Hair treatment device that diffuses steam onto the hair

Abstract

Hair Treatment Device Diffusing Steam onto the Hair. The invention relates to a hair treatment device (10), comprising: - at least one steam outlet (30) for emitting steam onto the hair, - a steam supply system (40) for said at least one steam outlet (30), - at least one contact or proximity detector (50) of the device with the hair, - a steam control unit (59) configured to authorize the supply and / or automatically supply steam to the steam outlet (30) by the steam supply system (40) when at least one predefined condition is met, this condition being a contact or proximity condition of the hair verified from information generated by the contact or proximity detector (50). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Hair treatment device diffusing steam onto the hair

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair treatment device, in particular a hairbrush, comprising at least one steam outlet for applying steam to the hair, as well as an associated hair treatment method. Prior art

[0002] Many types of hairdressing appliances are known for shaping hair, in particular by straightening, curling or crimping. Examples include straightening or curling irons or hairbrushes. These appliances may include one or more heated or heating treatment surfaces. The general structure of such appliances is well known.

[0003] However, conventional treatment devices, in particular conventional brushes, only allow for short-lasting styling of the hair if their use is not accompanied by the implementation of a treatment using a composition based on chemical active ingredients.

[0004] Heated treatment devices, in particular heated brushes, have been proposed for improved efficiency. Examples include documents US2018125223, US2016007708 and EP2849605 which describe heated brushes.

[0005] In order to improve the treatment, certain devices provide for the distribution of steam towards the surface to be treated, in particular a lock of hair or the hair in the case of hairdressing appliances. Brushes with water vapor emission have thus been proposed. This is the case in particular of documents DE19822718 and KR20030085159.

[0006] Also known, in particular from patent applications KR20090110464 and KR20160008488, are hair treatment devices, in particular in the context of hair straighteners in the form of clips, comprising contact sensors of the user's hand on the grip handle to prevent the device from heating up when not in use. Patent application KR101452985 describes an acceleration sensor to reduce power consumption.

[0007] Document JPH04193203 describes the use of a humidity sensor in a steam-free brush to determine when hair is dry. JP2016073526 describes the use of a pressure or flex sensor on one or more teeth to actuate a hair imaging system to determine the condition of the hair and international application WO2014111646 describes several sensors, including motion sensors or an accelerometer, an optical sensor and an electric field sensor to determine and remotely transmit hair movement and condition data based on movement and temperature and / or humidity sensors to refine the analysis of hair condition based on atmospheric data.

[0008] Hair steam treatment devices pose a potential safety concern due to the use of steam in close proximity to the hair and scalp.

[0009] In the case of clip-shaped hair straighteners, the clip does not come into contact with the scalp, only the hair, and the steam is confined between the arms, making it safer. In addition, it is possible to easily detect the closure of the clip which indicates the use of the device.

[0010] In the context of brushes, the steam emission surface can be significant, particularly for flat-headed brushes. Furthermore, the bristles or teeth of the brush are intended to act in direct proximity to the scalp, which increases the risks associated with the use of steam.

[0011] Furthermore, using steam before contact between the treatment device and the hair generates excess water consumption. This is all the more important since the volume of the reservoir is often limited, particularly if it has to be integrated into a portable device.

[0012] There is therefore a need for a hair treatment device, particularly of the brush type, which is water-saving and makes it possible to secure the emission of steam. Summary of the invention

[0013] The invention meets this need with the aid of a hair treatment device comprising - at least one steam outlet to emit steam onto the hair, - a system for supplying steam to said at least one steam outlet, - at least one detector of contact or proximity of the device with the hair, - a steam control unit configured to authorize the supply and / or automatically supply steam to the steam outlet by the steam supply system when at least one predefined condition is met, this condition being a contact or proximity condition verified from information generated by the contact or proximity detector.

[0014] Controlling the emission of steam according to the detection of contact or proximity makes it possible to secure the use of the device by avoiding the emission of steam in the absence of contact or proximity of the device with the hair. This also makes it possible to limit the consumption of water necessary for the formation of steam.

[0015] Preferably, the treatment device is of an elongated shape along a main axis. Alternatively, the treatment device is of another, non-elongated shape.

[0016] Preferably, the treatment device comprises a handle and a head. The handle facilitates the gripping of the device and allows the insertion into the device of additional elements, in particular a user interface, a water reservoir and / or a cosmetic product reservoir and / or one or more sensors.

[0017] The head of the treatment device may be of any shape in cross-section. Preferably, the head of the treatment device, in particular of the brush, has a substantially polygonal cross-section, in particular substantially rectangular or substantially square, or substantially oval or circular. Other cross-sectional shapes are possible, such as a cross-section with a polygonal outline on one side and a non-polygonal outline, in particular rounded, on the other.

[0018] Preferably, the treatment device comprises a treatment surface intended to come into contact with or opposite the hair. Preferably, this treatment surface is flat or curved outwards. Preferably, this treatment surface has a substantially polygonal outline, in particular rectangular or square, circular or oval.

[0019] Preferably, the treatment device comprises means for heating the treatment surface.

[0020] Preferably, the contact or proximity detector is arranged at the head of the treatment device.

[0021] Preferably, the treatment device is a brush having a plurality of teeth.

[0022] By "brush" is meant a hair treatment device consisting of a single arm comprising a treatment surface carrying a plurality of teeth between which the hair is received when the brush passes over the hair. The brush may comprise a single row of teeth but preferably comprises a plurality of rows of teeth.

[0023] By "teeth", sometimes also called "pins" or "bristles", we mean projecting elements or protuberances of the brush between which the hair is received when the brush passes over the hair. The teeth can be of any shape. The teeth can be flexible or rigid, and if necessary have a rounded ball or head at their end.

[0024] The device according to the invention makes it possible to treat hair effectively by brushing the hair and applying steam in a single gesture, only when effective contact or effective proximity with the hair is detected. Teeth

[0025] Preferably, the teeth extend from the treatment surface of the brush.

[0026] The teeth may extend along at least one row of teeth, better still at least two rows of teeth, the rows of teeth preferably each extending parallel to the main axis of the brush.

[0027] Preferably, the treatment surface of the brush is of sens- ably rectangular in front view and the teeth extend in several rows of teeth, each extending along the main axis of the brush for a brush with a substantially rectangular contour treatment surface.

[0028] Preferably, the row(s) of teeth each comprise at least 3 teeth, better still 10 to 40 teeth, even better still 15 to 40 teeth.

[0029] Preferably, the brush comprises tooth heating means for heating at least a portion of the plurality of teeth, in particular at least two of the teeth, better still at least one or more rows of teeth. The tooth heating means may be the means for heating the treatment surface. The combination of heating the teeth and applying steam makes it possible to improve the treatment of the hair. This makes it possible in particular to maintain a higher temperature in the steam application spaces, in particular the interdental spaces in the case where the steam is projected into these spaces. This also makes it possible to heat the hair with dry heat before or after the application of steam, which improves the treatment of the hair by steam.

[0030] At least a portion of the teeth of the brush may be made of a heat-conducting material, in particular iron, aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, graphite, or ceramic. The brush may comprise tooth heating means for heating at least a portion of the teeth, in particular at least two of the teeth, better still at least one or more rows of teeth, in particular for heating all of the teeth made of a heat-conducting material.

[0031] The heating means may consist of one or more thermal resistors or any other heating means.

[0032] Preferably, the teeth have a height ranging from 2 mm to 50 mm, better still from 5 mm to 20 mm.

[0033] Preferably, the teeth are free of surface growths.

[0034] Preferably, at least some of the teeth, better all of the teeth, are reported. on the brush, in particular fixed in holes in the treatment surface. Alternatively, at least some of the teeth, better all of the teeth, are integrated into the treatment surface, for example the teeth are integral with the treatment surface.

[0035] The teeth may extend perpendicular to the treatment surface or be inclined relative to said treatment surface.

[0036] Preferably, the teeth all extend along axes parallel to each other. Steam outlet

[0037] The treatment device may comprise one or more steam outlets.

[0038] Preferably, the steam outlet(s) extend into a steam outlet zone of the device delimited by the peripheral outer edges of the steam outlet(s), the steam outlet zone being elongated along an extension axis extending over more than 70%, better more than 80%, of the dimension of the treatment surface along the extension axis. Preferably, this extension axis is parallel to the main axis of the device.

[0039] The device may comprise a steam outlet, in particular a single steam outlet, elongated along the extension axis, in particular over the entire length of the steam outlet zone. In this case, the steam outlet may have a surface opening greater than or equal to 5 mm2.

[0040] The device may comprise a plurality of steam outlets extending along at least one row of steam outlets extending along the extension axis, in particular over the entire length of the steam outlet zone.

[0041] Preferably, the steam outlets open in the device onto a common steam distribution chamber.

[0042] The steam outlets of the row of steam outlets may alternate with teeth arranged in a row of teeth, in particular the teeth of the brush in the case of a brush, in particular teeth made of a heat-conducting material of the brush, as mentioned above. Alternatively, the steam outlets are in an area of ​​the brush without teeth.

[0043] Preferably, the steam outlet(s) extend over the treatment surface of the device. In the case of a brush as described above, the steam outlet(s) extend over the treatment surface or over teeth emanating therefrom.

[0044] The steam outlet(s) may extend into one or more peripheral areas of the treatment surface of the device.

[0045] Alternatively, the steam outlet(s) may extend into one or more interior areas of the treatment surface of the device. In the case of a brush, the steam outlet(s) may be bordered laterally by teeth, in particular rows of teeth, in particular teeth made of a heat-conducting material as mentioned above.

[0046] Preferably, the device, in particular the steam supply system for the steam outlet(s), supplies the steam outlet(s) with a steam flow rate less than or equal to 5 mLmin *, better still ranging from 0.2 to 4 mLmin *, even better still ranging from 0.4 to 2 mLmin 1, preferably ranging from 0.5 to 0.95 mLmin *.

[0047] The device, in particular the steam supply system, preferably comprises at least one vaporization chamber supplying the steam outlet(s) with steam. The vaporization chamber may be in the head of the device or in the handle.

[0048] The steam outlet(s) may have a cross-section of any shape, in particular substantially square, substantially rectangular, substantially round or ovoid.

[0049] The or each steam outlet has an opening with a surface area less than or equal to 20 mm2, better less than or equal to 10 mm2, even better less than 5 mm2, most preferably less than 2 mm2.

[0050] The device may comprise a reservoir of product to be vaporized, in particular water, in particular having a volume ranging from 1 mL to 50 mL. The reservoir may be located in the handle and / or in the head.

[0051] The device, in particular the steam projection system, may comprise a pump between the water tank and the steam outlet(s), in particular between the tank and the vaporization chamber. Detector

[0052] The contact or proximity condition may be positive detection information of the contact or proximity of the hair, in particular when the latter generates positive or negative detection information, or a match between a value measured by the contact or proximity detector and a threshold or a range of set values, the threshold or the range of set values ​​being predetermined to characterize the contact or proximity of the hair with the device.

[0053] Preferably, the detector comprises one or more sensors chosen from mechanical, optical, resistive, capacitive, thermal, motion, magnetic and sound sensors.

[0054] The sensor(s) may be one or more contact, proximity, strain, motion, pressure, bending, temperature sensors, one or more infrared sensors, sound sensors or vibration sensors.

[0055] The detector may comprise at least one sensor detecting a mechanical interaction of the hair and the treatment device, in particular of the treatment surface, of at least one tooth or of the sensor.

[0056] The detector may comprise a proximity sensor, in particular an infrared detector, detecting the proximity of the hair relative to the sensor, in particular at a distance such that the hair is in contact with the treatment device. For example, the sensor may be arranged flush with or set back from the treatment surface in a housing thereof; In the case of a brush, the sensor may detect the proximity of the hair relative to the sensor at a distance corresponding to the hair coming into contact with the teeth. By "periphery of the treatment surface", it is meant the area of ​​the treatment surface extending between the center and the edge and closer to the edge than to the center.

[0057] By "edge of the brush head" is meant the area of ​​the brush head adjacent to the periphery of the treatment surface and outside the treatment surface. The edge corresponds for example to a slice of the brush.

[0058] Preferably, the sensor(s) are arranged on or in the head of the treatment device. They may be arranged outside the treatment surface, for example on the edge of the head of the treatment device. They can also be arranged on the treatment surface, for example on the periphery of the treatment surface and / or under the treatment surface. In the context of a brush, generally the sensor(s) can be arranged on one or more teeth, on the periphery of the treatment surface or on the edge of the brush head and / or under the treatment surface.

[0059] The detector may comprise an infrared sensor, preferably arranged on the head of the device, in particular on the periphery of the treatment area or on the edge of the treatment head. This placement of the sensors makes it possible to prevent it from being subjected to excessively high temperatures which could damage it. Preferably, the infrared sensor is configured to detect the presence of hair at a distance less than or equal to 15 mm from the sensor. Preferably, the infrared sensor is configured to detect the presence of hair at a distance less than or equal to the maximum height of the teeth of the brush, in particular less than or equal to the height of the teeth of the brush adjacent to the sensor. The hair must therefore penetrate between the teeth of the brush in order to have detection thereof. This prevents the emission of steam when the brush is brought close to the skin, for example.The hair detection distance of the sensor can be greater than or equal to 50%, better 70% of the maximum height of the brush teeth, in particular the height of the brush teeth adjacent to the sensor. This makes it possible in particular to anticipate the penetration of hair into the brush by detecting the hair before its complete penetration into the brush, which improves the treatment.

[0060] In the case of a device comprising means for heating the treatment surface and / or the teeth, the detector may comprise a temperature sensor, preferably arranged at the head of the device, in particular on the treatment surface or on at least one of the teeth, the control unit being configured to authorize the supply and / or automatically supply steam to the steam outlet by the supply system when at least one decrease in the temperature, in particular of the treatment surface or the teeth, below a set temperature, characteristic of contact or proximity between the device and the hair, is detected by the temperature sensor. Indeed, the hair is at a lower temperature than the device so that the contact or proximity of the hair causes a decrease in temperature detectable and measurable by the temperature sensor.

[0061] The detector may comprise a strain sensor, preferably arranged at the head of the device. The strain sensor may be configured to detect a compressive or shear stress applied to the treatment surface and / or to at least one tooth and / or to a probe present on or near the treatment surface and associated with the sensor.

[0062] The strain sensor may be a piezoelectric sensor, in particular arranged in the head, for example at the treatment surface and / or a tooth, configured to detect and / or measure a compressive and / or shear stress applied by the hair to the treatment surface, to the tooth and / or to the probe. The strain sensor may be arranged at an edge of the treatment head or at the periphery of the treatment surface to prevent it from being subjected to excessively high temperatures which could damage it. Preferably, the piezoelectric sensor is arranged at the treatment surface to detect a shear stress applied to the treatment surface by the movement of the brush over the hair.The control unit may be configured to enable and / or automatically supply steam to the steam outlet by the steam supply system at least when the detected stress value is greater than or equal to a set value.

[0063] The strain sensor may be configured to detect strain applied to at least one probe extending from the treatment surface of the device. In the case of a brush, the probe may be a tooth of the brush or a mechanical element separate from the teeth of the brush.

[0064] The sensor may be mounted to move in one or more directions capable of allowing detection of contact of the brush with the hair or scalp. For example, it may be a sensor that moves in translation, in flexion or otherwise.

[0065] Preferably, the probe is mobile, in particular pivoting from a rest position around at least one axis of rotation and the strain sensor may be a sensor of a force, in particular a return force, resulting from the pivoting movement of the probe around the axis of rotation, configured to detect and / or measure the movement, in particular the pivoting angle, of the probe. The control unit may be configured to authorize the supply or automatically supply steam to the steam outlet by the steam supply system when at least the movement is detected or when the measurement of an amplitude of the movement, in particular the pivoting angle, is greater than or equal to a set value.

[0066] The probe may extend from the treatment surface in the form of at least one tooth, in particular a tooth substantially identical to at least one tooth of the brush. The probe may extend from the treatment surface parallel to at least one tooth of the brush.

[0067] The strain sensor may comprise a rotary potentiometer on which the probe is mounted, the detector being configured to measure the voltage at the output of the potentiometer which is characteristic of the movement of the probe in particular which is characteristic of a pivot angle of the probe. The strain sensor may comprise a Hall effect sensor on or in the probe and two magnets arranged on either side of the axis of rotation, the sensor being configured to detect the presence of a magnetic field and / or to determine the value thereof at the sensor. The control unit may be configured to authorize the supply and / or automatically supply steam to the steam outlet by the steam supply system at least the sensor detects a magnetic field.

[0068] The motion sensor may comprise at least two microswitches arranged on either side of the rotation axis and configured to actuate when the probe is in motion, for example when it pivots around the rotation axis by a threshold angle. The threshold angle may be a function of the position of the microswitches relative to the probe. The control unit may be configured to authorize the supply and / or automatically supply steam to the steam outlet by the steam supply system when at least one of the two microswitches has been actuated.

[0069] The detector may comprise an elastic return member for the probe in the rest position in the absence of external force. The rest position is in particular a neutral reference position of the teeth, substantially perpendicular to a fixing base and / or having an elongation axis substantially parallel to an elongation axis of the neighboring teeth. The elastic holding member may comprise one or more springs connecting the probe on either side of the rotation axis to a support fixed relative to the rotation axis.

[0070] In addition to the sensor(s) described above, the device may comprise a grip detector, in particular arranged at the handle of the device, to detect the gripping of the device by the user. The control unit may be configured to authorize the supply and / or automatically supply steam to the steam outlet by the supply system when at least two conditions are met, namely on the one hand the contact or proximity condition verified from information generated by the contact or proximity detector and on the other hand a grip condition verified from information generated by the grip detector. The grip detector may be an infrared, inductive, capacitive, sound detector, or a microswitch. The detected grip condition may be positive detection information of the gripping by the user generated by the grip detector. Control unit

[0071] The control unit may be configured to prevent steam supply from the steam supply system when the device is turned off and before the hair contact or proximity condition is met after the device is turned on.

[0072] Preferably, the control unit is configured to prevent the supply of steam by the steam supply system when the contact or proximity condition is no longer met for a period greater than or equal to a predefined time delay, for example equal to 5 s, better 2 s, even better 1 s, better 0.5 s.

[0073] The control unit is configured to supply steam to the steam outlet by the steam supply system preferably when at least two conditions are met, namely on the one hand the contact or proximity condition and on the other hand a temperature condition in a steam supply vaporization chamber of the steam outlet(s); the steam supply can be triggered on the one hand when positive contact or proximity information is generated or there is a match between a value measured by the contact or proximity detector and a threshold or a range of set values, the threshold or the range of set values ​​being chosen to characterize the contact or proximity of the hair with the device, and on the other hand the temperature in the vaporization chamber is greater than or equal to a predetermined vaporization temperature, in particular 100°C.

[0074] The control unit may be configured to supply steam to the steam outlet by the supply system when at least three conditions are met, namely the contact or proximity condition, the temperature condition in the vaporization chamber, greater than or equal to a predetermined vaporization temperature, in particular 100°C, and a temperature condition of the treatment surface or teeth, greater than or equal to a predetermined treatment temperature, in particular 120°C.

[0075] The device may comprise a detector of the temperature of the vaporization chamber and / or of the treatment surface or of the teeth.

[0076] The device may comprise a starting member, in particular of the switch type, triggering the electrical supply of the device, in particular triggering the heating of the vaporization chamber and / or triggering the heating of the heating means of the treatment surface and / or the teeth and / or triggering the detection of contact and / or proximity to the hair.

[0077] Preferably, the activation member triggers the heating of the vaporization chamber and the heating of the heating means of the treatment surface and / or the teeth and the control unit is configured to trigger the detection of contact and / or proximity with the hair by the detector when at least two other conditions are met, a temperature condition in the vaporization chamber, greater than or equal to a predetermined vaporization temperature, in particular 100°C, and a temperature condition of the treatment surface or the teeth, greater than or equal to a predetermined treatment temperature, in particular 120°C.

[0078] The start-up member may also start a timer configured to measure the time since the device was started, the control unit being configured to supply steam to the steam outlet by the steam supply system when at least two conditions are met, namely the contact or proximity condition and a duration condition since start-up measured by the timer greater than or equal to the time taken for the vaporization chamber to rise in temperature to the predetermined vaporization temperature and / or the time taken for the treatment surface and / or the teeth to rise in temperature to the predetermined treatment temperature.

[0079] The control unit may be configured to operate a pump for supplying water to the vaporization chamber when the condition(s) mentioned above are met.

[0080] The control unit may be configured to electrically power the supply system, in particular a steam supply pump for the outlet(s) or a steam chamber supply pump, so as to allow the steam outlets to be supplied with steam when the condition(s) mentioned above are met, the supply of steam to the steam outlets requiring, for example, manual actuation by the user.

[0081] The supply system may comprise a valve for supplying the steam outlet(s) with steam, the control unit being configured to open the valve for supplying the steam outlet(s) with steam when the condition(s) mentioned above are met.

[0082] The emission of steam may take place automatically after the device is switched on as soon as temperature and contact or proximity conditions are met; alternatively, achieving these conditions may not be sufficient, and an additional instruction from the user may then be deemed necessary even though the conditions are met, so that the emission of steam can take place. The device may then include a button or switch to manually trigger the emission of steam via the output(s) when the latter is authorized by the control unit. Process

[0083] The invention also relates to a method of treating hair using the device according to the invention, comprising:

[0084] - detection of contact or proximity of the device with the hair, with the detector, - steam supply to the steam outlet when steam supply is enabled or activated by the control unit.

[0085] The characteristics of the device described above apply to the method in com- combination or individually.

[0086] Preferably, the method comprises heating the treatment surface. In the case of a brush, the method may comprise heating at least a portion of the teeth of the brush, in particular teeth which are made of a heat-conducting material, in particular a metal.

[0087] The steam supply can be done automatically by the control unit or manually by the user when authorized by the control unit.

[0088] The method may include manually starting the device.

[0089] The method may include powering the power supply system by the control unit to authorize the supply of steam to the steam outlet(s) when the condition(s) mentioned above are met.

[0090] The method may comprise the electrical supply or automatic activation of a pump or a valve by the control unit when the condition(s) mentioned above are met.

[0091] The method may comprise the opening of a supply valve by the control unit when the condition(s) mentioned above are met.

[0092] The method may include manually triggering the emission of steam through the outlet(s) when the latter is authorized by the control unit, in particular by starting the supply system, in particular the pump, previously electrically powered by the control unit.

[0093] The process can be repeated several times for complete treatment of part or all of the hair.

[0094] Preferably, the brush is moved over the hair at a speed of between 0.5 cm / s and 50 cm / s.

[0095] The method may comprise the application of at least one cosmetic product to the hair before or after using the device of the invention.

[0096] The method may include one or more steps of rinsing the hair. Brief description of the drawings

[0097] [Fig. 1] schematically represents in perspective an example of a brush,

[0098] [Fig.2] is a side view of the brush of [Fig.l],

[0099] [Fig.3] is a front view of the brush of [Fig.l],

[0100] [Fig.4] is a sectional view along IV-IV of the brush of figures 1 to 3,

[0101] [Fig.5] is a sectional view along VV of the brush of figures 1 to 3,

[0102] [Fig.6] schematically represents different stages of an example of a method of treatment with the brush of figures 1 to 5,

[0103] [Fig.7] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a variant of a contact detector,

[0104] [Fig.8] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a variant of a contact detector,

[0105] [Fig.9] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a variant of a contact detector,

[0106] [Fig. 10] represents a variant of a contact detector probe,

[0107] [Fig. 11] represents a variant of a contact detector probe,

[0108] [Fig. 12] schematically represents a variant of brush,

[0109] [Fig. 13] schematically represents a variant of brush,

[0110] [Fig. 14] schematically represents a variant of brush, and

[0111] [Fig. 15] schematically represents different stages of an example of a method of treatment with the brush of [Fig.l]. Detailed description

[0112] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate an example of a hair brush 10 according to the invention.

[0113] Although illustrated by way of example by a hair brush, the present invention also relates to other devices distributing steam, and in particular to other hair treatment devices capable of distributing steam to the hair.

[0114] The brush 10 comprises a gripping handle 15 and a treatment head 20. The head 20 may be, in top view, substantially rectangular in shape with rounded corners, as can be seen in [Fig. 3], but it could be otherwise. The head could be, in top view, substantially polygonal, oval or round in particular.

[0115] The head 20 may have a substantially flat treatment surface 21. It is obviously conceivable to have a curved treatment surface 21, in particular convex towards the outside, for example substantially cylindrical with a closed or semi-cylindrical contour section.

[0116] The head 20 comprises teeth 23a and 23b arranged in a plurality of rows which extend from the treatment surface 21. The rows of teeth 23a and 23b extend along a main axis X of the brush. The rows of teeth may comprise from 8 to 40 teeth; here 8 teeth have been shown for illustration purposes. The teeth may be attached to the brush, being in particular made of a material different from that defining the treatment surface. The brush may comprise a single row of teeth, and it is then called a comb.

[0117] The head 20 may comprise, as illustrated, a plurality of steam outlets 30 opening from the treatment surface 21, which may alternate with the teeth 23 of one of the rows of teeth, here the central row. As a variant, the head comprises a single elongated steam outlet. The steam outlet(s) may be separate from the area of ​​the teeth 23a and in particular arranged along an edge of the treatment surface 21. Alternatively, the steam outlets may be made in the teeth 23, and in particular open onto one side thereof.

[0118] In the illustrated embodiments, the teeth 23b which extend from the periphery of the treatment surface 21 are in the form of spikes made of a non-heat-conducting material and are identical to each other. The teeth 23a which are distributed in rows over the entire treatment surface are made of a heat-conducting material, in particular iron, aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, graphite or ceramic, possibly provided with a coating. They are identical to each other. Alternatively, the teeth 23a and 23b respectively may be of different materials, heights, shapes and / or orientations. The teeth 23a and 23b may take a completely different arrangement on the treatment surface 21.

[0119] The teeth 23a or 23b are spaced apart by a distance d, measured between the longitudinal axes Y of the teeth, less than or equal to 40 mm, preferably ranging from between 1 mm and 10 mm.

[0120] Preferably, the teeth 23a and 23b each extend along a longitudinal axis Y. The longitudinal axis Y of each tooth 23a and 23b may form an angle α with the treatment surface 21 ranging from 60 to 120°, for example substantially equal to 90°.

[0121] Preferably, the height h of the teeth 23a and 23b is less than or equal to 50 mm, better still from 2 to 50 mm, even better still from 5 to 35 mm.

[0122] The treatment surface 21 and / or the teeth 23a may be heated. Preferably, the treatment surface 21 and the teeth 23 are heated.

[0123] As can be seen in [Fig. 4], the teeth 23a are heated by heating means. The brush 10 comprises, for example, one or more heating resistors 35, in particular in the head, and the teeth 23a are heated by thermal conduction from the head towards the distal end of the teeth.

[0124] Preferably, the electrical resistor(s) 35 are located in the head of the brush as illustrated. In a variant not illustrated, the thermal resistor(s) 35 extend into the teeth 23a in the form of a heating core.

[0125] The brush 10 may include a temperature regulation system, not illustrated, using one or more sensors arranged near the heating resistor(s) or in contact with the brush and / or at the end of at least one of the teeth.

[0126] The steam outlets 30 are supplied with steam, in the example illustrated, by a steam supply system 40 comprising a ramp 45, of elongated shape in a direction parallel to the main axis X, arranged in the head of the brush.

[0127] The steam outlets 30 are orifices opening onto the ramp, for example 6 to 10 orifices, which are preferably equally distributed along the ramp 45 and each with an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the median treatment plane, so that the steam is emitted perpendicular to the treatment surface along an axis W.

[0128] The steam outlets 30 can be of any shape, in particular square, rectangular, round or elliptical.

[0129] The steam outlets 30 extend over a steam outlet zone in the center of the brush, delimited by the lateral edges of the peripheral steam outlets, elongated along an extension axis, in particular parallel to the main axis X. The steam outlet zone preferably extends over a length e greater than or equal to 80% of the dimension 5 of the treatment surface along this axis.

[0130] The ramp 45 is supplied with steam by a vaporization chamber 42, heated by a heating element, itself supplied with product to be vaporized by a reservoir 48. The reservoir can be located in the brush, in particular the handle or the head, as illustrated in [Fig. 5]. In a variant not illustrated, the reservoir is offset in an external base to which the brush is connected by a conduit for supplying product to be vaporized.

[0131] The product reservoir, in particular water, may have a volume ranging from 1 mL to 50 mL, when it is in the handle or in the head of the brush.

[0132] The brush comprises a hair contact detector 50. This detector 50 may comprise a strain sensor 52 configured to detect a mechanical stress applied to a feeler 55, in particular a mechanical stress applied by the hair. The feeler 55 may be a tooth substantially identical to the teeth 23a, but it could be different. The strain sensor 52 may be a piezoelectric type strain gauge which detects a shear stress applied to the feeler 55, in particular by the hair.

[0133] The brush comprises a control unit 59, external or housed in the brush, in particular at the handle, making it possible to control the brush according to information provided in particular by the detector 50. The control unit authorizes or triggers the emission of steam by the steam outlet(s) 30 when one or more conditions are met, including at least one condition of contact of the hair with the brush verified from information generated by the detector 50, in particular information of positive detection of contact of the hair or the adequacy between a value measured by the detector and a threshold or a range of set values ​​characterizing the presence of contact between the device and the hair.

[0134] When using the brush, the latter is passed over the hair at a speed preferably ranging from 0.5 cm / s to 50 cm / s. The hair may or may not be combed before using the brush. When the brush passes through the hair, the latter comes into contact with the sensor and exerts a stress, in particular of bending on the probe. It is the latter which is measured by the strain sensor 52.

[0135] Preferably, when steam is emitted from the steam outlets 30, it is emitted with a flow rate ranging from 0.5 to 0.95 mLmin 1 and the speed of the steam emitted at the outlet of the steam outlets is preferably from 30cm / s to 5m / s.

[0136] The brush may include a user interface 18 allowing the user to enter various input data, including an operating temperature, a steam flow rate, a hair characteristic, or to deactivate one or more functions of the brush, including the application of steam or the application of heat. It may also allow the brush to transmit information to the user, including the temperature of the treatment surface or the teeth, the end of heating of the vaporization chamber and / or the treatment surface and / or the teeth.

[0137] [Fig.6] illustrates steps of operation of the brush.

[0138] In step 100, the brush is switched on by the user. Switching on can be done for example by connecting the appliance to the mains and / or by pressing a switch on the brush, for example on the handle, in particular for portable appliances. This switching on triggers the temperature rise of the treatment surface 21 and / or the teeth 23a, in step 102, and the temperature rise of the vaporization chamber 42, in step 104, the steam supply to the steam outlets is not activated. The temperature increases of the treatment surface 21 and / or the teeth 23a and the vaporization chamber 42 are maintained as long as the treatment surface 21 and / or the teeth 23a and the vaporization chamber 42 have not reached the set temperatures, as illustrated by steps 106 and 108 and arrows 110 and 112.

[0139] When the two set temperatures are reached in step 114, the brush can indicate this to the user, in particular by lighting an LED. If necessary, if it is not already in operation, the detector 50 is started in step 116.

[0140] The temperature control of the treatment surface 21 and / or the teeth 23a and the vaporization chamber 42 can be carried out using one or more temperature sensors.

[0141] The brush can also turn on the detector only after a predetermined time, this duration being greater than the heating duration necessary for the temperature rise of the treatment surface 21 and / or the teeth 23a and the vaporization chamber 42 to the set temperatures.

[0142] In step 118, the detector 50 measures a value and compares it to a threshold or a range of set values ​​characteristic of the contact of the hair with the brush. As long as the measured value does not reach this threshold or is not within the range of values setpoint, no steam is emitted, as illustrated by step 120 and arrow 122. As soon as the detected value crosses the threshold or is within the setpoint range, the control unit 59 triggers the emission of steam in step 124.

[0143] The emission of steam is stopped when the brush stops or when the value detected by the detector 50 is lower than the threshold or outside the setpoint range, for a predefined duration, for example, less than or equal to 2s, better less than or equal to 1s, better less than or equal to 0.5s in step 126.

[0144] Figures 7 to 9 illustrate variants of detector 50 which differ from the previously described detector in the structure of the strain sensor 52.

[0145] In the embodiment of [Fig.7], the strain sensor 52 is a rotary potentiometer 60 on which a probe 55 movable in pivoting about an axis F is mounted. The probe 55 is held in the rest position by two springs 62 on either side of the axis F laterally connecting the probe 55 to a fixed base 64. The device is configured to determine the movement of the probe 55.

[0146] In the embodiment of [Fig.8], the strain sensor 50 may comprise a Hall effect sensor 70 on or in the probe and two associated magnets 72

[0147] In the embodiment of [Fig.9], the strain sensor 50 may comprise two microswitches 80 arranged on either side of the probe configured to actuate when said moving probe 55 comes into contact with one of them.

[0148] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate different forms of pivotally mounted movable feelers 55. In the example of [Fig. 10], the feeler 55 comprises a flattened tooth 90 and pins 92 on either side of the tooth 90 extending from a base 94, the latter being pivotally mounted on a support 96. The base 94 is held in a rest position by holding springs. In the example of [Fig. 1 1], the feeler 55 comprises a single tooth 90 having a fork-shaped distal end.

[0149] In the variant illustrated in [Fig. 12], the detector 50 may be other than a stress sensor. It may be, for example, a temperature sensor for detecting a local temperature drop of the surface 21 or of the teeth 23 characteristic of the presence of hair near the sensor. This detector 50 may also be a proximity sensor, in particular an infrared sensor, for detecting the proximity of the hair. In the case of a sensor of this type, the detection distance is preferably less than or equal to the height h of the teeth.

[0150] The detector can be arranged on the head 20 of the brush substantially in the center of the latter, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 12, or be arranged on the periphery of the latter, outside or inside the treatment surface 21 as illustrated in [Fig. 13].

[0151] In a variant illustrated in [Fig. 14], the brush includes a sensor for the gripping hand 98 at the handle, including a mechanical actuator on the part or an infrared sensor that detects the user's grip of the brush. Steam emission is then only triggered when both the grip and contact with the hair are simultaneously detected.

[0152] In this case, the operation can be carried out as illustrated in [Fig. 15] which repeats certain steps of [Fig. 6] and completes them. In step 116, the contact or proximity detector 50 and the grip detector 98 are switched on. The grip detector determines a detection value in step 128. If the grip detection value corresponds to a grip in step 130 and if the stress measured in step 118 reaches the threshold or is within the setpoint range, then the control unit 59 triggers the emission of steam in step 124.

[0153] The emission of steam is maintained until the brush stops or until the value detected by the detector 50 is below the threshold or outside the range of set values ​​for a time less than or equal to 2s, better still less than or equal to 1s, better still less than or equal to 0.5s or until the grip is no longer detected, at step 126.

[0154] The invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described. The detector can take any form as long as it makes it possible to detect the contact or proximity of the hair with the handpiece.

[0155] The brush may include a member for applying a cosmetic product not illustrated.

[0156] The steam outlet(s) and / or teeth may be different from those described and arranged differently on the brush.

Claims

Claims

1. Hair treatment device (10), comprising - at least one steam outlet (30) for emitting steam onto the hair, - a steam supply system (40) for said at least one steam outlet (30), - at least one detector (50) for contact or proximity of the device with the hair, - a steam control unit (59) configured to authorize the supply and / or automatically supply steam to the steam outlet (30) by the steam supply system (40) when at least one predefined condition is met, this condition being a condition of contact or proximity of the hair verified from information generated by the contact or proximity detector (50).

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the treatment device is a brush having a plurality of teeth (23a, 23b).

3. Device according to claim 2, comprising heating means (35) of the teeth for heating at least a part of the plurality of teeth (23a), in particular at least two of the teeth, better still at least one or more rows of teeth.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the contact or proximity condition is positive detection information of the contact or proximity of the hair, in particular when the latter generates positive detection information of the contact or proximity of the hair by the positive or negative detector, or a match between a value measured by the contact or proximity detector (50) and a setpoint value range, the setpoint value range being predetermined to characterize the contact or proximity of the hair with the device.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the detector (50) comprises one or more sensors chosen from mechanical, optical, resistive, capacitive, thermal, motion, magnetic and sound sensors.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the detector (50) comprises at least one sensor detecting a mechanical interaction of the hair and the treatment device, in particular of the treatment surface or at least one tooth.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detector (50) comprises a strain sensor (52) configured to detect a compressive or shear stress applied to a treatment surface (21) and / or to at least one tooth and / or to a probe (55) present on or near a treatment surface (21) and associated with the strain sensor (52).

8. Device according to claim 7, wherein the strain sensor is a piezoelectric sensor (52) configured to detect and / or measure a compressive and / or shear stress applied by the hair on the treatment surface (21), on the tooth (23a, 23b) and / or on the probe (55).

9. Device according to claim 7, in which the probe (55) is movable, in particular pivoting from a rest position around at least one axis of rotation F with a device configured to detect and / or measure the movement of the probe (55).

10. Device according to claim 9, in which the detector (50) comprises an elastic return member (62) of the probe (55) in the rest position in the absence of external force, the rest position being in particular a neutral reference position of the teeth, substantially perpendicular to a fixing base and / or having an elongation axis substantially parallel to an elongation axis of the neighboring teeth.

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the detector (50) comprises a proximity sensor, in particular an infrared sensor detecting the proximity of the hair relative to the sensor, in particular at a distance such that the hair is in contact with the treatment device.

12. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising means for heating a treatment surface (21) and / or teeth (23a), the detector (50) comprising a temperature sensor, the control unit (59) being configured to authorize the supply and / or automatically supply steam to the steam outlet (30) by the supply system (40) when at least one decrease in temperature, in particular of the treatment surface (21) and / or the teeth (23a), below a set temperature, characteristic of contact or proximity between the device and the hair, is detected by the temperature sensor.

13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a grip detector (98) for detecting the gripping by the user of the device, the control unit (59) being configured to authorize the supply and / or automatically supply steam to the steam outlet by the supply system when at least two conditions are met, namely on the one hand the contact or proximity condition verified from information generated by the contact or proximity detector (50) and on the other hand a grip condition verified from information generated by the grip detector (98).

14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the control unit (59) is configured to prevent the supply of steam by the steam supply system (40) when the device (10) is switched off, before the condition of contact or proximity with the hair is fulfilled after switching on the device or when the condition of contact or proximity is no longer fulfilled for a duration greater than or equal to a predefined time delay, for example equal to 5 s, better 2 s, even better 1 s, better 0.5 s.

15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (59) is configured to supply steam to the steam outlet (30) by the steam supply system (59) when at least two conditions are met, namely on the one hand the contact or proximity condition and on the other hand a temperature condition in a vaporization chamber (42) supplying the steam outlet (30), the steam supply preferably being triggered when positive contact or proximity information is generated or there is a match between a value measured by the contact or proximity detector (50) and a threshold or a range of set values, the threshold or the range of set values ​​being chosen to characterize the contact or proximity of the hair with the device,and that on the other hand the temperature in the vaporization chamber (42) is greater than or equal to a predetermined vaporization temperature, in particular 100°C.,

16. A method of treating hair using the device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - detecting contact or proximity of the device with the hair with the detector (50), - the supply of steam to the steam outlet (30) when the supply of steam is authorized or activated by the control unit (59).

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