, particularly the supply conduit. This limits blockage of the supply component by allowing liquid to flow into the evaporation chamber through the lateral opening.

[0030] The opening may include at least one slot extending substantially parallel to the axis of the supply member, particularly the supply conduit, and preferably at least two slots extending on both sides of the supply member, particularly the supply conduit, preferably forming a plane parallel to the inner surface of the evaporation chamber.

[0031] The opening may be a cut in half of the cross-section of the supply member, particularly the supply conduit, extending substantially parallel to the axis of the supply member, particularly the supply conduit, and preferably, the supply member, particularly the supply conduit, is arranged in the evaporation chamber such that the cut is located on the side opposite to the heated surface of the heated structure of the evaporation chamber.

[0032] The free end of the supply catheter can be beveled.

[0033] The ratio between the height of the evaporation chamber and the inner diameter of the supply conduit can be between 0.55 and 0.75.

[0034] Liquid supply area and heat exchange area

[0035] Preferably, the evaporation chamber extends along the main axis, especially the longitudinal axis.

[0036] The heat exchange zone and the liquid supply zone can be separated along the main axis of the evaporation chamber.

[0037] Preferably, the liquid supply zone extends inside the evaporation chamber along the entire length of the supply member within the evaporation chamber, particularly from the wall defining the evaporation chamber, including the inlet, to the free end of the supply member, particularly the supply conduit.

[0038] The heat exchange zone can precisely correspond to the area that overlaps with the heating structure.

[0039] The heat exchange zone can extend to less than 80%, preferably less than 70%, and more preferably less than 60% of the length of the evaporation chamber.

[0040] The heat exchange zone can extend over a length between 20% and 80% of the evaporation chamber.

[0041] Preferably, the heat exchange zone is separated from the supply zone by a non-zero distance along the main axis of the evaporation chamber, and this distance is particularly greater than or equal to 5% of the length of the evaporation chamber, preferably greater than or equal to 10% of the length of the evaporation chamber.

[0042] Evaporation chamber

[0043] Preferably, the evaporation chamber extends along the main axis, especially the longitudinal axis, which is parallel to the main axis of the equipment.

[0044] Preferably, the device contains a single evaporation chamber.

[0045] Preferably, the evaporation chamber is composed of a single cavity in the device.

[0046] The evaporation chamber may be defined by a hollow body. The hollow body may include several parts, particularly the cavity forming the evaporation chamber cavity and the cavity sealing wall extending between the cavity and the processing surface. The cavity may be a single piece. In a variant, the hollow body is a single piece.

[0047] The evaporation chamber may not require elements for absorbing the liquid to be evaporated. This makes the device easier to manufacture and lighter. Consequently, it is easier to operate, and in the case of a brush, it can comb hair in several directions. Water evaporation is also promoted, and scale formation is limited.

[0048] Preferably, the evaporation chamber includes a first evaporation volume and a second evaporation volume in fluid communication with the first evaporation volume, with the supply member extending inside the first volume. The first and second evaporation volumes are connected by a channel with a cross-section smaller than at least one cross-section of the first evaporation volume. The presence of the two evaporation volumes separated from each other by the reduced cross-section allows for restriction of liquid water from the first evaporation volume into the second evaporation volume and prevents any scale particles that may form in the first evaporation volume. The first and second evaporation volumes may have the same width and be longitudinally continuous along the main axis of the evaporation chamber. The reduced cross-section channel may be formed by a protrusion projecting from one of the walls, particularly the upper or lower wall.

[0049] The volume of the evaporation chamber can be between 3,000 mm³ and 20,000 mm³. The volume of the second evaporation chamber can be greater than or equal to 5% of the total volume of the evaporation chamber, preferably greater than or equal to 8%, and more preferably greater than or equal to 10%. Such an evaporation chamber can hold enough steam to ensure effective hair treatment while keeping the device compact and lightweight.

[0050] The heat exchange zone may overlap with the first and second volumes of the evaporation chamber. The heat exchange zone may extend substantially through the entire second volume and extend within a portion of the first volume.

[0051] The evaporation chamber may not have a cavity for housing the heating structure.

[0052] Heating structure

[0053] Preferably, the heating structure is disposed on the equipment and located outside the evaporation chamber.

[0054] The heating structure can be located outside the hollow body of the evaporation chamber.

[0055] The heating structure may include a flat surface that contacts the outer surface of the hollow body in the evaporation chamber.

[0056] Preferably, the heating structure comprises one or more heating elements designed to heat the upper or lower wall defining the evaporation chamber, particularly by contact or via a heat transfer element or layer (especially thermal grease).

[0057] The one or more heating elements may extend between the evaporation chamber and the processing surface (particularly the inner surface of the jaws supporting the heating elements), the jaws preferably including an internal heating plate. Thus, the one or more heating elements simultaneously heat both the processing surface and the evaporation chamber. In a variation, the one or more heating elements are in contact with the wall of the evaporation chamber opposite the processing surface. In another variation, the heating structure includes at least two heating elements on both sides of the evaporation chamber.

[0058] Preferably, the heating structure overlaps with the evaporation chamber without protruding beyond the evaporation chamber.

[0059] The heating element of the heating structure can be a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater or a ceramic heater, especially a metal-ceramic heater (MCH).

[0060] Preferably, the heating structure is configured to heat the evaporation chamber such that during use, especially when liquid enters the evaporation chamber, the temperature in the heat exchange zone is always greater than or equal to the evaporation temperature of the fluid to be evaporated. The heating structure can be configured to heat the heat exchange zone to a temperature between 100°C and 200°C, preferably to a temperature between 110°C and 180°C.

[0061] The one or more heating elements may have an electrical power of 50W or more, or even 100W, 200W or 500W. In particular, the heating power of the heating elements is selected such that, taking into account the incoming liquid flow rate and liquid temperature, all liquid is continuously evaporated upon reaching the evaporation chamber.

[0062] equipment

[0063] The device may include a single steam outlet, which is particularly elongated and extends parallel to the main axis of the device and / or evaporation chamber. In a variant, the device includes multiple steam outlets extending along at least one row of steam outlets parallel to the main axis of the device and / or evaporation chamber.

[0064] The evaporation system may include a steam distribution chamber, which is in fluid communication with the evaporation chamber and supplies steam to one or more steam outlets that are directly connected to the distribution chamber.

[0065] Preferably, the device contains a single dispensing chamber.

[0066] The evaporation chamber and the distribution chamber can be formed as a single unit, with the heating element mounted on the device and located outside the unit.

[0067] The dispensing chamber may extend alongside the evaporation chamber. The evaporation chamber and the dispensing chamber may have parallel extending planes.

[0068] In a variant, the device may include several distribution chambers that are parallel to each other and in fluid communication with the evaporation chamber, each distribution chamber supplying steam to at least one steam outlet.

[0069] Preferably, the distribution chamber includes an elongated hollow body forming a steam distribution track, the hollow body including a steam inlet, preferably at one end, which is in fluid communication with the evaporation chamber, particularly at the end of the evaporation chamber opposite the supply member.

[0070] The main body of the distribution chamber may include a partition wall shared with the main body of the evaporation chamber. The wall of the evaporation chamber may form the side wall of the distribution chamber, and the two chambers are connected to each other through openings in the wall.

[0071] The main body of the evaporation chamber and / or distribution chamber can be made of a thermally conductive material, especially a metal. Preferably, the thermally conductive material has a thermal conductivity greater than 10 W / m². - ¹K - ¹, Preferably greater than 50 Wm - ¹K - ¹, More preferably greater than 100 Wm - ¹K - ¹ Thermal conductivity.

[0072] Preferably, the heating structure does not overlap with the distribution chamber.

[0073] The evaporation chamber may include an inner surface at least partially covered by a hydrophobic layer, which is located at least within the liquid supply area. The hydrophobic layer may comprise polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and may be located only below the liquid supply area, particularly only at the free end of the conduit, and its area is between 10 mm² and 2000 mm², preferably between 100 mm² and 1000 mm², more preferably between 500 mm² and 600 mm², for example, 552 mm².

[0074] Preferably, the device, especially the handheld component, includes a component for detecting the jaw configuration to detect whether the jaws are in a closed or open configuration, particularly a proximity sensor or a Hall effect sensor.

[0075] The detection component can be positioned between the two arms at the half-handle.

[0076] The device may include a system, particularly a pump, for supplying liquid to an evaporation chamber. The supply system may be configured to supply liquid to the evaporation chamber based on the temperature of the evaporation chamber and / or based on the time elapsed since device startup and / or based on the jaw configuration. The supply system may be configured to supply liquid to the evaporation chamber only when the temperature of the evaporation chamber is above a predetermined temperature threshold and / or when the time elapsed since device startup is greater than or equal to a predetermined time, which specifically corresponds to the time required for the evaporation chamber to reach the predetermined temperature threshold. The temperature of the evaporation chamber may be measured using a sensor disposed therein or a sensor located at the interface between the heating structure and the evaporation chamber.

[0077] Temperature-controlled water intake limits the risk of applying liquid water instead of steam.

[0078] The supply system for the evaporation chamber can be configured to supply liquid to the evaporation chamber only when the jaws are in a closed configuration. The supply system can be configured to be activated only when a component for detecting the jaw configuration detects that the jaws are in a closed configuration, or to be disabled if the component for detecting the jaw configuration detects that the jaws are in an open configuration.

[0079] Preferably, the supply system is configured to operate at a constant, predetermined flow rate.

[0080] The device may include a steam control component configured to control whether steam is applied to the hair. For example, the steam control component may control the amount of water entering the evaporation chamber. When a user wishes to apply steam to their hair, they can actuate the steam control component, which then commands, for example, a pump connected to a reservoir to bring liquid into the evaporation chamber. As explained above, the liquid may be supplied to the evaporation chamber according to certain additional conditions described above, particularly a given temperature of the chamber, a given time after activation, and / or depending on the configuration of the clamps. The control component may be controlled by the user via a selector (e.g., a button with two or three positions).

[0081] The device according to the invention may include a power source. For example, it may be powered by a storage device and / or a battery, and / or by a cable connected to a power outlet or power adapter.

[0082] The power supply can be used, in particular, to supply power to the heating structure directly or indirectly via control circuitry.

[0083] The main body of the evaporation chamber can be detachably mounted on the equipment. The same applies if heating plates are present on the same jaws and / or for the heating structure. They can be removed sequentially or together as a directly removable block. This facilitates equipment maintenance.

[0084] processing method

[0085] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention also relates to a method of treating hair using the device described above, comprising applying steam to the hair via the one or more steam outlets.

[0086] Preferably, the total steam flow rate from the one or more steam outlets can be substantially constant as long as liquid is supplied to the evaporation chamber.

[0087] Preferably, the method is a treatment that straightens or curls the hair.

[0088] Preferably, during the application of steam, the temperature in the heat exchange zone is higher than the temperature in the supply zone. The temperature in the heat exchange zone may be greater than or equal to the evaporation temperature of the liquid, while the temperature in the supply zone may be lower than the evaporation temperature of the liquid.

[0089] The features of the aforementioned devices can be combined or applied independently to the method.

[0090] Preferably, the method includes detecting the jaw configuration and applying steam according to the jaw configuration, wherein the steam application is activated only when the jaws are in a closed configuration.

[0091] This method can be repeated several times to completely treat part or all of the hair.

[0092] This method may include one or more steps of rinsing the hair.

[0093] The method may include at least one step of applying a cosmetic product to the hair before or after using the device (especially a brush) according to the invention, and preferably before use.

[0094] Cosmetic products can be compositions for cleaning, coloring, bleaching, conditioning, or styling hair. Preferably, cosmetic products are hair styling compositions, particularly those for curling, setting, or preferably smoothing or straightening hair.

[0095] Cosmetic products that can be used in the method of the present invention can be in the form of liquid, gel, lotion or cream, and can be a single emulsion (O / W or W / O) or multiple emulsions, or a solid form.

[0096] Cosmetic products may contain one or more active agents selected from reducing agents, particularly thiols; oxidizing agents, particularly hydrogen peroxide or peracids such as persulfates; coloring agents, particularly pigments, direct dyes, or oxidative dyes; temporary setting agents, particularly preferably anionic, amphoteric, or nonionic setting polymers; conditioning agents, particularly silicones, mineral or vegetable oils, vegetable waxes, cationic surfactants, or cationic polymers; and basic reagents or acids. Even more preferably, cosmetic products contain one or more reagents selected from oxidizing agents, reducing agents, or hydroxide-type basic reagents.

[0097] Brief description of the attached figures

[0098] Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, which are given by way of non-limiting example, wherein: [ Figure 1 [Issue 1] is a general overview diagram of a hair treatment device according to the present invention. [ Figure 2 [A] is a perspective view of an evaporation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [ Figure 3 [This is based on] Figure 2 A top view of the evaporation system in the embodiment, wherein the heating structure extending below the evaporation system is shown by dashed lines. [ Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The cross-section of the evaporation system shown along axis AA represents the operating state with no scale buildup in the evaporation chamber. [ Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 The cross-section of the evaporation system along axis AA, as shown, represents its operating condition after a given period of use. [ Figure 6 The image shows a cross-section of a modified evaporation system in its operational state after a given period of use. Detailed Implementation

[0099] In the remainder of this specification, elements that are identical or have the same function are marked with the same reference numerals. For the sake of brevity, not every figure is described; only the differences between embodiments are described.

[0100] For clarity, the accompanying drawings do not always show the actual scale.

[0101] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of processing device 1, which is used particularly for shaping hair, especially for straightening hair, using steam to shape the hair.

[0102] The device 1 described is a hair straightener. However, the present invention is not limited to this type of device. Those skilled in the art can readily apply the present invention to various styling devices, especially curling or combing devices.

[0103] In the illustrated example, the device includes a first arm 2 and a second arm 3, which are hinged together by a hinge 20. Each arm 2 and 3 includes a proximal portion (including the hinge) in the form of a semi-handle and a distal portion forming a first jaw 5 and a second jaw 6 facing each other. The maximum opening angle (not illustrated) between the first and second arms is between 5° and 60°, preferably between 10° and 20°, and more preferably about 15°. Jaws 5 and 6 can be positioned in an open configuration and a closed processing configuration corresponding to the maximum opening angle. The hinge 20 may include a resilient member for holding jaws 5 and 6 in the open configuration when stationary. Therefore, the user must mechanically close the jaws to present the closed configuration and process the hair.

[0104] The first processing surface (not shown) is supported by the first jaw 5, and the second processing surface 4 is supported by the second jaw 6. When the jaws 5 and 6 are in a closed configuration, the first and second surfaces are used to clamp the hair strands between them.

[0105] The first and second processing surfaces 4 are typically complementary. They may have different shapes depending on the intended use of the hair styling appliance 1, and are preferably interchangeable. Generally, the processing surfaces are flat when the processing appliance 1 is used as a straightening appliance, curved (not shown) when used as a curling appliance, or wavy (not shown) when used as a wrinkling appliance. Curling appliances are described, for example, in document EP0619087. The processing surfaces may also be non-flat, i.e., including multiple protrusions, such as, for example, teeth or spikes (not explained).

[0106] Steam processing equipment also includes liquid storage tanks, typically water tanks. Figure 1(not shown), or a container containing cosmetic reagents, which may be embedded in one of the jaws, or alternatively arranged remotely from the instrument in a so-called remote base, as provided in document EP3025610.

[0107] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As explained, the liquid reservoir is in fluid communication with the liquid evaporation system 7 via a supply conduit 74. Advantageously, the liquid reservoir is fitted into a jaw that includes the liquid evaporation system 7.

[0108] The evaporation system 7 includes at least one evaporation chamber 71, which occupies a continuous volume in which evaporation occurs, i.e., a defined, uninterrupted volume. The evaporation chamber 71 may be substantially parallelepiped and, for example, have a rectangular, square, or trapezoidal cross-section. This provides a good trade-off between the compactness and efficiency of the evaporation system.

[0109] Evaporation chamber 71 extends, for example, along the main axis X parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the device.

[0110] The free end of the supply conduit 74 forms an injection point 75 in the main evaporation chamber 71 within the liquid supply zone Zi, as... Figure 3 As explained. Preferably, the supply conduit 74 extends into the evaporation chamber 71, and the liquid contained in the reservoir can be injected into the main evaporation chamber 71 from this injection point. Therefore, the supply conduit 74 is different from the evaporation chamber 71, i.e., it is not the same component. Typically, the liquid contained in the reservoir is water or cosmetic product.

[0111] As explained, the liquid supply zone Zi extends within the evaporation chamber 71 along the entire length of the supply conduit 74 extending into the evaporation chamber 71, from the wall 100 of the evaporation chamber located behind the supply conduit 74 and including the inlet 101 of the supply conduit 74 to the free end 75 of the supply conduit 74.

[0112] In this example, the liquid supply zone Zi extends along the main axis X for a length Li, which is less than 50% of the length V of the evaporation system 7. The supply conduit 74 also extends along the main axis X for a length less than 50% of the length V of the evaporation system 7. This is advantageous because it ensures that the most efficient evaporation area is large enough to evaporate all the liquid. However, it can also be different, especially when the supply conduit 74 is longer.

[0113] The hair styling appliance further includes a steam distribution system 7', which communicates with the evaporation system 7 and includes one or more orifices 77 for distributing steam to the hair strands. The distribution system 7' may, for example, include a distribution chamber 76 in steam communication with the evaporation chamber 71, and at least one steam distribution orifice 77 is arranged in this distribution chamber. The distribution chamber 76 may extend alongside the evaporation system 7, preferably extending substantially along the entire length of the evaporation system 7. This provides a trade-off between the compactness and efficiency of the evaporation system 7 and the distribution system 7'.

[0114] The evaporation chamber 71 is preferably a partitioned chamber heated by a heating structure 8 (e.g., a heating device 8 arranged in contact with the evaporation chamber 71), so that the liquid injected into the evaporation chamber 71 can be evaporated independently of the heating of other parts of the hair styling appliance 1.

[0115] Heating structure 8 can be, for example, Figure 1 The exploded view shows that it is located below the evaporation system 7.

[0116] The heating structure 8 can be arranged against the maximum outer surface of the evaporation system 7, preferably placed on the opposite side of the distribution orifice 77, and can extend to at least partially press against the side surface of the evaporation system 7.

[0117] As explained, the heating structure 8 is separated from the supply conduit 74 along the main axis X, and especially from the end 75 of the supply conduit in the evaporation chamber.

[0118] This causes the heating structure 8 to form a heat exchange zone Zc in the evaporation chamber 71, which is directly opposite the heating structure through the bottom wall of the evaporation chamber. This heat exchange zone Zc is different from and separated from the liquid supply zone Zi.

[0119] For example, the heat exchange zone Zc is separated from the supply zone by a distance Dz along the main axis X of the evaporation chamber 71, and this distance Dz is greater than 5% of the length V of the evaporation chamber 71.

[0120] In this example, the length Lc of the heat exchange zone Zc extending along the main axis X is less than 60% of the length V of the evaporation system 7.

[0121] Typically, evaporation occurs in the evaporation system 7 and the steam distribution system 7′.

[0122] Preferably, the evaporation system 7 has a maximum external volume of 110 × 35 × 12.5 mm and sufficient internal volume to store at least 35 liters of scale contained in hard water with a hardness of 28°F. The heating structure 8 is designed, for example, to evaporate water in a cycle of 10 seconds continuous and 10 seconds rest at a flow rate of about 1 g / min ± 0.5 g / min.

[0123] The evaporation system 7 may include a body 10 defining an evaporation chamber 71 and a distribution chamber 76. The body 10 may be made of metal, alloy, or any thermally conductive material. Typically, the body 10 of the evaporation chamber is made of aluminum and may be manufactured by molding or extrusion.

[0124] The main body 10 may include several parts, particularly at least one cover 12. According to... Figure 1 The exploded view shown indicates that the evaporation system 7 includes a first part comprising an evaporation chamber 71 pressed against the heating structure 8. A second part (in this case, a cover 12) is placed on the first part, and the second part includes an orifice connected to a steam distribution orifice 77. Preferably, the respective parts are sealed, for example, by means of silicone gaskets.

[0125] Advantageously, the leaf spring compresses the heating structure 8 by the evaporation system 7 to ensure permanent contact and optimal operation.

[0126] The heating structure 8 can typically be a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater or a ceramic heater, but more generally, it can be any system capable of heating the evaporation chamber 71 for the intended purpose.

[0127] The heating structure 8 can be adjusted by a thermistor, such as a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, which acts as a temperature sensor and is preferably positioned above the injection point. The thermistor can make the hairdressing appliance 1 safer by preventing liquid injection under specific conditions (e.g., depending on the temperature of the heating structure 8). Typically, the lower temperature limit is approximately 95°C and the higher temperature limit is approximately 130°C, or within a reduced temperature range, the lower temperature limit is 105°C and the higher temperature limit is 120°C or even 110°C.

[0128] Advantageously, the supply conduit 74 is centered on the longitudinal axis X of the evaporation chamber 71. The end 75 of the supply conduit forming the injection point is arranged substantially at the first third of the length of the evaporation chamber 71 along the main axis X.

[0129] It is advantageous to keep the injection point away from the steam distribution device 7′ to limit the risk of hot water that has not evaporated in time spraying out. Preferably, the outer wall of the supply conduit 74 is at least 1 mm away from the inner wall of the evaporation chamber 71, and the height of the evaporation chamber is greater than 8 mm, to limit scale deposition at the free end 75 of the supply conduit 74 and thus limit premature clogging.

[0130] The supply conduit 74 can be made of a material containing or coated with a material that has poor scale adhesion to limit scale deposition. Typically, the chosen material can be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, also known by the registered trademark Teflon®), which has excellent anti-stick properties and is very heat-resistant. Preferably, at least one inner wall of the supply conduit 74 is coated with PTFE, thereby making the supply conduit 74 resistant to high temperatures, especially above 300°C, and the inner wall has a very low coefficient of friction, which limits scale deposition on the inner wall of the supply conduit 74.

[0131] The supply conduit 74 preferably has a large inner cross-section to prevent premature blockage, for example, at the free end 75 of the supply conduit 74. The inner cross-section can typically have a diameter greater than 3 mm, preferably greater than 4 mm. To limit heat transfer from the wall of the evaporation chamber 71 to the liquid, the wall of the supply conduit 74 can advantageously have a thickness greater than 1 mm. A ring made of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) having an inner cross-section of 6 mm and an outer cross-section of 7 mm can be attached to the supply conduit 74 to limit heat transfer to the inner wall of the supply conduit 74.

[0132] Preferably, the ratio between the height of the evaporation chamber 71 and the inner cross-sectional diameter of the supply conduit 74 is between 0.55 and 0.75; typically, for a height of 4.9 mm and an inner diameter of 3 mm, this ratio is approximately 0.6. Indeed, these dimensions are optimized to ensure best scaling resistance while limiting the size of the components.

[0133] Advantageously, the portion forming the free end 75 of the supply conduit 74 can have a specific shape that allows any scale buildup to concentrate in a specific area, while providing liquid that can continue to enter the area of ​​the evaporation chamber 71 without being hindered by scale buildup.

[0134] For example, the free end 75 of the supply catheter 74 (which forms the injection point) is beveled, such as... Figure 4 As explained. Alternatively or additionally, the supply conduit 74 may include an opening that extends substantially along the supply conduit from the free end 75 forming the injection point. This opening is shaped to allow liquid from the reservoir to flow into the evaporation chamber 71, even in the event of scale buildup and deposition at the free end 75 of the supply conduit 74.

[0135] In one exemplary embodiment, the opening in the supply catheter 74 is a cut in half of the supply catheter 74, extending substantially parallel to the axis of the supply catheter 74. Figures 2 to 5In the exemplary embodiment described, the supply conduit 74 is arranged in the evaporation chamber 71 such that the cut is located on the side opposite to the wall forming the bottom of the evaporation chamber 71. Typically, in the exemplary embodiment where the evaporation chamber 71 is closed by a plate forming a cover 12, this means that the cut in the supply conduit 74 is then oriented toward the plate forming the cover 12.

[0136] According to a preferred, but not limiting, exemplary embodiment, the inner surface of the evaporation chamber 71 is at least partially covered by a hydrophobic layer 9, which is made, in particular, of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and is located at least below the injection point on the bottom surface of the body 10, closest to the water outlet. The hydrophobic layer 9 is used to restrict evaporation on the surface closest to the outlet below the injection point, thereby moving the evaporation deeper into the evaporation chamber 71 and limiting scale deposition closer to the injection point.

[0137] In one exemplary embodiment, the optional hydrophobic layer 9 is formed by applying a hydrophobic material to a localized area on the bottom of the body 10. Typically, the hydrophobic material can be applied like paint or a coating, or sprayed onto the inner surface of the evaporation chamber 71.

[0138] Advantageously, the hydrophobic layer 9 is an attachment element inside the evaporation chamber 71. The attachment element can be held in position within the evaporation chamber 71 by a fixing device including an element 710 for aligning the attachment element relative to the injection point.

[0139] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the exemplary evaporation chamber 71 described, the centering element 710 includes a centering half-pin 710a formed in the evaporation chamber 71, which is designed to mate with a notch 9a of a complementary shape formed in the attachment element 9.

[0140] Advantageously but not necessarily, and especially as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the liquid evaporation system 7 may include a first evaporation volume 71 and a second evaporation volume 72, which are preferably separated from each other by a wall 121 forming a channel between the two volumes 71 and 72, the cross-section of which is smaller than that of at least the first volume 71. The first evaporation chamber 71 is thus arranged upstream of the second evaporation chamber 72 in the direction of vapor flow. Preferably, a hydrophobic layer 9 extends inside the first volume 71. The heat exchange zone Zc preferably overlaps with the two volumes 71 and 72, and the liquid supply zone Zi preferably extends only inside the first volume 71. The wall 121 can thus form a barrier to prevent scale from entering the second volume 72.

[0141] Preferably, the second volume 72 includes discontinuities or obstacles created by the presence of the baffle 73 to form a maze path for the steam.

[0142] Baffle 73 refers to any obstruction or barrier placed within the chamber to cause irregular movement of steam, such as in a zigzag pattern, reducing the flow rate in the secondary evaporation chamber 72 and increasing contact with the various wall surfaces of chamber 72. This causes any droplets to evaporate, thus ensuring complete evaporation of the liquid, and the heat exchange surface is increased due to the presence of baffle 73. Baffles 73 may, for example, be distributed parallel to each other. This allows steam to flow along a regular geometry, thus uniformly trapping scale in the secondary evaporation chamber 72.

[0143] Preferably, the first volume 71 is larger than the second volume 72, or even at least twice the second volume, so as to achieve rapid evaporation in the first volume without reducing the compactness of the evaporation system 7.

[0144] In this embodiment, an optional distribution chamber 76 may be arranged next to the evaporation chamber 71 and the sub-evaporation chamber 72, preferably along the entire length of the evaporation system 7.

[0145] Such arrangements and corresponding operations are described in detail in document EP2591698.

[0146] To explain the advantages of the above features, Figures 4 to 6 Specific exemplary embodiments are illustrated herein, which schematically represent an evaporation system 7 without a cover 12 during operation.

[0147] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the first exemplary embodiment shown, the supply conduit 74 includes an opening with a half-section cut, and the inner surface of the evaporation chamber 71 is covered with a hydrophobic layer 9 covering the bottom of the body 10. In operation, according to... Figure 4 At the first moment T1 (usually during the first use of the hair styling appliance 1), liquid 110 from the reservoir is injected into the evaporation chamber 71 via the supply conduit 74 from the free end 75 forming the initial injection point 11.

[0148] The injected water comes into contact with the hydrophobic layer 9 in the liquid supply zone, which does not overlap with the heating element 8 and is therefore less heated. It then flows to the heating zone Zc while still in a liquid state. The temperature in the heat exchange zone Zc is greater than or equal to the liquid's evaporation temperature, while the temperature in the supply zone Zi is preferably lower than the liquid's evaporation temperature. In the heating zone Zc, at the evaporation point far from the initial injection point 11 and far from the liquid supply zone Zi, it evaporates through a rapid increase in temperature.

[0149] The steam then enters the distribution chamber 76 and is then delivered to the hair, for example, through the orifice 77 at a constant flow rate.

[0150] according to Figure 5At time T2 after T1, for example after more than 10 L of hard water (typically with a hardness of 28°f) has been injected into the evaporation chamber 71, a gradual accumulation of scale or limestone occurs in the heating zone Zc, for example on the wall 121 at the inlet of the sub-evaporation chamber 72.

[0151] Therefore, the separation of the heating zone Zc from the liquid supply zone Zi limits the formation of scale in the liquid supply zone Zi, thereby delaying the blockage of the supply conduit 74 by scale that would normally form in this area.

[0152] In the above example, the supply catheter 74 includes an opening with a half-section cut. However, the invention is not limited to this type of supply catheter. Figure 6 As explained, the supply catheter 74 can be a simple cylindrical catheter without incisions and with an open end. The opening can be straight (as explained) or oblique.

[0153] Readers will understand that many modifications can be made without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages presented herein. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosed hairdressing appliances.

Claims

1. A device (1) for processing hair, particularly for curling and / or straightening hair, comprising: - At least one steam outlet (77) is configured to face or contact the hair. - Evaporation system (7), which includes an evaporation chamber (71) in fluid communication with the steam outlet (77). - A liquid supply component (74) having a fluid outlet extending inside the evaporation chamber (71) and designed to supply liquid to the evaporation chamber (71) in a liquid supply zone (Zi) extending at least along the entire length of the fluid outlet of the supply component (74) inside the evaporation chamber (71). - The heating structure (8) of the evaporation chamber (71) is housed in the device (1) and overlaps with the evaporation chamber (71) in a heat exchange zone (Zc) that is different from the liquid supply zone (Zi).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the evaporation chamber (71) extends along the main axis (X), particularly the longitudinal axis, and the supply member (74) extends at least partially along the main axis (X) inside the evaporation chamber (71).

3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid supply area (Zi) extends within the evaporation chamber (71) along the entire length of the supply member (74) in the evaporation chamber, and the heat exchange area (Zc) precisely corresponds to the area overlapping with the heating structure (8).

4. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat exchange zone (Zc) extends over a length (V) of less than 80%, preferably less than 70%, more preferably less than 60% of the length (V) of the evaporation chamber (71).

5. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sidewall of the supply member (74) is at least partially open from the free end (75).

6. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaporation chamber (71) extends along the main axis (X), in particular the longitudinal axis, and the heat exchange zone (Zc) and the liquid supply zone (Zi) are separated along the main axis (X) of the evaporation chamber (71).

7. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaporation chamber (71) extends along a main axis (X), particularly a longitudinal axis, and the heat exchange zone (Zc) is spaced from the supply zone (Zi) along the main axis (X) of the evaporation chamber (71) by a non-zero distance (Dz), the distance along the main axis (X) being particularly greater than or equal to 5% of the length (L) of the evaporation chamber (71), preferably greater than or equal to 10% of the length (L) of the evaporation chamber (71).

8. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaporation chamber (71) includes a first evaporation volume (71) and a second evaporation volume (72) in fluid communication with the first evaporation volume (71), the supply member (74) extends inside the first evaporation volume (71), the first evaporation volume and the second evaporation volume (71, 72) are connected by a channel with a cross-section smaller than at least one cross-section of the first evaporation volume (71), and the heat exchange zone preferably overlaps with the first evaporation volume and the second evaporation volume (71, 72) of the evaporation chamber.

9. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating structure (8) comprises one or more heating elements designed to heat the upper or lower wall defining the evaporation chamber (71).

10. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaporation chamber (71) has no element for absorbing the liquid to be evaporated.

11. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaporation system (7) includes a steam distribution chamber (76) different from the evaporation chamber (71), the steam distribution chamber (76) being in fluid communication with the evaporation chamber (71) and supplying steam to one or more of the steam outlets (77), the one or more of the steam outlets being directly connected to the distribution chamber (76).

12. A method for treating hair using the device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising applying steam to the hair via one or more of the steam outlets (77).

13. The method according to the preceding claims, wherein the total steam flow rate from one or more of the steam outlets (77) is substantially constant as long as liquid is supplied to the evaporation chamber (71).

14. The method according to any one of claims 12 and 13, wherein during the application of the steam, the temperature in the heat exchange zone (Zc) is higher than the temperature in the supply zone (Zi), the temperature in the heat exchange zone (Zc) is greater than or equal to the evaporation temperature of the liquid, and the temperature in the supply zone (Zi) is lower than the evaporation temperature of the liquid.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the device comprises two jaws (5; 6) arranged opposite to each other and hinged together, movable between a closed processing configuration and an open configuration, in which the hair is engaged between the jaws (5; 6), the method comprising detecting the configuration of the jaws (5; 6) and applying the steam according to the configuration of the jaws (5; 6), the steam application being activated particularly only when the jaws (5; 6) are in the closed configuration.

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