Multi-seal steam hairdressing appliance

Abstract

Steam hairdressing appliance with multiple sealsThe invention relates to a steam hairdressing appliance a heating treatment element (4) intended to come into contact with the hair, and steam emission means for subjecting said hair in contact with the heating treatment element to a steam flow, the latter comprising steam ejection orifices (41), the steam emission means comprisinga liquid vaporization device (5) for generating the steam flow, comprising a vaporization chamber (50) and steam outlets (51), andat least two sealing parts (8), distinct and spaced from each other, which each form a seal between at least one of the steam outlets and at least one of the corresponding steam ejection orifices of the heating treatment element.Hairdressing appliances.Figure for abstract: Fig.3.

Description

Title of the invention: Steam hairdressing appliance with multiple seals

[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, and more precisely to the field of hairdressing appliances equipped with a function of vaporizing liquid towards the hair, such as for example hairdressing brushes, detangling brushes or straightening brushes.

[0002] The invention relates more specifically to a steam hairdressing appliance comprising a heating treatment element intended to come into contact with the hair, and steam emission means configured to subject said hair to a flow of steam.

[0003] Hairdressing appliances are known for subjecting hair to a flow of water vapor, and to mechanical and / or thermal treatment. This treatment is for example carried out by means of a straightener-type appliance comprising a pair of heating plates between which the hair can be pinched, a comb for detangling the hair prior to its thermal treatment between the heating plates and steam diffusing orifices which are arranged adjacent to the comb. The emission of steam, prior to the mechanical and thermal actions exerted against the hair, aims to facilitate the hairdressing operation and to improve its effectiveness, while preserving, at least to a certain extent, the appearance of the hair. Nevertheless, it appears that the results which can be obtained using such a known steam appliance remain perfectible, in particular with regard to the diffusion of steam on and against the hair.In fact, the steam diffusion orifices remain relatively cold, which causes immediate condensation of the steam on contact with them or in the immediate vicinity of them, thus limiting its good propagation through the user's hair.

[0004] More generally, the construction of known steam hairdressing appliances is particularly complex, in particular because of the steam that must be created, transported and diffused. These appliances generally include a steam generator heated to a sufficient temperature to vaporize a fluid (generally water) which is then conveyed to one or more steam diffusion orifices. The designers of these appliances must then ensure that the steam is diffused only to the desired locations. For example, the steam must not spread inside the hairdressing appliance, otherwise it could cause a serious malfunction. operation of the latter, or even a risk of electrocution for the user. Furthermore, known devices also remain perfectible in terms of thermal efficiency, and in particular in controlling thermal losses likely to negatively impact the level of electricity consumption of the devices.

[0005] 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 which makes it possible to subject a user's hair to a flow of steam in association with a heat treatment in a particularly effective, reliable and safe manner, while exhibiting excellent thermal efficiency.

[0006] Another object of the invention is to propose a new hairdressing appliance of simple construction and relatively easy and inexpensive manufacture.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide a new hair styling apparatus that is particularly compact in construction.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide a new hair styling apparatus that is particularly robust and reliable in construction.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide a new hair styling apparatus that, while allowing particularly satisfactory hair styling and shaping effects to be obtained easily and quickly.

[0010] The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a steam hairdressing appliance comprising a heating treatment element intended to come into contact with the hair, and steam emission means configured to subject said hair in contact with said heating treatment element to a flow of steam, said heating treatment element comprising a plurality of steam ejection orifices, said steam emission means comprising: - a liquid vaporization device for generating said vapor flow, said vaporization device comprising a vaporization chamber and a plurality of vapor outlets connected to said vaporization chamber, and - at least two sealing parts, distinct and distant from each other, which each form a seal between at least one of the steam outlets of the vaporization device and at least one of the corresponding steam ejection orifices of the heating treatment element.

[0011] 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:

[0012] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a hairdressing appliance according to the invention, which here constitutes a hairdressing brush. The latter comprises a manual gripping handle, as well as a head for engaging the hair, which is carried by the handle;

[0013] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an exploded view of the apparatus of [Fig. 1]. Elements of electrical and screw serial connections have been omitted;

[0014] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a truncated view in sagittal section II (see [Fig.l]) of the head of the apparatus of figures 1 and 2;

[0015] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view ILII (see [Fig.l]) of the head of the apparatus of figures 1 to 3;

[0016] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] illustrates an internal face of the heating treatment element of the apparatus of Figures 1 to 4;

[0017] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a hairdressing appliance according to the invention, which here constitutes a hairdressing brush. The latter comprises a handle for manual gripping, as well as a head for engaging the hair, which is carried by the handle;

[0018] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is an exploded view of the apparatus of [Fig.6]. Elements of electrical and screw serial connections have been omitted;

[0019] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a truncated view in sagittal section II (see [Fig.6]) of the head of the apparatus of figures 6 and 7;

[0020] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a cross-sectional view II-II (see [Fig.6]) of the head of the apparatus of figures 6 to 8;

[0021] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] illustrates an internal face of the heating treatment element of the apparatus of Figures 6 to 9;

[0022] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a front perspective view of the apparatus of Figures 1 to 5 and 6 to 10, from which cowling elements and head elements have been omitted so as to reveal details of the internal design of these apparatuses;

[0023] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] illustrates, in a perspective view, certain elements of the steam emission means of the devices of figures 1 to 5 and 6 to 10. The steam emission means here comprise as many sealing parts, distinct and distant from each other, as the vaporization device comprises steam outlets, each of the sealing parts being illustrated here arranged around a corresponding steam outlet;

[0024] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] illustrates, in a perspective view, the elements of the steam emission means illustrated in [Fig. 12]. The sealing parts are here illustrated separate from the steam outlets of the vaporization device;

[0025] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] schematically illustrates, in the manner of figures 3 and 8, a truncated view in sagittal section of the head of an apparatus similar to those of figures 1 to 5 and 6 to 10, in which a steam ejection orifice opens from the surface of an external face of the heating treatment element between two heating pins, an end portion of one of the sealing parts being arranged flush with the surface of the external face of the heating treatment element;

[0026] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] schematically illustrates, in the manner of figures 3 and 8, a truncated view in sagittal section of the head of an apparatus similar to those of figures 1 to 5 and 6 to 10, in which two steam ejection orifices open from opposite faces of a steam spike, an end portion of one of the sealing parts being arranged flush with the surface of an external face of the heating treatment element, extending on either side of the steam spike.

[0027] The invention relates to a hairdressing appliance 1, that is to say an appliance designed and configured to allow a user (woman or man) to carry out one or more hairdressing operations, for example to ensure hair shaping, and / or hair beautification and / or improvement of hair health, that is to say a care operation on the hair (or possibly hair, in the case of use on an animal for example). More specifically, said appliance 1 is a steam hairdressing appliance, 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 a hairdressing operation.

[0028] Preferably, the appliance 1 is designed so that the user uses the appliance 1 on himself, that is to say on his own hair. However, it is perfectly conceivable that the appliance 1 is designed for use by the user on the hair of a third person (or other user). The appliance 1 is preferably designed for use in a domestic setting, more preferably by a user without any particular professional skills in hairdressing. The appliance 1 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 appliance 1 is preferably a portable electric appliance intended to be connected to the electricity distribution network to be powered electrically.It is however alternatively conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, that the device 1 incorporates electrical power batteries, possibly rechargeable. In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the device 1 constitutes a hairdressing brush, and more specifically a steam hairdressing brush. For the sake of simplicity, identical references have been used in the figures illustrating these embodiments to designate similar or identical elements. The invention is however not limited to a device 1 forming a hairdressing brush, and the device 1 can for example constitute a straightening brush, a detangling brush or even a curler, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0029] As in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the apparatus 1 advantageously comprises a manual gripping handle 2, which is intended to be grasped by hand, and for example gripped, by the user, to manipulate the apparatus 1. The handle 2 extends, for example, longitudinally, along a longitudinal axis central X-X', between a first end, from which emerges for example an electrical power cable when the device 1 intended to be connected to the electricity distribution network to be electrically powered, and a second opposite end. The device 1 advantageously comprises a head 3 for engaging the hair, that is to say to preferably come 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 the central longitudinal axis X-X', between a lower end secured to the second end of the handle 2, and a free upper end. Preferably, the handle 2 has a substantially elongate 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 embodiments illustrated in the figures, is preferably provided with pins 7 for brushing (or combing) the hair, between and against which the hair is therefore intended to be located, and to move, during use of the device 1.

[0030] The hairdressing appliance 1 comprises at least one heating treatment element 4 intended to come into contact with the hair, to transmit heat to it, and steam emission means, as mentioned above, which are configured to subject the hair in contact with the heating treatment element 4 to a flow of steam. In other words, the appliance 1 is designed so that the hair is simultaneously: - in contact, at least locally, with the heating treatment element 4, - and subjected, at least locally, to a flow of steam, advantageously during a hairdressing operation during which the head 3 engages the hair, for example to brush it, preferably by means of the aforementioned brushing pins 7.

[0031] As in the embodiments illustrated in examples in the figures, the heating treatment element 4 is advantageously carried by the head 3 of the device 1. The heating treatment element 4 comprises an internal face 4A which is oriented opposite the interior of the head 3 and an opposite external face 4B which contributes to forming at least a portion of the front face 3A of the head 3 of the device 1.

[0032] The steam emission means comprise in particular a liquid vaporization device 5 (or “vaporization block”) for generating, from a liquid, the flow of steam, which is advantageously intended to be directed towards and onto the user’s hair. The steam emission means preferably further comprise a feed device 6 for supplying liquid to the vaporization device 5.

[0033] 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 "vapour" should be taken here 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 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. In other words, the expression "water vapour" 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.

[0034] As illustrated in the figures, the vaporization device 5 comprises at least one vaporization chamber 50 and a plurality of steam outlets 51 connected to the vaporization chamber 50, to allow the vapor generated in the vaporization chamber 50 to be evacuated from the latter. Advantageously, as illustrated as an example in the figures, the vaporization device 5 comprises a first vaporization block element 52A and a second vaporization block element 52B, which first and second vaporization block elements 52A, 52B are assembled, fixed to each other, typically in a sealed manner, to delimit said vaporization chamber 50 between them. As illustrated as an example in the figures, the first vaporization block element 52A may form a hollow body and the second vaporization block element 52B may form a cover for closing said hollow body.Advantageously, the steam outlets 51 of the vaporization device 5 are carried by the first element 52A of the vaporization block. Advantageously, the vaporization device 5 further comprises at least one liquid supply inlet 53, separate from the steam outlets 51, and which opens into said vaporization chamber 50 to supply the latter with liquid to be vaporized. Advantageously, as in the embodiments illustrated in examples in the figures, the vaporization device 5, and in particular the vaporization chamber 50 of the latter, is arranged inside the head 3 of the apparatus 1, therefore as close as possible to the heating treatment element 4 which is also advantageously embedded in the head 3 of the apparatus 1 as mentioned previously.

[0035] In order to subject the hair to the steam flow generated by the liquid vaporization device 5, the appliance 1 comprises a plurality of steam ejection orifices 41 (or “steam diffusion orifices”), which are advantageously arranged on the side of the front face 3A of the head 3 of the appliance 1. For example, as illustrated in the figures, said steam ejection orifices 41 are distributed along a line centered along the central axis XX' of extension of the head 3 and of the handle 2 of the appliance 1, which advantageously allows diffusion of the steam flow over a major part of the length of the head 3, and in the center of the front face 3A of the head 3, that is to say advantageously in the center of the brushing / styling zone of the head 3.The steam outlets 51 of the vaporization device 5 are advantageously each in fluid communication with the surrounding external air, preferably permanently, via at least one of said steam ejection orifices 41. As in the preferred embodiments illustrated in the figures, the vaporization chamber 50 is advantageously maintained permanently at atmospheric pressure.

[0036] The liquid supply device 6 preferably comprises a reservoir 60 for storing a quantity of liquid, and preferably liquid water, and a pump 61 connected to the reservoir 60 and to the vaporization device 5, for example via a pipe connected to the supply inlet 53 of the vaporization chamber 50. Advantageously on board, the reservoir 60 is for example removable, that is to say it is detachable from the main body of the apparatus 1 for the purpose of filling it, which in particular makes it possible to do without an earth connection for the electrical supply of the apparatus 1. For this purpose, the reservoir 60 is preferably substantially at atmospheric pressure. Preferably, the pump 61 is a peristaltic pump, which allows very fine control of low flow rates. Alternatively, a diaphragm pump or any other suitable type could be envisaged, although a peristaltic pump remains preferred.

[0037] The apparatus 1 is therefore advantageously designed to subject the hair engaged by the head 3 to a thermo-mechanical steam treatment, according to which the hair is advantageously 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 treatment element 4, which is advantageously carried by the head 3 as mentioned above; - and a fluidic action, which in this case is a steam treatment, consisting of subjecting to steam the hair engaged by the head 3 and in contact with and / or near the heating treatment element 4, advantageously via said 41 steam ejection ports.

[0038] The simultaneous and advantageously combined implementation of these three treatments (mechanical, thermal and steam) advantageously makes it possible to beautify, and / or care for, and / or repair the hair, and also advantageously makes it possible to shape the hair, in particular by disciplining it. It will be noted here that the aforementioned mechanical action could, alternatively or additionally, result for example from pinching the hair against the heating treatment element 4, in the event that the apparatus 1 does not form a brush, as in the embodiments illustrated in the figures.

[0039] More specifically, the heating treatment element 4 comprises said plurality of steam ejection orifices 41, such that the steam flow is therefore ejected out of the apparatus 1 via the heating treatment element 4, as close as possible to the hair which is in contact with, and / or in the vicinity of, the heating treatment element 4. Thus, the thermal treatment of the hair (supply of heat by the heating treatment element 4) is combined with the fluidic treatment (supply of steam via the steam ejection orifices 41 of the heating treatment element 4). The term “combined” is understood here to mean a simultaneous performance of said thermal and fluidic treatments on the same area of ​​hair. Thus, the same portion of lock of hair will undergo simultaneously, that is to say concomitantly, both a thermal treatment and a fluidic treatment.This makes it possible to obtain a combined and concentrated “double” 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 hair styling, beautification and care, while minimizing the number of necessary passes of the appliance 1 against the hair. The fact that the heating treatment element 4 comprises said steam ejection orifices 41 also makes it possible to greatly limit, or even completely eliminate, the risk of premature condensation of the steam at the outlet of the steam ejection orifices 41, taking into account the temperature to which the heating treatment element 4 is brought during operation of the appliance 1. The temperature of the heating treatment element 4 will thus contribute to maintaining the flow of steam in the form of steam for as long as possible. The aforementioned fluidic action, coupled with the thermal action, is thus particularly effective and safe.Indeed, this advantageously prevents the vapor from the steam flow from condensing and transforming back into liquid (or condensate), which nevertheless remains relatively hot. This liquid resulting from the condensation of the steam flow can present several inconveniences or risks, whether for the user or for the device 1 itself. In particular, the hot liquid risks running onto the user's hair, which will soak it, thus compromising the desired result of the hairdressing operation. The liquid risks . also to flow onto the user's scalp, thus risking burning him, or at the very least causing him an unpleasant sensation. The liquid may also run down and / or inside the device 1, thus compromising its handling and reliability.

[0040] The steam emission means further comprise a sealing means for ensuring a steam seal, and advantageously a liquid seal, between the steam outlets 51 of the vaporization device 5 and the steam ejection orifices 41 of the heating treatment element 4, and thus avoiding a harmful leak of steam (and / or liquid) into the interior of the apparatus 1. The sealing means in question is distinct, and preferably separable if necessary, on the one hand from the vaporization device 5 and therefore from the steam outlets 51 and, on the other hand, from the heating treatment element 4 and therefore from the steam ejection orifices 41. More specifically, the steam emission means comprise at least two sealing parts 8, which are distinct and distant from each other, and which together form (or at least are included in) said sealing means.Each of said sealing parts 8 thus forms a seal between at least one of the steam outlets 51 of the vaporization device 5 and at least one of the corresponding steam ejection orifices 41 of the heating treatment element 4. In other words, said sealing parts 8 each form a seal between one or more of said steam outlets 51 of the vaporization device 5 and one or more of said steam ejection orifices 41. It is therefore understood here that the steam outlets 51 of the vaporization device 5 are distinct from the corresponding steam ejection orifices 41 of the heating treatment element 4, the apparatus 1 being designed and configured so that the steam generated in the vaporization chamber 5 is directed out of the apparatus 1 via the steam outlets 51 of the vaporization device 5, then via the steam ejection orifices 41 of the heating treatment element 4.

[0041] The apparatus 1 according to the invention thus makes it possible to subject a user's hair to a flow of steam in association with a heat treatment in a particularly efficient, reliable and safe manner, while exhibiting excellent thermal efficiency. The implementation of a plurality of sealing parts 8 (i.e. multiple seals) is clearly not intuitive insofar as one would generally be tempted, on the contrary, to use a monolithic sealing means, which would therefore form a single sealing part, in order to reduce the total number of parts of the apparatus 1 and to facilitate the manufacture of the sealing means and its assembly. However, the implementation of such a plurality of sealing parts 8 according to the invention provides a certain number of particularly interesting technical effects and advantages in terms of design and performance of the apparatus 1. Indeed, it makes it possible to design an apparatus 1 with steam and heating treatment element 4 which is of a particular design which is efficient from a thermal point of view, by limiting the thermal losses linked to the sealing means by reducing the quantity of material used and due to the possibility of thus arranging the vaporization device 5 and the heating treatment element 4 as close as possible to each other, as will be seen later. A plurality of sealing parts 8 also makes it possible to greatly simplify the design of the apparatus 1, and therefore to reduce its complexity and manufacturing cost. Indeed, it facilitates the use of one or more electric heating elements 9 common to the vaporization device 5 and the heating treatment element 4, with optimal heat transfer between them.Furthermore, the use of the apparatus 1 is particularly reliable and safe, since the design of the sealing means in the form of separate sealing parts 8 advantageously makes it possible to limit, if not avoid, the propagation of a sealing failure from one seal zone to another, for example under the effect of aging and local cracking of the sealing means. In the event that one of the sealing parts 8 should fail, it is then possible to repair the apparatus 1 at lower cost by possibly replacing only the defective sealing part 8, and not the entire sealing means.Furthermore, as will be explained later, the implementation of a sealing means with separate sealing parts 8 advantageously allows the integration of one or more temperature probes 11 as close as possible to the heating treatment element 4 and / or the recovery device 5, so as to guarantee a particularly reliable and precise measurement of the temperature of one and / or the other of the latter.

[0042] Advantageously, in order to further optimize the aforementioned effects and advantages, said steam emission means comprise as many said sealing parts 8, distinct and distant from one another, as the vaporization device 5 comprises said steam outlets 51. The sealing means therefore advantageously comprises a sealing part 8 for each of the steam outlets 51, each of said sealing parts 8 being distinct and distant from the others. Preferably, whatever their number, the steam outlets 51 are identical (shapes, dimensions, etc.) to one another, and the sealing parts 1 are identical (shapes, dimensions, etc.) to one another, which contributes in particular to simplifying the design and manufacture of the device 1.

[0043] Preferably, each of the sealing parts 8 is made of an elastically deformable material, which facilitates assembly, and makes it possible to take into account in a particularly simple and effective manner possible phenomena of thermal expansion and / or possible dimensional tolerances of the vaporization device 5 and of the heating treatment element 4, and this without significantly compromising the sealing of the steam connection between the steam outlets 51 and the steam ejection orifices 41 of the heating treatment element 4. Even more preferably, each of the sealing parts 8 is made of a polymer material (plastic material), heat-resistant, and for example silicone or fluoropolymer (for example, PTFE).

[0044] Advantageously, each of the steam outlets 51 of the vaporization device 5 comprises a tubular side wall 510 (for example cylindrical or frustoconical) which extends projecting from an external surface of the vaporization device 5, and for example from an external surface of the first element 52A of the vaporization block of the latter, up to an open free end 511 of said tubular side wall 510. Thus, each of the steam outlets 51 forms a tubular outlet (or “chimney”). Advantageously, as illustrated in the figures, the sealing parts 8 are arranged at least around the tubular side wall 510 of the steam outlets 51, in sealed contact with said tubular side wall 510. Advantageously, the sealing parts 8 are furthermore arranged in sealed contact with said external surface of the vaporization device 5.In other words, the sealing parts 8 each have at least one portion which surrounds (completely) the tubular side wall 510 of at least one of the corresponding steam outlets 51, and which is pressed against said tubular side wall 510 to ensure a seal against steam (and liquid) at the latter, as well as advantageously said external surface of the vaporization device 5. As such, in the preferred case where the steam emission means comprise as many sealing parts 8 as the vaporization device 5 comprises steam outlets 51, each of the sealing parts 8 has an annular, and preferably tubular, portion 81 which is arranged concentrically around one of the corresponding steam outlets 51 of the vaporization device 5.As in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the sealing parts 8 are advantageously assembled to the steam outlets 51 by force fitting. This makes it possible in particular to ensure in a simple and robust manner, without additional clamping means, an excellent seal against steam (and liquid), in particular at the level of the tubular side wall 510. Such an assembly by force fitting is particularly easy when the sealing parts 8 are made of an elastically deformable material as envisaged above.

[0045] Advantageously, the apparatus 1 comprises at least one electric heating element 9 (or “first heating device”) designed and arranged to heat the vaporization chamber 50 of the vaporization device 5 and thus transform, within the vaporization chamber 50, the liquid into vapor. This electric heating element 9 is therefore designed and configured to bring, and advantageously maintain, the vaporization chamber 50 at an operating temperature sufficient to allow vaporization of the liquid within the vaporization chamber 50. Typically, said electric heating element 9 is a resistive element capable of heating by the Joule effect (for example at least one “Positive Temperature Coefficient” (PTC) thermistor), said electric heating element 9 being advantageously arranged in contact (possibly via a layer of thermal interface paste) with the vaporization device 5 forming the vaporization chamber 50. Advantageously, the apparatus 1 comprises at least one electric heating element 9 (or “second heating device”) designed and arranged to heat said heating treatment element 4.Typically, said electric heating element 9 is a resistive element capable of heating by Joule effect (for example a "Positive Temperature Coefficient" (PTC) thermistor), said electric heating element 9 being advantageously arranged in contact (possibly via a thermal interface paste layer) with the heating treatment element 4. Preferably, as in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the apparatus 1 comprises at least one electric heating element 9, for example at least one PTC thermistor, interposed between the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating treatment element 4, to simultaneously heat the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating treatment element 4.In other words, the electric heating element 9 (first heating device) of the vaporization chamber 50 and the electric heating element 9 (second heating device) of the heating treatment element 4 are therefore preferably merged. This makes it possible in particular to simplify and make more reliable the design, manufacture and operation of the apparatus 1, as well as to limit the size of the latter. The implementation of such a configuration with a single heating device is advantageously facilitated by the fact that the sealing means of the steam emission means comprises at least two sealing parts 8, distinct and distant from each other, since this makes it possible to have more space between the vaporization chamber 50 and the electric heating element 9 to house the latter than if the sealing means formed a single monolithic part.Furthermore, the heat transfer between the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating treatment element 4 is optimized by the absence of sealing means forming a single, bulky monolithic part.

[0046] Even more preferably, the heating treatment element 4 and the vaporization device 5 define between them at least one housing in which the electric heating element 9 is arranged, the heating treatment element 4 and the vaporization device 5 being assembled in contact with each other, said at least one electric heating element 9 being preferentially arranged in contact (at least locally) against the heating treatment element 4 on the one hand (possibly via a layer of thermal interface paste) and against the vaporization device 5 on the other hand (possibly via a layer of thermal interface paste). Typically, the first vaporization block element 52A is then arranged opposite the internal face 4A of the heating treatment element 4. This makes it possible in particular to optimize the heat exchanges between the electric heating element 9, the heating treatment element 4 and the vaporization device 5, and therefore to improve the energy efficiency of the device 1.For example, as in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the apparatus 1 can thus comprise two electric heating elements 9, advantageously each formed of a “Positive Temperature Coefficient” thermistor (PTC thermistor), which are arranged on either side of the steam outlets 51 of the vaporization device 50, and sealing parts 8 assembled to said steam outlets 51 ([Fig.l 1]). Interposed between the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating treatment element 4, said electric heating elements 9 are then each advantageously arranged in a respective housing defined by the heating treatment element 4 and the vaporization device 50, in contact on the one hand with a surface of the vaporization device 5 (typically therefore with an external surface of the first element 52A of the vaporization block) and on the other hand with a surface of the internal face 4A of the heating treatment element 4.

[0047] Even more preferably, as in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the apparatus 1 comprises a support plate 10 which is fixed to the heating treatment element 4, for example using screws, to hold the electric heating element(s) 9 pressed against the internal face 4A of the heating treatment element 4, said support plate 10 forming said first vaporization block element 52A of the vaporization device 5. In other words, the vaporization device 5 is directly fixed, secured, to the heating treatment element 4 and thus ensures that the electric heating element(s) 9 are held in position in the housing(s) defined between them by the heating treatment element 4 and the vaporization device 5, in contact against the internal face 4A of the heating treatment element 4.The absence of an additional part forming a support for the electric heating element(s) 9 thus makes it possible to simplify and make less expensive the design and assembly of the device 1, without prejudice to the robustness and reliability of the latter.

[0048] In order in particular to facilitate its manufacture and assembly, while limiting the number of separate parts that the apparatus 1 comprises, the heating treatment element 4 is preferably formed by a single, single-piece part 42, preferably made of metal, and for example aluminum or cast aluminum. The heating treatment element heating treatment 4 therefore advantageously forms a monolithic part, i.e. unique and in one piece. Said single-piece part 42 can advantageously be obtained by molding and / or machining a primary block of metal. As illustrated in examples in the figures, said single-piece part 42 can then advantageously have: - a face defining said external face 4B of the heating treatment element 4, which advantageously contributes to forming at least a portion of the front face 3A of the head 3 of the apparatus 1, and from which the steam ejection orifices 41 open, and - an opposite face, defining the internal face 4A of the heating treatment element 4, oriented towards the interior of the apparatus 1, and against which the aforementioned electric heating element(s) 9 is advantageously pressed in contact to heat the single-piece part 42 at least by thermal conduction.

[0049] Advantageously, as in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the heating treatment element 4 is provided with a plurality of housings 43, distinct and distant from one another, which each open through the internal face 4A of the heating treatment element 4 and each communicate (directly or indirectly) with at least one of the steam ejection orifices 41 of the heating treatment element 4. Each of the sealing parts 8 is then arranged, preferably integrally, in one of the corresponding housings 43, in sealed contact against an internal wall of said corresponding housing.Thus, each of the sealing parts 8 is (at least locally) interposed between at least one of the steam outlets 51 and the internal wall of at least one of said housings 43, which thus allows a simple, efficient and space-saving relative assembly of the sealing parts 8 to the heating treatment element 4, optimal maintenance of the sealing parts 8 in position in the apparatus 1, and hence excellent reliability in terms of sealing.

[0050] More particularly advantageously, each of the sealing parts 8 is arranged integrally in one of the corresponding housings 43, and at least a portion of the internal face 4A of the heating treatment element 4, located on the periphery of respective access openings to said housings 43, is in contact with the vaporization device 5 (FIGS. 3, 4, 8, 9, 14 and 15). This allows in particular excellent heat transmission between the heating treatment element 4 and the vaporization device 5 in the vicinity of the steam outlets 51, which is favorable to the thermal efficiency and the mechanical robustness (force recovery) of the apparatus 1 and further contributes to avoiding cooling of the steam circulating in the direction of the steam ejection orifices 41.

[0051] According to a variant, which is implemented in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 13, each of the sealing parts 8 extends from a first end 82to a second opposite end 83, between said external surface of the vaporization device 5 and towards the open free end 511 of the tubular side wall 510 of at least one of the corresponding steam outlets 51, the second end 83 of each sealing part 8 being arranged at an altitude less than or equal to a respective altitude of the open free end 511 of the tubular side wall 510 of the corresponding steam outlet(s) 51 relative to said external surface of the vaporization device 5. In other words, the sealing parts 8 do not extend beyond the open free end 511 of the tubular side wall 510 of the steam outlets 51. This variant is particularly advantageous in terms of the integration of the sealing parts 8 and the compactness of the apparatus 1.Preferably, for the reasons already mentioned above, the first end 82 of each of the sealing parts 8 is arranged in sealed contact against the external surface of the vaporization device 5, and for example against the external surface of the first vaporization block element 52A of the latter. In a particularly preferential manner, as illustrated as an example in FIGS. 3, 4, 8 and 9, the heating treatment element 4 comprises a plurality of chambers 44 which each extend one of said corresponding housings 43 and each communicate with at least one of the steam ejection orifices 41.Each of the chambers 44 has an inlet opening which is arranged facing the second end 83 of the sealing part 8 arranged in the corresponding housing 43, and preferably also facing the open free end 511 of the tubular side wall 510 of the corresponding steam outlet(s) 51, and an opposite outlet opening (or “small base”) which communicates with at least one of the corresponding steam ejection orifices 41. Each of the chambers 44 is thus interposed between one of the housings 43 and at least one of the corresponding steam ejection orifices 41, and ensures fluid communication between the latter. Advantageously, each of the chambers 44 has a convergent shape (for example frustoconical), that is to say which tapers, from said inlet opening (or “large base”) to said outlet opening (or “small base”).Thus, in the event of total or partial obstruction, for example by hair, of the steam ejection orifice(s) 41 associated with a given chamber 44, the creation of a possible excess steam pressure in said chamber 44 tends to exert a force against the second end 83 of the sealing part 8, which force advantageously tends in return to compress the sealing part 8 against the steam outlet 51, the internal wall of the housing 43 and / or the external surface of the vaporization device 5, thus increasing the degree of sealing provided by the sealing part 8 and reducing the risk of steam leaking inside the apparatus 1.

[0052] According to other variants, which are advantageously implemented in modes embodiments corresponding to Figures 14 and 15, each of the sealing parts 8 advantageously has an end portion 84 which extends flush with, or beyond, the surface of the external face 4B of the heating treatment element 4, and which defines at least part of a contour of at least one of the corresponding steam ejection orifices 41. Typically, this end portion 84 of the sealing part 8 defines the second free end 83 of the latter. Said end portion 84 is therefore advantageously directly accessible from the outside of the apparatus 1, which allows easier cleaning of the apparatus 1, and in particular easier removal of scale which could possibly form on or in the sealing parts 8. For example, as illustrated in [Fig.14], at least one of said steam ejection orifices 41 opens from the surface of the external face 4B of the heating treatment element 4 between two heating pins 70 (without steam outlet 41), said end portion 84 of the corresponding sealing part 8 being arranged flush with the surface of the external face 4B of the heating treatment element 4, and delimiting the outline of said steam ejection orifice 41. According to another example, illustrated in [Fig. 15], two steam ejection orifices 41 open from opposite faces of the same steam spike 71, said end portion 84 of the corresponding sealing part 8 being arranged flush with the surface of the external face 4B of the heating treatment element 4, extending on either side of said steam spike 71. Said end portion 84 of the sealing part 8 thus here partially defines the respective contour of said steam ejection orifices 41.Advantageously, as illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, said sealing parts 8 may have a shoulder portion 85 which is interposed between the open free end 511 of the tubular side wall 510 of the steam outlet 51 concerned and a bearing surface defined by the internal face 4A of the heating treatment element 4, in sealed contact against said open free end 511 and against said bearing surface. Typically, said shoulder portion 85 connects the tubular portion 81 to the end portion 84 of each sealing part 8.

[0053] The apparatus 1 preferably comprises at least one temperature probe 11 (for example a “Negative Temperature Coefficient” (NTC) thermistor) for measuring the temperature of the heating treatment element 4 and / or the vaporization device 5, said temperature probe 11 being arranged between said two sealing parts 8, where appropriate between two of said sealing parts 8 which are adjacent to each other. Such an arrangement advantageously contributes to making the temperature measurement more reliable and improving its accuracy. Advantageously, in particular in the case mentioned above in which the apparatus 1 comprises at least one electric heating element 9 interposed between the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating treatment element 4 to simultaneously heat the vaporization chamber rization 50 and the heating treatment element 4, said temperature probe 11 is interposed between the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating treatment element 4, to thus measure the temperature of the heating treatment element 4 and of the vaporization chamber 50. As illustrated as an example in Figures 3 and 8, the temperature probe 11 is then advantageously in contact on the one hand against the heating treatment element 4 and on the other hand against the vaporization device 5. Preferably, as in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the heating treatment element 4 has a notch 45, typically defined in the internal face 4A of the latter, and in which the temperature probe 11 is at least partly received. This makes it possible in particular to ensure that the temperature probe 11 is held in position in the apparatus 1, with a particularly limited footprint.As illustrated by example in figures 3 and 8, the temperature probe 11 can thus advantageously be arranged within said notch 45 of the heating treatment element 4, in contact with a wall or a bottom of the latter, and in contact on the other hand against the first element 52A of the vaporization block of the vaporization device 5.

[0054] Advantageously, in terms of the effectiveness of the hair treatment in particular, the heating treatment element 4 preferably comprises steam spikes 71 which each incorporate at least one of said steam ejection orifices 41. As such, the steam spikes 71 thus advantageously contribute to forming the steam emission means. To this end, the steam spikes 71 are therefore at least partially hollow and each steam ejection orifice 41 is connected in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber 50 via one of the steam outlets 51 of the vaporization device 5. The steam spikes 71 thus assume, in addition to a mechanical brushing function, a steam spray function, that is to say that each steam spike 71, with its steam ejection orifice(s) 41, advantageously forms a steam projection nozzle (preferably water vapor).To the extent that the steam spikes 71 thus contribute to forming the heating treatment element 4, the steam spikes 71 therefore also play a role as heating spikes, in addition to their steam diffusion function. In other words, the steam spikes 71 then advantageously contribute to forming both the heating treatment element 4 and the steam emission means. Thus, thanks in particular to the steam spikes 71, the thermal treatment of the hair (supply of heat by the steam spikes 71 contributing to forming the heating treatment element 4) is, even more advantageously, combined not only with the fluidic treatment (supply of steam via the steam ejection orifices 41 of the steam spikes 71 contributing to forming the steam emission means) as mentioned above, but also with a treatment. mechanical action of the hair, under the effect of a resistive force generated by the hair against the steam pins 71. Thus, the same portion of a lock of hair will undergo simultaneously, that is to say concomitantly, a thermal treatment, a fluidic treatment and a mechanical 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 device 1, and thus to obtain even better results in terms of hair styling, beautification and care, while minimizing the number of necessary passes of the device 1 against the hair.

[0055] In particular, the supply of heat by the steam pins 71 of the heating treatment element 4, associated with a mechanical brushing action exerted by the steam pins 71, facilitates the shaping of the hair, and also makes it possible to beautify and care for it, by remedying the surface defects that may afflict the hair. This concerns in particular the defects classified according to the following four categories: - class A: dark spots in the middle of the scales; - class B: semi-circular white areas, generally located mainly at the ends of the scales, and corresponding to detachments or lifting of scales; - class C: appearance of the endocuticle following tearing of the upper parts of the scales; - class D: type III notches, parallel to the axis of the hair and due to cracking of the cuticle.

[0056] Advantageously, the aforementioned brushing pins 7, which protrude from the front face 3A of the head 3, include at least said steam pins 71 and heating pins 70, which are advantageously devoid of steam ejection orifice 41, and which contribute to forming the heating treatment element 4. This makes it possible to further optimize the treatment of the hair, with a limited number of steam pins 71 (for example eleven, as illustrated in the figures). Preferably, the steam pins 71 are made of the same material as the heating pins 70, that is to say that in this case the steam pins 71 and the heating pins 70 are advantageously formed by a single piece in one piece.In addition to an advantage in terms of simplicity and manufacturing and assembly costs of the device 1, this allows in particular that, during operation of the device 1, the electric heating element(s) 9 (second heating device) thus heat(s) simultaneously, and relatively homogeneously the steam pins 71 and the heating pins 70. In the preferred case illustrated in the figures and mentioned previously, where the heating treatment element 4 is formed by a single-piece part 42, preferably made of metal, and for example aluminum or cast aluminum, the steam pins 71 and the pins . heating elements 70 are therefore all formed in one piece by said single-piece part 42.

[0057] Advantageously, the heating pins 70, as well as the steam pins 71, are anodized, to allow them to maintain a smooth surface even when their temperature is high. Advantageously, each of the heating pins 70 and / or the steam pins 71 has, in cross-section, a substantially oblong shape. Thanks to this oblong shape, which gives the heating pins 70 a substantially flattened, tab-shaped shape, the heat exchange with the hair is optimized since the wider than long shape of the heating pins 70 provides a maximum exchange surface when the hair passes against the heating pins 70. As explained previously, the steam pins 71 also play a role as heating pins, so that it is advantageous for them also to have in cross-section a substantially oblong shape, preferably substantially similar to that of the heating pins 70.In any event, each steam spike 71 preferably has, as illustrated in particular in figures 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 and 9, a substantially flattened shape with two opposite faces, separated by the thickness of the steam spike 71, one of the steam ejection orifices 41 opening onto at least one of the two opposite faces. Even more preferably, the steam spikes 71 each incorporate two of said steam ejection orifices 41, which open respectively onto one and the other of said opposite faces (configuration with “double steam ejection orifice 41”), in which case the steam is thus advantageously projected on each side of the steam spike 71, which makes it possible to further improve the diffusion of the steam within the locks of hair.Thanks to this specific arrangement of the steam ejection orifice 41, which opens onto at least one of the faces of the steam spike 71, that is to say substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension axis of the steam spike 71 in question, the steam emerges from the steam spike 71 with an incidence which is substantially parallel to the mean plane of the front face 3A, which not only reduces the risk of burning the scalp during use, but also ensures particularly effective steam projection since it allows the strands of hair to be treated along their height.

[0058] Alternatively, the heating treatment element 4 could be devoid of steam pins 71 as described above, the steam ejection orifices 41 then opening out, for example, flush with the surface of the external face 4B of the heating treatment element 4. Advantageously, the brushing pins 7, which project from the front face 3A of the head 3, include heating pins 70, which are advantageously devoid of steam ejection orifices 41, and which contribute to forming the heating treatment element 4, in accordance with the above. The steam ejection orifices 41 may then be arranged between at least some of the heating pins 70, and for example alternating between heating pins 70 which are arranged in a row.

[0059] Preferably and as illustrated by example in Figures 1 and 6, the head 3 of the hairdressing appliance 1, and in particular the front face 3A of said head 3, has a plane of symmetry, which is advantageously parallel to, or includes, the central longitudinal axis X-X'. Such an advantageously symmetrical construction makes it possible to obtain a hairdressing appliance 1 which can be used in any direction on the hair, thus forming an advantageously ambidextrous appliance 1, usable by a user with the right hand or the left hand, but also on the left side or on the right side of the user's head while advantageously maintaining an identical relative movement / treatment gesture: typically from the root to the tip of the hair. Such a symmetrical arrangement also contributes to simplifying the industrial manufacture of the appliance 1.Advantageously, the brushing pins 7, of which the steam pins 71 and preferably the heating pins 70 are therefore advantageously part, can be distributed on the front face 3A according to a distribution pattern which has a central plane of symmetry. Even more advantageously, said central plane of symmetry passes through said steam ejection orifices 41 / steam pins 71. For example, as illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing appliance 1 can thus comprise at least, projecting from the front face 3A of the head 3: . - a central row of steam spikes 71, i.e. spikes enabling mechanical brushing of the hair (mechanical action), and also playing both the role of heating spikes (thermal action) and the role of spikes diffusing a flow of steam onto and against the hair (fluidic action), and - at least one, and preferably two, row(s) of heating pins 70, without steam ejection orifice 41, arranged on either side of said central row of steam pins 71, to further accentuate the thermal action and the mechanical action exerted against the hair.

[0060] According to this characteristic, the steam ejection orifices 41 / steam spikes 71 are arranged substantially in the center of the front face 3A of the head 3 of the appliance 1, which has various additional advantages. A first advantage lies in the safety of use: a steam emission located in the center of the front face 3A in fact makes it possible to limit the risks of burns. Another advantage lies in the fact that the steam can act more effectively on the hair because it can escape less easily than if it were emitted at the periphery of the head 3.

[0061] Advantageously, the brushing pins 7 also include tensioning pins 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D, 72E which, in cooperation with the other brushing pins (including the steam pins 71 and / or the heating pins 70), allow the hair engaged by the head 3 to be stretched in order to press it laterally onto and against the heating pins 70 and / or the steam pins 71, thus allowing better heat exchange as well as a better supply of steam to the strands of hair concerned. Advantageously, each of the tensioning pins 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D, 72E has a substantially revolution shape, with for example a substantially cylindrical or truncated main body which rises between a base and a top, the latter possibly being advantageously provided with a widened and rounded head, substantially spheroidal. Such a geometry makes it possible to protect the scalp and to obtain an optimal detangling effect.

[0062] Preferably, said tensioning pins 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D, 72E are made of plastic, and even more preferably of hard plastic, of the polyurethane or PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) type, advantageously polished, which has a particularly smooth surface while being resistant to high temperatures. The choice of a plastic also makes it possible to benefit from lower thermal conduction properties than that of a metal such as aluminum or cast aluminum, which advantageously forms the single-piece part 42 from which the steam pins 71 are made, as well as preferably also the heating pins 70. This allows the tensioning pins 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D, 72E to also play the role of thermal insulation.To this end, said tensioning spikes 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D, 72E are preferably higher than said steam spikes 71 and / or are higher than said heating spikes 70, so that they make it possible to keep the heating spikes 70 and the steam spikes 71 away from the scalp, thus limiting the risk of burning. Indeed, due in particular to the thermally insulating nature of the material of the tensioning pins 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D, 72E, the latter have, during normal operation of the device 1, a surface temperature (i.e. a surface temperature) whose value is advantageously lower than that of the surface temperature of the heating treatment element 4. Advantageously, the value of the surface temperature of the tensioning pins 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D, 72E is compatible with contact with the scalp, i.e. it is sufficiently low not to cause burning and / or any discomfort.These tensioned pins 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D, 72E thus advantageously form so-called "anti-burn" pins.

[0063] In particular, the scrubbing pins 7 may include so-called "central" tensioned pins 72A which are advantageously arranged between the steam pins 71 and / or the heating pins 70. For example, as in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the central tensioned pins 72A can be arranged in at least two rows, and for example in four rows, arranged between rows of steam pins 71 and / or the heating pins 70. Advantageously, the central tensioned pins 72A are formed by one or more single-piece parts, preferably of plastic material as mentioned above, comprising a base from which a plurality of said central tensioned pins 72A project. According to a variant, implemented in the mode embodiment of figures 1 to 5 and 11, the central tensioning pins 72A are formed by one or more said single-piece parts which are arranged with their respective common bases inserted into housings provided in the internal face 4A of the heating treatment element 4, which is provided with through holes through which the central tensioning pins 72A pass through the heating treatment element 4, so as to thus extend projecting from the external face 4B of the heating treatment element 4. This variant is interesting in particular in terms of the general aesthetics of the apparatus 1, as well as in terms of the robustness of the assembly of the central tensioning pins 72A to the heating treatment element 4.According to another variant, implemented in the embodiment of figures 6 to 11, the central tensioning pins 72A are formed by one or more said single-piece parts which are arranged with their respective bases inserted into one (or more) housing(s) provided in the external face 4B of the heating treatment element 4. This variant is interesting in particular in terms of the thermal efficiency of the apparatus 1, by making it possible to define a larger contact surface than in the case of the above variant between one or more electric heating elements 9, as mentioned previously, and the internal face 4A of the heating treatment element 4.

[0064] Alternatively, or preferably in a complementary manner, the brushing pins 7 may include so-called “peripheral” tensioning pins 72B, 72C, 72D, 72E which are advantageously arranged at the periphery of the heating treatment element 4. For example, as in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the brushing pins 7 may thus include peripheral tensioning pins 72B, 72C, 72D, 72E formed by one or more single-piece parts (for example four single-piece parts), preferably made of plastic as mentioned above, comprising (each) a base from which a plurality of said peripheral tensioning pins 72B, 72C, 72D, 72E protrude.The head 3 of the device 1 then advantageously comprises a front cover element provided with through holes through which the peripheral tensioning pins 72B, 72C, 72D, 72E pass through said front cover element, so as to thus extend projecting from the front face 3A of the head 3, the base(s) therefore being arranged inside the head 3.

Claims

Claims

1. Steam hairdressing appliance (1) comprising a heating treatment element (4) intended to come into contact with the hair, and steam emission means configured to subject said hair in contact with said heating treatment element (4) to a steam flow, said heating treatment element (4) comprising a plurality of steam ejection orifices (41), said steam emission means comprising • a liquid vaporization device (5) for generating said steam flow, said vaporization device (5) comprising a vaporization chamber (50) and a plurality of steam outlets (51) connected to said vaporization chamber (50), and • at least two sealing parts (8), distinct and spaced apart from each other,which each form a seal between at least one of the steam outlets (51) of the vaporization device (5) and at least one of the corresponding steam ejection orifices (41) of the heating treatment element (4).,

2. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said steam emission means comprise as many said sealing parts (8), distinct and distant from each other, as the vaporization device (5) comprises said steam outlets (51).

3. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the steam outlets (51) of the vaporizing device (5) comprises a tubular side wall (510) which extends projecting from an external surface of the vaporizing device (5) to an open free end (511) of said tubular side wall (510), said sealing parts (8) being arranged at least around the tubular side wall (510) of the steam outlets (51), in sealing contact with said tubular side wall (510).

4. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claims 2 and 3, wherein each of said sealing parts (8) has an annular, and preferably tubular, portion (81) which is arranged concentrically around one of the corresponding steam outlets (51) of the vaporization device (5).

5. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating treatment element (4) is provided with a plurality of housings (43), distinct from one another and spaced apart from one another, each of which opens out through an inner face (4A) of the heating treatment element (4) and each communicates with at least one of the steam ejection orifices (41) of the heating treatment element (4), each of the sealing members (8) being arranged, preferably integrally, in one of the corresponding housings (43), in liquid-tight contact against an inner wall of said corresponding housing (43).

6. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said sealing members (8) is made of an elastically deformable material, preferably a polymeric material.

7. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said sealing parts (8) has an end portion (84) which extends flush with, or beyond, the surface of an external face (4B) of the heating treatment element (4) and which defines at least part of an outline of at least one of the corresponding steam ejection orifices (41).

8. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises at least one electrical heating element (9), for example at least one PTC thermistor, interposed between the vaporization chamber (50) and the heating treatment element (4), for simultaneously heating the vaporization chamber (50) and the heating treatment element (4).

9. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the heating treatment element (4) and the vaporization device (5) define between them at least one housing in which the electric heating element (9) is arranged, the heating treatment element (4) and the vaporization device (5) being assembled in contact with each other, said at least one electric heating element (9) being preferentially arranged in contact against the heating treatment element (4) on the one hand and against the vaporization device (5) on the other hand.

10. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the vaporization device (5) comprises a first vaporization block element (52A) arranged opposite an inner face (4A) of the heating treatment element (4) and a second vaporization block element (52B), said first and second vaporization block elements (52A, 52B) being porization being assembled to each other to delimit between them said vaporization chamber (50), the apparatus (1) comprising a support plate (10) which is fixed to the heating treatment element (4) to keep the electric heating element (9) pressed against the internal face (4A) of the heating treatment element (4), said support plate (10) forming said first vaporization block element (52A).

11. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises at least one temperature probe (11), for example at least one NTC thermistor, for measuring the temperature of the heating treatment element (4) and / or the vaporization device (5), said temperature probe (11) being arranged between two of said sealing parts (8), the heating treatment element (4) preferably having a notch (45) in which said temperature probe (11) is at least partly received.

12. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating treatment element (4) is formed by a single, single-piece part (42), preferably made of metal.

13. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating treatment element (4) comprises steam pins (71) each incorporating at least one of said steam ejection orifices (41).

14. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, which comprises a handle (2) for manual gripping and a head (3) for engaging the hair which is carried by the handle (2), the head (3) having a front face (3A) provided with hair brushing pins (7), said brushing pins (7) including at least said steam pins (71) and heating pins (70) which contribute to forming the heating treatment element (4).

15. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said steam pins (71) are integral with said heating pins (70).

Images