Hair treatment device

Abstract

Hair treatment device Device (10) for treating hair with water vapor, in particular a hairbrush, comprising: - a vaporization chamber, - a system for supplying the vaporization chamber with water, comprising a reservoir (24) with variable internal volume containing water in the liquid state, the supply system being configured to pass within the device from a configuration for supplying the vaporization chamber in which the reservoir is in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber and the internal volume of the reservoir decreases, to a configuration for filling the reservoir, in which the reservoir is in fluid communication with a water inlet and the internal volume of the reservoir increases, and vice versa. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Hair treatment device

[0001] The present invention relates to a steam hair treatment device and the corresponding hair treatment method. Prior art

[0002] In the field of hairdressing, it is common to use hair treatment devices, in particular brushes. In order to improve the treatment, some devices provide for the distribution of steam towards the surface to be treated, in particular a lock of hair or the hair.

[0003] Typically, the steam is generated by a steam generator consisting essentially of a chamber supplied with liquid water and heated to a temperature sufficient to cause its evaporation. The steam thus generated is then brought into or near the treatment surface where it is distributed through one or more nozzles.

[0004] The vaporization chamber is conventionally supplied with liquid water from a reservoir, preferably integrated into the device, in particular by means of a pump (see EP2209396B1), preferably also integrated into the device, or a porous element conducting the liquid water by capillarity (see WO2004002262 for example).

[0005] Application US3934597 describes a curling iron comprising a removable flexible reservoir which must be removed from the iron to be filled. The liquid water supply is carried out manually by pressing on the membrane of the bulb forming the reservoir. The quantity of water distributed to the heating element is thus difficult to control and irregular.

[0006] Applications EP2789258, CN212185572, FR3053576 and WO2020148288 describe devices for treating hair with steam comprising reservoirs of constant volume. The movement of liquid water from the reservoir to the steam chamber is carried out by means of a pump arranged between these two members or by a capillary wick which can be selectively brought into contact with the water in the reservoir.

[0007] There remains a need to benefit from a hair steam treatment device having improved ergonomics and easier water refilling. Description of the invention

[0008] The invention aims to meet this need and achieves this, according to one of its aspects, by means of a device for treating hair with water vapor, in particular a hairbrush, comprising: - a vaporization chamber, - a system for supplying water to the vaporization chamber, comprising a reservoir with variable internal volume for containing water in the liquid state, the supply system being configured to pass within the device from a configuration for supplying the vaporization chamber in which the reservoir is in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber and the internal volume of the reservoir decreases, to a configuration for filling the reservoir, in which the reservoir is in fluid communication with a water inlet and the internal volume of the reservoir increases, and vice versa.

[0009] By "passing within the device" it is meant that the transition from one configuration to another is done without having to remove the power supply system from the device.

[0010] At least the supply of water to the vaporization chamber and better still the refilling of the water tank is achieved by varying the volume of the tank. The device can thus be without a pump for emptying and refilling the tank. The supply of water to the vaporization chamber and the refilling of the water tank are preferably carried out simply by varying the internal volume of the tank after changing the configuration of the supply system.

[0011] The fact that the water tank can be easily refilled without having to remove it, in particular via an external or remote water reserve or a running water source, makes it possible to have a compact, lightweight and easy-to-use device.

[0012] Preferably, the power supply system is permanently fixed within the device, and is not intended to be dismantled by the user during normal use of the device. This limits the risk of mishandling, water leakage and therefore electrical risks. Alternatively, at least part of the power supply system, or even the entire power supply system, is removably mounted in the device, so that, for example, it can be cleaned after a predefined number of uses.

[0013] Preferably, the feed system is of elongated shape and extends along a longitudinal axis X, preferably rectilinear.

[0014] The water inlet may be an opening in the device, opening onto the exterior of the device, closed or not by a plug, removable or not, for example a captive plug connected by a flexible link to the rest of the device. Reservoir

[0015] Preferably, the supply system comprises a reservoir body extending along the longitudinal axis X.

[0016] Preferably, the reservoir body is cylindrical in shape.

[0017] The cross-section of the tank body may be polygonal, in particular square, rectangular or even round or oblong, preferably being substantially circular. The cross-section of the tank body is however not limited to a particular shape.

[0018] The largest dimension of the cross-section of the tank may be between 0.5 and 5 cm, better between 1 and 3 cm.

[0019] The maximum internal volume of the reservoir can be between 5 and 50 mL, better between 8 and 40 mL, better between 10 and 30 mL. Such a volume makes it possible to have a sufficient quantity of water to treat the entire head of hair without having to refill the reservoir with water.

[0020] The device may comprise an indicator, in particular a visual indicator, of the filling level of the water tank. The indicator may be a window made of a transparent material allowing the user to directly view the filling level of the tank. The indicator may be a mechanical member whose position indicates the filling level of the tank, for example a float moving relative to the body of the tank depending on the water level in it. The indicator may be a display on a user interface coupled to a sensor for the filling of the water tank, in particular one or more sensors for the positioning of a piston of the supply system or of an actuator used to vary the internal volume of the tank.

[0021] The reservoir may comprise a single chamber which contains the water, or several chambers, in particular in fluid communication with each other.

[0022] The reservoir may have a single opening which defines both the water inlet during filling and the outlet during feeding of the vaporization chamber. Alternatively, the inlet and outlet are distinct and constituted by separate openings opening into the interior of the reservoir. Tank with flexible pocket

[0023] The reservoir may be defined by a flexible bag containing water in the liquid state, arranged in the reservoir body. For example, the reservoir comprises a bag made of plastic material.

[0024] The flexible pocket can be deformed by any force exerted on it.

[0025] This force can be exerted for example by a motor, by a pre-loaded spring or by manual pressure from the user of the device.

[0026] The feeding system may comprise a movable member for exerting pressure on the pocket and thus increasing or decreasing its volume, depending on the feeding or filling configuration of the feeding system.

[0027] Alternatively, the flexible pouch is deformed by pressurizing a space external to the pouch, for example using an air pump.

[0028] As a further variant, the pocket is made at least partially of an elastically deformable material, configured to expand in the filling configuration and to retract elastically in the feeding configuration. Tank filling methods

[0029] The supply of liquid water for filling the tank can be carried out by injecting water under pressure into the supply system or by sucking water via the water inlet; there can also be variation of the internal volume of the tank in conjunction with the supply of water under slight pressure.

[0030] When under pressure, the water injected into the supply system may be under a pressure of between 5 and 25 mPa, better between 10 and 18 mPa.

[0031] The liquid water used to fill the tank can come from a running water supply or from an external reserve. The water can be brought from an external reserve by means of a pump.

[0032] The method may comprise connecting a filling member, such as for example a pipe connected to a water tap, to the water inlet.

[0033] A cartridge or container containing at least one dose of water can also be connected to the supply system to fill the reservoir.

[0034] The filling of the tank can be done, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, without it being necessary to separate the tank from the rest of the device.

[0035] The device may comprise a means for automatically stopping the filling of the tank, for example when the tank filling level indicator exceeds a certain threshold. Moving organ

[0036] The supply system, in particular the tank body, may comprise a movable member, for example along the longitudinal axis of the tank, to modify the internal volume of the tank.

[0037] The movable member can move inside the body of the reservoir, or alternatively outside it to compress it, when it is made with a flexible pocket or a deformable wall.

[0038] The movable member may be a piston movable inside the tank, in particular in translation, in particular along the longitudinal axis of the tank. Piston

[0039] The piston may be mounted on a movable rod, and move with the latter or due to a relative movement between the latter and the piston; for example the piston is mounted on a screw, in particular an endless screw fixed axially relative to the reservoir and driven in rotation in one direction or the other according to the desired movement for the piston. The piston is mounted so as not to rotate relative to the body of the reservoir, such that the rotation of the screw is accompanied by an axial displacement of the piston relative to the body of the reservoir, the connection between the screw and the piston being of the screw / nut type. The rotational immobilization of the piston is carried out for example by friction, thanks to anti-rotation reliefs, in particular one or more ribs and / or grooves, made on the piston and on the body of the reservoir or thanks to a cross-sectional shape of the body of the reservoir and the piston which is not circular.

[0040] The movable member, in particular the piston, may comprise at least one anti-rotation relief, in particular at least one groove or rib, configured to cooperate with at least one complementary relief of a reservoir body in which the reservoir extends, in particular a rib or groove of complementary shape.

[0041] The movable rod may extend into the reservoir along its entire length along the longitudinal axis X of the reservoir. The water outlet from the reservoir may be eccentric relative to the movable rod at the proximal end of the reservoir. Engine

[0042] The device according to the invention may comprise a motor, in particular an electric motor, configured to move the mobile member for modifying the internal volume of the tank, in particular in rotation when it is a worm screw.

[0043] The feed system may comprise a motor for driving the worm screw in rotation in a first direction in the feed configuration of the feed system to move the aforementioned piston in the direction of a reduction in the volume of the reservoir, and in a second direction opposite to the first direction in the filling configuration of the feed system, to move the piston in the direction of an increase in the volume of the reservoir.

[0044] Alternatively, the piston is fixedly mounted on an element, in particular a rod axially movable along the longitudinal axis of the reservoir. A motor with a rack-type connection between the rod and the motor can be used.

[0045] Alternatively, the movable member moves in rotation, for example when the tank has a symmetrical shape around an axis of rotation, in which case the movable member can rotate around this axis. The movable member is then in the form of a pallet for example.

[0046] The movable member may also have other movements, depending on the geometry of the tank and the way in which it is filled and emptied.

[0047] The piston may comprise a seal on its periphery, the seal being configured to ensure the sealing of the variable volume reservoir at the level of the piston. This seal may be added, for example in the form of an O-ring, or be constituted by one or more lips molded in one piece with the rest of the piston, in the same material (mono-injection) or in a different material (overmolding or bi-injection). Selector

[0048] The device may include a selector allowing the user to put the device into a filling configuration or a feeding configuration.

[0049] The selector can make it possible to reverse the direction of movement of the movable member to modify the internal volume of the reservoir, in particular by reversing the direction of rotation of the motor when changing from the distribution configuration to the supply configuration and vice versa.

[0050] For example, the selector is a two or three position button. Fill configuration

[0051] The supply system may be passive during filling, for example with an increase in the internal volume of the tank resulting from the pressure of the water used for filling.

[0052] Alternatively, the supply system is active during filling, in which case the supply system is configured so that in the filling configuration the increase in the internal volume occurs independently of the pressure of the water used for filling; for example, when the tank comprises a piston, the latter is moved in the direction of an increase in the internal volume of the tank, for example by a motorized mechanism.

[0053] The movement of the movable member, in particular the aforementioned piston, in the direction of an increase in the internal volume of the reservoir, creates a depression which allows the suction of water coming from the water inlet. It can also, if necessary, allow the vaporization chamber to be emptied by sucking up the liquid water remaining in the latter. Supply configuration

[0054] In the supply configuration, the aforementioned movable member, in particular the piston, is moved in the direction of a reduction in the internal volume of the reservoir. This movement allows the movable member to exert pressure on the liquid water which is then sent towards the outside of the reservoir, in particular towards the vaporization chamber in the supply configuration thereof.

[0055] The movement of the piston in the direction of reducing the internal volume of the tank can be achieved by reversing the direction of rotation of the motor driving the worm screw on which the piston is fixed.

[0056] In an alternative embodiment, the supply system comprises one or more elastic members, in particular one or more springs, configured to exert pressure on the piston in the direction of reducing the internal volume of the reservoir. For example, an action is manually exerted on a compression element which compresses an elastic member, this elastic member tending to pressurize the water contained in the reservoir; as water is consumed, the elastic member relaxes; for example, the elastic member is interposed between the piston and the compression element, so that the piston advances as the elastic member relaxes. Multi-way valve

[0057] The supply system may include a multi-way valve. This multi-way valve may be configured to fluidly connect the reservoir and the vaporization chamber in a supply configuration, and to fluidly connect the reservoir and the water inlet in a fill configuration. The multi-way valve may prevent fluid communication between the reservoir and the water inlet in a supply configuration. The multi-way valve may prevent fluid communication between the reservoir and the vaporization chamber in a fill configuration.

[0058] This valve may be motorized or not. Its actuation may be carried out during filling, and in the absence of filling it takes a rest configuration where communication is established between the reservoir and the vaporization chamber. The actuation of the valve during filling may be caused by the introduction of a filling nozzle into the device, this nozzle exerting a thrust on a movable shutter of the valve.

[0059] The multi-way valve may comprise: - a valve body defining three ways connected respectively to the tank, to the vaporization chamber and to the water inlet, and - a movable shutter in the valve body between a supply position in the supply configuration of the supply system, establishing communication between the reservoir and the vaporization chamber and closing communication between the reservoir and the water inlet, and a filling position in the filling configuration of the supply system establishing communication between the reservoir and the water inlet and closing communication between the reservoir and the vaporization chamber.

[0060] Such a multi-way valve makes it possible to simply and reversibly switch from one configuration to another directly within the device, i.e. without separating the reservoir from the rest of the device.

[0061] The multi-way valve can block fluid communication between the reservoir and the water inlet in the supply configuration and block fluid communication between the reservoir and the vaporization chamber in the filling configuration.

[0062] Each lane may extend along an extension axis. The extension axis of one of the lanes, in particular the lane connected to the water inlet, may form a non-zero angle, in particular be perpendicular, to the extension axis of the other two lanes, which may be parallel to each other or coincident.

[0063] The body of the multi-way valve can be T-shaped, but other shapes are possible, notably Y-shaped.

[0064] The movable shutter not only allows the fluid communication necessary for each of the configurations to be established, but also allows the fluid communication not necessary in this configuration to be blocked. Thus, the risk of water leaking to the outside or to the vaporization chamber is reduced, avoiding unwanted formation of steam.

[0065] Preferably, the movable shutter moves in the axis of the channel connected to the water inlet, for example under the effect of the water pressure or of a filling member introduced into the water inlet during the process of filling the tank.

[0066] The movable shutter can define an internal conduit, in particular in the form of an elbow, in particular at 90°, to establish fluid communication between two of the channels, in particular the channel connected to the water inlet and the channel connected to the reservoir, in one of the two positions of the shutter, in particular in the filling position.

[0067] The device may comprise a member for manually moving the movable shutter from one position to another.

[0068] The elbow-shaped conduit of the movable shutter may have a smaller diameter than that of the opening of the channel connected to the water inlet. The transition from one position to the other may then be done by inserting a nozzle of a water reserve into the corresponding channel, the nozzle bearing against the upper wall of the movable shutter so as to push the latter into the filling position.

[0069] The reservoir may have an elongated body contained in a gripping handle of the device. The reservoir may be closed at one end by an eccentric end piece connected to the multi-way valve, this end piece preferably being molded in one piece with the body of the reservoir, the device comprising at the end opposite the end piece an electric motor for driving the worm screw, the latter preferably being held at its end opposite the motor in a bearing formed in an end wall preferably molded in one piece with the body of the reservoir, the end piece preferably being carried by said end wall.

[0070] The multi-way valve may comprise an elastic return member, for example one or more helical springs, of the movable shutter into a predefined rest position. Thanks to the return member, the movable shutter is returned to the predefined rest position. Preferably, this predefined rest position is the supply position of the vaporization chamber. This makes it possible to limit the risk of leakage when the device is not in use, since in this position the reservoir is not in fluid communication with the water inlet.

[0071] The return member may be arranged between the path connected to the reservoir and the path connected to the vaporization chamber. The direction of elongation of the return member may be parallel to the extension axis of the channel connected to the water inlet. This return member can exert a compressive force on a lower face of the movable shutter to keep it in the rest position.

[0072] The movable shutter may comprise one or more guide reliefs, in particular one or more grooves or ribs, configured to cooperate with one or more complementary reliefs of the valve body. Tank and additional chamber

[0073] In one embodiment of the invention, the supply system comprises: - a reservoir in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber, and - an additional chamber comprising a water inlet, the reservoir and the additional chamber being separated by a piston, in particular the aforementioned piston, the supply system comprising a non-return valve between the chamber and the reservoir, the non-return valve allowing the passage of water from the additional chamber to the reservoir and preventing the passage of water in the opposite direction.

[0074] The volumes of the reservoir and the additional chamber are variable and depend on the position of the piston in the reservoir body. In this embodiment, the additional chamber is used for filling the reservoir.

[0075] The non-return valve may be arranged on the piston.

[0076] The supply system may comprise an additional non-return valve, arranged on the water inlet of the additional chamber, the additional non-return valve allowing the passage of water towards the additional chamber and preventing the passage of water in the opposite direction.

[0077] In the supply configuration, the piston is set in motion in the direction of a decrease in the internal volume of the reservoir. The non-return valve is then closed. The internal volume of the additional chamber increases so that the water from the water reserve is sucked into this chamber in the direction of opening of the additional non-return valve.

[0078] In the filling configuration, the piston is set in motion in the direction of an increase in the internal volume of the reservoir and therefore a decrease in the internal volume of the additional chamber. The non-return valve present on the piston opens by pressure of the water in the additional chamber towards the reservoir and in parallel the additional non-return valve closes or remains closed. The water can then pass from the additional chamber towards the reservoir in order to fill it. Power supply

[0079] The device according to the invention may comprise a power supply. For example, the power supply is provided by means of batteries or accumulators and / or by means of an electric cable connected to a mains socket or to a mains adapter. Brush

[0080] In one embodiment, the device comprises a head carrying a plurality of hair combing teeth and a gripping handle, the reservoir preferably extending into the gripping handle.

[0081] The device may be a hairbrush.

[0082] By "brush" is meant a hair treatment device consisting of a single arm 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 or preferably comprise a plurality of rows of teeth.

[0083] By "teeth" is meant projecting elements of the brush between which the hair is received when the brush passes over the hair. The teeth can be of any shape.

[0084] Such a brush allows hair to be treated effectively by brushing the hair and applying steam with the brush in a single gesture.

[0085] The reservoir can extend fully into the grip handle.

[0086] In an alternative embodiment, the reservoir may extend at least partially, or even completely, into the head.

[0087] In a particular embodiment, the reservoir extends partially into the gripping handle and partially into the head.

[0088] Preferably, the brush is of elongated shape along a main axis.

[0089] Alternatively, the brush is of another shape, not elongated.

[0090] The handle makes it easier to grip the brush and allows the insertion into the brush of additional elements, in particular a user interface, a cosmetic product reservoir and / or one or more sensors.

[0091] The brush head may be of any shape in cross section. Preferably, the brush head is of substantially polygonal cross section, in particular substantially rectangular or substantially square, substantially oval, or substantially circular.

[0092] Preferably, the brush comprises a treatment surface, the teeth extending from the treatment surface. Preferably, this treatment surface is flat or curved outwards. Preferably, this treatment surface is of substantially polygonal outline, in particular rectangular or square, circular or oval.

[0093] The device may further comprise heating means for heating at least two teeth of the plurality of teeth.

[0094] 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 allows for dry heat to be applied to the hair before or after steam application, enhancing the steam treatment of the hair.

[0095] Preferably, the heating means comprise at least one heating element in the body of the brush for heating the teeth by thermal conduction; as a variant, the brush comprises a heating element in each of the heated teeth, in particular constituting the core of the corresponding tooth.

[0096] The heating means may be thermal resistors or any other heating means.

[0097] Preferably, at least a portion of the teeth, better all the teeth, are made of a heat-conducting material, in particular iron, aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, graphite, or ceramic. The teeth may be provided with a coating chosen from ceramic, tourmaline, elastomer, metal alloy and anodizing coating. This allows the teeth to be easily heated by the heating means, and for the hair to be in contact with hot surfaces in the combing heating zone. Said teeth may have at their end a thermal protection made of thermally insulating material to limit the heat in contact with the scalp. In this case, in operation, the maximum temperature at the end of said teeth may be less than or equal to 100°C, preferably less than or equal to 60°C, better still less than 45°C.The brush can be configured so that, in operation, the temperature of said teeth at mid-height is from 110°C to 230°C, better from 110°C to 210°C, even better from 180°C to 210°C.

[0098] A portion of the teeth may be made of a material that is not very heat conductive, for example elastomer or plastic. Steam outlet

[0099] The device may comprise several steam outlets supplied with steam by the vaporization chamber.

[0100] 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 still more than 80% of the dimension of the treatment surface along the extension axis.

[0101] Preferably, the extension axis of the steam outlet zone is parallel to the main axis of the device.

[0102] The device may include a steam outlet, in particular a single steam outlet, extending along the axis of extension of the steam outlet area, in particular over the entire length of the steam outlet area. In this case, the steam outlet may have an opening greater than or equal to 5 mm2.

[0103] The device may include a plurality of steam outlets extending along at least one row of steam outlets extending along the axis of extension of the steam outlet area, in particular over the entire length of the steam outlet area.

[0104] Preferably, the steam outlets open into the device into a common steam distribution chamber.

[0105] The steam outlets of the row of steam outlets may alternate with the teeth of a row of teeth, in particular teeth made of a heat-conducting material, as mentioned previously.

[0106] Alternatively, the steam outlets are in an area of ​​the device without teeth.

[0107] Preferably, the or each steam outlet extends over the treatment surface of the device or over a tooth.

[0108] The steam outlet(s) may extend into one or more peripheral areas of the treatment surface of the device.

[0109] Alternatively, the steam outlet(s) may extend into one or more internal zones of the treatment surface of the brush, being in particular bordered laterally by teeth, in particular rows of teeth, in particular teeth made of a heat-conducting material such as mentioned previously.

[0110] The steam outlet or at least one steam outlet may be at a distance of at least one tooth made of a heat-conducting material less than or equal to 5 cm, better still less than or equal to 2 cm.

[0111] Preferably, the device, in particular the vaporization chamber, supplies the steam outlet(s) with a steam flow rate less than or equal to 5 mL.min *, better between 0.2 and 4 mL.min *, even better between 0.4 and 2 mL.min 1, preferably between 0.5 and 0.95 mL.min *.

[0112] The device may include a steam containment groove through which the steam outlet(s) communicate. This allows the steam to be confined in a substantially closed space when the device is used in contact with the hair, which may facilitate its application.

[0113] The steam outlet(s) may be of any cross-sectional shape, in particular substantially square, substantially rectangular, substantially round or ovoid.

[0114] The or each steam outlet has an opening less than or equal to 20 mm2, better still less than or equal to 10 mm2, even better still less than 5 mm2, most preferably less than 2 mm2. Straightener

[0115] In another embodiment of the invention, the device may comprise two arms movable relative to each other between a close configuration hair treatment and a spaced configuration of engagement between them of the hair to be treated.

[0116] The device may comprise at least one heating element arranged on a movable arm and intended to come into contact with the hair, and better in particular two heating elements each arranged on a movable arm.

[0117] This or these heating elements may each comprise a plate made of a material that is a good conductor of heat, defining a hot surface for contact with the hair, the temperature of which is, for example, greater than or equal to 95°C, better still between 90 and 230°C.

[0118] The reservoir may extend at least partially into one of the two movable arms.

[0119] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the device may comprise two reservoirs and each may extend at least partially into a movable arm. Member for applying a cosmetic product

[0120] The device may comprise at least one member for applying a cosmetic product. The application member may be elongated and extend along an elongation axis, in particular parallel to the main axis of the device.

[0121] The cosmetic product application member may be arranged so as to come into contact with the hair. The cosmetic product application member is preferably porous, elastically compressible, and may advantageously be made of an open-cell cellular material, such as PE (polyethylene) foam for example. The application member may be made of any material capable of releasing or diffusing the cosmetic product.

[0122] The application member may be removable.

[0123] The device may comprise a reservoir of cosmetic product.

[0124] Preferably, the delivered cosmetic product is in a fluid state. By "in a fluid state" is meant liquid at room temperature (25°C) or at a higher temperature, between 25 and 50°C for example and at atmospheric pressure. In this case, the product may initially be in a solid or pasty state at room temperature in the reservoir and heated within the reservoir in order to make it sufficiently fluid to be dispensed by the dispensing mechanism provided to supply the application member. The product is thus fluid in the reservoir at the time of application.

[0125] The tank can be equipped with an electrical resistance, for example a thin screen-printed resistance, making it possible to raise the temperature of its contents above 50°C for example.

[0126] The cosmetic product may be a composition for cleaning, coloring, bleaching, conditioning, or shaping hair. Preferably, the cosmetic product is a hair shaping composition, in particular a composition for curling hair, setting hair or, preferably, straightening or smoothing hair.

[0127] The cosmetic product may contain one or more active agents chosen from reducing agents and in particular thiols, oxidizing agents and in particular hydrogen peroxide or persalts such as persulfates, coloring agents and in particular pigments, direct dyes or oxidation dyes, non-durable shaping agents and in particular styling polymers, preferably anionic, amphoteric or non-ionic, conditioning agents and in particular silicones, mineral or vegetable oils, vegetable waxes, cationic surfactants or cationic polymers, alkaline agents or acids. Even more preferably, the cosmetic product contains one or more agents chosen from oxidizing agents, reducing agents or alkaline agents of the hydroxide type.

[0128] The invention also relates, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the above, to a device for treating hair with water vapor, in particular a hairbrush, comprising:

[0129] - a vaporization chamber,

[0130] - a member for applying water vapor to the hair,

[0131] - a system for supplying the vaporization chamber with water, with internal volume variable for containing water in the liquid state, the device comprising a movable piston for modifying the internal volume of the reservoir, in particular a piston moving along an endless screw,

[0132] the supply system being configured to pass from a configuration for distributing water to the vaporization chamber in which the reservoir is in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber and the internal volume of the reservoir decreases, to a configuration for filling the reservoir, in which the reservoir is in fluid communication with a water inlet and the internal volume of the reservoir decreases, and vice versa.

[0133] The reservoir may or may not be removable during filling, according to this other aspect of the invention.

[0134] The features described above apply to this aspect of the invention independently or in combination. Treatment process

[0135] The invention also relates, according to another of its aspects, to a method for treating hair using a device according to the invention, comprising the following steps:

[0136] (a) dispensing at least a portion of the liquid contained in the reservoir of the device towards the vaporization chamber by reducing the internal volume of the tank, the supply system being in distribution configuration, and

[0137] (b) filling the tank from a water inlet by increasing the volume internal tank, the feed system being in filling configuration.

[0138] The method may further comprise, between the steps (a) of distribution and (b) of filling, the transition of the supply system from the distribution configuration to the filling configuration, in particular by moving the movable shutter of the multi-way valve.

[0139] The features of the device described above apply to the method in combination or individually from each other.

[0140] The process can be repeated several times for complete treatment of part or all of the hair.

[0141] The method may comprise one or more steps of rinsing the hair.

[0142] The method may include manually moving the movable shutter before inserting a water inlet pipe into the channel corresponding to the water inlet.

[0143] The water flow rate at the tank outlet in the supply configuration may be between 0.1 and 10 mL / min, better between 0.2 and 5 mL / min, better between 0.5 and 3 mL / min.

[0144] The piston can move in the feed configuration at a speed of between 0.01 and 0.2 mm / s, more preferably between 0.04 and 0.1 mm / s.

[0145] The method may comprise applying a cosmetic product to the lock of hair before or after using the brush of the invention, and preferably before. Brief description of the drawings

[0146] The invention may be better understood by reading the description which follows, non-limiting examples of its implementation, and by examining the attached drawing, in which:

[0147] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] schematically represents an example of a device according to the invention,

[0148] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic sectional view of the power supply system of the device of [Fig.l],

[0149] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is an exploded schematic view of the power supply system of [Fig.2],

[0150] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a detail view of [Fig.2],

[0151] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is an exploded view of the multi-way valve of the supply system of [Fig.3],

[0152] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a sectional view of the multi-way valve of [Fig.5],

[0153] [Fig.7a] [Fig.7a] is a diagram of the multi-way valve of [Fig.5] in the supply configuration,

[0154] [Fig.7b] [Fig.7b] is a view similar to [Fig.7a] in the filling configuration,

[0155] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a schematic view of an example of a reservoir according to another embodiment. Detailed description

[0156] Figures 1 to 7b illustrate an example of a device 10 according to the invention. In this example, the device is a brush.

[0157] Although illustrated by way of example by a hair brush, the present invention also relates to other steam dispensing devices, and in particular to other hair treatment devices capable of dispensing steam onto the hair.

[0158] The device 10 comprises a gripping handle 15 and a head 20. The latter is for example, in top view, of substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners, but it could be otherwise. The head could be, in top view, substantially polygonal, oval or round in particular.

[0159] The head 20 forms a treatment surface 21.

[0160] The head 20 comprises teeth 23 arranged in a plurality of rows which extend from the treatment surface 21.

[0161] The device comprises a vaporization chamber supplied with water by a supply system 40. The supply system 40 extends at least partially into the gripping handle 15 of the device 10.

[0162] The device also comprises steam outlets supplied with steam from the vaporization chamber.

[0163] The device 10 comprises a selector 12 which makes it possible to switch from a supply configuration in which the vaporization chamber is supplied with liquid water to a filling configuration in which a water inlet supplies water to the reservoir, and vice versa.

[0164] The device 10 may comprise a filling orifice 11 forming a water inlet. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the supply system 40 in more detail.

[0165] The supply system 40 comprises a multi-way valve 25, a reservoir body 41 having an opening 410 connected to a channel of the multi-way valve 25. The supply system 40 also comprises a piston 240 slidably mounted in the reservoir body 4L. The reservoir body 41 and the piston 240 delimit a volume between the opening 410 and the piston 240 forming a reservoir 24 intended to contain liquid water.

[0166] The tank body 41 is cylindrical in shape, in particular cylindrical in revolution.

[0167] The feed system 40 extends along a longitudinal axis X. The internal volume of the reservoir defined by the piston inside the body is variable. The internal volume of the reservoir can vary between 0 and 30 mL depending on the position of the piston.

[0168] The piston 240 moves along a worm 241. The piston 240 is locked in rotation, as will be described below. In the illustrated embodiment, the worm is rotated by a motor 242. The latter can rotate in a first direction to move the piston 240 in the direction of decreasing the internal volume of the tank and can rotate in the opposite direction to move the piston 240 in the direction of increasing the internal volume of the tank.

[0169] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the piston 240 comprises on its external circumference a seal 243. The external circumference of the piston may also comprise an anti-rotation relief 244. In the example illustrated, the anti-rotation relief is a groove intended to slide on a corresponding rib arranged on the internal surface of the tank body 4L. Thanks to this anti-rotation relief, when the piston 240 moves, it does not rotate with the worm screw and is driven in translation in the tank body 4L. Alternatively, the friction of the piston seal on the tank body is sufficient to immobilize it in rotation, in which case the relief 244 is not necessary.

[0170] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate in detail the multi-way valve 25 of the supply system.

[0171] The multi-way valve 25 comprises the following three ways: - a 251 track connected to the water inlet, - a track 252 connected to tank 24, - a 253 channel connected to the vaporization chamber.

[0172] Each channel extends along an extension axis. The extension axis of channel 251 connected to the water inlet forms, for example, as illustrated, a non-zero angle with the extension axis of the other two channels 252 and 253.

[0173] The multi-way valve 25 has a general T shape, but it could have another shape, in particular a Y shape, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0174] The multi-way valve 25 comprises a movable shutter 254. The latter is movable in the channel 251 connected to the water inlet. This movable shutter 254 is for example, as illustrated, of substantially cubic shape. It comprises for example a seal 255 having a U-shaped section, intended to fit into a support 256 carrying an elbow 257. This seal 255 comprises two corresponding openings at the ends of the elbow 257.

[0175] In the example illustrated, the multi-way valve 25 comprises one or more helical springs 258 bearing against an internal surface 26 of the body of the multi-way valve 25. The spring(s) are received at least partially in housings 260 provided in the internal surface of the multi-way valve. This or these spring(s) 258 maintain the movable shutter in a predefined position in the absence of external pressure. This or these springs are arranged between the channel 252 connected to the reservoir and the channel 253 connected to the vaporization chamber.

[0176] The shutter 254 is movable between two positions, namely a feed position and a fill position.

[0177] In the supply position, illustrated in [Fig.7a], the spring(s) 258 are relaxed and the movable shutter 254 is arranged such that fluid communication can be established between the channel 253 connected to the vaporization chamber and the channel 252 connected to the reservoir. In the supply position, the shutter 254 abuts against a wall 259 bordering the opening of the channel 251 connected to the water inlet. Liquid water can then flow under the movable shutter from the reservoir to the vaporization chamber. In this position, the lower face 30 of the shutter blocks fluid communication with the channel 251 connected to the water inlet.

[0178] In the filling position, illustrated in [Fig.7b], the spring(s) 258 are compressed and the shutter is arranged such that fluid communication can be established between the path 251 connected to the water inlet and the path 252 connected to the reservoir. The liquid water can then flow via the elbow 257 towards the reservoir. In this position, a lateral face of the shutter blocks the fluid communication with the path 253 connected to the vaporization chamber. In the supply position, the movable shutter is in abutment against an internal wall of the valve body extending between the path connected to the reservoir and the path connected to the vaporization chamber.

[0179] In this example, it is not necessary to separate the tank from the multi-way valve to move from the filling configuration to the supply configuration.

[0180] When treating hair using the device of Figures 1 to 7b, the user begins by filling the reservoir 41 with liquid water. To do this, he connects a water inlet, for example a hose connected to a tap, to the water inlet of the multi-way valve 25. By connecting, the hose exerts a thrust on the movable shutter, which compresses the spring(s) 258 and pushes the movable shutter 254 against the internal surface 26 of the valve body to reach the filling position. In this filling position, the ends of the elbow 257 are opposite the water inlet path 251 on the one hand and the path to the reservoir 252 on the other hand.

[0181] The user can then put the selector in filling mode, which starts the motor rotating and moves the piston in the direction of increasing the internal volume of the tank. The water is sucked via the multi-way valve into the tank.

[0182] The motor can stop once the piston has reached the end of its stroke, for example by detecting the current absorbed by the motor.

[0183] Once the filling is complete, the user can disconnect the liquid water supply pipe. By disconnecting the pipe, the pressure on the movable shutter ceases to be exerted. The springs 258 then return the movable shutter to the supply position. In this position, the lower face of the shutter closes the passage to the water inlet.

[0184] The user can then put the selector in power mode, which starts the motor rotating and moves the piston in the direction of decreasing the internal volume of the reservoir. The liquid water flows towards the vaporization chamber to be vaporized there. In this power configuration, the user can treat his hair with water vapor. An automatic stop of the heating of the vaporization chamber can take place when the reservoir is empty, this state corresponding for example to the end of the stroke of the piston, which can be detected by the current absorbed by the motor for example.

[0185] Another embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention is illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0186] In this embodiment, the device comprises:

[0187] - a reservoir 205 in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber via a 201 extension, and

[0188] - an additional chamber 206, called rear, in fluid communication with water inlet 200.

[0189] The reservoir and the rear chamber are each located on one side of the piston 240. The volumes of the reservoir and the rear chamber are variable and depend on the position of the piston along the worm screw 241.

[0190] A check valve 203 may be arranged on the piston, as illustrated. The check valve may be configured to prevent the passage of water from the reservoir to the rear chamber.

[0191] The feed system may comprise, as illustrated, an additional non-return valve 204 between the rear chamber and the water inlet, the additional non-return valve allowing the passage of water from the water inlet to the rear chamber and preventing the passage of water in the opposite direction.

[0192] In the supply configuration, the piston is set in motion in the direction of a decrease in the internal volume of the tank. The non-return valve 203 is then closed. The volume of the rear chamber increases so that the water from the water inlet is sucked into the rear chamber in the direction of opening the additional non-return valve 204.

[0193] In the filling configuration, the piston is set in motion in the direction of an increase in the internal volume of the reservoir and therefore a decrease in the internal volume of the rear chamber. The non-return valve 203 opens under the effect of the water pressure in the rear chamber and the additional check valve 204 is closed, water can flow back to the tank.

[0194] The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described.

[0195] For example, the device comprises a member for applying a cosmetic product allowing the product to be applied to the hair.

[0196] The different embodiments and variants can be combined as long as they are compatible.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (10) for treating hair with water vapor, comprising: - a vaporization chamber, - a system (40) for supplying the vaporization chamber with water, comprising a reservoir (24) with variable internal volume for containing water in the liquid state, the supply system (40) being configured to pass within the device from a configuration for supplying the vaporization chamber in which the reservoir (24) is in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber and the internal volume of the reservoir decreases, to a configuration for filling the reservoir (24), in which the reservoir (24) is in fluid communication with a water inlet (200, 251) and the internal volume of the reservoir increases, and vice versa, the supply system (40) comprising a multi-way valve (25), configured to put the reservoir and the vaporization chamber in fluid communication in the supply configuration,and to put the tank and the water inlet into fluid communication in the filling configuration.,

2. Device according to the preceding claim, the supply system comprising a movable member (240) along the longitudinal axis X of the reservoir (24) to modify the internal volume of the reservoir (24).

3. Device according to the preceding claim, the movable member (240) being a piston movable inside the reservoir, in particular in translation, in particular along the longitudinal axis X of the reservoir.

4. Device according to the preceding claim, the piston being mounted on a screw (241), in particular an endless screw fixed axially relative to the reservoir (24) and driven in rotation in one direction or the other depending on the desired movement for the piston.

5. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, comprising a motor (242) configured to move the movable member (240) for modifying the internal volume of the tank.

6. Device according to one of claims 2 to 5, the movable member (240), in particular the piston, comprising at least one anti-rotation relief (244), in particular at least one groove or rib, configured to cooperate with at least one complementary relief of a tank body (41) in which the tank (24) extends, in particular a rib or a groove of complementary shape.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the multi-way valve comprising: - a valve body having three ways (251, 252, 253) connected respectively to the reservoir (252), to the vaporization chamber (253) and to the water inlet (251), and - a movable shutter (254) in the valve body between a supply position, in the supply configuration of the supply system, establishing communication between the reservoir and the vaporization chamber and closing the communication between the reservoir and the water inlet, and a filling position in the filling configuration of the supply system, establishing communication between the reservoir and the water inlet and closing the communication between the reservoir and the vaporization chamber.

8. Device according to the preceding claim, the multi-way valve blocking the fluid communication between the reservoir and the water inlet in the supply configuration and blocking the fluid communication between the reservoir and the vaporization chamber in the filling configuration, the body of the multi-way valve preferably being T- or Y-shaped.

9. Device according to claim 4 and one of claims 7 to 8, the reservoir having a body (41) of elongated shape contained in a gripping handle (15) of the device, being closed at one end by an eccentric end piece (410) connected to the multi-way valve (25), this end piece (410) preferably being molded in one piece with the body of the reservoir (41), the device comprising at the end opposite the end piece an electric motor (242) for driving the worm screw (241), the latter preferably being held at its end opposite the motor (242) in a bearing formed in an end wall preferably molded in one piece with the body of the reservoir, the end piece preferably being carried by said end wall.

10. Device according to one of claims 7 to 9, the multi-way valve (25) comprising an elastic return member (258) of the movable shutter (254) in a predefined rest position.

11. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, comprising a selector (12) making it possible to reverse the direction of movement of the movable member (240) to modify the internal volume of the reservoir when changing from the distribution configuration to the supply configuration and vice versa.

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a head (20) carrying a plurality of teeth (23) for combing the hair and a gripping handle (15), the reservoir (24) preferably extending into the gripping handle.

13. Device according to the preceding claim, further comprising heating means for heating at least two teeth of the plurality of teeth (23).

14. A method of treating hair using a device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: (a) dispensing at least a portion of the liquid contained in the reservoir (24) of the device to the vaporization chamber by reducing the internal volume of the reservoir, the supply system being in the dispensing configuration, and (b) filling the reservoir from a water inlet by increasing the internal volume of the reservoir, the supply system being in the filling configuration.

15. Method according to the preceding claim, further comprising, between the steps (a) of distribution and (b) of filling, the transition of the supply system from the distribution configuration to the filling configuration, in particular by moving the movable shutter of the multi-way valve.

16. Method according to one of the two preceding claims, the flow rate of water leaving the reservoir (24) in the supply configuration being between 0.1 and 10 mL / min, better between 0.2 and 5 mL / min, better between 0.5 and 3 mL / min.

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