STEAM HAIR STYLING APPLIANCE WITH PUMP MOTOR CONTROLLED BY DIFFERENT VOLTAGE VALUES
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2022009109
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-09-12
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-07
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-09-12
Smart Images

Figure 00000039_0000 
Figure 00000040_0000 
Figure 00000041_0000
Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: STEAM HAIRDRESSING APPLIANCE WITH PUMP MOTOR CONTROLLED ACCORDING TO DIFFERENT VOLTAGE VALUES
[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field of hairdressing appliances, for example for domestic use, intended to ensure shaping, and / or beautification and / or improvement of the health of the hair.
[0002] The invention relates more specifically to a steam hairdressing appliance, comprising a liquid vaporization device for generating, from a liquid, a flow of steam. The invention further relates to a method for producing steam by a steam hairdressing appliance comprising a liquid vaporization device for generating, from a liquid, a flow of steam.
[0003] Hairdressing appliances are known for subjecting the hair to a flow of water vapor, in association with a mechanical and thermal treatment. This thermomechanical steam treatment is for example carried out by means of a brush comprising heating pins carried by a brush head which is also provided with orifices diffusing steam. This emission of steam, associated with the mechanical brushing action as well as the thermal action provided by the heating pins, facilitates the hairdressing operation and makes it possible to improve its effectiveness, while preserving, at least to a certain extent, the appearance of the hair.
[0004] While such known devices are generally satisfactory, they are nonetheless still limited in terms of performance and functionality offered in terms of steam generation. In general, the steam generation function of known devices is limited to the emission by these devices of a steam flow of a single predefined flow rate. The reliability and robustness of the components providing the steam generation function are not always optimal.
[0005] Furthermore, the activation of the steam generation function of these devices sometimes remains improvable. In particular, instabilities in the flow rate of the generated steam flow can sometimes be observed. In addition, the user does not necessarily have any indication as to whether the steam emission means of the device are actually functional. It is then sometimes difficult for the user to know whether the device is actually ready for use or is even simply functional.
[0006] The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to provide a response to the aforementioned needs and problems, and to propose in particular a new steam hairdressing appliance having a steam generation function that can be controlled in a more versatile manner, while still being of a particularly simple, reliable and robust.
[0007] Another object of the invention is to propose a new hairdressing appliance having a steam generation function allowing the emission of a steam flow which can be adapted to the type of hair treatment to be carried out and / or to the type of hair to be treated.
[0008] Another object of the invention is to propose a new hairdressing appliance having a steam generation function with optimized operation, in particular when starting the appliance.
[0009] Another object of the invention is to propose a new hairdressing appliance whose use is particularly intuitive, in particular for a user without particular hairdressing skills.
[0010] Another object of the invention is to propose a new hairdressing appliance whose use is particularly practical and simple.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to propose a new hairdressing appliance whose design makes it possible to subject the hair particularly effectively to a flow of steam.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to propose a new hairdressing appliance which, while making it possible to obtain, easily and quickly, particularly satisfactory hair styling and shaping effects, significantly improves the appearance of the hair, and in particular its shine, as well as its surface condition.
[0013] Another object of the invention is to propose a new method for producing steam by a hairdressing appliance making it possible to give the latter a steam generation function which can be controlled in a more versatile manner, whilst still being of a particularly simple, reliable and robust design.
[0014] Another object of the invention is to propose a new method for producing steam by a hairdressing appliance making it possible to obtain a flow of steam emitted by the appliance which can be adapted to the type of hair treatment to be carried out and / or according to the type of hair to be treated.
[0015] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new method for producing steam by a hairdressing appliance allowing optimized operation of a steam generation function of the hairdressing appliance, in particular when starting the latter.
[0016] Another object of the invention is to propose a new method of producing steam by a hairdressing appliance which is particularly simple, practical, effective and easily understood by the user.
[0017] The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a steam hairdressing appliance comprising a liquid vaporization device for generating, from a liquid, a flow of steam, a pump for supplying liquid to said steam device porization, an electric motor for operating said pump, and a control system designed and configured to control the power supply to the electric motor and alternately power the latter at least - according to a first electrical voltage value so that the pump supplies liquid to the vaporization device according to a first mass supply flow rate, and - according to a second electrical voltage value different from said first electrical voltage value so that the pump supplies liquid to the vaporization device according to a second mass supply flow rate which is different from said first mass supply flow rate.
[0018] The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved using a method for producing steam by a steam hairdressing appliance comprising a liquid vaporization device for generating, from a liquid, a flow of steam, a pump for supplying liquid to said vaporization device, an electric motor for actuating said pump, said method comprising: - a first step of operation of the hairdressing appliance, during which said electric motor is supplied according to a first electrical voltage value so that the pump supplies liquid to the vaporization device according to a first mass supply flow rate, and - a second step of operation of the hairdressing appliance, during which said electric motor is powered according to a second electrical voltage value different from said first electrical voltage value so that the pump supplies liquid to the vaporization device according to a second mass supply flow rate which is different from said first mass supply flow rate.
[0019] Other features and advantages of the invention will appear and emerge in more detail on reading the description given below, with reference to the appended drawings, given solely as illustrative and non-limiting examples, among which:
[0020] [Fig-1] is a schematic perspective view of a hairdressing appliance according to the invention, which in this case consists of a hairdressing brush;
[0021] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of the hairdressing appliance of [Fig.l], of which cowling elements and head elements have been omitted so as to reveal details of the internal design of the apparatus. Furthermore, a piece of piping connecting the pump to a vaporizing device has been omitted;
[0022] [Fig.3] is a schematic, exploded view of the apparatus of [Fig.l]. Some piping and electrical wiring elements in particular have been omitted;
[0023] [Fig.4] is a schematic perspective view of the head of the hairdressing appliance of the previous figures;
[0024] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates in the form of a diagram a detail of a example of design of a hairdressing appliance in accordance with the invention.
[0025] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates in the form of a graph an example of confi configuration of the system for controlling the power supply of the electric motor of a hairdressing appliance according to the invention. The electrical supply voltage of the electric motor is identified by the letter U on the ordinate and expressed in volts (V), while the time is identified by the letter t on the abscissa and expressed in seconds (s);
[0026] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates in the form of another graph the example of configuration of [Fig.6]. The mass flow rate of liquid supply to the vaporizing device of the hairdressing appliance is identified by the letter D on the ordinate and expressed in grams per minute (g / min), while the time is identified by the letter t on the abscissa and expressed in seconds (s).
[0027] The invention relates, firstly, to a steam hairdressing appliance 1, that is to say a hairdressing appliance comprising steam emission means, for subjecting hair to a flow of steam in the context, in particular, of an operation of styling said hair. The hairdressing appliance 1 according to the invention is preferably portable, that is to say that at least part, and preferably all, of the appliance 1 is designed to be grasped and manipulated by hand. The hairdressing appliance 1 is preferably a portable electric appliance, intended to be connected to the electricity distribution network (alternating current) to be electrically powered. However, it is alternatively conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, for the hairdressing appliance 1 to carry electrical power batteries, possibly rechargeable.The hairdressing appliance 1 is preferably designed for use in a domestic setting, and is intended to provide hair shaping, and / or hair beautification and / or improvement of hair health. Preferably, the hairdressing appliance 1 is designed so that the user uses the hairdressing appliance 1 on themselves, i.e. on their own hair. However, it is perfectly conceivable that the hairdressing appliance 1 is designed for use by the user on the hair of a third person (or other user). Preferably, the hairdressing appliance 1 is intended for use in a domestic setting by a user (female or male) without any particular professional hairdressing skills. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing appliance 1 constitutes a hairdressing brush.The invention is however not limited to a hairdressing appliance 1 forming a hairdressing brush, and the hairdressing appliance 1 can for example constitute a straightening brush, a detangling brush or a straightener, without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0028] As illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing appliance 1 advantageously comprises a handle 2 for manual gripping, which is intended to be grasped by hand, and for example gripped, by the user, to manipulate the hairdressing appliance 1. The handle 2 extends for example longitudinally, along a central longitudinal axis X-X', between a first end from which emerges for example an electric power cable, and a second opposite end. The hairdressing appliance 1 advantageously comprises a head 3 for engaging the hair, that is to say for preferably coming into contact with the hair in order to subject it to a mechanical, thermal and / or fluidic action. The head 3 is advantageously carried by the handle 2, and extends for example longitudinally, along said central axis X-X', between a rear end secured to the second end of the handle 2, and a free front end. Preferably, as illustrated in the figures, the handle 2 has a substantially elongated shape which is extended by the head 3, which is advantageously wider than the handle 2 and has for example a substantially oblong general shape.Preferably and as illustrated, the handle 2 and the head 3 are formed, at least in part, by a main body in one piece, of the housing type, for example made of plastic. The head 3 advantageously has a front face 3A which, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, is preferably provided with brushing pins 7 between and against which the hair is intended to be located and to move, during the use of the hairdressing appliance 1.
[0029] The hairdressing appliance 1 comprises, advantageously included in the steam emission means mentioned above: - a liquid vaporization device 5 for generating, from a liquid, a flow of vapor, which is advantageously intended to be directed towards and onto the user's hair, - a pump 61 for supplying liquid to the vaporization device 5, an electric motor 62 for actuating the pump 61, and - a control system 8 designed and configured to control the (electrical) power supply of the electric motor 62, and therefore to enable the latter to operate so that it actuates the pump 61 to supply liquid to the vaporization device 5.
[0030] Preferably, the liquid concerned is water. The term "water" can designate here any liquid containing mainly water (i.e. at least 50% by weight of water, and preferably at least 80% by weight of water, even more preferably at least 95% by weight of water) and capable of transforming into vapor, and thus includes distilled water, running tap water, but also various aqueous solutions containing cosmetic, olfactory, etc. elements. The term "vapor" must here be taken in a broad sense and thus designates indifferently a substance (preferably water) in the gaseous state, or said substance (preferably water) in the liquid state in the form of a mist of droplets and / or microdroplets, or even a mixture of said substance (preferably water) in the gaseous state and said substance (preferably water) in the liquid state in the form of a mist of droplets and / or microdroplets, or even a mixture of said substance (preferably water) in the gaseous state and said substance (preferably water) in the liquid state in the form of a mist of droplets and / or microdroplets. the form of a mist of droplets and / or microdroplets. In other words, the expression "water vapor" should not be limited to its strictly scientific definition and here covers water in the gaseous state, liquid water particles suspended in the air, or a mixture of water in the gaseous state and liquid water particles (droplets / microdroplets) suspended in the air.
[0031] As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the vaporization device 5 advantageously comprises a vaporization chamber 50 provided with a liquid supply inlet 501 and at least one vapor outlet 502. Preferably and as illustrated, the vaporization device 5 also comprises a first heating device 51 designed to heat the vaporization chamber 50 and thus transform, within the vaporization chamber 50, the liquid into vapor (and therefore preferably, liquid water into water vapor). The first heating device 51 is formed for example by one or more resistive elements capable of heating by the Joule effect (for example one or more heating elements, or thermistor(s), with a “Positive Temperature Coefficient” (PTC)), the resistive element(s) being advantageously arranged in contact with the vaporization chamber 50.The steam outlet 502 is advantageously in fluid communication, preferably permanent, with the surrounding outside air, preferably via at least one steam ejection orifice 710, arranged on the side of the front face 3A of the head 3 of the hairdressing appliance 1. For example, the steam ejection orifice(s) 710 is (are) in fluid communication with the interior of the vaporization chamber 50 via a channeling device 52 connected on one side to the steam outlet 502 and on the other to said at least one steam ejection orifice 710.
[0032] As in the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the vaporization chamber 50 is advantageously maintained permanently at atmospheric pressure, as envisaged above, which notably avoids the need for an outlet valve, due to the absence of a rise in steam pressure within the vaporization chamber 50 and the apparatus 1. Among the advantages of such a design, it is possible to note in particular the absence of risk of overpressure (and therefore the absence of the need to have means for preventing or managing such overpressures), as well as a lower risk of ejection of a steam flow at too high a temperature likely to damage and / or burn the hair or the scalp. Indeed, due to the absence of pressurization of the vaporization chamber 50, the temperature of the water vapor flow advantageously does not exceed 100°C.Furthermore, the speed of the steam flow and the distance travelled by the latter outside the device 1 are limited due to the absence of overpressure, which helps to limit the risk of burning the scalp, and therefore to greater safety for . the user.
[0033] Advantageously, the aforementioned control system 8 is further designed and configured to control the operation of the vaporization device 5 (and in particular the operation of the first heating device 51 of the latter), and to bring the vaporization device 5 (and in particular the vaporization chamber 50 of the latter) to a temperature whose value is at least equal to the vaporization temperature of the liquid in question. The control system 8 is therefore thus advantageously electrically connected to the vaporization device 5, and in particular to the first heating device 51 of the latter, in order to control the operation thereof (and therefore to regulate the operating temperature thereof), and thus to control the temperature of the vaporization chamber 50 of the vaporization device 5.
[0034] Typically, the pump 61 and the electric motor 62 are included in a liquid supply device 6, which the hairdressing appliance 1 comprises, for supplying liquid to the vaporization device 5. Said liquid supply device 6 preferably comprises, in addition to the pump 61 and the electric motor 62 for actuating the latter, a reservoir 60 for storing a quantity of liquid (preferably liquid water), the pump 61 then being connected in fluid communication on the one hand with the reservoir 60, for example via a supply pipe 63, and on the other hand with the vaporization device 5, for example via an outlet pipe (omitted in [Fig. 2]) connected to the supply inlet 501 of the vaporization chamber 50.The pump 61, the electric motor 62 and the reservoir 60 are preferably mounted on the main body of the hairdressing appliance 1, i.e. arranged in or on said main body, to contribute to the portable nature of the hairdressing appliance 1. The reservoir 60 is for example removable, i.e. it is detachable from the main body of the appliance 1 in particular for the purpose of filling it, which makes it possible in particular to do without an earth connection for the electrical supply of the appliance 1. For this purpose, the reservoir 60 is preferably substantially at atmospheric pressure. The use of a pump 61 associated with a reservoir 60 at atmospheric pressure, rather than a pressurized reservoir associated with a valve, also allows for optimal safety of use and increased reliability in terms of flow control.Preferably, the pump 61 is a peristaltic pump, which allows very fine control of low flow rates and guarantees relatively constant flow rates where appropriate. Alternatively, a diaphragm pump or any other suitable type could be considered, although a peristaltic pump remains preferred. Preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing appliance 1 is devoid of a device for heating the reservoir 60, so that the liquid contained in the latter remains substantially at room temperature when the hairdressing appliance 1 is in use.
[0035] According to the invention, the control system 8 is designed and configured (at least) to control the (electrical) power supply of the electric motor 62 and, more precisely, to alternately (electrically) power the latter at least - according to a first electrical voltage value UN so that the pump 61, thus actuated by the electric motor 62 rotating at a first rotation speed, supplies the vaporization device 5 with liquid according to a first mass supply flow rate DN, and - according to a second electrical voltage value UT different from said first electrical voltage value UN so that the pump 61, thus actuated by the electric motor 62 rotating at a second rotation speed different from said first speed, supplies the vaporization device 5 with liquid according to a second mass feed flow rate DT which is different from said first mass feed flow rate DN.
[0036] By "supplying alternatively" is meant here a supply of the electric motor either according to the first value UN of electrical voltage, or according to the second value UT of electrical voltage. The first and second values UN, UT of electrical voltage, the first and second rotational speeds, as well as the first and second supply mass flow rates DN, DT, are understood here respectively in the sense of non-zero values, speeds and mass flow rates.
[0037] Advantageously, the electric motor 62 is a direct current motor (electric motor "CC", or "DC" in English), and preferably a direct current motor with brushes, and for example a permanent magnet direct current motor with brushes. Such an electric motor has the advantage in particular of being of simple, robust, compact and inexpensive design, and is therefore particularly well suited to a portable steam hairdressing appliance, in particular intended for domestic use. The first and second values UN, UT of electrical voltage then correspond to values of direct electrical voltage U. The electric motor 62 may, if necessary, be an electric geared motor or be mechanically connected to the pump 61 via a reducer, so as to best adapt the rotation speed, as well as the torque supplied, to the pump 61.
[0038] The control system 8 is therefore designed and configured to control the electrical power supply of the electric motor 62 actuating the pump 61 according to at least two different values UN, UT of electrical voltage U, so that the pump 61 thus delivers liquid at the outlet according to at least two different mass feed flow rates DN, DT. Thus, the control system 8 therefore allows adjustment of the mass flow rate of liquid supply to the vaporization device 5 by the pump 61 which is controlled, in a particularly simple manner, by a modification of the rotation speed of the electric motor 61 actuating the pump 61 under the effect of a modification of the value of the electrical voltage U supplying the electric motor 61.
[0039] In the specific context of a steam hairdressing appliance 1, such a means for adjusting the mass flow rate of liquid supply based on a control of the value of the electrical voltage U supplying the electric motor 62 advantageously proves to be more reliable and simple, both in terms of its design and its operation, than a means for regulating the mass flow rate of supply which would alternatively consist of modifying the operating speed of the electric motor 62, supplied according to a single, fixed value of electrical voltage U and by modulating the frequency of the voltage or current supplying the electric motor 62 (typically according to a principle of pulse width modulation (PWM)).In the preferred case where, as previously envisaged, the electric motor 62 is a brushed direct current motor, the use of frequency modulation of the electrical power supply of the electric motor 62 would be likely to generate a current ripple detrimental to the service life of the electric motor 62 and a source of losses, in particular by Joule effect. In addition, the use of frequency modulation of the electrical power supply would be likely to generate undesirable electromagnetic pollution (high frequency disturbances), so that it would then be necessary to provide for the implementation of additional filter(s) to protect against it, which would increase the complexity and cost of design and manufacturing of the device 1.Furthermore, such a means of regulating the mass flow rate of liquid supply based on a control in the value of the supply voltage of the electric motor 62 proves to be much more efficient, reliable and simple, both in terms of its design and its operation, than a means of regulating the mass flow rate of supply which would consist alternatively in reducing, mechanically and / or by means of a fluidic bypass circuit arranged downstream of the pump and upstream of the variation device, a mass flow rate of liquid of single and constant value delivered by the pump, the latter being actuated by an electric motor always rotating at the same speed. Thus, the pump 61 advantageously always operates at the necessary speed and only at this speed is all the energy of the pump 61 used. This therefore results in energy savings (whether fluidic or electrical) and better reliability of the pump 61.
[0040] Thus, thanks to the technical characteristics set out above, the hairdressing appliance 1 according to the invention has a steam generation function which can be controlled and operated in a particularly versatile manner. The hairdressing appliance 1 can thus advantageously emit a steam flow according to at least two different (undamaged) steam mass flow rates, which in particular offers the possibility to adapt the flow rate of steam emitted to the type of treatment and / or the type of hair treated with the hairdressing appliance 1, and / or, as will be explained later, to optimize the operation and in particular the activation of the steam generation function of the hairdressing appliance 1, as well as possibly the perception, by the user, of the effective operation of said steam generation function. However, the steam generation function of the hairdressing appliance 1 according to the invention nonetheless remains of a particularly simple, reliable and robust design.
[0041] Advantageously, said first electrical voltage value UN is chosen so that the average value of the first feed mass flow rate DN is at least equal to 0.5 g / min (i.e. approximately 8.33.106 kg / s), preferably between 0.5 g / min and 3 g / min (i.e. between approximately 8.33.106 kg / s and 5.105 kg / s), more preferably between 0.5 g / min and 1.1 g / min (i.e. between approximately 8.33.106 kg / s and approximately 1.83.105 kg / s), and for example equal to 0.8 g / min (i.e. approximately 1.33.105 kg / s). Advantageously, said second electrical voltage value UT is chosen so that the average value of the second feed mass flow rate DT is between 0.6 g / min and 5 g / min (i.e. between 1.105 kg / s and approximately 8.33.105 kg / s), preferably between 1 g / min and 2.5 g / min (i.e. between 1.67.10 5 kg / s and approximately 4.17.10 5 kg / s), and for example substantially equal to 1.2 g / min (i.e. 2.105 kg / s).It is understood that the choice of the first and second values UN, UT of electrical voltage, corresponding to the average values of the first and second mass feed flow rates DN, DT that it is desired to obtain, is made as a function of the electromechanical properties of the electric motor 62 and the mechanical-hydraulic properties of the pump 61. Thus, for a particular desired average value of the first and / or second mass feed flow rate(s) DN, DT, the first and / or second value UN of electrical voltage may be different depending on the respective characteristics of the electric motor 62 and the pump 61 used.
[0042] Advantageously, one of the first value UN and second value UT of electrical voltage is substantially equal to a value Unom of nominal electrical operating voltage of the electric motor 62 actuating the pump 61 (i.e. UN = Unom or UT = Unom), which makes it possible in particular to optimize and make more reliable the operation of the electric motor 62, and therefore of the hairdressing appliance 1. The value Unom of nominal electrical operating voltage of an electric motor corresponds to the value of the electrical supply voltage of the electric motor for which the electric motor has been specifically designed to operate optimally, in particular in terms of efficiency and lifetime. This value Unom of nominal voltage is generally communicated by its manufacturer and / or mentioned on a label affixed to the electric motor.
[0043] According to a variant, the control system 8 comprises a manual selector to allow the user of the hairdressing appliance 1 to directly manually control a change in the electrical power supply of the electric motor 62 according to one of the first and second electrical voltage values UN, UT to according to the other of said first and second electrical voltage values UN, UT. Thus, the user can directly adjust, by himself, the mass supply flow rate of liquid to the vaporization device 5, according to the first or second mass supply flow rate DN, DT, and therefore the mass flow rate of the steam flow emitted by the hairdressing appliance 1.According to an alternative variant, the control system 8 is designed and configured to automatically control a change in the electrical power supply of the electric motor 62 according to one of the first and second values UN, UT of electrical voltage to according to the other of said first and second values UN, UT of electrical voltage. According to this variant, the control system 8 is therefore advantageously devoid of adjustment or selection means, allowing the user to directly manually switch the electrical power supply voltage of the electric motor 62 for actuating the pump 61 from one to the other of said first and second values UN, UT of electrical voltage.
[0044] Preferably, as illustrated schematically in the example in [Fig. 5], the control system 8 comprises a regulating member 81 of the electrical supply voltage of the electric motor 62 from a predefined input electrical voltage value UE, for example delivered by an electrical supply module 9 of the hairdressing appliance 1, and a microcontroller 82 for transmitting alternately to (i.e. to) the regulating member 81 of the electrical supply voltage - a first control signal Si for controlling the power supply of the electric motor 62 according to said first electrical voltage value UN, and - a second control signal S2 for controlling the power supply of the electric motor 62 according to said second electrical voltage value UT.
[0045] Advantageously, the hairdressing appliance 1 comprises, as mentioned above, an electrical power supply module 9, which is advantageously embedded in the main body of the appliance 1, and to which the control system 8 is therefore connected to control the power supply of the electric motor 62 from an input electric current delivered by the electrical power supply module 9, said input electric current having said predefined input electric voltage value UE. Advantageously, the electrical power supply module 9 is further intended for the electrical power supply of the first heating device 51 of the vaporization device 5, and where appropriate, of a second heating device 40 of a heating element 4 which will be mentioned later.
[0046] In the case where the hairdressing appliance 1 incorporates electrical power supply batteries, possibly rechargeable, as a source of electricity (direct current), said electrical power supply module 9 may include said electrical power supply batteries. In the preferred case where, as in the example illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing appliance 1 is intended to be connected to the electricity distribution network as a source of electricity (alternating current), the electrical power supply module 9 may include an electrical power cord, as mentioned previously, to connect the electrical power supply module 9 to the electricity distribution network.For example, the electric motor 62 being advantageously a direct current motor, as mentioned above, the electrical power supply module 9 may comprise a rectifier circuit for converting the alternating electrical voltage of the electricity distribution network into a direct electrical voltage, and a chopper circuit for lowering said direct electrical voltage and thus delivering said predefined input electrical voltage value UE. The electrical power supply module 9 is advantageously electrically connected to the regulating member 81 of the electrical power supply voltage of the electric motor 62, to deliver to the latter said predefined input electrical voltage value UE.
[0047] Thus, when the regulating member 81 receives the first control signal Si emitted by the microcontroller 82, the regulating member 81 then powers the electric motor 62 according to said first electrical voltage value UN from said predefined input electrical voltage value UE. Alternatively, when the regulating member 81 receives the second control signal S2 emitted by the microcontroller 82, the regulating member 81 then powers the electric motor 62 according to said second electrical voltage value UN from said predefined input electrical voltage value UE. Such a preferred design advantageously allows particularly simple and efficient management of the electrical power supply of the electric motor 62, in particular in the case where the control system 8 is designed and configured to automatically control a change in the electrical power supply of the electric motor 62, as envisaged above.
[0048] According to the “manual” variant mentioned above, the manual selector is advantageously connected to the microcontroller 82 to cause the emission of the first control signal Si or the second control signal S2 in response to an action exerted by the user against the manual selector. According to the “automatic” variant, the microcontroller 82 may comprise for example a memory in which a predefined control law is programmed and / or be connected to one or more sensors of one or more operating or state parameters of the hairdressing appliance 1, to automatically emit either the first control signal Si or the second control signal S2, advantageously without in- special user intervention.
[0049] Preferably, the regulating member 81 of the electrical supply voltage comprises at least one linear voltage regulator 811, that is to say a voltage regulator comprising an active electronic component working in its linear zone or a passive electronic component (for example a Zener diode), working in its reverse zone. This clearly makes it possible to limit the generation of electromagnetic pollution. This linear voltage regulator 811 advantageously makes it possible to deliver in a particularly reliable manner to the electric motor 62, under the effect of the reception of the control signal Si, S2 concerned, a supply voltage U whose corresponding value UN, UT is lower than the predefined input electrical voltage value UE. Even more preferably, the linear voltage regulator 811 is a low dropout linear regulator (“Low Drop-Out” (LDO) in English).The use of such a low voltage drop linear regulator contributes in particular to simplifying and making more reliable the electrical and electronic design of the hairdressing appliance 1, and in particular of the control system 8. In particular, such a low voltage drop linear regulator advantageously generates less electromagnetic pollution than a continuous / continuous (DC / DC) chopper. As a result, it advantageously does not require the implementation of additional coil(s) and / or capacitor(s) to limit the pollution generated and / or correct the output voltage. Preferably, one of the first and second values UN, UT of electrical voltage is chosen to be equal to the predefined input electrical voltage value UE, in order to further simplify the electrical and electronic design of the hairdressing appliance 1, and in particular of the control system 8.The regulating member 81 of the electrical supply voltage can then advantageously comprise a controlled switch 812, for example an NPN transistor switch, to supply the electric motor 62 according to the value UN, UT of the electrical voltage concerned and equal to the value UE of the predefined input electrical voltage, under the effect of the reception of the corresponding control signal Sb S2.
[0050] For example, the second value UT of electrical voltage chosen equal to the value UE of predefined input electrical voltage (for example, UT = UE = +5 V DC), and the first value UN of electrical voltage chosen lower (strictly) than the second value UT of electrical voltage (for example, UN = +3.3 V DC). In this case, the regulating member 81 of the electrical supply voltage can then advantageously comprise, as illustrated schematically in [Fig.5]: - a linear voltage regulator 811, and preferably a low voltage drop linear regulator, for delivering said first electrical voltage value UN, under the effect of receiving the first control signal Si emitted by the microcontroller 82 (for example by lowering the voltage from +5 V DC to +3.3 V DC), And - a controlled switch 812, for example an NPN transistor switch, for alternatively delivering the second electrical voltage value UT, equal to the predefined input electrical voltage value UE, under the effect of receiving the second control signal S2 emitted by the microcontroller 82.
[0051] Advantageously, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing appliance 1 comprises at least one heating element 4 intended to come into contact with the hair, to transmit heat to it. The steam emission means are then advantageously configured to subject the hair in contact with the heating element 4 to the steam flow. In other words, the hairdressing appliance 1 is preferably designed so that the hair can be simultaneously in contact at least locally with the heating element 4, and subjected at least locally to a steam flow, during the styling operation, during which the head 3 engages the hair, for example to brush it, preferably by means of the aforementioned brushing pins 7.
[0052] In this way, the hairdressing appliance 1 is therefore preferably designed to subject the hair engaged by the head 3 to a thermo-mechanical steam treatment, according to which the hair is simultaneously subjected to: - a mechanical action, due to the brushing carried out by the movement of the front face 3A, from which brushing spikes 7 preferably protrude, on and against the hair; - a thermal action, by contact and / or proximity with the heating element 4, which is advantageously carried by the head 3; - and a fluidic action, which in this case is a steam treatment, consisting of subjecting to steam (and preferably water vapor) the hair engaged by the head 3 and in contact with and / or near the heating element 4, advantageously via the steam ejection orifice(s) 710 / steam spikes 71 which will be described below.
[0053] The simultaneous and advantageously combined implementation of these three treatments (mechanical, thermal and steam) advantageously makes it possible to beautify, and / or treat, and / or repair the hair, and also advantageously makes it possible to shape the hair, in particular by disciplining it.
[0054] In the case where the hairdressing appliance 1 advantageously comprises such a heating element 4 intended to come into contact with the hair to transmit heat to it, as envisaged above, the control system 8 can be advantageously designed and configured to further control (directly or indirectly) the operation, or at least the thermal state, of the heating element 4. In this case, the control system 8 can then advantageously be electrically connected to a (second) heating device 40, designed and arranged to heat the heating element 4, in order to control its thermal state and in particular to control a (first) surface temperature (i.e. surface temperature). Alternatively, the operation of the heating element 4 could be controlled, for the same purposes, by a system other than the control system 8. The second heating device 40 may be formed, for example, by one or more resistive elements capable of heating by the Joule effect (for example one or more heating elements, or thermistor(s), with a “Positive Temperature Coefficient” (PTC)). Preferably, the second heating device 40 of the heating element 4 is distinct from the first heating device 51 of the vaporization chamber 50.
[0055] According to a particular embodiment taking advantage of the above, the control system 8 is more specifically designed and configured to implement: - an operational operating mode (or “regime”) EN, in which the electric motor 62 is supplied according to said first electrical voltage value UN, and - a transient operating mode (or “regime”) ET prior to the operational operating mode EN, in which the electric motor 62 is supplied according to said second electrical voltage value UT, which is greater (in the sense of “strictly greater”) than said first electrical voltage value UN.
[0056] Advantageously, the operational operating mode EN of the hairdressing appliance 1 is a normal, “nominal” operating mode, in which the hairdressing appliance 1 can be used normally to style, brush, detangle and / or straighten hair using a steam flow emitted by the hairdressing appliance 1. The operational operating mode EN can advantageously correspond to a stationary or quasi-stationary operating mode (or “cruising” operating mode) of the hairdressing appliance 1. In said operational operating mode EN, the pump 61 actuated by the electric motor 62 therefore supplies the vaporization device 5 with liquid according to said first supply mass flow rate DN (“normal mass flow rate” or “operational mass flow rate”).The control system 8 therefore advantageously controls the operation of the electric motor 62, by supplying the latter according to said first electrical voltage value UN, so that the pump 61 takes liquid from the reservoir 60 and delivers it, according to said first mass supply flow rate DN, towards the vaporization device 5, and in particular towards the vaporization chamber 50 of the latter.
[0057] In the operational operating mode ENj the vaporization device 5 is advantageously at a temperature allowing the vaporization of the liquid, that is to say at a temperature whose value is at least equal to the vaporization temperature (T vap) of the liquid in question. The temperature of the vaporization device 5 in the operational operating mode EN is preferably substantially constant and whose (predefined) value is preferably between 100°C and 180°C, more preferably between 105°C and 150°C and for example substantially equal to 130°C, so that the liquid thus supplied to the vaporization device 5 by means of the pump 61 is thus vaporized within the vaporization chamber 50 so as to form the vapor flow, or “operational vapor flow”, intended to be directed towards and onto the user’s hair. In this respect, the control system 8 is advantageously designed to control the first heating device 51 and bring the vaporization device 5, and in particular the vaporization chamber 50 thereof, to a temperature whose value is at least equal to the vaporization temperature of the liquid in question, and for example in the aforementioned ranges of values or temperature values, in said transient operating mode ET.
[0058] Advantageously, the transient operating mode ET prior to said operational operating mode EN corresponds in return to a temporary, non-operational regime of the hairdressing appliance 1. The hairdressing appliance 1 is therefore designed to be in the transient operating mode ET, during which the appliance 1 is not normally intended to be used for treating hair, then in the operational operating mode EN, in which the appliance 1 is then fully usable for styling hair. In other words, unlike the operational operating mode EN, the transient operating mode ET is limited in time independently of the use of the hairdressing appliance 1.Thus, when the hairdressing appliance 1 is started up, which corresponds for example to switching on the power supply of the latter (preferably controlled by a switch), the appliance 1 is first in the transient operating mode ET (which begins at time t0 in the example of figures 6 and 7). The transient operating mode ET is then followed by the operational operating mode En (which begins at time t3 in the example of figures 6 and 7), in which the appliance 1 advantageously remains until it is for example switched off (end of the power supply) by the user.
[0059] In the transient operating mode ET, the pump 61 actuated by the electric motor 62 therefore supplies the vaporization device 5 with liquid according to said second feed mass flow rate DT, which is then greater (strictly) than said first feed mass flow rate DN (i.e. according to a non-zero value of the second feed mass flow rate DT which is (strictly) greater than a respective non-zero value of the first feed mass flow rate DN). Thus, while the first electrical voltage value UN and the first feed mass flow rate DN advantageously correspond respectively to a “normal” electrical supply voltage value and to a “normal” liquid supply mass flow rate of the vaporization device 5, the second value UT of electrical voltage and the second supply mass flow rate DT advantageously correspond respectively to a “supercharging” electrical voltage value of the electric motor 62 and to a “supercharging” mass flow rate of liquid in the vaporization device 5. The control system 8 therefore advantageously controls the operation of the electric motor 62, by supplying the latter according to the second electrical voltage value UT, so that the pump 61 takes liquid from the reservoir 60 and delivers it, according to the second supply mass flow rate DT, to the vaporization device 5, and in particular to the vaporization chamber 50 of the latter.
[0060] In the transient operating mode ET the vaporization device 5 is advantageously at a temperature allowing the vaporization of the liquid, that is to say at a temperature whose value is at least equal to the vaporization temperature (T vap) of the liquid in question. The temperature of the vaporization device 5 in the transient operating mode ET is preferably substantially constant and whose (predefined) value is preferably between 100°C and 180°C, more preferably between 105°C and 150°C and for example substantially equal to 130°C, so that the liquid thus supplied to the vaporization device 5 by means of the pump 61 is thus vaporized within the vaporization chamber 50. Such temperature ranges and values are particularly well suited when the liquid is essentially water, for use of the apparatus 1 at ambient temperature and at an altitude close to sea level.It is preferable that, whether constant or not, the temperature of the vaporization device 5 is maintained greater than or equal to 100°C during the operational operating mode EN, including in the event of a sudden supply of liquid. However, it is advantageous that the temperature of the vaporization device 5 is not too high in order to avoid the occurrence of a heating phenomenon, which may prove detrimental to the proper functioning of the vaporization device 5. A temperature of a value of 130°C, or at least advantageously between 105°C and 150°C, thus represents a good compromise.In this respect, the control system 8 is advantageously designed to control the first heating device 51 and bring the vaporization device 5, and in particular the vaporization chamber 50 of the latter, to a temperature whose value is at least equal to the vaporization temperature of the liquid in question, and for example in the aforementioned ranges of values or temperature values, in the transient operating mode ET.
[0061] The ability of the hairdressing appliance 1 to implement such a transient operating mode ET, during which the vaporization device 5 is temporarily supercharged with liquid, therefore under the effect of an electrical “supercharging” of the electric motor 62, makes it possible in particular to quickly and efficiently initiate the steam generation, so that the appliance 1 is then in optimal conditions for generating the steam flow ("operational steam flow") intended to be directed towards and onto the user's hair, when the appliance 1 is in operational operating mode EN. In this sense, said transient operating mode ET can thus advantageously correspond to a so-called "forced priming" regime of steam generation by the vaporization device 5. This also makes it possible to replace all or part of the air, present in the various liquid supply and / or steam guide piping elements of the appliance 1, with liquid and / or steam and thus to further accelerate the availability of the hairdressing appliance 1 for the user. In addition, such temporary oversupply of liquid to the vaporization device 5 can advantageously lead, during the transient operating mode ET,a particularly imperfect vaporization of the liquid resulting in the formation of vapor more heavily loaded with droplets and / or microdroplets of liquid than the vapor subsequently generated during the operational operating mode EN. Insofar as said at least one vapor outlet 502 of the vaporization chamber 50 of the vaporization device 5 is advantageously in permanent fluid communication with the surrounding external air via said at least one vapor ejection orifice 710, as previously envisaged, this advantageously results in the ejection from the apparatus 1, during the transient operating mode ET, of a vapor flow (“transient vapor flow” or “initial vapor flow”) which is more visible to the naked eye by the user than is the vapor flow (“operational vapor flow”) which is subsequently ejected during the operational operating mode EN. Typically, the fluid being water,the transient vapor flow can thus be emitted in the form of a whitish cloud or fog, while the operational vapor flow, less loaded with droplets and / or microdroplets of liquid water, is emitted in a more transparent form, more difficult to detect with the naked eye. This phenomenon then advantageously contributes to visually informing the user that the vapor generation function of the device 1 is indeed functional.
[0062] Still to the extent that said at least one steam outlet 502 of the vaporization chamber 50 of the vaporization device 5 is advantageously in permanent fluid communication with the surrounding external air, it further follows that the transient vapor flow can be advantageously ejected out of the apparatus 1 in transient operating mode ET, preferably via said at least one vapor ejection orifice 710, according to a second vapor mass flow rate (“transient vapor mass flow rate” or “initial vapor mass flow rate”) which is greater than a first vapor mass flow rate (or “operational vapor mass flow rate”) according to which the operational vapor flow can be advantageously ejected from the device 1 in the operational operating mode EN. In other words, the implementation of the transient operating mode ET can advantageously result in a burst of a large jet of steam (or "burst" in English). The emission of such an initial jet of steam also advantageously contributes to informing the user that the steam generation function of the device 1 is indeed functional. What is more, the emission of such an initial jet of steam can advantageously contribute to freeing, where appropriate, said at least one steam ejection orifice 710 of any small foreign bodies likely to obstruct it or cover it at least partially (dust, hair debris, scales, dry residues of hairspray or styling gel, etc.).
[0063] Thus, the device 1 is advantageously, at the end of the transient operating mode ET, in optimal steam generation operational conditions with a view to optimal use of the device 1 in operational operating mode En for styling, brushing, detangling and / or even straightening hair using steam.
[0064] Preferably, the control system 8 is configured to automatically control a transition from the transient operating mode ET to the operational operating mode EN (“automatic” variant). The transition from the transient operating mode ET to the operational operating mode EN is therefore preferably carried out automatically, without positive intervention from the user. This makes it possible to ensure optimal operation of the hairdressing appliance 1 without having to request any intervention from the user. The latter can, however, be warned of reaching the operational operating mode EN by any suitable signaling means, and for example by the cessation of the temporary steam flow emitted in the form of a cloud or a whitish fog.Preferably, the values that the first and second supply flow rates DN, DT are then respectively likely to affect are fixed (by the designers of the appliance 1), that is to say that they are preferably not modifiable by the user. As such, the hairdressing appliance 1 is therefore advantageously devoid of adjustment means allowing the user to directly adjust or set one and / or the other of the values of the first and second supply flow rates DN, DT, that is to say therefore advantageously devoid of adjustment or selection means, allowing the user to change the electrical supply voltage of the electric motor 62 actuating the pump 61 from one to the other of the first and second electrical voltage values UN, UT.
[0065] Advantageously, the control system 8 is configured so that, during the operational operating mode EN, the average value of the first feed mass flow rate DN is at least equal to 0.5 g / min (grams per minute, ie approximately 8.33.10 6 kg / s), preferably between 0.5 g / min and 3 g / min (ie between approximately 8.33.10 6 kg / s and 5.105 kg / s), more preferably between 0.5 g / min and 1.1 g / min (i.e. between approximately 8.33.106 kg / s and approximately 1.83.10 5 kg / s), and for example substantially equal to 0.8 g / min (i.e. approximately 1.33.10 5 kg / s). Thus, the steam flow (operational steam flow) emitted by the steam emission means of the hairdressing appliance 1 when the latter is in operational operating mode EN can advantageously have a first steam mass flow rate (operational steam mass flow rate) of a mean value symmetrically at least equal to 0.5 g / min (i.e. approximately 8.33.10 6 kg / s), preferably between 0.5 g / min and 3 g / min (i.e. between approximately 8.33.10 6 kg / s and 5.10 5 kg / s), more preferably between 0.5 g / min and 1.1 g / min (i.e. between approximately 8.33.10 6 kg / s and approximately 1.83.10 5 kg / s), and for example substantially equal to 0.8 g / min (i.e. approximately 1.33.10 5 kg / s).In accordance with the explanations provided previously, the adjustment of the values of the first and second mass flow rates of supply DN is advantageously carried out by a choice of the first and second values UN, UT of the corresponding electrical supply voltage of the electric motor 62. Such average values of mass flow rate of steam prove in fact well suited for effective styling, brushing, detangling and / or straightening of hair with steam. In addition, such average values of first mass flow rate of supply DN allow excellent autonomy of the appliance 1 in liquid, so that it is not necessary to implement a reservoir 60 of high capacity and therefore bulky or to fill the reservoir 60 during the same session of use of the appliance 1. The comfort of use is therefore improved.
[0066] As illustrated by example in Figures 6 and 7, in the operational operating mode En, the average value (non-zero) of the feed mass flow rate D is advantageously constant and equal to said average value of the first feed mass flow rate DN, throughout the duration during which the control system 8 controls the effective implementation of the operational operating mode EN. Still as illustrated by example in Figures 6 and 7, the control system 8 is advantageously configured to control, in the operational operating mode En, a supply of liquid to the vaporization device 5 by means of the pump 61 continuously, uninterruptedly, over time, throughout the duration of effective implementation of the operational operating mode EN.In this respect, as in the example of figures 6 and 7, the control system 8 may be designed and configured to constantly maintain, throughout the duration of the operational operating mode EN, an electrical supply to the electric motor 62 according to a value of the electrical supply voltage U substantially equal to said first electrical voltage value UN. However, it is nonetheless conceivable that the control system 8 is designed and configured to maintain . constantly, throughout the duration of the operational operating mode EN, an electrical supply to the electric motor 62 according to a value of the electrical supply voltage U which differs over time, that is to say for example according to said first value UN of electrical voltage, then according to another value UN of electrical voltage (different from said first value UN of electrical voltage, and preferably also different from said value UT of electrical voltage).
[0067] In order to further optimize the aforementioned effect of “forced priming” of the generation of steam by the vaporization device 5, as well as advantageously the effect of generating an initial jet of steam in the form of a cloud of steam which is particularly visually detectable by the user, the average value of the second feed mass flow rate DT is preferably between 120% and 1000% of the respective average value of the first feed mass flow rate DN. More preferably, the average value of the second feed mass flow rate DT is between 150% and 300% and for example equal to 150%, of the respective average value of the first feed mass flow rate DN.This makes it possible, in particular, on the one hand, to limit the risk of ejection by the device 1 of drops of hot liquid, and therefore dangerous for the user, under the effect of insufficient vaporization of said liquid and, on the other hand, to make the operation of the liquid supply device 6 more reliable, in particular by limiting the risk of scaling of the vaporization chamber 50.
[0068] Preferably, the average value of the second feed mass flow rate DT is between 0.6 g / min and 5 g / min (i.e. between 1.105 kg / s and approximately 8.33.10 5 kg / s), preferably between 1 g / min and 2.5 g / min (i.e. between 1.67.105 kg / s and approximately 4.17.105 kg / s), and for example substantially equal to 1.2 g / min (i.e. 2.105 kg / s). This is particularly advantageous when the average value of the first feed mass flow rate DN is between 0.5 g / min and 3 g / min, preferably between 0.5 g / min and 1.1 g / min, and for example equal to 0.8 g / min, as envisaged in the above.
[0069] As illustrated by example in Figures 6 and 7, in the transient operating mode ET, the non-zero average value of the feed mass flow rate D is advantageously constant and equal to said average value of the second feed mass flow rate DT, throughout the duration during which the control system 8 controls an effective electrical supply of the electric motor 62 during the operational operating mode EN. In other words, the control system 8 is advantageously configured to control, in the transient operating mode ET, the supply of the electric motor 62 only according to said second electrical voltage value UT, so that the pump 61 therefore supplies the vaporization device 5 with liquid only according to said second mass flow rate supply DT. Still as illustrated as an example in Figures 6 and 7, the control system 8 is advantageously configured to control, in the transient operating mode ET, a supply of liquid to the vaporization device 5 continuously, uninterruptedly, over time. According to this preferred variant, the control system 8 is therefore advantageously configured to, when it controls the effective supply of the electric motor 62 (i.e. U non-zero), continuously, uninterruptedly control a supply of the electric motor 62 according to said second electrical voltage value UT (and therefore not sequentially). Thus, the supply of liquid to the vaporization device 5 according to said second supply mass flow rate DT is therefore done in one go, all at once, and not in a fractional, sequential manner.The two additional preferential characteristics mentioned above, each taken independently or preferably in combination, contribute in particular to simplifying the implementation of the transient operating mode ET and to optimizing the aforementioned effect of “forced priming” of the generation of steam by the vaporization device 5, as well as advantageously the effect of generating an initial jet of steam in the form of a cloud which is particularly visually detectable by the user.
[0070] It is preferable that the duration of liquid supply to the vaporization device 5 according to the second mass supply flow rate DT is chosen to be sufficiently short with respect to the value of the second mass supply flow rate DT and the volume and / or the temperature of the vaporization chamber 50 (and therefore its capacity to vaporize a greater or lesser quantity of liquid in a given time) to avoid saturation of the vaporization chamber 50 which could lead to the emission of a jet of hot liquid drops during the transient operating mode ET. As such, it is preferable that the control system 8 is configured so that, in said transient operating mode ET, the electric motor 62 is supplied according to said second electrical voltage value UT during a transient supply duration dT of a value between 1 s and 120 s, preferably between 10 s and 30 s, and for example equal to 15 s.Thus, in said transient operating mode ET, the vaporization device 5 is therefore preferentially supplied with liquid during a transient supply duration dT of a value substantially between 1 s and 120 s, preferably substantially between 10 s and 30 s, and for example equal to 15 s. This is particularly advantageous when the liquid supply of the vaporization device 5 is carried out continuously over time, according to an average value of the second mass supply flow rate DT preferably between 0.6 g / min and 5 g / min, more preferably between 1 g / min and 2.5 g / min. Such a configuration is particularly well suited in fact for a vaporization chamber 50 of di. classic dimensions equipping a portable electric steam hairdressing device such as a hairdressing brush, straightening brush, detangling brush or straightener.
[0071] Advantageously, the control system 8 is configured to implement, during said transient operating mode AND: - a main sub-mode (or “sub-regime”) ETp, in which the electric motor 62 is powered according to said second electrical voltage value UT so that the pump 61 supplies liquid to the vaporization device 5 according to said second mass supply flow rate DT, in accordance with what has been described previously, and - a preheating sub-mode (or “sub-regime”) ETc, prior to said main sub-mode ETp, during which the vaporization device 5 is gradually brought to a predefined temperature allowing the vaporization of the liquid, the value of which is preferably between 100°C and 180°C, more preferably between 105°C and 150°C, and for example substantially equal to 130°C.
[0072] During said preheating sub-mode ETc, the vaporization device 5 is therefore advantageously not supplied with liquid, the electric motor 62 actuating the pump 61 not being electrically powered. The control system 8 is advantageously connected to the first heating device 51 of the vaporization device 5 in order to control a progressive increase in the temperature of the latter, and in particular of the vaporization chamber 50, until a sufficient predefined temperature value is reached (typically greater than or equal to 100°C in the case of water, and preferably within the ranges - or equal to the aforementioned preferred value) to cause immediate vaporization of the liquid when the latter is then introduced into the vaporization chamber 50 during the main sub-mode ETp.Optionally, the value of the predefined preheating temperature of the vaporization device 5 may be chosen to be higher than the operating temperature of the vaporization device 5 during the operational operating mode EN, so as to promote more intense, more abrupt vaporization of the liquid during the main sub-mode ETp and / or so as to take into account a possible cooling phenomenon of the vaporization device 5 under the effect of the liquid supply during the main sub-mode ETp.Alternatively, and although less preferentially in terms of ease of design and operational reliability of the device 1, it is conceivable that such a vaporization temperature setting of the vaporization device 5 is not controlled by the control system 8, but for example by another separate system, and that the control system 8 is not configured to implement such a preheating sub-mode ETc.
[0073] The control system 8 is more preferably configured to control automatically a transition from said preheating sub-mode ETc to said main sub-mode ETp depending on at least one of the following criteria: once the predefined temperature value is reached and / or upon expiry of a predefined preheating time, and more preferably still once said predefined temperature value is reached. The transition from the preheating sub-mode ETc to the main sub-mode ETp is therefore preferably carried out automatically, without positive intervention from the user. This guarantees that the functional device 1 is made available without the user having to take any action.The apparatus 1 may thus comprise, for example, a temperature probe which is arranged in contact with the vaporization chamber 50 of the vaporization device 5, and which is connected to the control system 8 in order to transmit to the latter information regarding the temperature of the vaporization chamber 50, and to maintain an electrical supply to the first heating device 51 as long as the predefined temperature value is not reached. Alternatively or additionally, the control system 8 may comprise, for example, an internal clock for controlling a maintenance of an electrical supply to the first heating device 51 at least until the expiry of said predefined preheating time.The value of the predefined preheating time may possibly depend on certain technical characteristics of the device 1 (electrical power, sizing of the vaporization device 5, for example), and is obviously chosen to be sufficient to allow the predefined temperature value to be reached. Typically, the value of the preheating time, predefined or not, is advantageously between 10 s and 60 s, and for example 45 s, without this range and this value being of course limiting.
[0074] Optionally, the control system 8 can be advantageously configured: - to implement, during said transient operating mode ET and at the end of said main sub-mode ETp, a time delay sub-mode (or “sub-regime”) ETt during which the electrical power supply to the electric motor 62 is interrupted (zero electrical voltage U), so that the liquid supply to the vaporization device 5 is therefore interrupted, - then to automatically control the transition from the time delay sub-mode ETt (and therefore from the transient operating mode ET) to the operational operating mode EN and therefore automatically control the electrical supply of the electric motor 62 according to said first electrical voltage value UN, so as to control the supply of liquid to the vaporization device 5 according to said first mass flow rate DN.
[0075] In other words, the transient operating mode ET then advantageously ends, in this case, by the implementation of a particular operating sub-mode during which the electric motor 62 is not electrically powered (U = 0 V) and the vaporization device 5 is therefore not supplied with liquid (D = 0 g / min). The implementation of such a time delay sub-mode ETt may prove to be interesting, depending in particular on the choice of the average value of the second feed mass flow rate DT and the sizing of the vaporization device 5, in order to allow the latter to finish vaporizing the liquid and / or to evacuate the vapor at the end of the main sub-mode ET if necessary, and thus to avoid saturation of the vaporization chamber 50 which could degrade its performance, or even the emission of a jet of hot liquid drops at the time of engagement of the operational operating mode EN. Furthermore, to the extent that the “overfeeding” (second electrical voltage value UT, second feed mass flow rate DT) can cause a drop in the temperature of the vaporization device 5,the implementation of such a time delay sub-mode ETt can advantageously allow the vaporization device 5 to have the time necessary for its temperature to be gradually brought back to said predefined temperature value (or to another predefined target temperature value, in the event that the predefined temperature value of the vaporization device 5 during the operational operating mode EN differs from the predefined temperature value to be reached during the preheating sub-mode ETc).
[0076] According to a principle similar to that described above with regard to the preheating sub-mode ETc, the control system 8 can thus be advantageously configured to automatically control the transition from the transient operating mode ET to the operational operating mode EN as a function of at least one of the following criteria: once a predefined target value of the temperature of the vaporization device 5 is reached (using a temperature probe, for example) and / or upon expiry of a predefined pause time (using an internal clock, for example).
[0077] Advantageously, said first electrical voltage value UN, according to which the electric motor 62 is powered in the operational operating mode En, is substantially equal to the nominal operating electrical voltage value Unom of the electric motor 62 (UN = Unom). This has several notable advantages here. On the one hand, such a choice is favorable for the lifetime of the electric motor 62, and therefore for the reliability of the steam emission means of the hairdressing appliance 1, insofar as the operational operating mode EN corresponds to an operating mode of the hairdressing appliance 1 in which the electric motor 62 is required to operate for the longest time.On the other hand, in the particular case where the control system 8 is configured to implement the aforementioned ETt timing sub-mode in which the electrical supply to the electric motor 62 is interrupted, the fact that the first electrical voltage value UN. is chosen to be substantially equal to said nominal electrical voltage value Unom, ensuring that the electric motor 62 restarts instantly every time it is powered according to the first electrical voltage value UN. This may not always be the case in the event that the first electrical voltage value UN is chosen to be substantially equal to said nominal electrical voltage value Unom, such that the reliability of the steam generation function of the hairdressing appliance 1 could be degraded.
[0078] As a result of the above, said second electrical voltage value UT, according to which the electric motor 62 is supplied in the transient operating mode ET, is therefore advantageously (strictly) greater than the nominal operating voltage value Unom of the electric motor 62. This does not pose any particular problem in terms of starting the electric motor 62. Furthermore, taking into account the fact that the transient operating mode ET is a temporary operating mode, which is advantageously not intended to be implemented over a long period of time in comparison with the respective implementation duration of the operational operating mode EN, the electrical supply of the electric motor 62 according to a voltage value UT greater than its nominal electrical voltage value Unom has only a minimal, if not negligible, impact on the service life of the electric motor 62.
[0079] For example, it is advantageously possible to implement, as in the example of figures 6 and 7 which will be described below, a continuous electric motor 62 with permanent magnet brushes having a nominal operating electric voltage Unom of a value of +3.3 V continuous, controlled alternately by the control system 8 according to a first value UN of electric supply voltage of +3.3 V continuous (i.e. UN = Unom) and according to a second value UT of electric supply voltage of +5.0 V continuous.
[0080] Figures 6 and 7 schematically illustrate in the form of graphs the same example of configuration of the control system 8 of a hairdressing appliance 1 according to the invention. In this example, the control system 8 is configured so that once the appliance 1 is switched on (t0), the latter is automatically successively: - from t0: in the preheating sub-mode ETc> to gradually bring the vaporization chamber 50 of the vaporization device 5 to a predefined vaporization temperature of the liquid (water) for example equal to 130 °C, and this in a preheating time of 45 s (ti = L + 45 s). The electric motor 62 is not powered (U = 0 V DC, [Fig. 6]), and the liquid supply flow rate of the vaporization device 5 is zero (D = 0 g / min, [Fig. 7]); - from ti: in the main sub-mode ETp, during which the engine 62 is supplied according to a second electrical voltage value UT of +5.0 V DC ([Fig.6]), so that the vaporization device 5 is supplied with liquid by the pump 61 continuously, according to a constant average value of second mass supply flow rate DT of 1.2 g / min, for a transient supply duration dT of 15 s (t2 = ti + 15 s = t0 + 60 s, ignoring possible edge effects in terms of mass flow rate visible in [Fig.7]); - from t2: in the timing sub-mode ETt, in which the electrical supply to the electric motor 62, and therefore the liquid supply to the vaporization device 5, are interrupted (U = 0 V DC, [Fig.5]; D = 0 g / min, [Fig.6]) for 5 s (t3= t2+ 5 s = t0 + 65 s); - then from t3: in the operational operating mode EN, in which said electric motor 62 is supplied uninterruptedly according to a first electrical voltage value UN of +3.3 V DC, corresponding here to the nominal operating electrical voltage value Unom of said electric motor 62 ([Fig.6]). The vaporization device 5 is thus supplied with liquid continuously according to a constant average value of the first mass feed flow rate DN of 0.8 g / min ([Fig.7]). Throughout the duration of said operational operating mode En, the vaporization device 5 is maintained at a predefined liquid vaporization temperature, for example equal to 130°C.
[0081] The aforementioned electrical voltages can advantageously be measured using a voltmeter, such as is commonly available commercially, or any other suitable device for measuring an electrical voltage (or “electrical potential difference”) between two points. The aforementioned mass flow rates DN, DT can advantageously be determined by calculating the mass difference of the tank 60 during a predetermined duration in transient operating mode ET, and respectively in operational operating mode EN. In other words, weighing and time measurement are advantageously used to determine the mass flow rates. The mass and mass difference of the tank 60 can be determined easily and accurately with common weighing instruments, and by carrying out several measurements, the results of which are, for example, averaged. In practice, the tank 60 filled with liquid (typically water) is weighed.The scale is then tared before removing the container 60 from the scale pan. Then, after the test (device 1 operating in transient operating mode ET, respectively in operational operating mode EN for a predetermined time), the container 60 - which now contains less water - is weighed again on the already tared scale. This therefore makes it possible to measure the difference in weight / mass before and after the test as a negative value. Of course, in this case, a scale suitable for differential weighing will be used, allowing a negative differential value to be measured, which is the case. of most available laboratory balances. The use of differential weighing as described above, although particularly simple and practical, is of course not the only possibility for determining mass flow rate and methods using other types of sensor can be used. Finally, it should be noted that for a liquid such as water, whose density is known and constant, a measurement of mass reflects a measurement of volume. Consequently, a measurement of the mass of liquid water displaced by a pump in a given time (mass per unit time) is also equivalent to a measurement of the flow rate (volume per unit time) of the pump.In the case where the transient operating mode ET includes one and / or the other of the preheating sub-mode ETc and the timing sub-mode ETt described previously, it will be advantageous to exclude from the measurements the time periods corresponding to the implementation of these specific sub-modes, so as to retain only one measurement relating to the main sub-mode ETp.
[0082] Preferably, in the operational operating mode EN, said heating element 4 intended to come into contact with the hair has a first surface temperature (i.e. a surface temperature) whose value is at least equal to 110°C. More preferably, in the operational operating mode EN, said value of the first surface temperature of the heating element 4 is at least equal to 120°C, and is advantageously between 120°C and 200°C. Even more preferably, in the operational operating mode EN, the value of said first surface temperature is between 130°C and 170°C, preferably between 140°C and 160°C, for example substantially equal to 150°C.Particularly preferably, quite remarkable results in terms of beautification of the hair, and more particularly in terms of reduction of defects and improvement of shine, can be obtained when, in the operational operating mode EN, the value of said first surface temperature is equal to 150 °C ± 20 °C, preferably 150 °C ± 10 °C, in association with a first mass flow rate of steam whose average value is equal to 0.8 g / min ± 0.3 g / min (i.e. approximately 1.33.10 1 kg / s ± 5.10 5 kg / s), and therefore advantageously in association with a first mass flow rate of feed DN whose average value is symmetrically equal to 0.8 g / min ± 0.3 g / min (i.e. approximately 1.33.10 1 kg / s ± 5.105 kg / s).
[0083] Advantageously, the control system 8 can also be configured to control, throughout the duration of the transient operating mode ET or only during the preheating sub-mode ETc provided above, a progressive increase in the first surface temperature of the heating element 4, so that, when the appliance is then in the operational operating mode EN, the value of the first surface temperature of said heating element 4 is at least equal to 110°C, and preferably included in the above-mentioned preferred value ranges.
[0084] Preferably, the brushing pins 7 which protrude from the front face 3A of the head 3 include at least: - heating pins 70 (figures 1, 3 and 4), which contribute to forming the heating element 4, that is to say that said heating element 4 advantageously includes the heating pins 70, and is preferably formed by the heating pins 70, and - steam spikes 71 each incorporating a steam ejection orifice 710 connected to a steam source, which is advantageously formed by the vaporization device 5 and the associated supply device 6 described above.
[0085] Said steam spikes 71 thus preferentially contribute to forming said steam emission means. To this end and as explained previously, each steam ejection orifice 710 is advantageously in fluid communication with the interior of the vaporization chamber 50 via the channeling device 52. The steam spikes 71 thus assume, in addition to their mechanical brushing function, a steam spray function, that is to say that each steam spike 71, with its steam ejection orifice 710, advantageously forms a steam projection nozzle (preferably water vapor). Thus, thanks in particular to the steam pins 71, the mechanical treatment of the hair, under the effect of a resistive force generated by the hair against the steam pins 71, is advantageously combined with a fluidic treatment of the hair (supply of steam via the steam ejection orifice 710 of the steam pins 71).The term "combined" is understood here to mean a simultaneous performance of said mechanical and fluidic treatments on the same area of hair. Thus, the same portion of a lock of hair will undergo simultaneously, that is to say concomitantly, both a fluidic treatment and a mechanical treatment. This makes it possible to obtain a "double" combined and concentrated action on the same area of hair. This makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of the treatment, and to obtain excellent results in terms of hairstyling, beautification and hair care, while minimizing the number of passes necessary of the hairstyling appliance 1 against the hair.
[0086] In a particularly advantageous manner, the surface temperature of the heating pins 70 corresponds to the aforementioned first surface temperature of the heating element 4, the value of which in operational operating mode EN is advantageously at least equal to 110°C, while the steam flow (operational steam flow), the value of which as the first mass flow rate of steam is advantageously at least equal to 0.5 g / min, escapes through the orifices 710 of the steam pins 71. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because it makes it possible to apply a thermomechanical steam treatment to the hair in an optimal and particularly effective manner. highly effective. The use of spikes 70, 71 to heat and diffuse the steam, in addition to the brushing function that they naturally provide, allows the steam to be diffused as well as possible within the strands of hair while ensuring optimal heat exchange.
[0087] Preferably, the steam pins 71 also act as heating pins, in addition to their steam diffusion function. In other words, the steam pins 71 then advantageously contribute to forming both the heating element 4 and the steam emission means. Thus, thanks to said steam pins 71, the mechanical treatment of the hair (under the effect of a resistive force generated by the hair against the steam pins 71) is, even more advantageously, combined not only with a fluidic treatment of the hair (supply of steam via the steam ejection orifice 710 of the steam pins 71 contributing to forming the steam emission means as mentioned above, but also with a thermal treatment of the hair (supply of heat by the steam pins 71 contributing to forming the heating element 4).Thus, the same portion of hair strand will undergo simultaneously, that is to say concomitantly, a mechanical treatment, a fluidic treatment, and a thermal treatment. This makes it possible to obtain a combined and concentrated “triple” action on the same area of hair. This makes it possible to further increase the effectiveness of the treatment of the hair by the hairdressing appliance 1, and thus to obtain even better results in terms of hairdressing, beautifying and caring for the hair, while further minimizing the number of passes necessary of the hairdressing appliance 1 against the hair.
[0088] The invention further relates, as such, to a method for producing steam by a steam hairdressing appliance 1 comprising a liquid vaporization device 5 for generating, from a liquid (typically water), a flow of steam advantageously intended to be directed towards and onto the hair of a user, a pump 61 for supplying liquid to said vaporization device 5 and an electric motor 62 for actuating said pump 61. Typically, the pump 61 and the electric motor 62 are included in a supply device 6, which comprises the hairdressing appliance 1 concerned, for supplying liquid to the vaporization device 5. Advantageously, the hairdressing appliance 1 concerned by the method of the invention is a hairdressing appliance 1 in accordance with the invention as described in detail above.In other words, the method according to the invention is advantageously implemented using a hairdressing appliance 1 according to the invention. Consequently, the description of the hairdressing appliance 1 (in particular with regard to design, operation, effects and associated technical advantages) above applies mutatis mutandis to said method.
[0089] According to the invention, said method comprises: - a first step of operation of the hairdressing appliance 1, during which said electric motor 62 is powered according to a first value UN (non-zero) of electrical voltage so that the pump 61 supplies liquid to the vaporization device 5 according to a first mass supply flow rate DN (non-zero), and - a second step of operation of the hairdressing appliance 1, during which said electric motor 62 is powered according to a second value UT (non-zero) of electrical voltage different from said first value UN of electrical voltage so that the pump 61 supplies liquid to the vaporization device 5 according to a second mass supply flow rate DT (non-zero) which is different from said first mass supply flow rate DN.
[0090] The technical advantages associated with the implementation of these two operating steps of the hairdressing appliance 1 are advantageously at least those already discussed previously in connection with the hairdressing appliance 1 of the invention.
[0091] According to a particular, non-limiting embodiment, - said first operating step is an operational operating step of the hairdressing appliance 1, during which the pump 61 therefore supplies the vaporization device 5 with liquid according to said first supply mass flow rate DN (“normal mass flow rate” or “operational mass flow rate”), and - said second operating step is a transient operating step of the hairdressing appliance 1, prior to said operational operating step, and during which the electric motor 62 is supplied according to said second electrical voltage value UT, which is greater (in the sense of “strictly greater”) than said first electrical voltage value UN. During said transient operating step, the pump 61 therefore supplies the vaporization device 5 with liquid according to said second supply mass flow rate DT which is then greater than said first supply mass flow rate DN.
[0092] Said operational operating step and said transient operating step advantageously correspond respectively to the operational operating mode EN and to the transient operating mode ET as the latter have been described previously.
[0093] During the operational operating step, the vaporization device 5 is advantageously at a temperature allowing the vaporization of the liquid, that is to say at a temperature whose value is at least equal to the vaporization temperature (T vap) of the liquid in question. The temperature of the vaporization device 5 during the operational operating step is preferably substantially constant and whose (predefined) value is preferably between 100°C and 180°C, more preferably between 105°C and 150°C and for example substantially equal to 130°C. Respectively, during the transient operating step, the vaporization device risation 5 is advantageously at a temperature allowing the vaporization of the liquid, which is preferably substantially constant and the (predefined) value of which is preferably between 100°C and 180°C, more preferably between 105°C and 150°C and for example substantially equal to 130°C.
[0094] Advantageously, the transition from the transient operating stage to the operational operating stage is carried out automatically.
[0095] Preferably, and for the effects and advantages (burst of a large jet of steam) already described previously in connection with the hairdressing appliance 1 according to the invention, - the hairdressing appliance 1 emits an operational steam flow according to a first mass flow rate of steam ("operational mass flow rate of steam") during the operational operating step, advantageously therefore under the effect of the electrical power supply of the electric motor 62 according to said first electrical voltage value UN (and therefore under the effect of the liquid supply of the vaporization device 5 according to said first mass supply flow rate DN), - the hairdressing appliance 1 previously emitting a transient steam flow ("initial steam flow") according to a second steam mass flow rate ("transient steam mass flow rate") during the transient operating step, advantageously therefore under the effect respectively of the electrical power supply of the electric motor 62 according to said second electrical voltage value UT (and therefore under the effect of the liquid supply of the vaporization device 5 according to the second supply mass flow rate DT), said second steam mass flow rate being greater than the first steam mass flow rate.
[0096] Preferably, said first electrical voltage value UN is chosen so that the average value of the first mass flow rate of steam is at least equal to 0.5 g / min (i.e. approximately 8.33.10 6 kg / s), preferably between 0.5 g / min and 3 g / min (i.e. between approximately 8.33.10 6 kg / s and 5.10 5 kg / s), more preferably between 0.5 g / min and 1.1 g / min (i.e. between approximately 8.33.10 6 kg / s and approximately 1.83.10 5 kg / s), and for example equal to 0.8 g / min (i.e. approximately 1.33.10 5 kg / s). Preferably, the average value of the second steam mass flow rate is between 120% and 1000%, and more preferably between 150% and 300%, of the respective average value of the first steam mass flow rate. Preferably, the second electrical voltage UT value is chosen so that the average value of the second steam mass flow rate is between 0.6 g / min and 5 g / min, i.e. between 1.105 kg / s and approximately 8.33.105 kg / s), preferably between 1 g / min and 2.5 g / min (ie between 1.67.105 kg / s and approximately 4.17.105 kg / s), and for example substantially equal to 1.2 g / min (ie 2.105 kg / s).
[0097] Particularly advantageously, the vapor of the transient vapor stream is more heavily loaded with liquid droplets and / or microdroplets than the vapor in the operational vapor stream.
[0098] Preferably, said transient operating step comprises: - a main sub-step, in which the electric motor 62 is powered according to said second electrical voltage value UT so that the pump 61 supplies liquid to the vaporization device 5 according to said second mass supply flow rate DT, and - a preheating sub-step, prior to said main sub-step, during which the vaporization device 5 is gradually brought to a predefined temperature allowing the vaporization of the liquid, the value of which is preferably between 100°C and 180°C, more preferably between 105°C and 150°C, and for example substantially equal to 130°C.
[0099] Advantageously, the main sub-step and the preheating sub-step correspond respectively to the main sub-mode ETp and to the preheating sub-mode ETc as the latter have been described previously. Advantageously, the electric motor 62 is not electrically powered during the preheating sub-step, so that the pump 61 does not supply liquid to the vaporization device 5 during the preheating sub-step. Preferably, the transition from the preheating sub-step to the main sub-step is carried out automatically, according to at least one of the following criteria: once the predefined temperature value is reached and / or at the end of a predefined preheating time, and preferably again once said predefined temperature value is reached.
[0100] Optionally, the transient operating step of the hairdressing appliance 1 may advantageously comprise, at the end of the main sub-step, a timing sub-step in which the electrical power supply to the electric motor 62 is interrupted, so that the liquid supply to the vaporization device 5 is interrupted, the transition from the timing sub-step to the operational operating step being advantageously carried out automatically. Advantageously, said timing sub-step corresponds to the timing sub-mode ETt as the latter has been described previously. Advantageously, the transition from the timing sub-step to the operational operating step is carried out automatically according to at least one of the following criteria: once a predefined target value of the temperature of the vaporization device 5 is reached and / or at the end of a predefined pause time.
[0101] It will be noted for all useful purposes that the terms “first” / “first” and “second” used in the present description preferably have no ordinal or cardinal connotation, that is to say that they do not imply here any notion of order, quantity or any categorization of the elements, components, quantities, stages, etc. to which these terms are attached. In this case, their sole purpose is to facilitate the understanding of the invention by making it possible to differentiate between certain technical characteristics of the invention.
Claims
Claims
1.
2.
3. Steam hairdressing appliance (1) comprising a steam device liquid vaporization device (5) for generating, from a liquid, a flow of vapor, a pump (61) for supplying liquid to said vaporization device (5), an electric motor (62) for actuating said pump (61), and a control system (8) designed and configured to control the power supply to the electric motor (62) and alternately supply the latter at least according to a first value (UN) of electrical voltage so that the pump (61) supplies liquid to the vaporization device (5) according to a first mass supply flow rate (D n), and according to a second electrical voltage value (UT) different from said first electrical voltage value (UN) so that the pump (61) supplies liquid to the vaporization device (5) according to a second mass feed flow rate (DT) which is different from said first mass feed flow rate (DN). Hairdressing appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the control system (8) comprises a regulating member (81) of the electrical supply voltage of the electric motor (62) from a predefined input electrical voltage value (UE), and a microcontroller (82) for alternately transmitting to the regulating member (81) of the electrical supply voltage a first control signal (Si) for controlling the power supply of the electric motor (62) according to the first electric voltage value (UN), and a second control signal (S2) for controlling the power supply of the electric motor (62) according to the second electric voltage value (UT). Hairdressing appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, in which said regulating member (81) of the electrical supply voltage comprises at least one linear voltage regulator (811), which is preferably a linear regulator with low voltage drop.
4. A hairdressing appliance (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said pump (61) is a peristaltic pump.
5. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the average value of the first feed mass flow rate (DN) is at least equal to 0.5 g / min, preferably between 0.5 g / min and 3 g / min, more preferably between 0.5 g / min and 1.1 g / min, and for example equal to 0.8 g / min.
6. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the average value of the second feed mass flow rate (DT) is between 0.6 g / min and 5 g / min, preferably between 1 g / min and 2.5 g / min, and for example substantially equal to 1.2 g / min.
7. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control system (8) is designed and configured to implement: - an operational operating mode (EN), in which the electric motor (62) is powered according to said first value (UN) of electrical voltage, and - a transient operating mode (ET) prior to said operational operating mode (EN), in which the electric motor (62) is powered according to said second value (UT) of electrical voltage, which is greater than said first value (UN) of electrical voltage.
8. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the first value (UN) of electrical voltage is equal to a value (Unom) of nominal operating electrical voltage of the electric motor (62).
9. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to any one of claims 7 and 8, wherein the control system (8) is configured so that, in said transient operating mode (ET), the electric motor is powered according to said second electrical voltage value (UT) during a transient power supply duration (dT) of a value between 1 s and 120 s, preferably between 10 s and 30 s, and for example equal to 15 s.
10. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the control system (8) is configured to control automatically a transition from transient operating mode (ET) to operational operating mode (EN).
11. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the control system (8) is configured to implement, during said transient operating mode (ET): - a main sub-mode (ETp), in which said electric motor (62) is powered according to said second electrical voltage value (UT) so that the pump (61) supplies liquid to the vaporization device (5) according to said second mass supply flow rate (DT), and - a preheating sub-mode (ETc), prior to said main sub-mode (ETp), during which the vaporization device (5) is gradually brought to a predefined temperature allowing vaporization of the liquid, the value of which is preferably between 100°C and 180°C, more preferably between 105°C and 150°C, and for example substantially equal to 130°C.
12. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the control system (8) is configured to automatically control a change from the preheating sub-mode (ETc) to the main sub-mode (ETp) according to at least one of the following criteria: once the predefined temperature value is reached and / or upon expiry of a predefined preheating time, and preferably once said predefined temperature value is reached.
13. A hairdressing appliance (1) according to claim 10 and any one of claims 11 and 12, wherein the control system is configured: - to implement, during the transient operating mode (ET) and at the end of the main sub-mode (ETp), a time-delay sub-mode (ETt) during which the electrical power supply to the electric motor (62) is interrupted, - then to automatically control the transition from the timing sub-mode (ETt) to the operational operating mode (En).
14. Method for producing steam by a steam hairdressing appliance (1) comprising a liquid vaporization device (5) for generating, from a liquid, a flow of steam, a pump (61) for supplying liquid to said vaporization device (5), an electric motor (62) for actuating said pump (61), said method comprising: - a first step of operation of the hairdressing appliance (1), during which said electric motor (62) is powered according to a first electrical voltage value (UN) so that the pump supplies liquid to the vaporization device (5) according to a first mass supply flow rate (DN), and - a second step of operation of the hairdressing appliance (1), during which said electric motor (62) is powered according to a second electrical voltage value (UT) different from said first electrical voltage value (UN) so that the pump (62) supplies liquid to the vaporization device (5) according to a second mass supply flow rate (DT) which is different from said first mass supply flow rate (DN).
15. Method according to the preceding claim, in which: - said first operating step is an operational operating step of the hairdressing appliance (1), and - said second operating step is a transient operating step of the hairdressing appliance (1), prior to said operational operating step, and during which the electric motor (62) is powered according to said second electrical voltage value (UT), which is greater than said first electrical voltage value (UN).
16. Method according to the preceding claim, in which the hairdressing appliance (1) emits an operational steam flow according to a first steam mass flow rate during the operational operating step, said hairdressing appliance (1) previously emitting a transient steam flow according to a second steam mass flow rate during the transient operating step, the second steam mass flow rate being greater than the first steam mass flow rate.