Hair treatment device

Abstract

Hair Treatment Device. Hair treatment device (1) comprising: - a handpiece (2) capable of treating a strand of hair by moving along a strand of hair from a root to a tip, the device (1) having a first direction of use in which the strand moves from a front face to an opposite rear face and a second direction of use in which the strand moves from said rear face to the opposite front face; - a power cord (17) having at least one attachment (18) to the rotating handpiece relative to the handpiece (2); - a direction of use sensor (30) configured to provide data representative of the direction of use of the handpiece (2) in at least the first and second directions of use, said sensor (30) being positioned in the rotating attachment (18) of the cord (17). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Hair treatment device technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to hair treatment devices, and more particularly, but not exclusively, those intended for hair shaping, especially intended for curling and / or straightening hair.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to straightening and / or curling devices comprising two jaws movable relative to each other, which can take a spread-apart configuration, for introducing a strand of hair between them, and a close-up configuration, for processing the strand. Previous technique

[0003] Numerous devices of this type have already been proposed. These devices generally include internal heating plates between which the strands can be pinched, particularly in the case of straightening, and / or heating plates on their external surfaces around which the hair strands are wrapped, particularly in the case of curling, or at least to give them a wave. These devices are generally used by moving the device from the root to the tip of the hair, with or without wrapping the strand depending on the desired result and the type of device.

[0004] Some of these devices are designed to be used along a strand of hair in a particular direction. In particular, on some devices, incorrect use can lead to degraded treatment or even be uncomfortable for the user.

[0005] Hair treatment devices comprising heating plates whose ignition and / or shutdown are controlled according to the movements of the devices detected by motion detectors are known from KR10-2021-0016993, KR10-2017-0122407 and WO2016 / 161259.

[0006] EP3429420 describes controlling the starting or stopping of the device by detection a short rotational movement of a processing roller in one direction or the other.

[0007] US20170231353 describes a device comprising a motion sensor, including accelerometer or gyroscope type, in the gripping part to move a heated part by means of a motor in order to follow the movements of the user's hand.

[0008] EP3178347 detects a rotational movement of the device by means of a rotation sensor or acceleration in a gripping part in order to trigger certain actions on the device at the level of a cooling zone.

[0009] However, these devices do not allow users to know whether they are using the device correctly or not during processing according to a preferred direction of use. Description of the invention

[0010] There is a need for a hair treatment device that allows the user to obtain optimal and easily reproducible treatment, without complicating the use of the device. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention achieves this through, according to one of its aspects, a hair treatment device, in particular for curling and / or straightening hair, comprising:

[0012] - a handpiece capable of treating a strand of hair by moving it along a a strand of hair from a root to a tip, the device having during treatment a first direction of use in which the strand moves from a front face to an opposite rear face of said device and a second direction of use in which the strand moves from said rear face to the opposite front face;

[0013] - a power cord, at least electrical, having a fastening to the part rotating hand relative to the handpiece;

[0014] - a direction of use sensor configured to provide representative data of the direction of use of the handpiece at least between the first and second directions of use, said sensor being positioned in the rotating attachment of the power cord to the handpiece.

[0015] Such usage direction detection makes it possible to identify the correct usage direction from the first and second directions, in order, in particular, to verify whether the user is using the hair treatment device in accordance with a preferred usage direction from the first and second directions, as defined by the device designers. Once this verification has been carried out, if the usage direction is incorrect, it is then easy, for example, to alert the user, as will be detailed later.

[0016] The fact that the sensor is at the level of the rotating attachment also allows for detection as close as possible to the movement of the hand and, in particular in the case of a handpiece in the form of two articulated arms, to eliminate the movement of the arms relative to each other.

[0017] Preferably, the device is a hair styling device, in particular for curling and / or straightening.

[0018] Preferably, the handpiece has a handle and a head. The handle facilitates gripping the device and allows the insertion into the device of additional elements, in particular a user interface, a reservoir of sprayable fluid and possibly a reservoir of cosmetic product.

[0019] The head of the processing device can be of any shape in cross-section. Preferably, the head of the processing device has a substantially polygonal shape in cross-section, in particular a substantially rectangular or square, or a substantially oval or circular shape. Other cross-sectional shapes are possible, such as a section with a polygonal contour on one side and a non-polygonal, in particular rounded, for example circular, contour on the other. Preferably, the head of the device is generally flattened in cross-section. Jaws

[0020] The handpiece can be extended along a longitudinal axis. The front and rear faces can extend along the longitudinal axis of the handpiece.

[0021] The handpiece is preferably asymmetric with respect to at least one longitudinal median plane extending between the front and rear faces of the handpiece.

[0022] The fact that the handpiece is asymmetrical with respect to at least one longitudinal median plane results in asymmetrical hair treatment during the procedure; that is, if the treatment is divided into two parts of equal duration, for a constant speed of handpiece movement, the second part of the treatment is different from the inverse of the first part. Thus, the treatment differs depending on the first and second direction of use.

[0023] Consequently, such asymmetry in the device generates different treatment effects on the hair strand depending on whether the device is used in the first or second direction. Detecting the direction of use can therefore identify the treatment applied to the hair strand. This makes it possible, in particular, to obtain a desired and easily reproducible treatment of the hair strand.

[0024] Such asymmetry of treatment can in particular lead to degraded treatment when the direction of use is not as prescribed, i.e. a treatment of lower quality than what the device can provide when used correctly according to an optimal direction of use.

[0025] Thus, thanks to the sensor data, representative of the direction of use, it may be possible to signal to the user that he is not carrying out the processing correctly.

[0026] The handpiece, in particular the handpiece head, may comprise two jaws connected to each other and capable of taking an open configuration for engaging the hair between them and a closed configuration for processing.

[0027] Preferably, when the handpiece has two jaws connected to each other and capable of assuming an open configuration for engaging the hair between them and In a closed treatment configuration, the jaws extend to a distal end of the handle. The two jaws can be connected at a proximal end by an elastic hinge, specifically configured to hold the two jaws in an open configuration.

[0028] Each jaw can be carried by an arm, the two arms being connected to each other, notably by a joint at one of their ends, to assume the closed or open configuration of the jaws. Each of the two arms can include a half-handle on the side of the joint and one of the jaws on the side of the free end.

[0029] The device may include a jaw configuration detection element configured to detect whether the jaws are in the closed or open processing configuration, in particular a Hall effect sensor. The detection element may be arranged at the jaws or at the gripping part of the arms.

[0030] The direction of use sensor can be configured to provide data representative of the direction of use only when the jaws are in the closed configuration, in particular when the sensing element detects a closed configuration of the jaws.

[0031] The handpiece, in particular at least one of the jaws, may include at least one internal processing element having an internal processing surface configured to come into contact with or be adjacent to a portion of the hair strand during processing. The internal processing surface is preferably thermal. The processing element is preferably a heating plate.

[0032] Each jaw may include an internal processing organ having an internal processing surface configured to come into contact or opposite the processing organ of the other jaw.

[0033] In closed jaw configuration, the handpiece is preferably asymmetric with respect to at least one longitudinal median plane transverse to the processing surface.

[0034] The handpiece may include at least one external processing element having an external processing surface configured to come into contact with a part of the hair strand during the treatment, the external processing surface being in particular thermal, in particular being a heating plate.

[0035] The external processing organ makes it possible in particular to curl the hair by wrapping the hair around the handpiece and / or around one or each of the jaws.

[0036] The rotating attachment of the power cord can extend over the handle of the handpiece, in particular a proximal end of the handle, for example a proximal end of a half-handle.

[0037] The rotating fixation can extend at the level of the joint connecting two movable arms between an open configuration of hair engagement between them and a closed processing configuration.

[0038] The attachment of the cord on the handpiece can be rotated substantially around the longitudinal axis of the handpiece, or around an axis forming a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handpiece but remaining in the median longitudinal plane transverse to the surface being treated.

[0039] By "substantially around the longitudinal axis", we mean the rotation of the fixing is made around an axis forming, in a longitudinal plane, an angle of less than 20° to the longitudinal axis.

[0040] As explained below, during the use of the device, when the user changes the orientation of the handpiece, it rotates relative to the horizontal around the longitudinal axis of the handpiece. Thus, having the rotating attachment substantially around the longitudinal axis of the handpiece, or around an axis forming a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handpiece, results in the rotating attachment rotating when the orientation of the handpiece relative to the horizontal around the longitudinal axis of the handpiece is changed. Cord

[0041] Preferably, the cord has an angled portion at its end connected to the handpiece. The angled portion can have a deviation angle between two parts of the cord of between 90° and 170°, preferably between 120° and 160°, advantageously approximately 140°. Such an angled portion facilitates the use of the handpiece by reducing the cord's bulk, given its rigidity in the longitudinal direction of the handpiece. This also allows, in conjunction with the rotating attachment, for the cord to always orient itself in the same substantially vertical direction, in this case downwards under its own weight, without tilting in the opposite direction during rotation of the handpiece, which facilitates the detection of the direction of use.

[0042] The cord is configured so that its angled portion presents a median plane when used in a substantially vertical plane.

[0043] In one embodiment, the cord orients itself when grasped under the effect of its own weight, and the orientation sensor detects a change in orientation relative to the initial orientation to deduce a direction of use relative to the initial position. The cord can be weighted, for example, at its center or off-center. In this case, the weighting allows the cord to orient itself downwards. In this case, the representative data is preferably a variation in the position of the cord or its rotating attachment.

[0044] Preferably, the rotating clamp is configured so that the movement of the rotating handpiece is substantially independent of the cord rotation. This allows the direction of use to be detected at the cord clamp by detecting the orientation of the handpiece relative to the rotating cord clamp. Direction of use sensor

[0045] The direction of use sensor may be a sensor for the position, rotation, and / or orientation of the rotating attachment of the power cord relative to the handpiece. The data representing the direction of use may correspond to a position within a range of positions of the power cord relative to the handpiece among at least two distinct predetermined position ranges corresponding respectively to the first and second directions of orientation, a rotation of the rotating attachment within a range of rotations of the power cord relative to the handpiece among at least two distinct predetermined rotation ranges, and / or an orientation within a range of orientations of the rotating attachment of the power cord relative to the handpiece among at least two distinct predetermined orientation ranges.Indeed, the power cord, due to its rotating attachment, tends to maintain a relatively fixed orientation relative to the horizontal at its attachment to the handpiece, particularly extending vertically.

[0046] The first direction of use may be an optimal direction of use to perform the treatment along the hair strand optimally, and the second direction of use may be an opposite gradient direction of use.

[0047] The direction of use sensor may include a first part fixed relative to the handpiece and a second part fixed relative to the cord, the sensor being configured to determine the position, rotation and / or orientation of the first part relative to the second part, or vice versa.

[0048] The first and second parts may include electrical connection elements configured to exhibit at least one or more different electrical characteristics in two ranges of positions and / or orientations of the rotating attachment, corresponding respectively to at least the first and second directions of use. The electrical characteristic(s) may include voltage, current, and / or resistance.

[0049] The direction of use sensor may include a microcontroller configured to detect the electrical characteristic, in particular the voltage between two conductive elements, in particular between two electrical contacts or between an electrical track and an electrical contact.

[0050] The first and second parts may each comprise one or more electrically conductive elements forming electrically dependent connections the position and / or orientation of the first part and the second part relative to each other, in particular being able to take at least two different electrical connection configurations depending on the position and / or orientation of the rotating fixing, in particular of the first and second part of the sensor relative to each other, corresponding to at least the first and second directions of use of the handpiece.

[0051] The first and second parts may each comprise one or more electrical conduction elements, one of the electrical conduction elements of either part of the first or the second being connected to a non-zero power supply, in particular to the mains, and at least one other electrical conduction element of either part of the first or the second constituting an electrical sensing electrode. Within a range of positions and / or orientations of the first and second parts relative to each other, electrical conduction elements of the first and second parts may be in contact with each other such that there is electrical continuity between the conduction element connected to the power supply and the electrical sensing electrode. Outside of this range, there is no electrical continuity between these two elements.It is then possible to identify, by simple electrical measurement, the positioning of the first part and the second part outside or within the range of positions and / or orientations.

[0052] Several electrically conductive elements, each from one of the first and second parts, can constitute electrically sensing electrodes. Each electrode can be electrically connected to the conductive element connected to the non-zero power supply within a range of positions and / or orientations of the first and second parts relative to each other. - not connected to the conductive element connected to the power supply outside this range.

[0053] The ranges of positions and / or orientations of the first and second parts relative to each other associated with the electrodes may be different. It is then possible, by electrical measurement on several electrodes, to refine the detection of the position and / or orientation of the first and second parts relative to each other by detecting the electrodes electrically connected to the power supply and those that are not, knowing for each the range of position or orientation associated with it.

[0054] One of the first and second parts of the sensor, preferably the first part, may comprise at least one electrical contact, preferably two electrical contacts, even better three electrical contacts, and the other of the first and second parts, preferably the second part, of the sensor may comprise an electrical track. Preferably, the electrical contact or contacts are in contact with the electrical track in at least one range of positions and / or orientations of the first part compared to the second part. The ranges of positions and / or orientations of the first part relative to the second part associated with each electrical contact may be different. They may be separate or overlap at least partially. Each range of positions and / or orientations may correspond to one of the directions of use.

[0055] The electrical track can extend over the periphery of the first or second part along an arc of a circle.

[0056] The electrical track can extend over an angular range between 90° and 210°, in particular between 120° and 180°. In the case of a plurality of electrical contacts, the electrical contacts can be positioned on a circle of substantially the same diameter. Adjacent electrical contacts can, in particular, be separated from each other by an angle between 60° and 200°.

[0057] The electrical contacts can extend over the first or second part over an angular range of between 10° and 90°, in particular between 10° and 20°.

[0058] The or at least one of the electrical conduction elements of the first part, in particular the or one of the electrical contacts or the electrical track, may be arranged on the first part substantially centered in the plane extending between the jaws in the closed configuration of the jaws and the or at least one of the electrical conduction elements of the first part, in particular the or one of the electrical contacts or the electrical track, may be arranged on the second part substantially centered in a vertical plane when the device is used, in particular in a median plane of the angled portion of the cord near the handpiece.

[0059] The first part can be symmetrical with respect to a median plane transverse to the plane extending between the jaws in the closed configuration of the jaws of the handpiece.

[0060] In one embodiment, one of the first and second parts of the direction of use sensor, preferably the first part, comprises at least two electrical contacts, in particular three, one of the electrical contacts being connected to a non-zero power supply, the other contact(s) being unpowered. In this case, the electrical trace is not energized, and the electrical characteristic is measured on the unpowered contact(s) with respect to the powered contact. When the measured electrical characteristic, in particular the voltage, is non-zero on the unpowered electrical contact(s), this indicates that the handpiece is being used in one of the first and second directions of use. Otherwise, this indicates that the handpiece is being used in the other of the first and second directions of use.

[0061] In one embodiment, one of the first and second parts of the direction of use sensor, preferably the first part, comprises at least two contacts electrical, specifically three, unpowered. In this case, the electrical track is powered, and the electrical characteristic is measured at the contacts relative to the electrically powered track. When the electrical characteristic, specifically the voltage, measured at each contact is in the first electrical configuration, this indicates that the handpiece is being used in one of the first and second directions of operation. When the electrical characteristic, specifically the voltage, measured at each contact is in a second electrical configuration that differs from the first by at least one voltage measured at a contact, this indicates that the handpiece is being used in the other of the first and second directions of operation.

[0062] In one embodiment, one of the first and second parts of the direction of use sensor, preferably the first part, comprises a single electrical contact, one of which, between the electrical contact and the metal track, is energized and the other is not. When the electrical characteristic is non-zero, this indicates that the electrical contact is in contact with the electrical track and that the handpiece is being used in one of the first and second directions of use. Otherwise, it indicates that the handpiece is being used in the other of the first and second directions of use.

[0063] The microcontroller can be configured to detect the electrical characteristic only when the jaws are in a closed configuration, in particular when the jaw configuration detection element detects a closed configuration of the jaws.

[0064] For example, when the jaws are in the open configuration, the electrical contacts are not powered, which does not allow the microcontroller to detect the electrical parameter.

[0065] Alternatively, the electrical contacts are constantly energized when the device is in operation, the direction of use sensor being configured not to transmit information when the jaws are in the open configuration.

[0066] The part comprising the electrical contacts may include a support for the electrical contacts made of an electrically insulating material, said electrical insulator being traversed by the electrical contacts, the part of the electrical contacts extending from one side of the support being configured to extend into contact with the metal track in at least one orientation of the handpiece relative to the cord, the part of the electrical contacts extending from the other side being configured to be electrically connected to a microcontroller measuring the electrical parameter, in particular a voltage on at least one electrical contact, in particular on the unpowered electrical contacts.

[0067] The direction of use sensor can be a binary sensor configured to discriminate between the first and second direction of use. optimal direction

[0068] The device may include a processor configured to determine the direction of use among at least the first and second direction of use of the handpiece from the representative data of the direction of use of the sensor of the direction of use, in particular from the voltage data detected by the microcontroller, and generate information of the direction of use.

[0069] When the handpiece has two jaws connected to each other and capable of taking an open configuration for engaging the hair between them and a closed configuration for processing, the processor can be configured to determine the direction of use only when the jaws are in the closed configuration.

[0070] The processor can be configured to transmit the generated direction of use information to a user alerting device to which the device is connected or which forms part of the device.

[0071] The device may include a user alerting device configured to receive information on the direction of use of the handpiece and to emit, for at least one direction of use, a user alert, including a signal perceptible to the user, including audible, visual or haptic depending on the direction of use.

[0072] The user alerting device may be included in or on the handpiece.

[0073] The user alerting device may alternatively be separate from the handpiece. For example, the user alerting device may be a phone or tablet connected wirelessly to the processor.

[0074] The user alert issued by the user alerting device may correspond to one of the first and second directions of use, in particular to a degraded direction of use among the first and second directions of use.

[0075] In this way, the user is quickly alerted if they are using the device in the wrong direction, allowing them to correct their use and move the handpiece to the optimal operating direction. The device thus simplifies its use, making it more intuitive and ergonomic. Additional processing organ

[0076] The device may include an additional processing element, in particular chosen in the group consisting of steam applicators, cosmetic product applicators, combs or brushes, and a combination thereof.

[0077] The application of steam can be achieved through a series of orifices, in particular aligned along the longitudinal axis of the handpiece.

[0078] The handpiece may comprise two jaws connected to each other and capable of taking an open configuration for engaging the hair between them and a closed configuration for processing, the additional processing element being mounted at least on one of the jaws and extending at least partially between the two jaws.

[0079] The additional processing unit can be arranged on the handpiece, in particular on one of the jaws, asymmetrically with respect to a median plane, specifically transverse to a median plane extending between the jaws in the closed jaw configuration. The additional treatment element can be arranged on the handpiece to treat the hair upstream of the plate(s) in one direction of use and downstream of the plate(s) in another direction of use. The upstream treatment by the additional treatment element then advantageously constitutes the preferred direction of use of the device.

[0080] The additional processing element can be positioned laterally on the handpiece, in particular laterally on one of the jaws. Process

[0081] The invention also relates, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the foregoing, to a method of hair treatment, in particular straightening or curling, by moving a handpiece of a device, in particular as described above, along a strand of hair, a method comprising, during the movement of the device along the strand of hair from the roots to the tips:

[0082] - determining the direction of use of the handpiece of the device at least between a first and a second direction of use in which the drill bit moves from a front face to an opposite rear face of the handpiece and a second direction of use in which the drill bit moves from said rear face to the opposite front face of the handpiece, from the data of a direction of use sensor positioned in a rotating attachment of a power cord from the device to the handpiece,

[0083] - the device assuming one of at least two configurations different depending on the intended use.

[0084] The first direction of use may be an optimal direction of use to perform the treatment along the hair strand optimally, and the second direction of use may be an opposite gradient direction of use.

[0085] The configuration taken by the device may be an alert configuration perceptible to the user when a direction of use between the first and second direction of use is determined.

[0086] Alternatively, the configuration taken by the device may be a particular operating configuration related to the direction of use, in particular a degraded operating configuration in the case of a non-recommended direction of use.

[0087] The sensor data for the direction of use may be the position or rotation of the rotating attachment relative to the handpiece, in particular rotation substantially around the longitudinal axis of the handpiece, or around an axis forming a non-perpendicular angle pendulum relative to the longitudinal axis of the handpiece.

[0088] The rotating attachment can take a position or rotation corresponding to an optimal direction of use to perform the treatment along the hair strand optimally or a position or rotation corresponding to a degraded direction of use, in particular opposite.

[0089] The device can take the alert configuration when the position or rotation corresponding to the direction of use is degraded.

[0090] When the device is used, the user orients the handpiece by rotating it around its longitudinal axis, which changes the relative position between the handpiece and the power cord by rotating the rotating attachment due to the force of Earth's gravity.

[0091] By "orients the handpiece", it is meant that the user changes the inclination of the handpiece relative to the horizontal ground around its longitudinal axis.

[0092] The orientation of the handpiece is advantageously representative of its direction of use. In particular, each direction of use corresponds to an orientation or a range of orientations, the orientations or ranges of orientations being different and not entirely overlapping between the different directions of use. The position or rotation of the rotating attachment is thus characteristic of the direction of use of the handpiece. This range of orientations can be between 20° and 200°, in particular between 60° and 100°.

[0093] The device can emit a signal perceptible to the user in the alert configuration, including sound, visual or haptic.

[0094] The device may include two jaws that can take a configuration with the jaws apart and a configuration with the jaws close together, in which the device can take the warning configuration only when said jaws are in the close-together configuration.

[0095] The device may include a jaw configuration detection element configured to detect whether the jaws are in the closed or open processing configuration, including a Hall effect sensor, an electrical contactor, an optical contactor, preferably a Hall effect sensor.

[0096] The method may include a step of determining the detection of the jaw configuration.

[0097] Preferably, the determination of the direction of use is carried out only if the detected configuration is the closed configuration.

[0098] The process may include a treatment of the hair on an internal treatment surface of the handpiece, in particular thermal, in particular a heating plate.

[0099] The process may include a treatment of the hair on a surface of external treatment of the handpiece, including thermal treatment, including a heated sheet.

[0100] The process may include an additional treatment, in particular an application of steam, an application of cosmetic product and / or combing. Brief description of the drawings

[0101] The invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description that follows, the non-limiting examples of its implementation, and upon examination of the accompanying drawing, in which

[0102] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] illustrates, in side view, an example of a device, in a confi closed configuration, according to the invention,

[0103] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] illustrates, in perspective, the device of [Fig.1] in an open configuration,

[0104] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] illustrates, in perspective, the rotating attachment of the device of [Fig.1] extracted from the handpiece of the device,

[0105] [Fig.4] Fig.4 illustrates, in perspective, a part of the rotating attachment of the [Fig.3] mounted in a part of the device,

[0106] [Fig 5a] [Fig 5a] illustrates schematically, in top view, an example of the use of the device,

[0107] [Fig 5b] [Fig 5b], schematically illustrates, in side view, the orientation of the device in the example of use of [Fig 5a],

[0108] [Fig 5c] [Fig 5c] illustrates schematically, in side view, the orientation of the rotating fixing in the example of use shown in Figures 5a and 5b,

[0109] [Fig 6a] [Fig 6a] illustrates, schematically, in top view, another example of the use of the device,

[0110] [Fig 6b] [Fig 6b], schematically illustrates, in side view, the orientation of the device in the example of use of [Fig 6a],

[0111] [Fig 6c] [Fig 6c] illustrates schematically, in side view, the orientation of the rotating fixing in the example of use shown in Figures 6a and 6b,

[0112] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] illustrates, schematically and in perspective, a variant of the rotating attachment extracted from the handpiece of the device,

[0113] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] illustrates, schematically, another variant of the rotary fixing, and

[0114] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] illustrates, schematically and in perspective, another variant of the rotating fixing extracted from the handpiece of the device. Detailed description

[0115] In the remainder of this description, identical elements or elements with identical functions shall be referred to by the same reference numeral. For the sake of brevity in this description, They are not described in relation to each of the figures, only the differences between the modes of embodiment are described.

[0116] In the figures, the actual proportions have not always been respected, for the sake of clarity.

[0117] Figures 1 to 6c illustrate a first example of device 1 according to the invention, in this example for hair straightening.

[0118] This device 1 has a handpiece 2 comprising two jaws 3 and 4 movable relative to each other between an open configuration, visible in [Fig.2], for introducing a strand of hair between them and a closed processing configuration, illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0119] The jaws 3 and 4 are carried by respective upper arms 5 and lower arms 6, which are, in the example considered, connected to each other at one of their ends by a joint 8, the handpiece 2 thus forming a clamp.

[0120] The arms 5 and 6 define, between the joint 8 and the jaws 3 and 4, respective half-handles 10 and 11 on which the user can press to bring the jaws 3 and 4 together and thus pinch the hair extending between the two jaws.

[0121] The width of arms 5 and 6 at the half-handles 10 and 11 is less than that at the jaws 3 and 4.

[0122] Jaws 3 and 4 each have a convex outer surface and a substantially flat inner surface.

[0123] An elastic return member (not apparent) is preferably provided to return the jaws 3 and 4 in the spread configuration, this elastic return member being for example a spring disposed around or near an axis of the joint 8.

[0124] The invention is not limited to a particular way of connecting the arms 5 and 6 together, and the jaws 3 and 4 can be made mobile in other ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. However, the presence of a joint is largely preferred for the ergonomic advantages it provides.

[0125] The handpiece 2 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis X.

[0126] The jaw 3 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis Yl.

[0127] The jaw 4 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis Y2.

[0128] The device 1 may include a water reservoir 7 for steam production, particularly in the handpiece 2. As can be seen in [Fig. 1], the reservoir 7 is preferably integrated into the handpiece 2 and in particular into one of the arms 5, 6. Advantageously, the reservoir 7 is integrated into the arm 6 which includes the steam outlet 21, which will be described in detail later. This allows for a particularly compact device 1 with a relatively simple internal construction. However, other locations for the reservoir 7 could be imagined, for example in the other arm. 5, or even completely offset from the handpiece 2 without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0129] A user interface, not shown in the figures, may be present on the device 1, in particular on the handpiece 2, to allow the user to control the operation of the device 1. Heating plates

[0130] The handpiece 2 has an internal heating surface for the hair 14 to be treated on each of the two jaws 3 and 4 opposite each other, and opposite each other in a close configuration of the jaws 3 and 4 so as to define between them a heated treatment zone in a close configuration of the two jaws 3 and 4. The two internal heating surfaces 14 are, for example, configured to pinch between each other the hair extending between the two jaws 3 and 4 in a close configuration of the two jaws 3 and 4.

[0131] The two internal heating surfaces 14 are substantially flat, but this could be otherwise. They could be of complementary corrugated shapes or complementary curved shapes, for example.

[0132] In the illustrated example, the internal heating surfaces 14 are formed by the contact surface of internal plates 16 made of a heat-conducting material, each extending over one of the jaws. Each internal plate 16 constitutes an internal heating element of the device.

[0133] In an alternative not shown, only one of the jaws 3 or 4 may carry an internal plate 16 having a heating contact surface opposite a counter-support surface of the other jaw 3 or 4. The counter-support surface may be formed by the body of the jaw or by an element attached to the jaw.

[0134] The handpiece 2 may include a sensing element, not shown, for the configuration of the jaws 3 and 4 configured to detect whether the jaws 3 and 4 are in the closed processing configuration or open, in particular a Hall effect sensor.

[0135] As illustrated, the plates 16 can be laterally offset on the jaws 3 and 4, i.e. not centered on the axes Y1 and Y2. Thus, the handpiece 2 is asymmetrical with respect to the median plane P of the jaws 3 and 4 perpendicular to the internal heating surfaces 14 when in the closed configuration. Additional processing organ

[0136] In the illustrated examples, the device 1 includes an additional hair processing element 12 extending from the jaw 4, towards the other jaw 3 in a configuration close to the two jaws 3 and 4, and arranged on said jaw 4 laterally with respect to the internal plate 16.

[0137] Jaw 3, for example, is devoid of additional treatment.

[0138] The organ 12 extends longitudinally and parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2 of the jaw 4 along an edge 13 of the internal plate 16 of the jaw 4 being disjoint from this internal plate 16, when the device 1 is observed along its longitudinal axis X.

[0139] The jaw 4 may be devoid of an additional processing organ on the side of an edge 15 of the inner plate 16 opposite the edge 13. This increases the asymmetry of the handpiece 2 relative to the median plane P.

[0140] The component 12 may include a steam outlet 21 and / or a comb 22, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

[0141] The comb 22 can be arranged, preferably in a removable manner, in a housing such as a longitudinal groove 23, visible in [Fig. 2]. The user can thus change or remove the comb 22 as needed.

[0142] The groove 23 may have a rectangular cross-section and open at the distal end of the jaw 4.

[0143] The comb 22 may include, in the distal part of the device 1, an element 24 allowing the comb 22 to be grasped when being introduced into the groove 23 or extracted from it.

[0144] The comb 22 can extend, for example, over the entire length of the guiding portion. Alternatively, it could extend over only a part of the guiding portion.

[0145] Steam treatment can be achieved by means of a vaporization unit consisting of a heating element and an evaporation chamber supplied with water from a reservoir located in an arm of the device, or alternatively from a remote reservoir. The device may include an electrically driven pump, preferably peristaltic, drawing the water to be sent to the device 1 from a water reservoir. The pump is, for example, as disclosed in publication FR 2 967 018. The evaporation chamber can be made in accordance with the teaching of application EP 2449909A1 or otherwise.

[0146] The evaporation chamber can be arranged on one of the arms, namely the lower arm 6 in the example considered, and the outlet of the vapor 21 is provided on the same arm 6.

[0147] The steam outlet 21 can be in the form of a ramp, elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2.

[0148] The ramp may include several steam projection orifices, for example between 4 and 10 orifices, preferably 7, which are preferably equidistant along the ramp and each with an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the median treatment plane.

[0149] The vaporization unit is electrically powered and a temperature sensor is advantageously located in the evaporation chamber. The device is designed to maintain the temperature of the evaporation chamber at a value between 110°C and 130°C.

[0150] The teeth of the comb 22 may have a rectangular cross-section. Direction of use

[0151] As mentioned previously, the handpiece 2 is preferably asymmetrical with respect to the median plane P of the jaws 3 and 4 perpendicular to the internal heating surfaces 14 when in closed configuration.

[0152] During the treatment of the hair with the illustrated device, as will be described in more detail later, the hair is pinched between the jaws 3 and 4 and the handpiece 2 is moved along the strand of hair.

[0153] Thus, the asymmetry relative to plane P leads to an asymmetrical treatment of the hair.

[0154] The handpiece 2 can be used in two or four directions.

[0155] - The first direction of use leads to the completion of successive steps following, jaw 4 being under jaw 3: combing, steam application and heating.

[0156] - The second meaning of use leads to the completion of successive steps following, jaw 4 being under jaw 3: heating, steam application and combing.

[0157] - The third sense of use leads to the completion of successive steps following, jaw 4 being above jaw 3: combing, steam application and heating.

[0158] - The fourth sense of use leads to the completion of successive steps following, with jaw 4 above jaw 3: heating, steam application and combing.

[0159] The first and third treatments are carried out from a front face Fl to an opposite rear face F2; the second and fourth treatments are carried out from the rear face F2 to the front face FL

[0160] The first and third directions of use perform substantially the same hair treatment and the second and fourth directions of use perform substantially the same hair treatment.

[0161] The first and third directions of use are considered optimal, in that the quality of the treatment is better than that obtained with the other two directions of use, as combing takes place before the application of steam and heating. This allows for a clear separation of three key steps in the treatment and styling of the hair. First, the hair is combed and properly oriented and distributed across the entire width of the treatment area by the comb. Second, and distinct from the first, the hair is treated with steam, which allows it to be moistened. Care is taken to protect and prepare the hair for the subsequent heat treatment. In a third step, distinct from the previous two, the hair is treated both thermally and mechanically, thanks to the combined temperature of the plates 16 and the pressure exerted by the clamp formed by the arms 5 and 6. This three-step process leads to excellent styling results while preserving hair health. It is therefore clear that using the device in a different direction, specifically according to the second and fourth directions, is not recommended as it does not produce the best results.

[0162] To visually guide the user to use the handpiece in the first direction, the handpiece 2 may include arrows 25 indicating to the user the optimal direction. Power cord

[0163] The device 1 includes a cord 17 designed to supply the energy necessary for the device's operation. The cord 17 can thus be an electrical cord designed to connect the device to the electrical network. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the cord could also be a fluidic cord designed to supply the device with fluid (water, for example).

[0164] The cord 17 has, at its end connected to the handpiece 2, an angled portion 19 between a first part 17a of the cord 17, preferably rotatably connected to the handpiece 2, and a second part 17b, fixedly connected to the power supply. The angled portion 19 forms a branching angle α of approximately 45° between parts 17a and 17b. The angled portion 19 has a median plane located in a vertical plane.

[0165] The cord 17 has a rotating attachment 18 relative to the handpiece.

[0166] The rotating attachment 18 allows the cord 17 to be rotated around an axis of rotation R, which facilitates the handling and use of the device by avoiding the formation of knots or loops on the cord 17 when using the device.

[0167] The rotating attachment 18 is configured so that the movement of the rotating handpiece 2 is substantially independent of the rotation of the cord 17.

[0168] In particular, thanks to the angled portion 19 and the rotating attachment, the cord 17 tends to maintain its orientation relative to the ground; that is, the second part 17b will be held downwards relative to the vertical in a manner analogous to a pendulum, simply under the effect of its own weight. The orientation of the cord 17 is advantageously maintained substantially vertically, even when the handpiece 2 is rotated about its longitudinal axis.

[0169] The axis of rotation R can be substantially parallel, or even parallel, with the longitudinal axis X of the handpiece 2. Direction of use sensor

[0170] The device 1 also includes a rotation and / or position sensor 30 for the rotating attachment 18 positioned in the rotating attachment 18 of the cord 17. The sensor 30 is configured to provide information on the direction of use of the handpiece 2.

[0171] As can be seen in [Fig.3], the sensor 30 comprises a first part 31, fixed relative to the handpiece 2, and a second part 32, fixed relative to the cord 17.

[0172] The first and second parts 31 and 32 are mobile relative to each other in rotation around the axis R.

[0173] The first part 31 comprises, mounted in a support 33 made of an electrically insulating material, three electrical contacts 34a to 34c not supplied with electricity.

[0174] The contacts 34a to 34c are arranged around a circle of the same diameter as a first side 40 of the support 33. The angular separation between an adjacent unpowered contact 34 is for example 90°.

[0175] The contacts 34a and 34b are positioned on the handpiece 2 opposite each other in a plane extending substantially between the jaws 3 and 4 when in the closed configuration.

[0176] The contact 34c is positioned on the handpiece 2 in the median plane P on the side of the jaw 3.

[0177] In other words, assuming that the top of the handpiece 2 is on the side of the jaw 3, and that the bottom of the handpiece 2 is on the side of the jaw 4 carrying the additional processing member 12, the contacts 34a and 34b are on the sides and the contact 34c is at the top.

[0178] The second part 32 comprises an electrical track 41 in an arc of a circle, for example over a span of 180°. In this example, the track 41 is supplied with electricity.

[0179] The electrical track 41 is positioned on the top of the second part 32, opposite the direction of derivation of the second part 17b of the cord 17, i.e. at the top with respect to the vertical.

[0180] Each contact 34a to 34c is connected to a pin 36 which passes through the support 33 and emerges on one side 42 thereof. The ends 37 of the pins 36 on side 42 are electrically connected to a microcontroller, not shown for clarity.

[0181] The pins 36 of the contacts 34a and 34b are connected to these contacts via circular arc fittings 38.

[0182] The electrical trace 41 is also connected to a pin 43 which passes through the support 33 and exits on its side 42. The end 44 of pin 43 on the side 42 is electrically connected to the microcontroller, not shown for clarity, for measuring the voltage between the electrical trace 41 and each of the contacts 34a to 34c.

[0183] The power supply for electrical track 41, not shown, is at a voltage of 5V.

[0184] The angular extent of contact 34c is, for example, greater than that of the contacts 34a and 34b.

[0185] Since track 41 is fixed relative to the second part 32, it is mobile in rotation relative to the electrical contacts 34a to 34c around the axis R.

[0186] Depending on the angular position of the rotating fixing, the track 41 may or may not be in contact with the contacts 34a to 34c and the contact(s) 34a to 34c with which it is in contact depend on the directions of use indicated above.

[0187] To illustrate the operation of the sensor 30, Figures 5a to 5c show the use of the handpiece 2 in the first direction and Figures 6a to 6c show its use in the second direction. As explained, the hair C is treated from the root Ra to the tips Po by a movement along a direction D.

[0188] In figures 5a to 5c and 6a to 6c, the visualization of the relative position between track 41 and the contacts is done by looking at the handpiece 2 from the side of the cord 17 in a direction A.

[0189] As can be seen in the figures, when the device is used, the median plane T extending between the jaws 3 and 4 forms a non-zero angle [3 with the horizontal H.

[0190] As can be seen, in the first orientation of Figures 5a to 5c, the electrical track 41 is in contact with contacts 34a and 34c. Contact 34b is not in contact with track 4L.

[0191] The microcontroller can therefore measure a positive voltage on contacts 34a and 34c and a zero voltage on contact 34b.

[0192] Conversely, in the second direction of use of Figures 6a to 6c, the electrical track 41 is in contact with contact 34c and with contact 34b. Contact 34a is not in contact with track 4L this time.

[0193] The microcontroller can therefore measure a positive voltage on contacts 34b and 34c and a zero voltage on contact 34a.

[0194] In the event, not shown, where the handpiece is used with an orientation at 180° with respect to those of figures 5a to 5c and 6a to 6c, corresponding to the third and fourth directions of use described above, the contact 34c is no longer in contact with the track 41, the contact 34b is in contact with the track 41 in the third direction of use and the contact 34a is in contact with the track 41 in the fourth direction of use.

[0195] Thus, depending on the voltage measured on the electrical contacts 34a to 34c, the microcontroller can provide data representative of the handpiece's orientation relative to the horizontal. Since orientation is characteristic of the direction of use, particularly the ranges of orientations, as just illustrated, the microcontroller can provide data representative of the direction of use of the handpiece 2. This data is then processed by a processor, not shown, which can deduce information on the direction of use from the sensor data, in particular determine that handpiece 2 is used in the optimal direction of use, here the first and third directions of use.

[0196] The device 1 may include a user alerting element, not visible in the figures, configured to receive information on the direction of use of the handpiece 2 and to emit, for at least one direction of use, in particular for a direction different from the optimal direction of use, a user alert, in particular a signal perceptible to the user, in particular audible, visual or haptic.

[0197] Figures 7 to 9 illustrate variants of sensor 30.

[0198] In the variant of [Fig.7], track 41 is not powered but it is Contact 34c is powered, specifically at a voltage of 5 V. Track 41 thus allows an electrical bridge between contact 34c and contacts 34a or 34b, when both contacts are in contact with track 4L.

[0199] In this embodiment, the determination of the orientation range of the rotating fixing 18 is done by measuring the voltage on the contacts 34a and 34b.

[0200] The two opposing measuring contacts 34a and 34b are substantially along the median plane P, and the powered contact 34c is along the longitudinal plane extending between the jaws in the closed configuration. Contact 34a is on the side of the jaw 4, and contact 34c is on the side of the comb 22.

[0201] In this variant, in the first direction of use, the voltage on contact 34b will be positive and the voltage on contact 34a zero.

[0202] In the second direction of use, the voltage on contacts 34a and 34b will be negative.

[0203] In the third direction of use, the voltage on contact 34a will be positive and the voltage on contact 34a zero.

[0204] In the fourth direction of use, the voltage on contacts 34a and 34b will be zero. It is thus possible to determine the directions of use leading to substantially the same optimal treatment and the directions of use leading to different degraded treatment by adapting the positioning of the sensors.

[0205] In the variant of [Fig.8], the angular gap between contacts 34a to 34c, taken at the center of the contacts, is smaller, for example equal to 45°.

[0206] Similarly, the electric track has an angular extent of 90°.

[0207] In the variant of [Fig.9], the first part comprises a single unpowered contact 34 and the second part comprises an electrically powered track 41, in particular connected to the mains.

[0208] The contact 34, on the handpiece 2, extends in a plane passing between the jaws 3 and 4 when in closed configuration.

[0209] Track 41 has an angular extent of 180° and is positioned on the side of cord 17. Thus, the ends of track 41 are contained in a vertical plane.

[0210] Thus, in this embodiment, the microcontroller determines that the handpiece is used in one direction when a positive voltage is measured on contact 34, i.e., when one of the lateral edges of the jaws is higher than the other, particularly the one furthest from the comb and / or the steam outlets, or is used in another direction when a zero or neutral voltage is measured on contact 34, i.e., when the other lateral edge of the jaws is higher, particularly the one closer to the comb and / or the steam outlets. In this case, the two directions of use correspond to different processes.

[0211] The angular extension of the electrical track 41 thus determines the orientation ranges of the first and second direction of use determined.

[0212] In the following, an example of a hair treatment method according to the invention with device 1 is described.

[0213] In this example, the processing to be carried out is smoothing. In a variant, the processing to be carried out is looping.

[0214] In a first step, the device 1 is powered on by connecting the cord 17 to a mains socket.

[0215] In a second step, the user positions a strand of hair between the jaws 3 and 4, which are in the open configuration. The handpiece 2 is positioned near the hairline.

[0216] The user then puts jaws 3 and 4 into the closed configuration in a third step.

[0217] When in closed configuration, the jaw configuration detection device 3 and 4 detects it and sends a signal either to the warning device or to sensor 30 so that the detection of the direction of use begins.

[0218] The signal could also be transmitted to any other logic unit of the device, provided that this logic unit is capable of initiating the detection of the direction of use.

[0219] Before this signal from the detection device, the detection of the direction of use is not done.

[0220] In this step, the user oriented the handpiece 2 by changing its inclination relative to the terrestrial horizontal H, as explained, this generates a position, rotation and / or orientation of the rotating fixture.

[0221] In a fourth step, which follows the third step, the sensor 30 determines the direction of use.

[0222] This detection is done by the microcontroller measuring the voltage on the contact(s) 34.

[0223] Based on these measurements, the sensor determines a direction of use among at least two directions.

[0224] The sensor 30 then transmits information on the direction of use of the handpiece 2 to the warning device.

[0225] If the direction of use is the optimal direction, it may be provided that the warning device does not emit a signal perceptible to the user.

[0226] If the direction of use is a degraded direction, it may be provided that the warning device emits a signal perceptible to the user, for example visual, audible, haptic or a combination thereof.

[0227] It could also be envisaged to proceed in reverse, that is to say with a perceptible signal when used in the optimal direction, and no signal in the other directions.

[0228] It could likewise be envisaged to have a signal perceptible for all directions of use, the signal being different if the direction of use is the optimal direction or a degraded direction.

[0229] In the event that the user has been warned of an incorrect direction of use, the method may include a step of correctly reorienting the handpiece 2 on the hair.

[0230] Once in the correct orientation allowing the use of the handpiece 2 in the optimal direction of use, the handpiece 2 is moved along the hair from root to tip so as to perform, for a given area of ​​the hair strand, the following steps: combing, steam application and heating.

[0231] The invention is not limited to the examples just described.

[0232] The number of treatment steps, the type of treatment, and the order of treatments may be different.

[0233] The process may include a step of applying a cosmetic product.

[0234] The handpiece may include external heating surfaces to achieve a curling by wrapping the hair around the handpiece and / or one or more jaws.

[0235] The angular distance between two contacts can be different, for example between 20° and 200°.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (1) for treating hair, in particular for curling and / or straightening hair, comprising: - a handpiece (2) capable of treating a lock of hair by moving along a lock of hair from a root to a tip, the device (1) having during treatment a first direction of use in which the lock moves from a front face to an opposite rear face of said device and a second direction of use in which the lock moves from said rear face to the opposite front face, the two directions of use corresponding to different orientations of the handpiece (2); - an at least electrical power cord (17) having an attachment (18) to the handpiece rotatable relative to the handpiece (2);- a direction of use sensor (30) configured to provide data representative of the direction of use of the handpiece (2) at least among the first and second directions of use, said sensor (30) being positioned in the rotary attachment (18) of the power cord (17) to the handpiece (2).;

2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the handpiece (2) comprises two jaws (3, 4) connected to each other and capable of taking an open configuration for engaging the hair between them and a closed treatment configuration.

3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the handpiece (2), in particular at least one of the jaws (3, 4), may comprise at least one internal treatment member (16) comprising an internal treatment surface configured to come into contact with or opposite a part of the lock of hair during the treatment.

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the handpiece (2) is elongated along a longitudinal axis (X) and is asymmetrical along at least one longitudinal median plane (P) extending between the front (F1) and rear (F2) faces of the handpiece (2).

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the sensor (30) of the direction of use is a sensor of the position or rotation of the rotating attachment (18) of the cord (17). power supply relative to the handpiece (2), the data representative of the direction of use being able to correspond to a position included in a range of positions of the power supply cord (17) relative to the handpiece (2) among at least two predetermined distinct position ranges corresponding respectively to the first and second directions of orientation, a rotation of the rotary attachment (18) included in a range of rotations of the power supply cord relative to the handpiece (2) among at least two predetermined distinct rotation ranges and / or an orientation in a range of orientations of the rotary attachment (18) of the power supply cord (17) relative to the handpiece (2) among at least two predetermined distinct orientation ranges.

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cord (17) has an angled portion (19) at its end connected to the handpiece (2).

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the sensor (30) of the direction of use comprises a first part (31) fixed relative to the handpiece (2) and a second part (32) fixed relative to the cord (17), the sensor (30) being configured to determine the position, rotation and / or orientation of the first part (31) relative to the second part (32), or vice versa, the first and second parts (31, 32) comprising electrical connection elements (34a, 34b, 34c, 41) configured between them to have at least one or more different electrical characteristics in two ranges of positions and / or orientations of the rotary attachment (18) corresponding respectively at least to the first and second direction of use, the electrical characteristic(s) being able to comprise a voltage, an intensity or a resistance,the sensor (30) of the direction of use comprising a microcontroller configured to detect the electrical characteristic.,

8. Device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the first and second parts (31, 32) each comprise one or more electrical conduction elements (34a, 34b, 34c, 41), one of the electrical conduction elements (34a, 34b, 34c, 41) of one of the first and second parts (31, 32) being connected to a non-zero electrical supply, in particular to the mains, and at least one other electrical conduction element (34a, 34b, 34c, 41) of one of the first and second parts (31, 32) constituting a detection electrode electric.

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a processor configured to determine the direction of use among at least the first and the second of the handpiece (2) from the data representative of the direction of use of the sensor (30) of the direction of use, in particular from the voltage data or data detected by the microcontroller, and generate information on the direction of use.

10. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the handpiece (2) comprises two jaws (3, 4) connected together and capable of taking an open configuration for engaging the hair between them and a closed treatment configuration, the processor being configured to determine the direction of use only when the jaws (3, 4) are in the closed configuration.

11. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the processor is configured to transmit the generated direction of use information to a user alert member to which the device (1) is connected or forming part of the device (1).

12. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a user alert member configured to receive information on the direction of use of the handpiece (2) and to emit, for at least one direction of use, a user alert, in particular a signal perceptible by the user, in particular audible, visual or haptic depending on the direction of use.

13. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, the user alert emitted by the user alert member corresponding to one of the first and the second, in particular to a degraded direction of use among the first and the second direction of use.

14. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an additional treatment member (12), in particular chosen from the group consisting of steam applicators, cosmetic product applicators, combs, and a combination thereof.

15. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the handpiece (2) comprises two jaws (3, 4) connected to each other and capable of taking an open configuration for engaging the hair between them and a closed treatment configuration, the additional treatment member (12) being mounted on one of the jaws (3, 4) and extending at least partially between the two jaws (3, 4).

16. Device (1) according to one of claims 14 or 15, in which the additional processing member (12) is arranged asymmetrically with respect to a median plane.

17. Method for treating hair, in particular straightening or curling, by moving a device (1), in particular according to any one of the preceding claims, along a lock of hair, method comprising during use of the device (1) from the roots to the ends: - determining the direction of use of a handpiece (2) of the device (1) at least among a first and a second direction of use in which the bit moves from a front face to an opposite rear face of the handpiece and a second direction of use in which the bit moves from said rear face to the opposite front face of the handpiece, from data from a sensor (30) of the direction of use positioned in a rotating attachment (18) of a power cord (17) from the device (1) to the handpiece (2), - The device (1) adopting one of at least two different configurations depending on the direction of use determined.

18.

19. Method according to the preceding claim, in which the data from the sensor (30) of the direction of use are the position or rotation of the rotary attachment (18) relative to the handpiece (2). Method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the configuration taken by the device (1) is an alert configuration perceptible by the user when one of the first and second directions of use is determined.

Images