Electrospray hair styling device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hair styling device comprising two jaws articulated between an open position and a closed position allowing the clamping of strands of hair in the closed position, the device comprising: - a cartridge containing a liquid in use, the liquid preferably being a hair protecting agent; - at least one liquid outlet nozzle located so as to direct the liquid onto the strand of hair before the strand is clamped between the two jaws; - a conduit connecting the cartridge to the outlet nozzle and a pump to bring the liquid from the cartridge to the outlet nozzle; the outlet nozzle comprising an electro-nebulizer with a capillary tube energized by means of an ionization rod to apply an electric field to the liquid exiting the capillary tube and form a dispersion of micro-droplets similar to mist on the hair.

Description

Object of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of hairdressing devices, and in particular to that of hair straighteners, comprising a device for dispersing a thermal protection agent onto the strands of hair. State of the art

[0002] Hair straighteners, or flat irons, are well known to those in the trade. Most devices for shaping and straightening hair work on the principle of passing strands of hair between two jaws containing heated plates.

[0003] There is currently a real interest in protecting hair during straightening, for example by offering devices with lower temperatures, or those using airflow rather than heated plates, or by applying protective products to the hair. These protective products can, of course, be applied manually by the user before using the straightener, but this leads to several drawbacks, such as wasted time, the product not necessarily being applied evenly to all the hair, and the user getting their hands dirty with the product. The straightener with a spray function has therefore been developed, either spraying water to improve straightening and significantly reduce styling time, or spraying smoothing agents or heat protectants during drying.

[0004] US patent 9,095,196 describes a hair straightener with two heating plates located on two separate jaws, and a cartridge located on one of the jaws. The cartridge includes a reservoir for holding a liquid hair treatment agent and an ultrasonic probe, such as a piezoelectric transducer. The piezoelectric transducer oscillates when activated, generating an atomization of droplets of the liquid agent contained in the reservoir. The agent dispersed in the cartridge is injected between the two jaws, saturating the hair during straightening.

[0005] Document CN107125901A describes a hair straightener comprising orifices for dispersing a hair treatment agent, located along one lateral side of the heating plates. Dispersion is achieved by means of an atomizing nozzle located on one side of the hair straightening plate. Objectives of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, it aims to provide a hair styling device in the form of a hair straightener that applies a heat protectant to hair strands before they pass between the heating plates. The protectant is applied as a mist to the hair using an electro-spray (or electro-nebulization) technique to provide instant, homogeneous, and uniform misting.

[0007] The main purpose of the present invention is therefore to offer an improved and optimal application of the styling agent, thanks to the atomization of water droplets to create micro-droplets through the tension that is applied to the water.

[0008] The present invention also aims to provide a misting technique that does not use a membrane, an ultrasonic probe, or any other element that becomes clogged with the protective agent. The use of the electro-spray technique allows for a longer lifespan of the device, and the risk of channel obstruction is significantly reduced.

[0009] Another goal is to offer a more compact hair styling device. Thanks to misting, fewer spray nozzles are needed, allowing for a more compact design and reducing the complexity of the nozzle and ductwork network within the device. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention discloses a hair styling device comprising two jaws articulated between an open and a closed position, allowing the hair to be gripped in the closed position, the device comprising: a cartridge containing a liquid in use, the liquid preferably being a hair-protecting agent; at least one liquid outlet nozzle positioned to direct the liquid onto the strand of hair before the strand is pinched between the two jaws; a conduit connecting the cartridge to the outlet nozzle and a pump to bring the liquid from the cartridge to the outlet nozzle; The outlet nozzle includes an electro-nebulizer with a capillary tube energized by means of an ionization rod to apply an electric field to the liquid exiting the capillary tube and form a micro-droplet dispersion similar to mist on hair.

[0011] The invention comprises at least one or a suitable combination of the following features: The electro-nebulizer creates a voltage at the outlet of the capillary tube greater than 3 kV, preferably greater than 4 kV and preferably greater than 5 kV; the device comprises two smoothing plates inside the two jaws, and two nozzles on one lateral side of the smoothing plates, the two nozzles facing each other to project the mist so as to cover the entire area adjacent to the lateral side of the smoothing plates; the internal diameter of the capillary tube of the electro-nebulizer is less than 0.55 mm, preferably less than 0.50 mm, even more preferably less than 0.45 mm; the device comprises means for controlling the misting intensity according to the opening of the jaws, the control means comprising means for detecting the degree of jaw opening being linked to means for adjusting the pump flow rate; the pump flow rate is preferably between 1 and 5 ml / min;Means for adjusting the pump flow rate are provided so that the user can regulate the amount of mist; the device includes a jaw opening detector allowing the pump to be activated only if the jaws are in the open position; the device includes a sensor for detecting the tank fill level; the device includes a mist intensity indicator; conductive material cover plates are fixed to the jaws, which can be heated, during use, by at least one of the two heating plates by conduction; the device includes a temperature indicator for the heating plates; the distance from the capillary tube outlet of the electro-nebulizer is located between 15 and 25 mm, preferably between 10 and 20 mm, from the area in which the strand of hair is placed during use; the electro-nebulizer can be deactivated via an activation switch. Brief description of the figures

[0012] There figure 1 represents an example of a hair styling device according to the invention. figure 2 This represents an enlarged perspective view of the part of the device containing the liquid outlet nozzles. The view is partially cross-sectional to provide a direct view of the nozzles. In this example, there are two nozzles facing each other. figure 3 This represents another enlarged perspective view of the part of the device containing the outlet nozzles. In this example, there are two nozzles facing each other. figure 4 This schematically represents a liquid outlet nozzle, including an electro-nebulizer. figure 5 represents a perspective view of an example of a device according to the invention, with the cartridge removed from its recess. figure 6represents a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a device according to the present invention, the pumping system being shown. Numerical references of the figures

[0013] 1: Hair styling device 2: Articulated jaw 3: Liquid outlet nozzle 4: Electro-nebulizer 5: Capillary tube 6: Cartridge 7: Receiving recess 8: Liquid inlet 9: Ionization rod 10: Pump 11: Motor 12: Heating plate Detailed description of the invention

[0014] The present invention discloses a hair styling device, and in particular a hair straightener 1 for styling hair.

[0015] The device as shown in the Figure 1 It comprises two jaws, articulated between an open and a closed position, allowing it to grip strands of hair. The articulation can be achieved around a hinge incorporating a spring to hold the two jaws in the open position (not shown).

[0016] The two jaws each have heating plates 12 on their inner side, positioned so that the two plates 12 compress the hair strand when closed. These plates can be smooth, as shown in the figures, or textured to create specific effects on the hair (waves, backcombing, etc.). The plates are preferably heated by electrical resistors.

[0017] One of the jaws includes a cartridge 6 preferably placed in a recess 7 provided for this purpose, allowing the device's elongated profile to be disturbed as little as possible, as illustrated in the Figure 5Preferably, the cartridge is mounted removably on this jaw. In this preferred configuration, a recess can be provided opposite it in the other jaw, i.e., the one without the cartridge, to accommodate the lower part of the cartridge when both jaws are in the closed position.

[0018] The cartridge contains a reservoir that can hold a certain amount of liquid, preferably between 10 and 50 ml. The liquid inside preferably includes a hair-protecting agent, but other types of liquid or additives are possible (argan oil, perfume, etc.) to improve the appearance and styling of the hair.

[0019] The liquid from the cartridge will be conveyed via channels 8 to at least one liquid outlet nozzle 3 so that it can be applied to the hair. Each outlet nozzle includes an electro-nebulizer 4. Preferably, the hair straightener includes two outlet nozzles, each with an electro-nebulizer, as illustrated in the diagrams. Figure 2 And 3 The nozzles can be located along one side of the heating plates, so that the hair is sprayed with the liquid before passing between the jaws. If the straightener has two nozzles, they can face each other and spray the mist towards one another to cover the entire width of the hair strand, as on the... Figures 2 And 3In this case, the mist is projected parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hair straightener. Alternatively, more than two nozzles can be used, distributed along the heating plates, projecting the mist perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the straightener. The quantity, size, and distribution of the nozzles and their electro-nebulizers vary depending on the embodiment of the invention.

[0020] Thanks to the electro-nebulizer, the liquid in the cartridge reservoir is transformed into a dispersion of microdroplets to form a mist. The electro-nebulizer comprises a capillary tube 5 through which the liquid passes. The capillary tube is energized by an ionization rod 9, which applies an electric field to the liquid at the end of the capillary tube. The electric field forces the liquid out of the capillary tube as a dispersion of microdroplets, similar to a mist. With this technique, the spray applied to the hair is no longer in the form of a jet or large droplets, but rather as a mist.

[0021] Research has shown that optimal misting is achieved with an electro-nebulizer that has an internal capillary tube diameter of less than 0.55 mm, preferably less than 0.50 mm, and even more preferably less than 0.45 mm. The capillary tube outlet serves as the water outlet for the nozzle.

[0022] Furthermore, in order for the product to be best distributed on the strand, with the largest surface area reached by the mist, it is recommended that the distance from the outlet of the electro-nebulizer be located between 15 and 25mm, preferably between 10 and 20mm from the area to be reached, namely the strand of hair.

[0023] The voltage created by the electro-nebulizer at the outlet of the capillary tube is preferably greater than 3kV, preferably even greater than 4kV and preferably greater than 5kV.

[0024] The pump flow rate is preferably between 1 and 5ml / min, which will be divided between each water outlet nozzle.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, means for adjusting the pump flow rate are provided so that the user can regulate the amount of mist. Furthermore, a mist intensity indicator may be provided.

[0026] The reservoir can be filled via an opening with a cap located on the cartridge inlet. This opening is preferably positioned under the cartridge and can only be opened when the cartridge is removed from the jaw. Furthermore, the cartridge is secured to the jaw by a locking mechanism that releases it from its recess.

[0027] A switch activating the heating elements of the hot plates is advantageously provided, as well as an indicator showing the activation status of the heating elements. A temperature indicator for the hot plates may also be provided.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a jaw opening detector is provided. This detector saves energy because the pump, and therefore mist production, will only occur when the jaws are closed. Alternatively, the pump could be switched off if the jaws remain open for too long.

[0029] Furthermore, the hair straightener of the invention may include means for controlling the intensity of the mist spray based on the opening of the jaws. These control means include means for detecting the degree of jaw opening, which are linked to means for adjusting the pump flow rate. This allows for efficient misting, which is intensified when the straightener is closed, i.e., when the hair is clamped. In this way, the straightener saves energy during use. Another possibility is that the pump is switched off if the jaws remain open or closed for too long.

[0030] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the iron includes safety means to prevent exceeding a certain temperature threshold, generally around 230°C.

[0031] The iron of the invention may also include lighting means, such as LEDs, to illuminate the mist coming out of the heating plates.

[0032] A fill level detection probe may be located at the level of the tank in order to signal, by a light, sound or other signal, the absence of liquid in the tank.

[0033] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the jaws include combs on their contour.

[0034] Hair straighteners may also include plates located on the outer faces of the jaws. These plates are either smooth or textured to shape the hair wrapped around the straightener. The plates are heated by conduction.

[0035] The nebulizer can be deactivated at any time via an activation switch. It can also be activated without the heating elements of the heating plates being switched on. When the cartridge is empty, or if the user wishes to add an agent, the cartridge is removed by unlocking the lock.

Claims

1. Hair styling device (1) comprising two articulated jaws (2) between an open position and a closed position allowing the hair strands to be gripped in the closed position, the device (1) comprising: - a cartridge (6) containing a liquid in use, the liquid preferably being a hair protecting agent; - at least one liquid outlet nozzle (3) located so as to direct the liquid onto the hair strand before the strand is gripped between the two jaws (2); - a conduit (8) connecting the cartridge (6) to the outlet nozzle (3) and a pump (10) for bringing the liquid from the cartridge (6) to the outlet nozzle (3); the outlet nozzle (3) comprising an electro-nebulizer (4) with a capillary tube (5) energized by means of an ionization rod (9) to apply an electric field to the liquid exiting the capillary tube (5) and form a dispersion of micro-droplets similar to mist on the hair.

2. Hair styling device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electro-nebulizer (4) creates a voltage at the outlet of the capillary tube (5) greater than 3kV, preferably greater than 4kV and preferably greater than 5kV.

3. Hairdressing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that It includes two smoothing plates (12) inside the two jaws (2), and two nozzles (3) on one lateral side of the smoothing plates (12), the two nozzles (3) face each other to project the mist towards each other so as to cover the entire area adjacent to the lateral side of the smoothing plates (12).

4. Hairdressing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the internal diameter of the capillary tube (5) of the electro-nebulizer is less than 0.55mm, preferably less than 0.50mm, even more preferably less than 0.45mm.

5. Hairdressing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that It includes means for controlling the intensity of misting to the opening of the jaws (2), the control means including means for detecting the degree of opening of the jaws (2) being linked to means for adjusting the flow rate of the pump (10).

6. Hairdressing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow rate of the pump (10) is preferably between 1 and 5ml / min.

7. Hairdressing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that Means for adjusting the pump flow rate (10) are provided so that the user can regulate the amount of mist.

8. Hairdressing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in thatIt includes a jaw opening detector allowing the pump (10) to be activated only if the jaws (2) are in the open position.

9. Hairdressing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that It includes a sensor for detecting the tank's fill level.

10. Hairdressing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that It includes a fog intensity indicator.

11. Hairdressing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Cover plates made of conductive material are fixed to the jaws (2), which can be heated, in use, by at least one of the two heating plates (2) by conduction.

12. Hairdressing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that It includes a temperature indicator for the heating plates (12).

13. Hairdressing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance from the outlet of the capillary tube (5) of the electro-nebulizer (4) is located between 15 and 25mm, preferably between 10 and 20mm from the area in which the strand of hair is placed in use.

14. Hairdressing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The electro-nebulizer (4) can be deactivated via an activation switch.

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