Non-blowing hair styling appliance such as a hairbrush or straightener including a secondary battery power supply.

Abstract

Non-Blow-Power Hairdressing Appliance Comprising a Secondary Battery Power Supply. The present invention relates to a non-blowing hairdressing appliance comprising a secondary battery power supply configured to power at least one heating element of the appliance, said appliance being characterized in that the secondary battery comprises at least one solid-state battery element. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Non-blowing household hairdressing appliance such as a hair brush or a straightening iron comprising a secondary battery power supply. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-blowing household hairdressing appliance such as a hair brush or a hair straightener comprising a secondary battery power supply. Prior art

[0002] The term household appliance means devices and tools using electricity and intended to meet domestic needs, as opposed to industrial tools and machines.

[0003] The term secondary battery designates a rechargeable battery, unlike so-called primary batteries, which are not rechargeable.

[0004] More particularly, the invention relates to a non-blowing household hairdressing appliance capable of diffusing steam for shaping or styling hair.

[0005] Many types of non-blowing hairdressing appliances are known for shaping hair, in particular by straightening, curling or crimping. Examples include straightening or curling irons or hairbrushes. These appliances may include one or more heated or heating treatment surfaces acting by thermal contact with a lock of hair. The general structure of such appliances is well known.

[0006] In order to improve treatment, certain devices have long provided for the distribution of steam towards the surface to be treated, in particular a lock of hair or the hair in the case of hairdressing devices.

[0007] Thus, document US2880299A, for example, describes a curling iron capable of distributing steam onto a lock of hair pinched between two articulated arms and wrapped around said arms.

[0008] Documents US20040000319A1 and US2009188516A1 describe devices of the hair straightener type also capable of distributing steam onto a strand of hair pinched between two arms, each equipped with a heating plate.

[0009] Finally, we can also cite brushes and combs, heated or not, capable of distributing steam during their use through hair. As an example, we can refer to documents KR20030085159A and DE19822718A1.

[0010] Heating and / or maintaining the temperature of the heating elements as well as the where appropriate, the generation of steam requires a significant electrical supply.

[0011] Most devices of this type are electrically powered by the mains (220-230V, 16A) and for this purpose include at least one electrical cord capable of being plugged into a domestic electrical outlet, in particular a wall socket. Some devices may also include an electrical transformer so as to operate with a lower electrical voltage (typically between 12 and 16V).

[0012] Blowing appliances such as a hair dryer dissipate a lot of heat and usually require an electrical power supply of between 1000 and 2000W or even more.

[0013] Non-blowing devices treating by thermal contact dissipate less heat and a hair straightener typically requires an electrical power of between 100 and 400 watts, i.e. a factor of 10. For example, the STEAMPOD® hair straightener consumes approximately 370W (generally between 200 and 350 watts for a hair straightener without steam) for 1 minute during its preheating then 135 watts (generally between 100 and 150 watts for a hair straightener without steam) when used on a lock of hair. Its electrical consumption at rest, in open clamp configuration, drops to approximately 40 watts (generally less than 50 watts for a hair straightener with or without steam, the steam not being diffused at rest).

[0014] We have recently seen several devices of this type developed to be energy autonomous and thus operate with at least one rechargeable battery (CORRALE® hair straightener from DYSON®, hair straightener and curling iron from the HARRY JOSH® brand for example). Such battery operation provides better user ergonomics (absence of power cord) and allows for easy and rapid use, particularly when traveling or moving around, without having to plug the device into a mains socket which is sometimes not available in the immediate vicinity.

[0015] These devices use lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolyte. Thus, the CORRALE® hair straightener includes a battery composed of four MOLICELL® P26A cells.

[0016] Such batteries have characteristics that make their implementation in heated hairdressing appliances complex, in particular due to a relatively low energy density, sensitivity to high temperatures, a risk of flammability due to the presence of solvents, and a generally cylindrical and poorly optimized standardized form factor.

[0017] In order to limit these problems, manufacturers generally try to arrange the battery cells as far away as possible from the heating elements, generally in a handpiece, near an end opposite the treatment plates. Such an arrangement could lead to an imbalance in the distribution masses within the device and have an impact on its ergonomics and ease of handling.

[0018] It can also be difficult to add a mains power supply to allow dual operation of the device (on battery and / or on mains) since the power cords are generally connected to this end of the handpiece.

[0019] Furthermore, in order to obtain the quantity of energy and power sufficient for the device to reach the desired treatment temperature, it is generally necessary to combine several battery elements (called cells) together, making the battery assembly relatively bulky. It follows that the quantity of electrical energy available depends on the number of battery elements that can be housed on or in the device. Thus, the quantity of electrical energy available ultimately depends on the shape of the handpiece in which they are housed, a handpiece which must itself comply with dimensional and shape constraints to remain ergonomic and make the device easy to handle.

[0020] Given the energy density of lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolyte, this results in a limited autonomy, generally around 30 minutes maximum for a hair straightener without additional steam operating at a temperature of 210°C (50 minutes with an additional spare battery). This is even less for blow-drying appliances since a 1000W hair dryer on a lithium-ion battery will theoretically have a maximum autonomy of 5 minutes with a battery also made up of four P26A cells. Generally, the autonomy of a battery-powered hair dryer will hardly exceed 15 minutes.

[0021] To increase the autonomy of the device, it will then be necessary to reduce the energy consumption either by providing a lower operating temperature, or by reducing the size of the heating elements, for example. The desired hair treatment could then no longer be accessible to the user or the device could only allow simple touch-ups (travel hair straightener, for example). Statement of the invention

[0022] There is therefore a need for hairdressing appliances comprising one or more improved battery cells. Summary of the invention

[0023] To this end, the present application relates to a non-blowing household hairdressing appliance such as a hair brush or a hair straightener comprising a secondary battery power supply configured to power at least one resistive heating element of the appliance, said appliance being characterized in that the secondary battery comprises at least one solid electrolyte battery element.

[0024] By "non-blowing" is meant that the device does not blow air towards the hair and in particular not hot air at a temperature above 90°C, better, does not blow hot air at a temperature above 50°C. Thus, the device does not include a fan or air turbine.

[0025] Preferably, the secondary battery comprises only solid electrolyte battery cells.

[0026] Such batteries are described in particular in document JP2008103292A for domestic appliances such as personal computers or electronic devices and in document WO2019053407Al for motors and drive members of household appliances. It is not envisaged to use them in household hairdressing appliances to power one or more resistive heating elements operating by thermal contact with the hair.

[0027] Although document WO2019053407 refers to hair dryers, it is, as indicated above, a device blowing hot air with high heat dissipation requiring an electrical power greater than 1000W.

[0028] Document WO2019053407 also mentions curlers. In view of the filing date of this document, its subject matter relating to the power supply of a drive member and the identity of the applicant, it is of the opinion that the applicant referred to the term "curler" only as a blowing curler of the type marketed under the name Airwrap®. This device requires a power supply of 1300 watts and is therefore a device blowing hot air at a temperature greater than or equal to 60°C and exhibiting high heat dissipation. Traditional thermal contact curlers are not explicitly disclosed.

[0029] GB2611334 also relates to solid electrolyte batteries for electrical appliances. Many types of appliances are mentioned, the only heating tools mentioned being a heat gun, a hair dryer and a hand dryer which are blowing appliances with high heat dissipation and are generally not concerned by the issues highlighted.

[0030] Such solid electrolyte batteries and battery cells withstand higher operating temperatures and are therefore better suited for use in a hot environment such as that induced when using a household hairdressing appliance with a heated treatment surface.

[0031] Such solid electrolyte batteries and battery elements also have a much higher energy density than lithium-ion liquid electrolyte batteries and therefore allow, for the same volume, to have more electrical energy and therefore better autonomy or the possibility of powering additional electrical components, or to reduce the size of the battery and its bulk while keeping the same quantity of energy available. Their recharging is also much faster (less than 60 minutes for a total battery capacity of 2600mAh - 4 cells in series for a voltage of 14.4V).

[0032] Preferably, the hairdressing appliance will comprise a battery with a total capacity of at least 3000mAh (nominal voltage between 10 and 16V), preferably at least 4000mAh, better still at least 5000mAh. Thus, it is possible to achieve an autonomy greater than or equal to 60 minutes.

[0033] Preferably, the battery comprises at least one anode comprising metallic lithium and in particular which may be made of metallic lithium. The battery may also comprise a silicon anode, as described in document WO2006028583A2 in particular.

[0034] The battery also comprises at least one cathode which can be made of a material similar to that of a lithium-ion liquid electrolyte battery cathode such as Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt oxides (NMC), lithium manganese oxides (LMO).

[0035] Preferably, the battery is removable.

[0036] Advantageously, the resistive heating element is associated with at least one heating treatment surface of the device. By treatment surface is meant a thermal contact treatment surface intended to be brought into contact with hair to be treated.

[0037] Preferably, the apparatus is configured so that the heating treatment surface is capable of reaching a temperature of at least 150°C, better still at least 180°C, even better still at least 210°C.

[0038] Preferably again, the resistive heating element is of the variable impedance type, in particular a PTC (positive thermal coefficient heating element) or an MCH (Metal Ceramic Heater).

[0039] Alternatively or advantageously in addition, the apparatus is capable of diffusing steam, the battery being configured to power at least one resistive heating element of a steam generator of the apparatus. This resistive heating element may be common to the heating treatment surface or separate from the latter. Preferably, the resistive heating element is common to the steam generator and at least one heating treatment surface.

[0040] According to a first embodiment, the apparatus is a hair brush. By "brush" is meant a hair treatment device comprising a single arm carrying a plurality of teeth between which the hair is received when the brush passes over the hair. The brush may comprise a single row of teeth, and is then otherwise called a comb, or comprise a plurality of rows of teeth. The brush may comprise a heated treatment surface. In a complementary or alternative manner, all or part of the teeth may be actively heated or not. The brush may also be capable of diffusing steam and include for this purpose a steam generator comprising a vaporization chamber associated with a resistive heating element.

[0041] According to a second embodiment, the apparatus is a hair straightener. By "hair straightener" is meant a hair treatment device comprising two arms articulated relative to each other around a hinge between an open configuration and a closed configuration. At least one arm, and preferably each arm, is equipped with a treatment surface in the form of a heating plate. During the operations of treating a lock of hair, the latter is introduced between the two arms in the open position, then the two arms are manually closed over the lock of hair. The latter is then subjected, until the two arms open and the lock of hair is extracted, to the heat emitted by the heating element, the apparatus being able to be moved along the lock.The hair straightener may also be capable of diffusing steam and for this purpose comprise a steam generator comprising a vaporization chamber associated with a resistive heating element, preferably common with one of the heating surfaces.

[0042] Preferably, the device has an electrical power of less than 800W, better still less than 500W.

[0043] Preferably again, the device has an electrical power greater than 250W in active operation.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a treatment head and a handpiece or gripping member, the treatment head and the gripping member extending substantially in the same longitudinal direction of the apparatus. In the case of a hair straightener type apparatus comprising two arms forming a clamp, each arm comprises a part forming a treatment head and a part forming a handpiece extending in the longitudinal extension of the part forming a treatment head. Thus, in the closed configuration, the handpiece formed of its two parts then brought together, is in the longitudinal extension of the two treatment parts, also closed.

[0045] Preferably, the handpiece (or part of the handpiece) has a width less than or equal to a width of the treatment head (or corresponding part of the treatment head). More preferably, the handpiece (or part) has a thickness less than or equal to 110% of the thickness of the treatment head (or part) (possible teeth not included in the thickness).

[0046] Advantageously, the battery is housed, at least partially, preferably entirely, in the handpiece or gripping member of the device (or part of the handpiece). Alternatively, the battery is housed, at least partially, or even entirely in the treatment head.

[0047] Advantageously, the solid electrolyte battery element is arranged at a distance of less than 3 cm from a heating element, better still, less than or equal to 1 cm, from a heating treatment surface or the steam generator.

[0048] Even more advantageously, the device comprises at least one battery element arranged at a distance greater than 3 cm, better still greater than or equal to 5 cm, from one end of a handpiece opposite the heating treatment surface.

[0049] Preferably, the battery is arranged so that the device has a substantially median center of gravity along a longitudinal axis of the device. Brief description of the drawings

[0050] Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which: 1. is a schematic representation of a hair brush capable of delivering steam to the hair. 2. is a schematic representation in longitudinal section of the brush of [Fig.l] showing a handle housing a water supply assembly for the vaporization chamber and a battery, also arranged in the handle. 3. is a schematic representation of a steam brush according to figures 1 and 2, the battery being arranged at the treatment head on one side opposite the treatment surface. 4. is a schematic representation of a steam brush according to figures 1 and 2, the battery being arranged between the treatment head and the handle. 5. is a schematic representation of a hair straightener, in particular capable of emitting steam, and comprising a solid electrolyte battery. Detailed description

[0051] Figures 1 to 2 are schematic representations of a hair brush 100 capable of distributing steam to the hair.

[0052] The hair brush 100 comprises a handle 110 for gripping it and a treatment head 120. The handle 110 extends substantially in the extension of the treatment head 120 along a longitudinal axis of the device, unlike, in particular, hair dryers in which the handle extends in a direction substantially transverse to the blowing treatment head.

[0053] The head 120 comprises a set of teeth 121 arranged on a support plate 122 in a plurality of rows. The rows of teeth 121 extend substantially along a longitudinal axis of the brush X. As indicated previously, the brush may comprise a single row of teeth, and it is then otherwise called a comb.

[0054] Furthermore, the handle 110 has a width less than a width of the head of treatment. The 110 handle also has a thickness less than or equal to 110% of the thickness of the treatment head (height of any teeth not included).

[0055] In the example shown, the support plate 122 is substantially flat and has a substantially rectangular shape extending in the extension of the gripping handle 122. It is obviously possible to have a curved support plate, the teeth 123 then being preferentially located on a concave surface of the support plate, or even a substantially semi-cylindrical or cylindrical support plate.

[0056] In a particular embodiment, the support plate 122 and / or the teeth 123 are heated. Preferably, only the teeth 123 or only the plate 122 are heated or comprises one or more heating zones / teeth and non-heating zones / teeth (thermally connected to a resistive heating element, in particular a PTC or an MCH).

[0057] In a complementary manner, the head 120 also comprises a plurality of steam outlets 130 emerging from the support plate 122. The steam outlets or nozzles 130 may be located between teeth 123 of one or more rows or be distinct and in particular arranged along an edge of the support plate 122.

[0058] Alternatively, the steam outlets 130 can be made in the teeth 123, and in particular open onto one side of these.

[0059] According to the embodiment shown, the steam nozzles 130 open between the teeth of the same row, in this case between the teeth of a middle row, thus forming a row of steam outlets 130 extending substantially in the extension of the handle 110.

[0060] The steam is conveyed to the steam outlets from a vaporization chamber (not visible) integrated into the device 100 through one or more diffusion channels passing through the support plate 122, and the teeth 123 if applicable. According to the example shown, the vaporization chamber is integrated into the support plate 122. Such elements are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0061] The vaporization chamber is itself supplied with liquid water from a reservoir 300 by a peristaltic pump 200 according to the present application, as shown in Figures 3 to 5. Preferably, the reservoir 300 is integrated into the device 100, in particular into the handle 110. It can advantageously be removable so that it can be easily filled. Otherwise, a filling orifice 301 can be provided in a wall of the handle 110. The filling orifice 301 may be equipped with a valve or flap to prevent any leakage of the liquid from the reservoir 300.

[0062] At least one wall of the vaporization chamber is thermally associated with a resistive heating element, in particular of the CTP or MCH type, so as to be able to be brought to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the water brought from the reservoir 300 by the pump 200. According to a particular embodiment, the resistive heating element is common to a resistive heating element of the treatment head 122. Alternatively, the resistive heating elements are distinct. This is particularly the case for steam straighteners usually comprising three resistive elements (one per treatment plate and one for the vaporization chamber).

[0063] The electrical consumption of such a device is between 100 and 400 watts, with in particular a power peak greater than 200 watts during a preheating phase which can last between 1 and 5 minutes depending on the temperature to be reached. The device is in particular configured so that the electrical power supply allows the heating elements of the treatment head to reach a temperature greater than 150°C, preferably greater than 180°C, or even up to 210 or 220°C.

[0064] The device, in particular its various electrical components, and in particular its resistive heating elements, is supplied with electricity by a secondary battery 123. In accordance with the present application, this secondary battery 123 comprises at least one element, or cell, with solid electrolyte.

[0065] More particularly, the secondary battery 123 comprises only solid electrolyte cells, in particular four solid electrolyte cells. The cells are assembled in series and configured to give the battery a discharge voltage of between 10 and 16 volts.

[0066] For example, it is possible to use solid electrolyte battery cells in pocket format, marketed by the company PROLOGIUM® (PCLB: Pouch Lithium Ceramic Battery).

[0067] The battery 123 is arranged at least partially inside the handle 110 ([Fig.2]), and is preferably completely arranged in the handle 110. However, as appears from the above description, the reservoir 300 and the pump 200 must also be housed in the handle, which greatly reduces the space available for the battery 123, and consequently, its possible size, and therefore its available power.

[0068] Solid electrolyte type batteries withstand a significantly higher operating temperature than liquid electrolyte lithium ion cells. Thus, the battery 123 can be placed inside the handle 110 less than 5 cm from a heating element, in particular less than 3 cm from a resistive heating element, the treatment head 122 and / or the vaporization chamber. The location of the battery 123 can thus be raised towards the treatment head 122 or even to the point of being housed in the treatment head 122.

[0069] Alternatively, the battery 123 is thus arranged in the treatment head 122, and in particular on a side opposite the heating treatment surface as shown in [Fig. 3], in particular on an inner surface of a shell forming the treatment head 122. As previously, the battery 123 will advantageously be arranged less than 5 cm from a heating element, in particular less than 3 cm from a resistive heating element, the treatment head and / or the vaporization chamber. Thus, the vaporization chamber can be arranged between the battery 123 and the resistive heating element, where appropriate common to the heating treatment surface.

[0070] Such a configuration makes it possible to free up more space in the handle 110 so as to be able to accommodate, for example, a larger capacity tank 300. Such a configuration also makes it possible to rebalance the distribution of masses within the device 100.

[0071] Alternatively, the battery 123 may advantageously be arranged astride ([Fig.4]), on either side of a junction between the handle 100 and the treatment head 122, preferably similarly on a side opposite the heating treatment surface and in particular on an interior surface of one or more shells forming the treatment head 122 and the handle 110. Preferably, the battery 123 is arranged so as to have on either side of the junction a substantially equivalent mass.

[0072] Furthermore, the battery 123 is advantageously placed at a distance greater than 3 cm from one end of the handle 110 opposite the treatment head. In particular, the reservoir 300 may be housed towards the rear of the handle of the device.

[0073] Such an arrangement makes it possible to better balance and distribute the masses within the device so as to make its handling more comfortable, ideally to obtain a center of gravity of the device substantially median along the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0074] Although illustrated by way of example mainly by a hair brush 100, the present application may also relate to other non-blowing heating household hairdressing appliances, whether or not distributing steam. An example of another appliance is a hair straightener 1000 as described in particular in document FR2967018A1 and comprising two arms 1001, 1002 articulated between an open configuration in which a lock of hair can be introduced between said arms 1001, 1002 and a closed configuration in which the lock of hair is pinched between the arms. One or each arm carries a heating plate 1011, 1012 arranged opposite the opposite arm and, where appropriate, the opposite plate). Each plate 1011, 1012 forms a heat treatment surface for the lock of hair and is brought to temperature by a resistive heating element arranged in thermal contact with said plate.

[0075] Thus, according to a second embodiment shown in [Fig.5], the device is a hair straightener 1000 and in particular a hair straightener capable of diffusing steam onto the hair.

[0076] The hair straightener 1000 comprises two arms 1001, 1002 articulated relative to each other around a hinge 1050 between an open configuration and a closed configuration. At least one arm 1001, 1002, and preferably each arm 1001, 1002 is equipped with a treatment surface in the form of a heating plate 1011, 1012. In addition, at least one of the arms (called lower because generally oriented downwards during treatment) houses a vaporization chamber capable of being supplied with liquid water to transform it into vapor which is then diffused in or near the corresponding heating plate of said arm through one or more nozzles. The vaporization chamber is supplied with liquid water from a reservoir 300 preferably integrated in an arm of the device, and in particular integrated (advantageously removably) in the lower arm.

[0077] In accordance with the present application, the hair straightener 1000 is powered by a solid electrolyte battery 1123. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 5], the solid electrolyte battery 1123 is advantageously arranged on or in the so-called upper arm, opposite the steam diffusion arm.

[0078] Advantageously, the battery 123 extends in a longitudinal direction of the upper arm and has an upstream edge arranged less than 3 cm or even less than 1 cm from an edge of the heating plate 1011 or of the corresponding heating element of said upper arm 1001.

[0079] The battery 123 may be arranged inside a shell forming the upper arm. Preferably, the battery is arranged on an inner side of said arm, i.e. towards the inside of the clamp. The arrangement of the battery 123 may induce a corresponding local excess thickness or protuberance on the inner surface (at the clamp) of the arm. Where appropriate, the opposite arm (lower, housing the vaporization chamber) may provide a corresponding recess or hollow 1123c forming a counter-form making it possible to ensure the reception of the excess thickness or bead of the upper arm in the closed position of the clamp.

[0080] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the battery 123 extends between the arms 1001, 1002. To do this, it can be fixedly mounted relative to the upper arm 1001, the lower arm 1002 having a receiving housing comprising side walls or cheeks capable of sliding along corresponding side walls of the battery when opening and closing the clamp forming the hair straightener.

Claims

Claims

1. A non-blowing hairdressing appliance (100, 1000) comprising a secondary battery power supply (123, 1123) configured to power at least one resistive heating element of the appliance, said appliance being characterized in that the secondary battery comprises at least one solid electrolyte battery element.

2. Apparatus (100, 1000) according to claim 1 characterized in that the resistive heating element is associated with at least one heating treatment surface (122, 1011, 1012) of the apparatus.

3. Apparatus (100, 1000) according to claim 2, characterized in that it is configured so that the heating treatment surface (122, 1011, 1012) is capable of reaching a temperature of at least 150°C, better still at least 180°C, even better still at least 210°C.

4. Apparatus (100, 1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the resistive heating element is of the variable impedance type, in particular a PTC or MCH.

5. Apparatus (100, 1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is capable of diffusing steam, the battery (123, 1123) being configured to power at least one resistive heating element of a steam generator of the apparatus.

6. Apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the apparatus is a hair brush.

7. Apparatus (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the apparatus is a hair straightener.

8. Apparatus (100, 1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it has an electrical power of less than 800W, better still less than 500W.

9. Apparatus (100, 1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it has an electrical power greater than 250W in active operation.

10. Apparatus (100, 1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a treatment head (121) and a handpiece (110) or gripping member, the treatment head and the gripping member extending substantially in the same longitudinal direction of the apparatus.

11. Apparatus (100, 1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the battery (123, 1123) is housed, at least par- initially, preferably entirely, in the handpiece or gripping member of the device.

12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the battery is housed, at least partially, or even entirely in the treatment head.

13. Apparatus (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that the battery (123) is arranged on one side of the treatment head (121) opposite the heating treatment surface.

14. Apparatus (100, 1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the solid electrolyte battery element is arranged at a distance of less than 3 cm from a heating element, a heating treatment surface or the steam generator.

15. Apparatus (100, 1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises at least one battery element arranged at a distance greater than 5 cm from one end of a handpiece opposite the heating treatment surface.

16. An electrical hairdressing appliance according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the battery is arranged so that the appliance has a substantially median center of gravity along a longitudinal axis of the appliance.