Steam diffusion hairdressing appliance equipped with a membrane pump.

Abstract

Steam diffusion hairdressing appliance equipped with a membrane pump The present invention relates to a steam diffusion hairdressing appliance intended for shaping hair comprising means for supplying liquid to a steam generator, characterized in that the liquid supply means comprise a membrane pump. Figure for abstract: Fig 3

Description

Title of the invention: Steam diffusion hairdressing appliance equipped with a membrane pump.

[0001] The present invention relates to a hairdressing appliance using steam and intended for shaping or styling hair. The appliance is more particularly a hair brush capable of diffusing steam onto hair.

[0002] Many types of household hairdressing appliances are known for styling 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] In order to improve treatment, certain devices have long provided 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 devices.

[0004] Thus, document US2880299A, for example, describes a curling iron capable of distributing steam onto a lock of hair pinched between two articulated arms and wrapped around said arms.

[0005] Documents US20040000319A1 and US2009188516A1 describe devices of the hair straightener type also capable of distributing steam onto a strand of hair pinched between two arms, each equipped with a heating plate.

[0006] Finally, we can also cite brushes and combs, heated or not, capable of distributing steam during their use through hair. By way of example, we can refer to documents KR20030085159A and DE19822718A1, as well as to application FR21 / 08980, not yet published, in the name of the applicant.

[0007] Commonly, 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.

[0008] 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).

[0009] It is known from documents EP2449910 and WO2020083736 to use a peristaltic pump in such a hairdressing appliance so as to ensure good regulation of the liquid feed flow rate of the steam generator, particularly in a device integrating all the steam production elements (liquid water tank, pump and steam generator).

[0010] The use of a peristaltic pump in such household appliances, and in particular in hair steam treatment devices, also has advantages in terms of form factor, size and weight.

[0011] In the context of the development of new tools, and in particular for the development of hairbrushes delivering steam as described in application FR21 / 07945 not yet published, there is a constant need to optimize these aspects which have a strong impact on the general ergonomics of the device.

[0012] Despite their relative advantages, peristaltic pumps are relatively slow-speed pumps and inherently quite bulky. They can also be noisy due to friction of the rotor rollers on the flexible tube.

[0013] There is also a need to use reliable devices that avoid the problems caused by wear and deterioration of elements subject to heavy use such as the flexible pipes or tubes of peristaltic pumps which, due to the deformations suffered, can break and cause leaks in the device.

[0014] Finally, for safety reasons, it may be desirable to equip these devices with an anti-backflow system. Since peristaltic pumps are rotary volumetric pumps, such an anti-backflow system can only be installed on pipes external to the pump, which reduces the overall space requirement in the device.

[0015] There is therefore a need to find an alternative solution to the use of peristaltic pumps in such household appliances.

[0016] To this end, the present invention provides a steam diffusion hairdressing appliance intended for shaping hair comprising means for supplying liquid to a steam generator, characterized in that the liquid supply means comprise a membrane pump.

[0017] Generally speaking, a diaphragm pump uses at least one oscillating diaphragm. The oscillation of the diaphragm can be created in various known ways and in particular by an eccentric driven by a motor.

[0018] More specifically, a diaphragm pump comprises at least one transfer chamber for the fluid to be pumped, one wall of which is formed by said oscillating diaphragm. The alternating movement of the diaphragm causes a variation in the volume of the transfer chamber which, associated with non-return valves at the fluid inlet and outlet, allows the suction and discharge of said fluid, and therefore its pumping. The pumping flow rate depends in particular on the amplitude and frequency of the oscillations of the diaphragm. Pumps are known which implement two transfer chambers, each chamber comprising at least one oscillating membrane. The membranes are generally driven in phase opposition.

[0019] Diaphragm pump technology makes it possible to produce pumps capable of remaining in extremely small dimensions (micro pumps) and being placed in any position.

[0020] In particular, diaphragm pumps, particularly valve pumps, were relatively bulky. Improvements in production processes allow their miniaturization beyond what is possible with a peristaltic pump, for example. The availability of very small diaphragm pumps makes these new uses possible.

[0021] The miniaturization of DC motors also makes it possible to obtain a higher rotation speed - and therefore actuation speed of the membrane(s) - than before. This allows for a more regular flow rate than is possible with a peristaltic pump.

[0022] Recently, small single diaphragm pumps driven by a DC motor would potentially not have allowed the necessary delivery height in the case where the water tank is offset a significant distance from the steam chamber. The integration of the tank into the tool allows this limitation to be overcome.

[0023] Certain hair treatment devices are known which implement systems similar to membrane pumps.

[0024] Document WO2012146869A1 for example describes a steam diffusion hair straightener comprising a piston pump for dispensing a cosmetic product contained in a dedicated reservoir, the piston pump being controlled by the closing and opening movement of the arms of the hair straightener.

[0025] Document FR3015877 describes a steam diffusion hair straightener comprising a valve pump for dispensing a cosmetic product contained in a dedicated tank.

[0026] However, for both of these documents, it should be noted that the piston and valve pumps are not used to power the steam generator, the systems aiming rather to ensure the distribution of the cosmetic product in doses and not in a continuously controlled manner as would be necessary for steam generation when using the device.

[0027] The implementation of such a membrane pump for supplying a vaporization chamber of a household appliance for treating hair makes it possible to significantly reduce the size of the pumping and circulation module of the fluid in the appliance. It is thus possible to obtain a more ergonomic, less heavy and therefore more easily maneuverable system.

[0028] The reliability of the system is also increased by the absence of internal tubes in the pump and subject to constraints as in peristaltic pumps. This new system can accept a large number of starts, speed changes and reversals without fatigue or heating and with less noise. The flow rate is more constant than for peristaltic pumps due to the absence of pulsations when the rollers pass over the tube. These diaphragm pumps can also operate dry without damage and do not risk blocking even at low pressure.

[0029] Advantageously, the diaphragm pump is capable of being driven by an electric motor, in particular a DC motor. The electric motor can in particular be controlled by a control unit of the device so as to vary the flow rate of liquid transferred by the pump.

[0030] Preferably, the diaphragm pump and, where appropriate, the electric motor, are chosen and configured to be able to ensure a liquid supply flow rate of between 0.5 and 10 g / min (water at 25°C). Preferably, the assembly is configured to ensure a liquid supply flow rate of less than 5 g / min, or even less than 3 g / min.

[0031] The liquid capable of being transferred by the pump to the steam generator is preferably water alone, in particular demineralized. It may however include additives, in particular a cosmetic additive.

[0032] Advantageously, the membrane pump is integrated into a portable treatment unit of the hairdressing appliance.

[0033] Preferably, the membrane pump is connected, at the inlet, to a fluid reservoir, preferably integrated into the potable treatment unit.

[0034] In particular, the membrane pump and / or the reservoir are arranged inside a handle of the household appliance.

[0035] The steam generator may also be arranged inside the handle or at the rear of a hair treatment surface.

[0036] According to a particular embodiment, the diaphragm pump is a double diaphragm pump. Preferably, however, the diaphragm pump is a single diaphragm pump so as to optimize its size.

[0037] According to a first variant embodiment, the hairdressing appliance is a hairbrush.

[0038] By "brush" is meant a hair treatment device comprising a single arm carrying a plurality of teeth between which the hair is received as the brush passes over the hair. The brush may have a single row of teeth, and is then otherwise called a comb, or may have a plurality of rows of teeth. The brush may comprise a heated treatment surface. The teeth may also be actively heated or not.

[0039] According to a second variant embodiment, the hairdressing appliance is a hair straightener.

[0040] By "hair straightener" is meant a hair treatment device comprising two arms articulated relative to each other around a hinge between an open configuration and a closed configuration. At least one arm, and preferably each arm, is equipped with a treatment surface in the form of a heating plate. During the operations of treating a lock of hair, the latter is introduced between the two arms in the open position, then the two arms are manually closed over the lock of hair. The latter is then subjected, until the two arms open and the lock of hair is extracted, to the heat emitted by the heating element, the device being able to be moved along the lock.

[0041] Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which: 1. is a schematic representation of a hair brush capable of delivering steam to the hair. 2. is a schematic representation in longitudinal section of the brush of [Fig.l] showing a handle housing a water supply assembly implementing a pump according to the present application. 3. is an exploded schematic representation of a diaphragm pump according to the present application. 4. is a cross-sectional representation of the diaphragm pump of [Fig.3], 5. is a partial longitudinal sectional representation of the diaphragm pump of [Fig.3].

[0042] Figures 1 and 2 are schematic representations of a hair brush 100 capable of distributing steam to the hair.

[0043] Although illustrated by way of example by a hair brush, the present application may also relate to other household appliances distributing a fluid, and in particular other household hair treatment appliances capable of distributing a fluid on the hair, in particular steam. An example of another appliance is a hair straightener such as that described in particular in document FR2967018A1.

[0044] The hair brush 100 comprises a gripping handle 110 and a treatment head 120. The head 120 comprises a set of teeth 121 arranged on a support plate 122 in a plurality of rows. The rows of teeth 122 extend substantially along a longitudinal axis of the brush X.

[0045] In the example shown, the support plate 122 is substantially flat and has a substantially rectangular shape extending in the extension of the gripping handle 122. It is obviously possible to have a support plate curved, the teeth 123 then being preferentially located on a concave surface of the support plate, or even a substantially cylindrical support plate.

[0046] In a particular embodiment, the support plate 122 and / or the teeth 123 may be heated. Preferably, only the teeth 123 are heated.

[0047] The head 120 also comprises a plurality of steam outlets 130 emerging from the support plate 122. The steam outlets or nozzles 130 may be located between teeth 123 of one or more rows or be distinct and in particular arranged along an edge of the support plate 122.

[0048] Alternatively, the steam outlets 130 can be made in the teeth 123, and in particular open onto one side of these.

[0049] According to the embodiment shown, the steam nozzles 130 open between the teeth of the same row, in this case between the teeth of a middle row, thus forming a row of steam outlets 130 extending substantially in the extension of the handle 110.

[0050] The steam is conveyed to the steam outlets from a vaporization chamber (not visible) integrated into the device 100 through one or more diffusion channels passing through the support plate 122, and the teeth 123 if applicable. According to the example shown, the vaporization chamber is integrated into the head 120 at the rear of the support plate 122. Such elements are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0051] In accordance with the present application, the vaporization chamber is itself supplied with liquid water from a reservoir 300 by a membrane pump 200, as shown in detail in FIGS. 3, 4, 5. Preferably, the reservoir 300 is integrated into the device 100, in particular into the handle 110. It can advantageously be removable so that it can be easily filled. Otherwise, a filling orifice 301 can be provided in a wall of the handle 110. The filling orifice 301 may be equipped with a valve or flap to prevent any leakage of the liquid from the reservoir 300.

[0052] The diaphragm pump 200 is a single diaphragm pump and comprises a frame 201, forming a pump head, on which a motor 202 is fixed.

[0053] The frame 201 is hollow and defines a pumping chamber 201c comprising an inlet conduit 203 or admission of the fluid to be pumped and an outlet conduit 204 or discharge of the fluid. Each inlet conduit 203 and outlet conduit 204 is equipped with movable balls forming a non-return valve.

[0054] The pumping chamber 201c is delimited mainly by walls of the frame 206, fixed, and by a flexible membrane 207 deformable relative to the frame 201.

[0055] More particularly, the flexible membrane 207 has a peripheral rim which is mounted in a fixed and sealed manner on a wall of the frame 201 (in this case in a groove) and a central part connected to a movable shaft 210.

[0056] The electric motor 202 comprises a drive shaft arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the shaft 210 of the membrane 207 and has a lateral portion eccentric from the axis of rotation of the motor.

[0057] Thus, when the motor 202 is operating, the lateral portion describes a circle around the axis of rotation of the motor and at a distance from it.

[0058] The shaft 210 of the membrane 207 is connected to the motor by the lateral portion, in particular by means of a mounting eyelet crossed by the lateral portion 212.

[0059] In operation, the eccentric movement of the lateral portion 212 around the motor axis causes an alternating back and forth movement of the shaft 210 of the membrane 207. The distance at which the lateral portion is eccentric defines the amplitude of deformation of the membrane, and consequently, the pumping volume per pulsation.

[0060] In doing so, the central part of the membrane 207 follows the same movement and causes the regular deformation of said membrane 207 between a position in which the volume of the pumping chamber is minimal (discharge) and a position in which the volume of the pumping chamber is maximal (suction). This operation is well known and will not be described further.

[0061] As indicated above, the inlet conduit is connected to the reservoir 300 and the outlet conduit is connected to the vaporization chamber.

Claims

Claims

1. Steam diffusion hairdressing appliance (100) intended for shaping hair comprising: - at least one heating treatment surface, - at least one nozzle for distributing steam in or near said treatment surface - means for supplying liquid to a steam generator comprising a membrane pump (200) connected, at the inlet, to a fluid reservoir (300), characterized in that the hairdressing appliance is a hair straightener.

2. Steam hairdressing appliance (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the membrane pump (200) is capable of being driven by an electric motor (201).

3. Hairdressing appliance (100) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the membrane pump (200) is integrated into a portable processing unit of the hairdressing appliance.

4. Hairdressing appliance (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the fluid reservoir (300) is integrated into the potable treatment unit.

5. Hairdressing appliance (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the membrane pump (200) is a double membrane pump.

6. Hairdressing appliance (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the diaphragm pump (200) is a single diaphragm pump.

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