Hair treatment device

Abstract

Hair Treatment Device 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 device grip sensor (50), - at least one device motion sensor (60), - 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 dual grip and device movement condition, verified from information generated by the device grip (50) and motion (60) sensors, is met. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Hair treatment device

[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 hair styling devices or accessories are known for shaping hair, particularly by straightening, curling or crimping. Examples include straightening or curling irons and hairbrushes.

[0003] Conventional brushes only allow for short-term styling of the hair if their use is not accompanied by the implementation of a treatment with a composition based on chemical active ingredients.

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

[0005] To improve the treatment, some devices provide for the distribution of steam to the surface to be treated. Styling brushes with steam emission have thus been proposed. This is the case in particular for documents DE19822718 and KR20030085159.

[0006] Hair treatment devices, particularly in the form of clip-on hair straighteners, are also known, notably from patent applications KR20090110464 and KR20160008488. These devices incorporate sensors that detect the user's hand contact with the handle to prevent the device's heating element from activating when not in use. Patent application KR101452985 describes an acceleration sensor for reducing power consumption.

[0007] Document JPH04193203 describes the use of a moisture sensor in a non-steam-emitting 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 for determining hair condition, and international application WO2014111646 describes several sensors, including motion sensors or an accelerometer, an optical sensor, and an electric field sensor for determining and remotely transmitting data on hair movement and condition based on movement, and temperature and / or humidity sensors to refine the analysis of hair condition based on atmospheric data.

[0008] Steam hair treatment devices may cause discomfort for the user due to the use of steam near the scalp, especially when this steam emission is premature.

[0009] In the case of clip-on hair straighteners, the clip does not come into contact with the scalp, only with the hair, and the steam is contained between the arms, making it safer. Furthermore, it is easy to detect when the clip is closed, indicating that the device is in use.

[0010] In the case of brushes, the surface area from which steam is emitted can be significant, particularly for flat-headed brushes. Furthermore, the bristles or teeth of the brush are designed to act in close proximity to the scalp, which increases the risks associated with the use of steam.

[0011] Furthermore, using steam before handling and moving the device generates excessive water consumption. This is all the more important as the tank volume 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, in particular of the brush type, which is economical in water and allows for the safe emission of steam. Summary of the invention

[0013] The invention addresses this need by means of a hair treatment device comprising - at least one steam outlet to emit steam onto the hair, - a steam supply system for said system, including at least one steam outlet, - at least one device handling detector, - at least one motion detector for the device, - a steam control unit configured to allow the supply and / or automatically supply steam to the steam outlet by the steam supply system when at least one predefined double condition is met, this double condition being a gripping and movement condition of the device verified from information generated by the gripping and movement detectors of the device.

[0014] Controlling steam emission based on the dual conditions of handling and movement detection makes it possible to use the device safely, in particular by preventing steam emission when the device is neither handled nor moved. This also limits the water consumption required for steam generation. Device

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

[0016] Preferably, the processing device includes a gripping area configured to receive the user's hand.

[0017] Preferably, the treatment device comprises a handle and a treatment head. The gripping area can be defined at least partially by the handle. The handle facilitates gripping the device and allows for the insertion of additional elements into the device, including a user interface, a water reservoir and / or a cosmetic product reservoir and / or one or more sensors, including grip and motion detectors. In a variant of the invention, at least one of these additional elements is located in the head of the device described below.

[0018] The head of the processing device can have any shape in cross-section. Preferably, the head of the processing device has a substantially polygonal cross-section, in particular a substantially rectangular or square, or a substantially oval or circular shape. Other cross-sectional shapes are possible, such as a section with a polygonal contour on one side and a non-polygonal, in particular rounded, contour on the other.

[0019] Preferably, the treatment device, in particular the head, comprises a treatment surface intended to come into contact with or be adjacent to the hair. This treatment surface may be flat or convex outwards. This treatment surface may have a substantially polygonal contour, in particular rectangular or square, circular or oval.

[0020] Preferably, the treatment device, in particular the head, has an external surface opposite the treatment surface. This external surface may define at least partially the gripping area of ​​the device.

[0021] The gripping area can be defined by the external surface of the device, the handle or a part of the handle and the external surface of the head.

[0022] The device may include teeth extending from the treatment surface.

[0023] The term "teeth," sometimes also called "prongs" or "bristles," refers to protruding elements or protrusions between which the hair is caught as the device passes over the hair. The teeth can be of any shape. The teeth can be flexible or rigid, and may optionally have a rounded head or ball at their tip.

[0024] Preferably, the treatment device is a brush.

[0025] The term "brush" refers to a hair treatment device consisting of a single arm with a plurality of teeth extending from the treatment surface, between which the hair is caught as the brush passes over the hair. The brush may have a single row of teeth but preferably has a plurality of rows of teeth.

[0026] The device according to the invention makes it possible to treat hair effectively by brushing the hair and applying steam in a single movement, only when a grip detection and a movement detection are detected. Grip detector

[0027] Preferably, the grip detector is arranged on the handle of the device.

[0028] Alternatively, particularly in the absence of a handle, the grip detector is arranged on an external surface of the device, opposite the processing surface.

[0029] The grip detector may include one or more contact or proximity, strain, pressure, temperature, sound or vibration sensors or a mechanical sensor which the user presses when gripping the device.

[0030] The sensor(s) may be chosen from among mechanical, optical (including infrared), resistive, capacitive, acoustic, or thermal sensors, or one or more microswitches. Preferably, the sensor(s) are capacitive or infrared.

[0031] The sensor(s) can be arranged on a surface of the handle on the side of the device opposite the processing surface and / or on a surface of the handle on the same side of the device as the processing surface.

[0032] The sensor(s) may be flush with or recessed from the surface of the device in a housing on the latter. Alternatively, the sensor(s) may protrude and optionally retract during use.

[0033] The hand grip detector can be configured to detect the proximity of the hand, at a distance less than or equal to 5 cm, preferably less than or equal to 2 cm from the or each sensor.

[0034] Preferably, the control unit determines whether there is an effective grip based on information provided by the grip detector. Effective gripping is determined, in particular, when contact with the detector or proximity at a distance less than or equal to the aforementioned value is detected by the grip detector. The grip detector may include a single sensor arranged on a surface of the device, in particular the handle, on the side of the device opposite the processing surface. Alternatively, the sensor is arranged on a surface of the handle on the same side of the device as the processing surface.

[0035] The handing-on information can be analog, logic or digital.

[0036] Alternatively, the grip detector comprises at least two sensors, one on a surface of the handle opposite the processing surface and the other on a surface of the handle on the same side of the device as the processing surface, so as to detect contact or proximity of the hand on both sides of the handle to ensure an effective grip and not simply the device being placed on a surface. In this case, the unit of The command determines the effective grip only when both sensors detect actual contact or proximity. Motion detector

[0037] Preferably, the motion detector comprises a non-contact sensor, i.e., one that does not require direct contact between the sensor and keratinous materials. The motion detector may consist of one or more non-contact sensors.

[0038] Preferably, the contactless sensor(s) are integrated within the device without extending onto its surface, particularly in the handle of the device.

[0039] The motion detector may include an accelerometer.

[0040] The accelerometer can be configured to be able to measure linear accelerations experienced along at least one axis perpendicular to the principal axis of the device and / or along an axis parallel to the principal plane of the device.

[0041] Preferably, the accelerometer is configured to be able to measure the accelerometer linear accelerations experienced along at least two perpendicular axes. Even better, the accelerometer is configured to be able to measure linear accelerations experienced along three orthogonal axes.

[0042] The motion detector may include a gyroscope capable of measuring the rotational movements undergone around an axis perpendicular to the main axis of the device and substantially parallel to the processing surface.

[0043] Preferably, the gyroscope is configured to be able to measure rotational movements about at least two perpendicular axes, in particular at least two measurement axes of the accelerometer. Even better, the gyroscope is configured to be able to measure rotational movements about three orthogonal axes, in particular about the three measurement axes of the accelerometer.

[0044] Preferably, the motion detector includes the accelerometer and gyroscope as described above. Using the raw data detected by the accelerometer and gyroscope, the device's movements can be determined and the movement data taken into account by the control unit.

[0045] The control unit can eliminate the acceleration caused by gravity g by software filtering operations or by the use of a complementary multi-axis inclinometer included in the motion detector.

[0046] Alternatively or in addition, the motion detector may include a detector that comes into contact with the keratinous materials and detects the movement of the keratinous materials in contact with it.

[0047] Preferably, the motion detector is not configured to detect contact of the device with hair when the latter is stationary. Therefore, there is no emission of vapor upon contact with hair in the absence of movement. device on the hair.

[0048] The motion detector may include a probe extending outward from the processing surface of the device and be configured to detect a stress applied to the probe. In the case of a brush, the probe may be a tooth of the brush or a mechanical element separate from the brush teeth.

[0049] The probe can be mounted to move in one or more directions to allow the detection of movement of the device with the hair or scalp. This is, for example, a probe that moves in translation, flexion, or other directions.

[0050] Preferably, the probe is movable, in particular pivoting from a rest position about at least one axis of rotation, and the motion detector may be a force sensor, in particular a restoring force, resulting from the pivoting motion of the probe about the axis of rotation, configured to detect and / or measure the motion, in particular the pivot angle, of the probe. The motion condition of the device may be met when at least the motion is detected or when the measurement of a motion amplitude, in particular the pivot angle, is greater than or equal to a setpoint value.

[0051] 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 device. The probe may extend from the treatment surface parallel to at least one tooth of the device.

[0052] The motion detector may include a rotary potentiometer on which the probe is mounted, the detector being configured to measure the output voltage of the potentiometer, which is characteristic of the probe's movement, in particular, a specific angle of rotation of the probe. The motion detector may include a Hall effect sensor on or within the probe and two magnets arranged on either side of the axis of rotation, the detector being configured to detect the presence of a magnetic field and / or to determine its value at the detector. The motion condition of the device can be met when the detector detects a magnetic field.

[0053] The motion detector may include at least two microswitches arranged on either side of the axis of rotation and configured to activate when the probe is in motion, for example, when it pivots around the axis of rotation through a threshold angle. The threshold angle may be a function of the position of the microswitches relative to the probe. The motion condition of the device may be met when at least one of the two microswitches has been activated.

[0054] The detector may include an elastic return element for the probe in its 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 base of fixation and / or having an elongation axis substantially parallel to an elongation axis of the neighboring teeth. The elastic retaining element may include one or more springs connecting the probe on either side of the axis of rotation to a support fixed relative to the axis of rotation.

[0055] The control unit can determine whether there is actual movement of the device based on information provided by the motion detector. Actual movement of the device can be determined when the detected movement along at least one axis, in particular the axis perpendicular to the main axis of the device and substantially parallel to the processing surface, or around at least one axis, in particular the axis perpendicular to the main axis of the device and substantially parallel to the processing surface, exceeds a threshold value for movement and / or speed of movement, preferably over a duration greater than or equal to a threshold duration. The threshold value for movement along the axis perpendicular to the main axis of the device and substantially parallel to the processing surface can be a displacement greater than or equal to 1 cm.The threshold value for movement speed along the axis perpendicular to the main axis of the device and substantially parallel to the treatment surface may be greater than or equal to 4 mm / s. The threshold duration may be greater than or equal to 2 s. Dual grip and movement conditions.

[0056] The dual condition of handling and movement is in particular fulfilled when the control unit determines both the effective handling, as described above, and the effective movement of the device, as described above. Teeth

[0057] The teeth can extend along at least two rows of teeth, the rows of teeth preferably extending each parallel to the main axis of the device, in particular of the brush.

[0058] Preferably, the treatment surface of the device, in particular of the brush, is substantially rectangular in front view and the teeth extend along several rows of teeth, each extending along the main axis of the device, in particular of the brush.

[0059] Preferably, the row or rows of teeth each have at least 3 teeth, better 10 to 40 teeth, even better 15 to 40 teeth.

[0060] Preferably, the device, in particular the brush, includes tooth heating means for heating at least a portion of the plurality of teeth, in particular at least two of the teeth, preferably at least one or more rows of teeth. The tooth heating means may be the same as the heating means for the treatment surface. The combination of tooth heating and steam application allows to improve hair treatment. This allows for maintaining a higher temperature in the areas where steam is applied, particularly between teeth when steam is directed into these spaces. It also allows for preheating the hair with dry heat before or after steam application, further enhancing the effectiveness of steam hair treatment.

[0061] At least a portion of the teeth of the device, particularly the brush, may be made of a heat-conducting material, in particular iron, aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, graphite, or ceramic. The device, particularly the brush, may include means for heating the teeth to heat at least a portion of the teeth, in particular at least two of the teeth, preferably at least one or more rows of teeth, in particular to heat all the teeth made of a heat-conducting material.

[0062] The heating means may consist of one or more thermal resistances or any other heating means.

[0063] Preferably, the teeth have a height greater than or equal to 2 mm and less than or equal to 50 mm, better greater than or equal to 5 mm and less than or equal to 20 mm.

[0064] Preferably, the teeth are free of surface outgrowths.

[0065] Preferably, at least some of the teeth, better all of the teeth, are replaced on the device, particularly the brush, which is fixed in holes in the treatment surface. Alternatively, at least some of the teeth, or better yet all of the teeth, are integrated into the treatment surface; for example, the teeth are a single unit with the treatment surface.

[0066] The teeth may extend perpendicularly to the treatment surface or be inclined with respect to said treatment surface.

[0067] Preferably, the teeth all extend along axes parallel to each other. Steam

[0068] The treatment device may include one or more steam outlets.

[0069] In one variant, the steam outlet(s) extend into a steam outlet zone of the device delimited by the peripheral outer edges of the treatment surface.

[0070] In another variant the steam outlet(s) extend into a steam outlet zone of the device located inside the treatment surface.

[0071] The vapor outlet area can be extended along an extension axis covering more than 70%, preferably 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.

[0072] The device may include a steam outlet, in particular a single steam outlet, elongated along an extension axis parallel to the main axis of the device, either perpendicular to this axis, particularly along the entire length of the steam outlet area. In this case, the steam outlet may have an opening with a surface area greater than or equal to 5 mm².

[0073] The device may include a plurality of steam outlets extending along at least one row of steam outlets extending along the extension axis or perpendicularly to this axis, preferably along the extension axis, in particular over the entire length of the steam outlet zone.

[0074] Preferably, the steam outlets open in the device onto a common steam distribution chamber.

[0075] The steam outlets of the steam outlet row may alternate with teeth arranged in a row, in particular the teeth of the brush in the case of a brush, especially teeth made of a heat-conducting material of the brush, as mentioned above. Alternatively, the steam outlets are located in an area of ​​the brush without teeth.

[0076] 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 protruding from it.

[0077] The steam outlet(s) may extend into one or more peripheral areas of the device's treatment surface.

[0078] Alternatively, the steam outlet(s) may extend into one or more internal areas of the device's treatment surface. In the case of a brush, the steam outlet(s) may be laterally bordered by teeth, in particular rows of teeth, including teeth made of a heat-conducting material as previously mentioned.

[0079] 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-1, better from 0.2 to 4 mLmin-1, even better from 0.4 to 2 mLmin-1, preferably from 0.5 to 0.95 mLmin-1.

[0080] The device, in particular the steam supply system, preferably includes at least one vaporization chamber supplying steam to the steam outlet(s). The vaporization chamber may be located in the head of the device or in the handle.

[0081] The steam outlet(s) may be in cross-section of any shape, in particular substantially square, substantially rectangular, substantially round or ovoid.

[0082] The steam outlet(s) 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.

[0083] The device may include at least one reservoir for the product to be sprayed, particularly water, with a volume ranging from 1 mL to 50 mL. The reservoir can be located in the handle or in the head. There can also be two reservoirs, one in the handle and one in the head.

[0084] The device, in particular the steam projection system, may include a pump between the water reservoir and the steam outlet(s), in particular between the reservoir and the vaporization chamber. Control unit

[0085] The control unit can be configured to prevent steam supply from the steam supply system when the device is switched off.

[0086] The control unit can be configured to prevent the supply of steam by the steam supply system until the dual condition of grasping and movement is met after the device has been switched on.

[0087] Preferably, the control unit is configured to prevent the supply of steam by the steam supply system when the dual condition of handling and movement is no longer met for a period greater than or equal to a predefined time interval, for example equal to 5 s, better 2 s, even better 1 s.

[0088] The device may include at least one temperature sensor located either at the vaporization chamber and / or at the treatment surface and / or at the teeth. The device may include a temperature sensor at the vaporization chamber and a temperature sensor at the treatment surface and / or at the teeth. Preferably, the temperature sensor is located at the head of the device, in particular on the treatment surface or on at least one of the teeth to detect the temperature of the treatment surface or at least one of the teeth.

[0089] The control unit is configured to supply steam to the steam outlet via the steam supply system preferably when the dual conditions of handling and movement are met, and a temperature condition is met in a vaporization chamber supplying steam to the steam outlet(s); the steam supply can thus be triggered when the effective handling and movement of the device are determined by the control unit, and when the temperature in the vaporization chamber is greater than or equal to a predetermined vaporization temperature, preferably 100°C.

[0090] The control unit can also be configured to supply steam to the steam outlet via the supply system when the following conditions are met: handling and movement, 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.

[0091] The device may include a starting element, in particular a 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 the grip and the detection of movement.

[0092] Preferably, the start-up device triggers the heating of the vaporization chamber and the heating of the heating means of the treatment surface and / or teeth, and the control unit is configured to trigger the detection of the grip and the detection of the movement 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 teeth, greater than or equal to a predetermined treatment temperature, in particular 120°C.

[0093] The switching device can also start a timer configured to measure the time since the device was switched on, 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 double condition of gripping and movement and a time condition since switching measured by the timer greater than or equal to the time of the vaporization chamber rising to the predetermined vaporization temperature and / or the time of the treatment surface and / or teeth rising to the predetermined treatment temperature.

[0094] The control unit can be configured to operate a water supply pump to the vaporization chamber when at least the grip and movement conditions are met, better when the grip and movement conditions and the temperature condition are met.

[0095] The control unit can be configured to electrically supply the supply system, in particular a steam supply pump for the outlet(s) or a supply pump for the vaporization chamber, so as to permit the supply of steam to the outlets when the grip and movement condition(s) are met, better when the grip and movement condition(s) and the temperature condition are met, the supply of steam to the outlets requiring, for example, manual actuation by the user.

[0096] The supply system may include a steam supply valve for the steam outlet(s), the control unit being configured to open the steam supply valve for the steam outlet(s) when the condition(s) the previously mentioned conditions are met.

[0097] Steam emission can occur automatically after the device is switched on, provided that certain temperature, handling, and movement conditions are met; alternatively, meeting these conditions may not be sufficient, and additional instruction from the user may be deemed necessary, even when the conditions are met, for steam emission to occur. The device may then include a button or switch to manually trigger steam emission from the outlet(s) when this is authorized by the control unit.

[0098] The control unit may include microcontrollers arranged in the processing device, in particular in the handle of the device. Application of a cosmetic product

[0099] The device may include at least one component for applying a cosmetic product.

[0100] The cosmetic product application device may be arranged to come into contact with the hair. The cosmetic product application device 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 device may be made of any material suitable for releasing or diffusing the cosmetic product.

[0101] The application member can be removable.

[0102] The brush may include a cosmetic product reservoir.

[0103] Preferably, the delivered cosmetic product is in a fluid state. "In a fluid state" means liquid at room temperature (25°C) or at a higher temperature, for example between 25 and 50°C, and at atmospheric pressure. In this case, the product may initially be in a solid or paste-like state at room temperature in the reservoir and heated within the reservoir to make it sufficiently fluid to be dispensed by the dispensing mechanism designed to supply the application device. The product is thus fluid in the reservoir at the time of application.

[0104] The reservoir can be equipped with an electrical resistance, for example a thin screen-printed resistance, allowing the temperature of its contents to be raised above 50°C for example.

[0105] The cosmetic product may be a cleansing, coloring, bleaching, conditioning, or hair-styling composition. Preferably, the cosmetic product is a hair-styling composition, in particular a hair-curling, setting, or, preferably, hair-straightening or smoothing composition.

[0106] The cosmetic product may contain one or more active agents selected from the 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 colorants or oxidation colorants, 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, alkali agents or acids.

[0107] Even more preferably the cosmetic product contains one or more agents chosen from among oxidizing agents, reducing agents or alkali agents of the hydroxide type. Process

[0108] The invention also relates to a method for treating hair using the device according to the invention, comprising: - detection of when the device is being handled, using the handle detection sensor, - the detection of device movement using the motion detector, - the supply of steam to the steam outlet when said supply of steam is authorized or activated by the control unit when at least one predefined double condition is met, this double condition being a gripping and movement condition of the device verified from the information generated by the gripping detection and the movement detection of the device.

[0109] The characteristics of the device described above apply to the process in combination or individually.

[0110] Preferably, the process includes heating the surface to be treated. In the case of a brush, the process may include heating at least a portion of the brush teeth, in particular teeth that are made of a heat-conducting material, in particular a metal.

[0111] Steam supply can be done automatically by the control unit or manually by the user when authorized by the control unit.

[0112] The method may include manually starting the device.

[0113] The method may include supplying power to the system via the unit of command to allow steam supply to the steam outlet(s) when the previously mentioned condition(s) are met.

[0114] The method may include the power supply or automatic activation of a pump or valve by the control unit when the steam supply is authorized or activated by the control unit.

[0115] The method may include the opening of a supply valve by the control unit when the steam supply is authorized or activated by the control unit.

[0116] The process 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 supplied by the control unit.

[0117] The process can be repeated several times for the complete treatment of part or all of the hair.

[0118] Preferably, the brush is moved over the hair at a speed between 0.5 cm / s and 50 cm / s.

[0119] The method may include applying a cosmetic product to the strand of hair before or after using the brush of the invention and preferably before.

[0120] The cosmetic product may be a cleansing, coloring, bleaching, conditioning, or hair-styling composition. Preferably, the cosmetic product is a hair-styling composition, in particular a hair-curling, setting, or, preferably, hair-straightening or smoothing composition.

[0121] The cosmetic product may contain one or more active agents selected 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 colorants or oxidation colorants, 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, alkali agents or acids.

[0122] Even more preferably the cosmetic product contains one or more agents chosen from among oxidizing agents, reducing agents or alkali agents of the hydroxide type.

[0123] The process may include one or more hair rinsing steps. Brief description of the drawings

[0124] [Fig. 1] schematically represents in perspective an example of a brush,

[0125] [Fig.2] is a side view of the brush of [Fig.1],

[0126] [Fig.3] is a front view of the brush of [Fig.1],

[0127] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view along IV-IV of the brush of figures 1 to 3,

[0128] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of a variant of the brush,

[0129] [Fig.6] schematically represents different stages of an example of a treatment process with the brush of figures 1 to 4.

[0130] [Fig.7] is a cross-sectional view of a variant of the brush,

[0131] [Fig.8] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a variant of a contact detector,

[0132] [Fig.9] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a variant of a contact detector,

[0133] [Fig. 10] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a variant of a contact detector,

[0134] [Fig. 11] represents a variant of a contact sensor probe, and

[0135] [Fig. 12] represents a probe variant of a contact detector. Detailed description

[0136] Figures 1 to 4 illustrate an example of a hairbrush 10 according to the invention.

[0137] Although illustrated by way of example by a hairbrush, the present invention also relates to other steam-distributing devices, and in particular to other hair treatment devices capable of distributing steam onto the hair.

[0138] The brush 10 comprises a handle 15 and a treatment head 20. The head 20 may, in top view, be substantially rectangular with rounded corners, as seen in [Fig. 3], but it could be otherwise. The head could, in top view, be substantially polygonal, oval, or round, in particular.

[0139] The head 20 may have a substantially flat processing surface 21. It is obviously possible to have a curved processing surface 21, in particular convex outwards, for example substantially cylindrical with a closed contour section or semi-cylindrical.

[0140] The head 20 has teeth 23a and 23b arranged in a plurality of rows extending from the treatment surface 21. The rows of teeth 23a and 23b extend along a principal axis X of the brush.

[0141] The rows of teeth may have at least 3 teeth, preferably 10 to 40 teeth, and even better 15 to 40 teeth; here, 8 teeth have been shown for illustrative purposes. The teeth may be attached to the brush, in particular being made of a different material than that defining the treatment surface.

[0142] The head 20 may, as illustrated, comprise a plurality of steam outlets 30 opening from the treatment surface 21, which may alternate with the teeth 23 of one of the tooth rows, here the central row. Alternatively, 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 located within the teeth 23, and in particular open onto one side thereof.

[0143] In the illustrated embodiments, the teeth 23b extending from the periphery of the treatment surface 21 are in the form of pins made of a non-heat-conducting material and are identical to each other. The teeth 23a, which are arranged in rows across the entire treatment surface, are made of a heat-conducting material, in particular iron, aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, graphite, or ceramic, optionally coated. They are identical to each other. Alternatively, the teeth 23a and 23b, respectively, may be made of different materials, heights, shapes, and / or orientations. The teeth 23a and 23b may be arranged in a completely different configuration on the treatment surface 21.

[0144] The teeth 23a or 23b are spaced apart from each other by a distance d, measured between the longitudinal axes Y of the teeth, less than or equal to 40 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 10 mm.

[0145] Preferably, teeth 23a and 23b each extend along a longitudinal axis Y. The longitudinal axis Y of each tooth 23a and 23b can form an angle α with the treatment surface 21 ranging from 60 to 120°, for example substantially equal to 90°.

[0146] Preferably, the height h of the teeth 23a and 23b is less than or equal to 50 mm, better from 2 to 50 mm, even better from 5 to 35 mm.

[0147] The treatment surface 21 and / or the teeth 23a can be heated. Preferably, the treatment surface 21 and the teeth 23 are heated.

[0148] As can be seen in [Fig. 4], the teeth 23a are heated by heating means. The brush 10, for example, has one or more heating elements 35, in particular in the head, and the teeth 23a are heated by thermal conduction from the head to the distal end of the teeth.

[0149] Preferably, the electrical resistance(s) 35 are located in the brush head as illustrated. In a variant not illustrated, the thermal resistance(s) 35 extend into the teeth 23a in the form of a heating core.

[0150] The brush 10 may include a temperature regulation system, not illustrated, by means of one or more sensors located near the heating element(s) or in contact with the brush and / or at the end of at least one of the teeth.

[0151] The steam outlets 30 are supplied with steam, in the illustrated example, by a steam supply system 40 comprising a ramp 45, elongated in a direction parallel to the main axis X, arranged in the brush head.

[0152] The steam outlets 30 are orifices opening onto the ramp, for example 6 to 10 orifices, which are preferably equidistributed 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.

[0153] The steam outlets 30 can be of any shape, including square, rectangular, round or elliptical.

[0154] The steam outlets 30 extend for example over a steam outlet area 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 area preferably extends over a length e greater than or equal to 80% of the dimension 5 of the treatment surface along this axis.

[0155] The ramp 45 is supplied with steam by a vaporization chamber 42, heated by a heating element, which is itself supplied with the product to be vaporized by a reservoir 48. The reservoir may be located in the brush, in particular the handle or the head, as illustrated in [Fig. 7]. In a variant not shown, the reservoir is located in an external base to which the brush is connected by a supply conduit for the product to be vaporized.

[0156] 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 brush head.

[0157] The brush includes a brush grip detector 50 preferably located at the handle 15 of the brush and a motion detector 60 integrated into the brush, in particular in the handle.

[0158] The grip detector 50 may include an infrared or capacitive type contact or proximity sensor enabling the detection of either the contact of the hand on the brush, in particular the handle, or the proximity of the hand to the brush, in particular the handle, at less than 5 cm.

[0159] The motion detector 60 may include an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope.

[0160] The accelerometer can be configured to be able to measure accelerations linear forces undergone along at least one axis, in particular an axis D perpendicular to the main axis of the device and substantially parallel to the treatment surface.

[0161] Preferably, the accelerometer is configured to be able to measure linear accelerations along at least two perpendicular axes. Even better, the accelerometer is configured to be able to measure linear accelerations along three orthogonal axes.

[0162] The gyroscope capable of measuring the rotational movements undergone around at least one axis, in particular the D axis.

[0163] Preferably, the gyroscope is configured to be able to measure rotational movements about at least two perpendicular axes, in particular at least two measurement axes of the accelerometer. Even better, the gyroscope is configured to be able to measure rotational movements about three orthogonal axes, in particular about the three measurement axes of the accelerometer.

[0164] Preferably, the motion detector 60 includes the accelerometer and gyroscope as described above. Thanks to the raw information detected by The accelerometer and gyroscope, the control unit can determine the displacements, speed and / or orientation of the device.

[0165] The motion detector may include a complementary multi-axis inclinometer to eliminate acceleration caused by gravity.

[0166] The brush includes a control unit 59, external or preferably housed in the brush, in particular at the handle, allowing the brush to be controlled according to information provided in particular by the detectors 50 and 60. The control unit authorizes or triggers the emission of steam by the steam outlet(s) 30 when at least one double gripping and movement condition is met, the double gripping and movement condition of the brush comprising the effective contact or proximity of the hand and the effective movement of the device determined by the control unit 59 according to the data provided by the detectors 50 and 60.

[0167] When using the brush, it is held and then moved 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 is held and moved, the grip sensor 50 detects contact or proximity of the hand, and the motion sensor 60 detects the movement of the device, in particular along at least one axis of movement, notably axis D. The control unit 59 therefore determines the actual gripping and movement of the device and authorizes or activates the emission of steam.

[0168] Preferably, when steam is emitted from the steam outlets 30, it is emitted with a flow rate ranging from 0.5 to 0.95 mL / min and the velocity of the steam emitted at the outlet of the steam outlets preferably from 30 cm / s to 5 m / s

[0169] The brush may include a user interface 18 allowing the user to enter various input data, including operating temperature, steam flow rate, hair characteristics, or to deactivate one or more brush functions, including steam application or heat application. It may also allow the brush to transmit information to the user, including the temperature of the treatment surface or teeth, and the completion of heating of the vaporization chamber and / or the treatment surface and / or teeth.

[0170] In an alternative illustrated in [Fig. 5], the steam emission is stopped when the brush stops or when the control unit determines, from the data of at least one of the motion detectors 60 or grip detectors 50, the absence of an effective grip or the absence of effective movement, for a predefined duration, for example, less than or equal to 2 s, preferably less than or equal to 1 s, preferably less than or equal to 0.5 s, or until the grip is no longer detected, in step 134 defined below.

[0171] The device may include a cosmetic product application element 65.

[0172] The cosmetic product application element 65 is arranged so as to come into contact with the hair. The cosmetic product application element 65 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 element may be made of any material suitable for releasing or diffusing the cosmetic product.

[0173] The application member may be removable.

[0174] The brush may include a cosmetic product reservoir not shown.

[0175] Preferably, the cosmetic product is in a fluid state at the time of use.

[0176] The cosmetic product reservoir can be equipped with an electrical resistance, for example a thin screen-printed resistance, allowing the temperature of its contents to be raised to 40-50°C for example in order to liquefy it.

[0177] Preferably, the cosmetic product is a hair styling composition, in particular a hair curling or setting composition and, preferably, a hair straightening or smoothing composition.

[0178] The cosmetic product may contain one or more active agents selected from reducing agents and in particular thiols, oxidizing agents and in particular hydrogen peroxide or persalts such as persulfates, coloring agents such as pigments, direct colorants or oxidation colorants, non-durable shaping agents such as styling polymers preferably anionic, amphoteric or non-ionic, conditioning agents such as silicones, mineral or vegetable oils, vegetable waxes, cationic surfactants and cationic polymers, alkali agents or acids.

[0179] Even more preferably the cosmetic product contains one or more agents chosen from among oxidizing agents, reducing agents or alkali agents of the hydroxide type.

[0180] Fig. 6 illustrates operating steps of the brush.

[0181] In step 100, the brush is switched on by the user. Switching on can be done, for example, by plugging the device into the mains and / or by pressing a switch located on the brush, for example on the handle, particularly for portable devices. This switching on triggers the heating of the treatment surface 21 and / or the teeth 23a, in step 102, and the heating of the vaporization chamber 42, in step 104, provided that the steam supply to the steam outlets is not activated. The heating of the treatment surface 21 and / or the teeth 23a and the vaporization chamber 42 is maintained as long as the treatment surface 21 and / or the teeth 23a and the vaporization chamber 42 are not activated. porisation 42 did not reach setpoint temperatures, as illustrated by steps 106 and 108 and arrows 110 and 112.

[0182] The grip detectors 50 and motion detectors 60 are activated when the device is switched on.

[0183] When the two setpoint temperatures are reached in step 114, the brush can indicate this to the user, in particular by lighting an LED.

[0184] The temperature control of the treatment surface 21 and / or the teeth 23a and of the vaporization chamber 42 can be carried out using one or more temperature sensors.

[0185] The brush can also activate the grip detector only after a predetermined time, this duration being greater than the heating time required for the temperature rise of the treatment surface 21 and / or the teeth 23a and the vaporization chamber 42 to the set temperatures.

[0186] At step 116, the grip detector 50 detects the contact or proximity of the hand and the control unit 59 determines whether or not the grip is effective.

[0187] In step 118, the motion detector 60 detects the movement of the device, and the control unit 59 determines whether or not the device is actually moving, in particular based on the displacement or speed of movement detected over a predetermined period. The control unit 59 can infer positive movement information when the detected speed of movement is greater than or equal to 4 mm / s... for a period of more than 2 s... s.

[0188] As long as the control unit does not determine the effective grip and the effective movement, no steam is emitted, as illustrated by steps 120 and 124 and arrows 122 and 126. As soon as the effective grip and the effective movement are deduced in step 130, the control unit 59 triggers the steam emission in step 132.

[0189] Conversely, in step 134, when the handling is no longer detected for a period greater than or equal to a predefined time interval, for example equal to 5 s, better 2 s, even better 1 s, better 0.5 s, the steam emission is stopped.

[0190] In an alternative illustrated in Figures 7 to 12, the motion detector 60 can be a hair contact detector. The motion detector 60 can be configured to detect a mechanical stress applied to a feeler 55 during the movement of the brush over the hair. The feeler 55 can be a tooth substantially identical to the teeth 23a, but it could be different. The motion detector 60 can be a piezoelectric strain gauge that detects a shear stress applied to the feeler 55, in particular by the hair.

[0191] When using the brush, it is passed over the hair at a speed preferably ranging from 0.5 cm / s to 50 cm / s. The hair can be combed or not before using the brush. When the brush passes through the hair, the hair comes into contact with the sensor and, through the movement of the brush, exerts a stress, specifically a bending stress, on the sensor. This stress is measured by the motion detector 60. The motion condition can be met when a stress is detected or when a stress exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected.

[0192] In the embodiment of [Fig. 8], the motion detector 60 is a rotary potentiometer on which a probe 55, movable by pivoting about an axis F, is mounted. The probe 55 is held in its rest position by two springs 62 on either side of the axis F, which laterally connect the probe 55 to a fixed base 64. The device is configured to determine the movement of the probe 55.

[0193] In the embodiment of [Fig. 9], the motion detector 60 may include a Hall effect sensor 70 on or in the probe and two associated magnets 72.

[0194] In the embodiment of [Fig. 10], the motion detector 60 may include two microswitches 80 arranged on either side of the probe, configured to actuate when the moving probe 55 comes into contact with one of them.

[0195] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate different forms of pivotally mounted movable probes 55. In the example of [Fig. 10], the probe 55 has a flattened tooth 90 and prongs 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 retaining springs. In the example of [Fig. 11], the probe 55 has a single tooth 90 having a forked distal end.

[0196] The invention is not limited to the examples just described. The detector can take any form as long as it allows for the detection of grasping and movement without contact.

[0197] The brush may include an application device for a cosmetic product not shown.

[0198] The steam outlet(s) and / or the teeth may be different from those described and arranged differently on the brush.

Claims

Demands

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 device grip detector (50), - at least one device motion detector (60), - a steam control unit (59) configured to allow the supply and / or automatically supply steam to the steam outlet (30) by the steam supply system (40) when at least one dual device grip and device motion condition verified from information generated by the device grip detectors (50) and (60) is met.

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

3. A device according to claim 2, comprising means (35) for heating the teeth to heat at least a portion of the plurality of teeth (23a), in particular at least two of the teeth, or better yet, at least one or more rows of teeth.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a handle (15) and a processing head (20), the grip detector (50) being arranged on the handle (15) of the device.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grip detector (50) may include one or more contact or proximity, strain, pressure, temperature, sound or vibration sensors or a mechanical sensor which the user presses when gripping the device.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grip detector (50) comprises an infrared or capacitive sensor.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a handle (15) and a processing head (20), the motion detector (60) being housed in the handle (15).

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the motion detector is contactless.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the motion detector (60) includes an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope.

10. Device according to claim 9, wherein the motion detector (60) comprises an accelerometer, the accelerometer being configured to be able to measure linear accelerations experienced along at least one axis D perpendicular to the principal axis of the device and substantially parallel to the processing surface.

11. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (59) determines an effective grip when contact with the detector or proximity at a distance less than or equal to 5 cm, preferably less than or equal to 2 cm, is detected by the grip detector, and the control unit (59) determines whether there is an effective movement of the device when the detected movement along at least one axis, in particular axis D perpendicular to the principal axis of the device and substantially parallel to the processing surface, or around at least one axis, in particular axis D perpendicular to the principal axis of the device and substantially parallel to the processing surface, exceeds a threshold value of movement, in particular a displacement greater than or equal to 1 cm, and / or of speed of movement, in particular greater than or equal to 4 mm / s, over a period greater than or equal to a threshold period, in particular greater than or equal to 2 s,The dual condition of grasping and movement is fulfilled when the control unit determines both the effective grasping and the effective movement of the device.

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein 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, or before the dual condition of contact or proximity and movement with the hair is met after the device has been switched on, or when the contact or proximity condition is no longer met for a period greater than or equal to a predefined time interval, for example equal to 5 s, better 2 s, even better 1 s, better 0.5 s.

13. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (59) is configured to supply steam to the steam outlet (30) via the steam supply system (59) when at least two conditions are met, namely, firstly, the dual condition of being grasped and moving, and secondly a temperature condition in a vaporization chamber (42) supplying the steam outlet (30), the steam supply being preferably triggered when the effective grip and effective movement are determined, and that on the other hand the temperature in the vaporization chamber (42) is greater than or equal to a predetermined vaporization temperature, preferably 100°C.

14. A method for treating hair using the device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - detecting the gripping of the device, with the gripping detector (50), - detecting the movement of the device with the movement detector, - supplying steam to the steam outlet (30) when at least one predefined double condition is met, this double condition being a gripping and movement condition of the device verified from the information generated by the gripping detection and the movement detection of the device.

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