Hair treatment device

Abstract

Hair treatment device Device (1) for treating hair by moving along a lock of hair, comprising a handpiece (2) comprising: - a vaporization chamber (31) supplied with liquid by an inlet (38); - a vapor outlet (21) in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber (31); - a sensor (45) of a temperature or a temperature variation in a measurement zone (46) of the vaporization chamber (31), the measurement zone (46) of the vaporization chamber (31) being arranged under the inlet (38) of liquid to be vaporized when the device (1) is used in one of the first or second directions of use; - a processor configured to receive the temperature to determine a direction of use of the device (1) as a function of the temperature and / or the temperature variation measured. Figure for the abstract: 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 shaping hair, in particular intended for curling and / or straightening hair, comprising a steam application.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to curling devices comprising two jaws movable relative to each other, capable of taking a spaced-apart configuration, for introducing a lock of hair between them, and a close-together configuration, for treating the lock. Prior art

[0003] Many devices of this type have already been proposed. These devices generally comprise means for applying steam, internal heating plates between which the strands can be pinched, in particular in the case of straightening, and / or heating plates on their external surfaces, in particular in the case of curling, or at least to give them a wave. These devices are generally used by moving the device between the root and the tip of the hair with or without winding the strand depending on the desired result and the type of device.

[0004] Applications WO2014064660, EP2959793, EP2765884 and EP2449911 describe, for example, steam hair treatment devices comprising a liquid reservoir, and in which a jaw comprises a vaporization system, and a system for distributing steam to a lock of hair. A liquid, typically water or a cosmetic product for hair, is stored in the reservoir and is injected through a pipe into the vaporization system comprising a chamber. Under the action of heating means, in contact with the vaporization chamber, the liquid changes to the vapor state and can reach the distribution system, comprising a plurality of slot-shaped orifices oriented so as to project the steam onto a lock of hair pinched between the two treatment surfaces.

[0005] Some of these devices are designed to be used along a lock of hair in a particular direction. In particular, on certain devices, an incorrect direction of use can lead to degraded treatment, or even be uncomfortable for the user. This is particularly the case for devices having an asymmetry, by integrating, for example, one or more additional treatment members (steam diffusion, comb, etc.) each arranged only on one side of the plates of the device. Thus, the result of a comb / steam treatment then plates can be different from a plate then comb / steam treatment when the device is used the other way around.

[0006] WO 2021 / 102751 proposes a device comprising heating plates and a gyroscope measuring the posture and movement of the device. The gyroscope makes it possible to send an audible and / or visual and / or vibrating warning based on detected movements, in particular to ensure optimal use of the device. In this application, non-optimal use is understood as movement of the device.

[0007] CN 109288230 proposes a hair straightener comprising a device posture detector, for example an accelerometer or a gyroscope. The device is capable of determining whether the current posture is within an acceptable posture range for performing good treatment. If the posture is incorrect, a warning is sent to the user to correct their posture, for example by a sound or a vibration.

[0008] WO 2019 / 122838 describes a system for detecting the movement of a hair straightener in order to determine whether the movement of the device is consistent with the desired treatment, in particular with regard to the speed of use.

[0009] EP 2359710 proposes a device comprising heating plates and a motion sensor, for example an accelerometer or an optical sensor. The motion sensor makes it possible to send an audible and / or visual warning depending on the movements detected, in particular so that the use of the device is optimal. For example, if the movement speed is too fast or too slow, a warning signal is emitted.

[0010] However, these devices do not allow users to know whether they are using the device in the optimal direction of use during treatment. Statement of the invention

[0011] 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

[0012] The present invention achieves this by virtue of, according to one of its aspects, a device for treating hair, in particular for straightening and / or curling hair, by moving said device along a lock of hair from a root to a tip, the device 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, said device comprising a part to hand comprising:

[0013] - a vaporization chamber configured to be supplied with liquid to be vaporized by an inlet of liquid to be vaporized;

[0014] - at least one steam outlet in fluid communication with the steam chamber porization and configured to apply steam from the vaporization chamber to the hair;

[0015] - a sensor of a temperature or a variation of temperature in an area of measurement of the vaporization chamber, the measurement area of ​​the vaporization chamber being arranged at least partially under the inlet of liquid to be vaporized when the device is used in one of the first or second directions of use;

[0016] - a processor configured to receive the temperature or temperature variation measured by the sensor in the measurement area and to determine a direction of use of the device from among the first direction of use and the second direction of use depending on the temperature and / or the temperature variation measured by the sensor.

[0017] By "in fluid communication", it is understood that the passage of fluid between the above-mentioned elements is possible directly or indirectly.

[0018] Such detection of the direction of use makes it possible to identify the direction of use from among the first and second directions of use in order, in particular, to verify whether the user is using the hair treatment device in accordance with a preferred direction of use from among the first and second directions of use in particular and defined by the designers of the device. Once this verification has been carried out, if the direction of use is not the correct one, it is then easy, for example, to alert the user, as will be detailed later.

[0019] Such detection of the direction of use can also make it possible to identify the treatment applied to the lock of hair. This makes it possible in particular to obtain a desired and easily reproducible treatment of the lock of hair.

[0020] When the vaporization system is in operation, the temperature of the measurement zone may be different in at least two different orientations, in particular opposite orientations of the device, in particular two different orientation ranges of the device and / or a predetermined temperature variation of the measurement zone may be measurable during a change of orientation of the device between two different orientation ranges.

[0021] Preferably, the device is a hair shaping device, in particular for curling and / or straightening.

[0022] Preferably, the handpiece has a handle and a head. The handle facilitates gripping of the device and allows the insertion into the device of complementary elements, in particular a user interface, a reservoir of fluid to be vaporized and possibly a cosmetic product reservoir.

[0023] The head of the treatment device may be of any shape in cross-section. Preferably, the head of the treatment device is of substantially polygonal shape in cross-section, in particular substantially rectangular or substantially square, or substantially oval or circular. Other cross-sectional shapes are possible, such as a section with a polygonal outline on one side and a non-polygonal outline, in particular rounded, for example circular, on the other. Preferably, the head of the device is of generally flattened shape in cross-section.

[0024] The device may be configured to have different treatment effects depending on the at least first and second different directions of use of the device along the lock of hair, in particular opposite directions.

[0025] The device may comprise a system for supplying the vaporization chamber with liquid, in particular water, in particular a pump. The supply system may be configured to supply the vaporization chamber as a function of the temperature of the latter and / or as a function of the time elapsed since the device was started and / or as a function of the configuration of the jaws. The supply system may be configured to supply the vaporization chamber only when the temperature of the chamber is greater than a predefined threshold temperature and / or when the time elapsed since the device was started is greater than or equal to a predetermined time corresponding in particular to the time taken for the temperature to rise to a predefined threshold temperature of the vaporization chamber.The temperature of the vaporization chamber can be measured using a sensor placed in it, or at the interface between the heating structure and the vaporization chamber.

[0026] This control of the arrival of liquid, in particular water, in the vaporization chamber as a function of its temperature makes it possible to limit the risk of applying liquid to the hair instead of steam.

[0027] The liquid supply system of the vaporization chamber can be configured to supply the vaporization chamber with liquid only in a closed configuration of the jaws. The liquid supply system can be configured to activate only if the jaw configuration detection member detects a closed configuration of the jaws or to be blocked if the jaw configuration detection member detects an open configuration of the jaws.

[0028] Preferably, the liquid supply system to the vaporization chamber is configured to operate at a predetermined constant flow rate.

[0029] The device may comprise a steam control member configured to control whether or not steam is applied to the hair. For example, the steam control member steam control can control the supply of liquid, in particular water, to be vaporized into the vaporization chamber. When the user wants to apply steam to his hair, he can actuate the steam control member which then controls, for example, a pump configured to bring the liquid to be vaporized from a liquid reservoir to be vaporized into the vaporization chamber. As explained previously, this supply of liquid into the vaporization chamber can be carried out according to certain additional conditions as described previously, in particular a certain temperature of the chamber, and / or after a certain ignition time and / or according to the configuration of the jaws. The control member can be controlled by the user via a selector, for example a two- or three-position button. Jaws

[0030] The handpiece may be elongated along a longitudinal axis. The front and rear faces may extend along the longitudinal axis of the handpiece.

[0031] The handpiece is preferably asymmetrical with respect to at least one longitudinal median plane extending between the front and rear faces of the handpiece.

[0032] The fact that the handpiece is asymmetrical with respect to at least one longitudinal median plane has the effect that the treatment of the hair is asymmetrical during the treatment, that is to say that by separating the treatment into two parts of equal duration, for a movement at constant speed of the handpiece, the second part of the treatment is different from the inverse of the first part of the treatment. Thus, the treatment is different according to the first and second directions of use.

[0033] As a result, such an asymmetry of the device generates different treatment effects on the lock of hair depending on whether the device is used in the first or second direction of use. Detection of the direction of use can therefore make it possible to identify the treatment applied to the lock of hair. This makes it possible in particular to obtain a desired and easily reproducible treatment of the lock of hair.

[0034] Such asymmetry of the treatment can in particular lead to degraded treatment when the direction of use is not as prescribed, that is to say treatment of lower quality than what the device can provide when used correctly in an optimal direction of use.

[0035] Thus, by determining the direction of use, it may be possible to signal to the user that he is not carrying out the treatment correctly.

[0036] The handpiece may comprise two jaws which can take a spaced apart configuration for inserting hair between the jaws and a close together configuration for treating the hair.

[0037] The handpiece may include an internal treatment surface extending between the two jaws in a close-together configuration of the jaws, at least one of the jaws may comprise a heating plate extending opposite the other jaw coming into contact with the hair and at least partially defining the internal treatment surface.

[0038] The handpiece may extend along a longitudinal axis and be asymmetrical relative to a longitudinal median plane, in particular transverse to the internal treatment surface in the closed configuration of the jaws.

[0039] The device may include a closing sensor configured to detect whether the jaws are in the close configuration, including a Hall effect sensor.

[0040] The handpiece may comprise at least one external treatment member comprising an external treatment surface configured to come into contact with a portion of the lock of hair during treatment, the external treatment surface being in particular thermal, in particular being a heating sheet.

[0041] In one embodiment, in particular for a loop, an external treatment surface extends over one of the front and rear faces.

[0042] The external treatment member makes it possible in particular to curl the hair by winding the hair around the handpiece and / or around one or each jaw.

[0043] Preferably, when the handpiece comprises two jaws connected together and capable of taking an open configuration for engaging the hair between them and a closed configuration for treatment, the jaws extend at a distal end of the handle.

[0044] The jaws may each be carried by an arm, the two arms being connected to each other, in particular by a joint at one of their ends, to take the closed or open configuration of the jaws. The two arms may each comprise a half-handle on the joint side and one of the jaws on the free end side. Vaporization

[0045] The device, in particular the handpiece, may comprise a single steam outlet, in particular extending parallel to a main axis of the handpiece, in particular a longitudinal axis, and / or of the vaporization chamber. As a variant, the handpiece may comprise a plurality of steam outlets extending along at least one row of steam outlets extending parallel to the main axis of the device, in particular the longitudinal axis of the handpiece, and / or of the vaporization chamber.

[0046] Preferably, the handpiece comprises a hair treatment sole configured to come into contact with or face the hair and having the steam outlet(s). Preferably, this treatment sole comprises a base having an outer surface that is substantially flat or substantially curved outwards. Preferably, this treatment sole is, in front view, of substantially contour polygonal, in particular rectangular or square, but may also be circular or oval.

[0047] The device may comprise a reservoir of liquid to be vaporized integrated into the handpiece, in particular in the handle of the latter. As a variant, the device may comprise a base in fluid communication with the handpiece, in particular with its handle, in which the reservoir of liquid to be vaporized is integrated. As a further variant, the device may be connected, in particular by its handle, to an external liquid supply, in particular to an external water outlet.

[0048] The device may comprise a conduit for supplying liquid to be vaporized extending at least partially into the vaporization chamber at the fluid inlet, the liquid supply conduit comprising a supply orifice in the vaporization chamber.

[0049] The vaporization chamber may extend along a main axis, in particular a longitudinal axis of the handpiece, in particular a longitudinal axis of one of the jaws. The conduit may extend partially into the vaporization chamber at least partially along the main axis.

[0050] The feed conduit may be beveled at a free end present in the vaporization chamber.

[0051] The device may comprise a distribution chamber in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber at the inlet and with the at least one vapor outlet at the outlet.

[0052] The distribution chamber may be arranged laterally to the vaporization chamber, in particular being separated from the vaporization chamber by a separation wall, in particular opening towards the distribution chamber at its end opposite the inlet of liquid into the vaporization chamber by a passage in the wall.

[0053] The distribution chamber may comprise an elongated hollow body forming a steam distribution rail, the hollow body comprising a steam inlet, preferably at one of its ends, in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber.

[0054] Preferably, the distribution chamber is unique in the device.

[0055] The distribution chamber may extend laterally to the vaporization chamber. The vaporization chamber and the distribution chamber may have parallel extension planes between them.

[0056] The processor can be configured to determine, when starting the vaporization of the liquid, a direction of use from among two different directions of use corresponding to different temperatures of the measurement zone and / or a variation in the temperature of the measurement zone.

[0057] When the device is in operation, the processor may be configured to determine a change in direction of use between two different directions of use. by detecting a variation in the temperature of the measurement area.

[0058] When the device, in particular the handpiece, is moving along a lock of hair from the roots to the tips and along the user's body, the measurement zone can be configured so that the liquid entering the vaporization chamber falls by gravity towards or onto the measurement zone in a first direction of use of the device, thus generating a predetermined drop in temperature of the measurement zone, and in opposition to the measurement zone in a second direction of use of the device.

[0059] The measuring zone may be at least one zone of a measuring wall delimiting the vaporization chamber.

[0060] The device may comprise a bottom wall and an upper wall delimiting the vaporization chamber, one of the bottom wall and the upper wall being heated by a heating element, the measuring wall being a wall extending laterally relative to the bottom and upper walls, in particular a longitudinal side wall delimiting the vaporization chamber, the latter being elongated along a longitudinal axis.

[0061] The bottom wall and / or the top wall and / or the measuring wall may be formed from a thermally conductive material, having in particular a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 10 Wm 'K ', better still greater than or equal to 50 Wm 'K ', even better still greater than or equal to 100 Wm 'K '. The bottom wall and / or the top wall and / or the measuring wall may be made of metal, in particular copper, aluminum, iron, steel or a mixture thereof, or ceramic.

[0062] The heating element may comprise an electrical resistance known as a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) or a ceramic, in particular of the “Metal Ceramic Heaters” (MCH) type.

[0063] Preferably, the heating element is configured to heat the vaporization chamber so that, during use, in particular during the introduction of the liquid into the vaporization chamber, the temperature in a heat exchange zone between the liquid and the heating element is always greater than or equal to the vaporization temperature of the liquid to be vaporized. The heating element may be configured to heat the heat exchange zone to a temperature between 100 and 200°C, better still to a temperature between 110 and 180°C.

[0064] The heating element may have an electrical power greater than or equal to 50W, or even 100W, 200W or 500W. In particular, the heating power of the heating element is chosen such that, taking into account the flow rate of the arriving liquid and the temperature of the liquid, the liquid is vaporized in the vaporization chamber continuously, as it arrives therein.

[0065] The device may comprise a separating wall between the vaporization chamber and the distribution chamber, the measuring area being the or at least a part of the dividing wall or the wall delimiting the vaporization chamber opposite the dividing wall.

[0066] At least one of the jaws may comprise the vaporization chamber and, where appropriate, the series of steam outlet orifices, the supply conduit and the distribution chamber.

[0067] Preferably, the other jaw is devoid of a vaporization chamber, a steam outlet orifice, a supply conduit and a distribution chamber.

[0068] Preferably, the vaporization chamber is unique in the device.

[0069] Preferably, the vaporization chamber consists of a single cavity in the device.

[0070] The vaporization chamber may be delimited by a hollow body. The hollow body may be in several parts, in particular a cavity body forming the cavity of the vaporization chamber and a closing wall of the cavity, extending in particular between the cavity body and the treatment surface. The cavity body may be in one piece and the closing wall attached to the cavity body to close the cavity and thus form the vaporization chamber. Alternatively, the hollow body is in one piece. The cavity body and / or the closing wall of the cavity may be made of a thermally conductive material, having in particular a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 10 Wm 'K ', better still greater than or equal to 50 Wm 'K ', even better still greater than or equal to 100 Wm 'K1. The cavity body and / or the closing wall of the cavity may be made of metal, in particular copper, aluminum, iron, steel or their mixture, or ceramic.

[0071] The vaporization chamber may be devoid of an element absorbing the liquid to be vaporized. The device is thus simpler to manufacture and lighter.

[0072] The volume of the vaporization chamber can be between 3000 mm3 and 20000 mm3. Such a vaporization chamber can contain enough steam to ensure effective treatment of the hair while maintaining a sufficiently compact and lightweight device.

[0073] The temperature sensor in the measurement area of ​​the vaporization chamber may comprise one or more thermocouples, one or more thermistors, one or more resistance temperature sensors, or a combination of several of the above detectors, or any other sensor for directly or indirectly measuring a temperature. The sensor may be configured to detect the temperature only in the closed configuration of the jaws.

[0074] The processor may be configured to determine the direction of use of the handpiece only in the closed configuration of the jaws.

[0075] Preferably, the liquid to be vaporized is water, preferably non-demi- generalized and not distilled. Optimal direction

[0076] The device may comprise a user alert member configured to take at least two different configurations depending on the direction of use determined by the processor.

[0077] One of the first and second directions of use may be an optimal direction of use for performing the treatment along the lock of hair optimally and the other of the first and second directions of use may be an opposite degraded direction of use, one of the configurations of the user alert member corresponding to the emission of a signal perceptible by the user, in particular audible, visual or haptic, in one of the two directions of use, in particular in the degraded direction of use.

[0078] The device can be configured to take a different configuration, in particular a different vapor emission configuration depending on the direction of use determined by the processor. Additional processing body

[0079] The handpiece may comprise an additional treatment member, notably chosen from the group consisting of cosmetic product applicators, combs, and a combination thereof.

[0080] 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 treatment configuration, the additional treatment member being mounted on one of the jaws and extending at least partially between the two jaws.

[0081] The additional treatment member may be arranged on the handpiece, in particular on one of the jaws, asymmetrically relative to a median plane, in particular transverse to a median plane extending between the jaws in the closed configuration of the jaws. The additional treatment member may be arranged on the handpiece so that it treats the hair upstream of the plate(s) in one direction of use and downstream of the plate(s) in another direction of use.

[0082] The additional treatment member can be positioned laterally on the handpiece, in particular laterally on one of the jaws. Process

[0083] The invention also relates, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the above, to a method for treating hair, in particular straightening or curling, by moving a device, in particular as described above, along a lock of hair, a method in which:

[0084] - a temperature or a temperature variation of a measurement zone in a vaporization chamber is measured during use of the device,

[0085] - a direction of use of a handpiece of the device 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 is determined as a function of the measured temperature and / or the measured temperature variation,

[0086] - information on the direction of use of the handpiece at least among the first and the second sense of use is generated.

[0087] The method may comprise the emission of a user alert when the device is used in at least one of the first or second directions of use, in particular a signal perceptible by the user, in particular audible, visual or haptic.

[0088] When the device has an optimal direction of use for performing the treatment along the lock of hair optimally and an opposite degraded direction of use, the device can take the alert configuration in one of the two directions of use, in particular in the degraded direction of use.

[0089] When the device comprises two jaws capable of taking a jaw-spaced configuration and a jaw-closed configuration, the device can take the alert configuration only when said jaws are in the close configuration.

[0090] The method may comprise determining the configuration of the jaws prior to determining the direction of use, the determination of the direction of use of the device being carried out in particular only when a closed configuration of the jaws is detected.

[0091] The method may comprise determining the configuration of the jaws prior to measuring the temperature or temperature variation and the measurement of the temperature or temperature variation being carried out only when a closed configuration of the jaws is detected.

[0092] The method may include treatment of the hair on an internal treatment surface of the handpiece, in particular a thermal treatment surface, in particular a heating plate.

[0093] The method may include treatment of the hair on an external treatment surface of the handpiece, in particular a thermal surface, in particular a heating sheet.

[0094] The method may include an additional treatment, in particular an application of cosmetic product and / or combing.

[0095] The cosmetic product may be a composition for cleaning, coloring, bleaching, conditioning, or shaping hair. Preferably, the cosmetic product is a hair shaping composition, in particular a hair curling, hair setting or, preferably, hair straightening or smoothing composition.

[0096] The cosmetic products that can be used according to the process of the invention can be liquids, gels, milks or creams in the form of simple emulsions (O / W or W / O) or multiple emulsions, or solids.

[0097] The cosmetic product may contain one or more active agents chosen from reducing agents and in particular thiols, oxidizing agents and in particular hydrogen peroxide or persalts such as persulfates, coloring agents and in particular pigments, direct dyes or oxidation dyes, non-durable shaping agents and in particular styling polymers, preferably anionic, amphoteric or non-ionic, conditioning agents and in particular silicones, mineral or vegetable oils, vegetable waxes, cationic surfactants or cationic polymers, alkaline agents or acids. Even more preferably, the cosmetic product contains one or more agents chosen from oxidizing agents, reducing agents or alkaline agents of the hydroxide type. Brief description of the drawings

[0098] The invention may be better understood by reading the detailed description which follows, non-limiting examples of its implementation, and by examining the attached drawing, in which

[0099] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] illustrates, in side view, an example of a device in a closed configuration according to the invention,

[0100] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] illustrates, in perspective, the device of [Fig.l] in a confi open structure,

[0101] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] illustrates, in perspective, in isolation, a vaporization organ of the device of [Fig.l].

[0102] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates, in perspective, a part of the vaporization organ of the [Fig.3],

[0103] [Fig 5a] [Fig 5a] illustrates, schematically, in top view, an example of use of the device of [Fig.l],

[0104] [Fig 5b] [Fig 5b] illustrates, schematically, in side view, the orientation of the device in the example of use of [Fig 5a],

[0105] [Fig 5c] [Fig 5c] illustrates, schematically, in top view, the vaporization member in the example of use of [Fig 5a],

[0106] [Fig 6a] [Fig 6a] illustrates, schematically, in top view, another example of use of the device of [Fig.l],

[0107] [Fig 6b] [Fig 6b] illustrates, schematically, in side view, the orientation of the device in the usage example of [Fig 6a], and

[0108] [Fig 6c] [Fig 6c] illustrates, schematically, in top view, the vaporization member in the example of use of [Fig 6a]. Detailed description

[0109] In the remainder of the description, elements that are identical or have identical functions bear the same reference sign. For the sake of brevity in this description, they are not described with reference to each of the figures, only the differences between the embodiments being described.

[0110] In the figures, the actual proportions have not always been respected, for the sake of clarity.

[0111] Figures 1 to 4 illustrate an example of a device 1 according to the invention, in this example for straightening hair.

[0112] 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 lock of hair between them and a closed treatment configuration, illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0113] The jaws 3 and 4 are carried by respective upper 5 and lower 6 arms, which are, in the example considered, connected to each other at one of their ends by an articulation 8, the handpiece 2 thus forming a clamp.

[0114] The arms 5 and 6 define, between the articulation 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.

[0115] The width of the arms 5 and 6 at the half-handles 10 and 11 is less than that at the jaws 3 and 4.

[0116] The jaws 3 and 4 each have a convex outer surface and a substantially flat inner surface.

[0117] An elastic return member (not visible) is preferably provided to return the jaws 3 and 4 to the separated configuration, this elastic return member being for example a spring arranged around or close to an axis of the articulation 8.

[0118] 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 an articulation is largely preferred for the ergonomics it provides.

[0119] The handpiece 2 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis X.

[0120] The jaw 3 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis Yl.

[0121] The jaw 4 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis Y2.

[0122] The device 1 may comprise a water reservoir 7 for producing steam, in particular in the handpiece 2. As can be seen in [Fig.l], the reservoir 7 is preferably integrated into the handpiece 2 and in particular in one of the arms 5, 6. Advantageously, the reservoir 7 is integrated into the arm 6 comprising the steam outlet 21 which will be detailed later. This makes it possible to have a particularly compact device 1 with a relatively simple internal construction. However, other locations of the reservoir 7 could be imagined, for example in the other arm 5, or even completely remote from the handpiece 2 without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0123] 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.

[0124] The device 1 comprises a cord 17 designed to be able to provide the energy necessary for the operation of the device. 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).

[0125] The cord 17 has a rotary attachment 18 relative to the handpiece.

[0126] The rotary attachment 18 allows the cord 17 to be rotated. Heating plates

[0127] The handpiece 2 comprises an internal heating surface 14 for the hair to be treated on each of the two jaws 3 and 4 facing the other of the jaws, and facing each other in the close configuration of the jaws 3 and 4 so as to define between them a heated treatment zone in the close configuration of the two jaws 3 and 4. The two internal heating surfaces 14 are, for example, configured to pinch between them the hair extending between the two jaws 3 and 4 in the close configuration of the two jaws 3 and 4.

[0128] The two internal heating surfaces 14 are substantially flat, but it could be otherwise. They could be of complementary wavy shapes or of complementary curved shapes for example.

[0129] The internal heating surfaces 14 are, in the example illustrated, 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 treatment member of the device.

[0130] In a variant not illustrated, only one of the jaws 3 or 4 can 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 can be formed by the body of the jaw or by an element attached to the jaw.

[0131] The handpiece 2 may include a detection member, not shown, of the confi configuration of jaws 3 and 4 configured to detect whether jaws 3 and 4 are in the closed processing or open configuration, including a Hall effect sensor.

[0132] As illustrated, the plates 16 can be offset laterally on the jaws 3 and 4, i.e. not centered on the axes Y1 and Y2. Thus, the handpiece 2 is asymmetrical relative 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 body

[0133] In the examples illustrated, the device 1 comprises an additional hair treatment member 12 extending from the jaw 4, towards the other jaw 3 in a close configuration of the two jaws 3 and 4, and arranged on said jaw 4 laterally with respect to the internal plate 16.

[0134] The jaw 3 is for example devoid of additional treatment.

[0135] The member 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 while being separate from this internal plate 16, when the device 1 is observed along its longitudinal axis X.

[0136] The jaw 4 may be devoid of an additional treatment member on the side of an edge 15 of the internal plate 16 opposite the edge 13. This increases the asymmetry of the handpiece 2 relative to the median plane P.

[0137] The member 12 may comprise a comb 22, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0138] 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, if necessary, the comb 22.

[0139] The groove 23 may have a rectangular cross-section and open at the distal end of the jaw 4.

[0140] The comb 22 may comprise, in the distal part of the device 1, an element 24 making it possible to grip the comb 22 when it is introduced into the groove 23 or extracted from it.

[0141] The comb 22 may extend, for example, over the entire length of the guide portion. Alternatively, it could extend over only a portion of the guide portion.

[0142] The teeth of the comb 22 may be of rectangular cross-section. Steam

[0143] As visible in [Fig. 2], the handpiece 2 comprises steam outlets 21, in fluid communication with a vaporization member 30 comprising a vaporization chamber 31 and a distribution chamber 34, visible in FIGS. 3 and 4. The steam outlets 21 are configured to apply steam to the hair from of the vaporization chamber 31.

[0144] The steam outlet 21 may be in the form of a ramp, elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2.

[0145] The ramp may comprise several steam projection orifices, for example between 4 and 10 orifices, preferably 7, which are preferably equally distributed along the ramp and each with an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the median treatment plane.

[0146] The vaporization member 30 comprises a bottom wall 32 and an upper wall 33, one of the bottom wall and the upper wall being heated by a heating element, not visible in the figures.

[0147] The vaporization chamber 31 and the distribution chamber 34 extend laterally along the longitudinal axis Y2 of the jaw 4 in the same plane.

[0148] The vaporization chamber 31 and the distribution chamber 34 are separated from each other by a side wall 35 extending between the bottom wall 32 and the top wall 33.

[0149] The side wall 35 has an opening 36 allowing the passage into the distribution chamber 34 of the steam produced in the vaporization chamber 31.

[0150] The vaporization member also comprises a conduit 38 for supplying liquid to be vaporized extending partially into the vaporization chamber 31 opposite the opening 36.

[0151] The conduit 38 can be connected to a reservoir of liquid to be vaporized integrated in the handpiece 2 or to a base in fluid communication with the handpiece 2.

[0152] The end 39 of the conduit 38 inserted into the vaporization chamber 31 has a pointed shape and is beveled.

[0153] The end 39 of the conduit 38 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2 of the jaw 4.

[0154] The vaporization chamber 31 is delimited by a hollow body forming a cavity 40, into which the end 39 of the conduit 38 is inserted.

[0155] The internal volume of the vaporization chamber can be between 3000 mm3 and 20000 mm3.

[0156] The distribution chamber 34 comprises a hollow body 41 elongated parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2 and forming a steam distribution rail.

[0157] The vaporization chamber 31 also comprises a stop 42 delimiting a first volume 43 and a second volume 44. The stop 42 makes it possible to create a separation between an area where the cavity 41 mainly contains liquid, in the first volume 43, and an area where the cavity 41 mainly contains vapor, in the second volume 44. This separation, known as such, limits the scaling of the conduit 38. Sensor

[0158] The vaporization member also comprises a temperature sensor 45 positioned on the side wall 35.

[0159] The sensor 45 measures the temperature of a measurement zone 46 positioned on the side of the cavity 40 at the end 39 of the conduit 38 when taken along an axis ZI perpendicular to the axis Y2.

[0160] The sensor 45 is for example a thermocouple. Direction of use

[0161] As mentioned previously, the handpiece 2 is asymmetrical relative to the median plane P of the jaws 3 and 4 perpendicular to the internal heating surfaces 14 when in the closed configuration.

[0162] When treating hair with the illustrated device, as will be described in more detail below, the hair is clamped between the jaws 3 and 4 and the handpiece 2 is moved along the strand of hair.

[0163] Thus, the asymmetry relative to the plane P leads to an asymmetrical treatment of the hair.

[0164] The handpiece 2 can be used in two or four directions of use:

[0165] - The first direction of use leads to the completion of the successive steps following, jaw 4 being under jaw 3: combing, steam application and heating.

[0166] - The second direction of use leads to the completion of successive steps following, jaw 4 being under jaw 3: heating, steam application and combing.

[0167] - The third direction of use leads to the completion of successive steps following, jaw 4 being above jaw 3: combing, steam application and heating.

[0168] - The fourth direction of use leads to the completion of successive steps following, jaw 4 being above jaw 3: heating, steam application and combing.

[0169] The first and third treatments are carried out from a front face F1 to an opposite rear face F2; the second and fourth treatments are carried out from the rear face F2 to the front face FL.

[0170] The first and third directions of use perform substantially the same treatment of the hair and the second and fourth directions of use perform substantially the same treatment of the hair.

[0171] The first and third directions of use are said to be optimal, in the sense that the quality of the treatment is better than that obtained with the other two directions. of use, combing taking place before the application of steam and heating.

[0172] To visually guide the user to use the handpiece in the first direction, the handpiece 2 may include arrows 25 indicating the optimal direction to the user.

[0173] To illustrate the operation of the sensor 45, Figures 5a to 5c show the use of the handpiece 2 in the first direction and Figures 6a to 6c show the use in the second direction. As explained, the treatment of the hair C is done from the root Ra to the tips Po by moving in a direction D.

[0174] In figures 5a to 5b and 6a to 6b, the visualization is done by looking at the handpiece 2 from the side of the cord 17 in a direction A.

[0175] 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.

[0176] As can be seen, in the first direction of use of Figures 5a to 5c, the vaporization chamber 31 is upwards and the distribution chamber 34 is downwards.

[0177] Thus, the liquid L leaving the conduit 38 falls by gravity g onto the measurement zone 46 of the sensor 45. The sensor 45 will therefore measure a drop in temperature due to the arrival of the liquid L.

[0178] Conversely, in the second direction of use of figures 6a to 6c, the vaporization chamber 31 is downwards and the distribution chamber 34 is upwards.

[0179] Thus, the liquid L leaving the conduit 38 falls by gravity g onto a zone 50 of the vaporization chamber, opposite the measurement zone 46 of the sensor 45. The sensor 45 will measure a drop in temperature due to the vaporization of the liquid L less than the drop in temperature measurable when the handpiece 2 is used in the first direction of use.

[0180] In the event, not shown, where the handpiece 2 is used with an orientation at 180° relative to those of figures 5a to 5c and 6a to 6c, corresponding respectively to the fourth and third directions of use described previously, the vaporization chamber 31 is upwards and the distribution chamber 34 is downwards in the third direction of use and the vaporization chamber 31 is downwards and the distribution chamber 34 is upwards in the fourth direction of use.

[0181] Thus, depending on the side of fall of the liquid L in the vaporization chamber 31, the sensor 45 can provide a temperature or a temperature variation corresponding to a range of orientations of the handpiece 2.

[0182] This temperature and / or temperature variation is received by a processor of the device 1 which deduces a direction of use of the handpiece 2.

[0183] Indeed, the orientation is characteristic of the direction of use, in particular of the orientation ranges, as has just been illustrated.

[0184] The processor can therefore generate information on the direction of use, in particular determining that the handpiece 2 is used in the first or third direction of use, which are optimal, or in the second or fourth direction, which are degraded.

[0185] The device 1 may comprise a user alert member, 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 by the user, in particular audible, visual or haptic.

[0186] In the following, an example of a method for treating hair according to the invention with the device 1 is described.

[0187] In this example, the processing to be performed is smoothing. In a variant, the processing to be performed is looping.

[0188] In a first step, the device 1 is powered up by connecting the cord 17 to a mains socket.

[0189] In a second step, the user positions a lock of hair between the jaws 3 and 4, these being in the open configuration. The handpiece 2 is notably positioned close to the hair root.

[0190] The user then puts the jaws 3 and 4 into the closed configuration in a third step.

[0191] When in the closed configuration, the jaw configuration detection member 3 and 4 detects it and sends a signal either to the alert member or to the sensor 45 so that the detection of the direction of use begins.

[0192] The signal could also be transmitted to any other logic unit of the device 1, to the extent that this logic unit is capable of starting the detection of the direction of use.

[0193] Before this signal from the detection member, the detection of the direction of use is not made.

[0194] In addition, the device starts the vaporization of the liquid by activating the pump and the heating element.

[0195] In this step, the user has oriented the handpiece 2 by modifying its inclination with respect to the terrestrial horizontal H, as has been explained.

[0196] In a fourth step, which follows the third step, the sensor 45 determines a temperature or a temperature variation of the zone 46.

[0197] Based on this measurement, the processor determines a range of inclinations of the handpiece 2.

[0198] The processor then determines the direction of use of the handpiece 2 and transmits this information to the alert device.

[0199] If the direction of use is an optimal direction, it may be provided that the alert device does not emit a signal perceptible to the user.

[0200] If the direction of use is a degraded direction, it may be provided that the alert member emits a signal perceptible by the user, for example visual, audible, haptic or a combination of these.

[0201] It could also be envisaged to proceed inversely, that is to say with a signal perceptible during use according to the optimal direction, and no signal according to the other directions.

[0202] It could also be envisaged to have a signal perceptible for all directions of use, the signal being different if the direction of use is an optimal direction or a degraded direction.

[0203] 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.

[0204] In addition, steam production can be stopped if the orientation is not correct or does not correspond to an optimal direction of use. This in particular helps to limit the risk of burning the user.

[0205] 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 the root to the tips so as to carry out, for a given area of ​​the lock of hair, the following steps: combing, application of steam and heating.

[0206] The invention is not limited to the example which has just been described.

[0207] The number of processing steps, the type of processing, and the order of processing may be different.

[0208] The method may include a step of applying a cosmetic product.

[0209] The handpiece may include external heating surfaces to provide a curling by wrapping the hair around the handpiece and / or one or more jaws.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (1) for treating hair, in particular for straightening and / or curling hair, by moving said device (1) 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 (F1) to an opposite rear face (F2) of said device (1) and a second direction of use in which the lock moves from said rear face (F2) to the opposite front face (F1), said device (1) comprising a handpiece (2) comprising: - a vaporization chamber (31) configured to be supplied with liquid by an inlet (38) for liquid to be vaporized; - at least one steam outlet (21) in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber (31) and configured to apply steam from the vaporization chamber (31) to the hair;- a sensor (45) of a temperature or a temperature variation in a measurement zone (46) of the vaporization chamber (31), the measurement zone (46) of the vaporization chamber (31) being arranged at least partially under the inlet (38) of liquid to be vaporized when the device (1) is used in one of the first or second direction of use; - a processor configured to receive the temperature or the temperature variation measured by the sensor (45) in the measurement zone (46) and to determine a direction of use of the device (1) from among the first direction of use and the second direction of use as a function of the temperature and / or the temperature variation measured by the sensor (45).;

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, when the vaporization system is in operation, the temperature of the measuring zone (46) is different in at least two different orientations of the device (1), in particular two different orientation ranges of the device (1) and / or a predetermined temperature variation of the measuring zone (46) is measurable during a change of orientation of the device (1) between two different orientation ranges.

3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the handpiece (2) comprises two jaws (3; 4) capable of taking a spaced configuration for inserting the hair between the jaws (3; 4) and a close configuration for treating the hair.

4. Device (1) according to claim 3, in which the handpiece (2) comprises an internal treatment surface (16) extending between the two jaws (3; 4) in a close configuration of the jaws (3; 4), at least one of the jaws (3; 4) comprising a heating plate (16) extending opposite the other jaw (3; 4) coming into contact with the hair and at least partially defining the internal treatment surface (16).

5. Device (1) according to one of claims 3 and 4, comprising a closing sensor configured to detect whether the jaws (3; 4) are in the close configuration, in particular a Hall effect sensor.

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the handpiece (2) extends along a longitudinal axis (X) and is asymmetrical relative to a longitudinal median plane (P), in particular transverse to the internal treatment surface (16).

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a distribution chamber (34) in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber (31) at the inlet and with the at least one vapor outlet (21) at the outlet.

8. Device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the distribution chamber (34) is arranged laterally to the vaporization chamber (31), in particular being separated from the vaporization chamber by a separation wall (35), in particular opening towards the distribution chamber (34) at its end opposite the inlet (38) of liquid into the vaporization chamber (31) by a passage (36) in the wall.

9. Device (1) according to one of claims 7 and 8, comprising a separation wall (35) between the vaporization chamber (31) and the distribution chamber (34), the measurement zone (46) being the or at least a part of the separation wall (35) or of the wall delimiting the vaporization chamber (31) opposite the separation wall (35).

10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the processor being configured to determine, when the vaporization of the liquid is started, a direction of use from among two different directions of use corresponding to different temperatures of the measurement zone (46) and / or a variation in the temperature of the measurement zone (46).

11. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the device (1) is in operation, the processor is configured to determine a change in direction of use between two different directions of use by detecting a variation in the temperature of the measurement zone (46).

12. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the device (1) is moving along a lock of hair from the roots to the tips and along the user's body, the measuring zone (46) is configured so that the liquid at the inlet (38) of the vaporization chamber (31) falls by gravity towards or onto the measuring zone (46) in a first direction of use of the device (1), thus generating a predetermined drop in temperature of the measuring zone (46), and in opposition to the measuring zone (46) in a second direction of use of the device (1).

13. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring zone (46) is at least one zone of a measuring wall (35) delimiting the vaporization chamber (31).

14. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a bottom wall or an upper wall delimiting the vaporization chamber (31), one of the bottom wall and the upper wall being heated by a heating element, the measuring wall (35) being a wall extending laterally relative to the bottom and upper walls, in particular a longitudinal side wall delimiting the vaporization chamber (31), the latter being elongated along a longitudinal axis (X).

15. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a user alert member configured to take at least two different configurations depending on the direction of use determined by the processor.

16. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein one of the first and second directions of use is optimal for performing the treatment along the strand of hair optimally and the other of the first and second directions of use is a direction of use opposite degraded, one of the configurations of the user alert device corresponding to the emission of a signal perceptible by the user, in particular audible, visual or haptic, in one of the two directions of use, in particular in the degraded direction of use.

17. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the device (1) is configured to take a different configuration depending on the direction of use determined by the processor, in particular a different vapor emission configuration.

18. A method of 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, a method in which: - a temperature or a temperature variation of a measurement zone (46) in a vaporization chamber (31) is measured during use of the device (1), - a 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 lock moves from a front face (F1) to an opposite rear face (F2) of the handpiece (2) and a second direction of use in which the lock moves from said rear face (F2) to the opposite front face (F1) of the handpiece (2) is determined as a function of the measured temperature and / or the measured temperature variation,- information on the direction of use of the handpiece (2) at least among the first and second directions of use is generated.,

19. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising the emission of a user alert when the device (1) is used in at least one of the first or second direction of use, in particular a signal perceptible by the user, in particular audible, visual or haptic.

20. Method according to one of claims 18 and 19, in which the device (1) has an optimal direction of use for carrying out the treatment along the lock of hair in an optimal manner and an opposite degraded direction of use, method in which the device takes the alert configuration in one of the two directions of use, in particular in the degraded direction of use.

21. Method according to one of claims 18 to 20, the device (1) comprising two jaws (3; 4) capable of taking a configuration with the jaws (3; 4) apart and a configuration with the jaws (3; 4) close together, method in which the device (1) can take the alert configuration only when said jaws (3; 4) are in the close together configuration.

22. Method according to claim 21, comprising the determination of the configuration of the jaws (3; 4) prior to the determination of the direction of use, the determination of the direction of use of the device (1) being carried out only when a closed configuration of the jaws (3; 4) is detected, the method comprising in particular the determination of the configuration of the jaws (3; 4) prior to the measurement of the temperature or the temperature variation and the measurement of the temperature or the temperature variation being carried out only when a closed configuration of the jaws is detected.

Images