Hair styling device with liquid drainage system

Abstract

Hairdressing appliance with liquid drainage device. The invention relates to a hairdressing appliance (1) comprising: - a housing (111) having a compartment (30) for receiving a liquid reservoir (3), - a liquid transport device (2; 6; 32; 33) from the liquid reservoir (3), - a liquid drainage device (114) designed to drain, in the event of a liquid leak from the liquid transport device (2; 6; 32; 33), the liquid back to the compartment (30) for receiving the liquid reservoir, and - at least one electrical or electronic component (54), said drainage device (114) being arranged so that the electrical or electronic component (54) is fluidically isolated from the liquid in the event of a liquid leak from the liquid transport device (2; 6; 32; 33). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Hairdressing apparatus with liquid drainage device

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of household appliances and more specifically to hairdressing appliances, and particularly to hairdressing appliances equipped with a liquid transport device, in particular water, such as hairdressing appliances using steam to optimize hair styling. Previous technique

[0002] Numerous devices of this type have already been proposed. These devices generally include means for applying steam, internal heating plates between which strands can be pinched, particularly in the case of straightening, and / or heating plates on their external surfaces, particularly in the case of curling, or at least for giving them a wave. These devices are generally used by moving the device between the root and the tip of the hair, with or without wrapping the strand depending on the desired result and the type of device.

[0003] It is known, for example, from document WO 2004 / 002262, to use steam to improve the efficiency of hair styling appliances, and in particular hair straighteners. For example, as described in that document, the hair styling appliance is in the form of a straightening clamp, one of whose arms includes a liquid reservoir, a vaporization device, and a device for ejecting steam towards the hair.

[0004] It is also known, notably from patent EP 2 449 910, to use a peristaltic pump in a hair styling device to transport the liquid from the reservoir. The use of a peristaltic pump makes it possible to regulate the fluid flow rate in order to supply a means for vaporizing the fluid.

[0005] All of these constructions present a risk in the event of a liquid leak. Indeed, at least one of the arms includes the vaporization device as well as one or more liquid transport devices, such as hoses, conduits, a wick, or even a pump. Furthermore, as is the case, for example, in the first document mentioned, one of the arms of the device also includes the liquid reservoir. In other words, the hair styling device contains at least one liquid transport device, or even several liquid-containing components, within its housing. Consequently, there is a significant risk of liquid leaking onto electrical components. For example, the connection between the reservoir and the hose connecting it to the vaporization device may be faulty (incorrect connection, wear). (connectors, etc.) and leak, the hose can also become disconnected, for example, due to overpressure caused by limescale buildup in the appliance, or the hose itself may be defective (punctured, cracked, etc.). The reservoir itself may also be defective (punctured, cracked, etc., for example, due to an impact) and leak liquid. If the appliance has a pump, it too may be faulty and leak liquid. Therefore, there are several causes that could lead to a liquid leak inside one of the appliance's arms.

[0006] However, the presence of liquid, and in particular water, inside this type of device is undesirable. Indeed, these devices are generally electrical, at least insofar as they include a heating element to electrically heat a hair-styling surface, and may also contain various electrical and electronic components. Consequently, the presence of liquid inside these devices risks damaging their electrical and / or electronic components and thus leading to malfunction or even total failure of the hair styling device. Furthermore, the risk of electrocution for the user cannot be completely ruled out, especially since they hold the devices in their hand and handle them in close proximity to their head.

[0007] EP 3 869 993 is known to disclose a hair styling device comprising a liquid transport device and / or a liquid storage device, at least one electrical or electronic component, and a device for evacuating any liquid that may unexpectedly or accidentally enter the housing to the outside of the device. However, such a device requires precise positioning of the liquid transport and evacuation elements, including drainage ports on the housing and the pump, and sealing gaskets. Maintaining consistent sealing, particularly necessary during handling of the device, especially when changing the pump, can be difficult. Furthermore, liquid escaping near the heating elements on the housing can cause user discomfort due to the formation of unwanted vapor.

[0008] Thus, there is a need to further secure this type of device, whether for the components of the device itself or for the user, while maintaining the performance of the device and facilitating the handling of the device, in particular its repairability. Summary of the invention

[0009] The invention aims to meet all or part of this need and, according to a first aspect, relates to a hairdressing device comprising: - a housing with a compartment for receiving a liquid reservoir, - a device for transporting the liquid from the liquid reservoir, - a liquid evacuation device designed to evacuate, in the event of a liquid leak from the liquid transport device, the liquid to the receiving compartment of the liquid reservoir, and - at least one electrical or electronic component,

[0010] said evacuation device being arranged so that the electrical or electronic component is fluidically isolated from the liquid in the event of a liquid leak from the liquid transport device.

[0011] The invention makes it possible to secure the operation of the device thanks to a liquid evacuation device that prevents any unexpected or accidental leakage from the liquid transport device. The liquid evacuation can be carried out in a controlled and deliberate manner, by controlling the evacuation trajectory and / or the precise location where the liquid is evacuated. In other words, the invention makes it possible to evacuate any unexpectedly leaking liquid before it comes into contact with an electrical or electronic component. Consequently, any accidental contact between the liquid and this component is limited, and the safety of both the device and the user is improved. Indeed, the electrical or electronic components are less likely to be damaged, and the risk of electrocution for the user is considerably reduced.

[0012] Such control of the evacuation of liquid which would leak abnormally from a liquid transport device of a hairdressing appliance, to a receiving housing of a reservoir, constitutes a remarkable difference compared to prior art devices.

[0013] This liquid drainage system, directing the liquid to the reservoir's receiving compartment, eliminates the need for liquid drainage openings on the device's surface and avoids the need to search for a suitable location for such openings that is compatible with the device's functionality and user safety, particularly with regard to a surface-mounted electric heating element. Furthermore, the absence of any visible openings on the device's surface makes it more aesthetically pleasing to the user.

[0014] The invention also makes it possible to limit sealing problems in the liquid drainage device by increasing the possible layout options, since the liquid is drained into the reservoir housing, which is not a visible part of the device requiring a particular aesthetic. Furthermore, because the housing is closed when a liquid reservoir is inserted, leaks are limited and occur within the housing, which is devoid of any electrical connections. This also facilitates repairs to the device, particularly the replacement or repair of the transport mechanism, while also making it easier to achieve a good seal.

[0015] The liquid received in the reservoir is preferably water. However, it could be imagined, without departing from the scope of the invention, that the reservoir could also store a cosmetic product, possibly diluted in water. Liquid drainage device

[0016] The liquid evacuation device may include at least one through orifice, and preferably two through orifices, connecting the reservoir receiving housing and a liquid transport device receiving housing in the casing.

[0017] The orifice(s) are in particular holes with a diameter between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 1.5 mm. Liquid transport device

[0018] The liquid transport device is any device that allows liquid to be transported, whether by mechanical action, using a pump for example, or by capillary action, using a wick for example, or by gravitational action, for example by simple flow through a pipe or by any other means known to a person skilled in the art or by a combination of any of these means.

[0019] The liquid transport device may include a body defining a pumping chamber containing a liquid circulation element. The liquid transport device may also include a liquid pumping element within the liquid circulation element.

[0020] By "chamber" we mean any three-dimensional space intended to accommodate at least one element, in this case the fluid circulation organ.

[0021] The liquid transport device can be received in the housing in a housing designed to receive said transport device. This housing can extend between the housing for the reservoir and a housing for a vaporization and vapor distribution device of the apparatus. The transport device can be fluidically connected to a fluid inlet of the vaporization and vapor distribution device of the apparatus housed in the corresponding housing.

[0022] The liquid transport device can extend along a longitudinal axis, substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0023] The liquid transport device preferably includes a peristaltic pump. The peristaltic pump may include a pump body defining the pumping chamber housing a deformable pipe forming the liquid circulation element and intended to contain a liquid to be moved, in particular between a liquid inlet fluidly connected to the reservoir and a liquid outlet.

[0024] The peristaltic pump may include a rotary motor driving in rotation one or more fluid circulation rollers in the deformable tube configured to compress the tube in at least one of their positions.

[0025] The liquid transport device, in particular the peristaltic pump, may include a liquid drainage device, in particular designed to, in the event of a rupture of the liquid circulation element, in particular the deformable tube of the pump in the pumping chamber, drain the liquid from the pumping chamber to the outside of the transport device, in particular the pump. Said drainage device preferably communicates with said discharge device, in particular by means of a leak-proof connection between the two.

[0026] By "rupture" is meant any deterioration that could lead to a loss of seal of said component, that is to say, a leak of the liquid contained in the fluid circulation component. For example, this may result from a burst pipe, a crack or hole in the pipe, excessive porosity of the pipe, or even from an accidental disconnection or unplugging of the pipe, for example following overpressure due to scaling of the device. Drainage device

[0027] Advantageously, the fluid drainage device includes at least one hole, which allows the fluid flow path to be controlled in a very economical and safe manner. By "controlled path," it is meant that the point through which the fluid will drain, i.e., flow, is defined in advance. In other words, it is possible to know precisely where and how the fluid will drain. Advantageously, the diameter of the hole in the drainage device is between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0028] Preferably, the liquid drainage device comprises two holes, advantageously arranged close to each other, for example separated by a distance of between 1 mm and 5 mm, which increases the flow rate and therefore the drainage speed. The presence of multiple holes can also ensure drainage of the pumping chamber even if one of the holes becomes blocked. The total drainage area is thus, for example, between 1.5 mm² and 3.5 mm², particularly between 2 mm² and 2.5 mm².

[0029] The drainage device, in particular the hole(s), in particular the two holes, of the drainage device, is preferably offset transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the transport device, in particular defined by the longitudinal axis of a shaft of the rotary motor of the pump. The drainage device, in particular the hole(s), in particular the two holes, of the drainage device, is preferably offset transversely with respect to the shaft of the rotary motor. In particular, the line passing The two holes in the draining device are spaced a minimum distance of 2 mm from the shaft of the rotary motor.

[0030] The hole or holes, in particular the two holes, of the draining device each extend along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the liquid transport device, in particular to the shaft of the pump motor.

[0031] The hole(s), in particular the two holes, of the draining device are preferably arranged so as to cooperate in a watertight manner with the orifice(s) of the liquid discharge device, in particular each hole of the draining device is opposite an orifice of the discharge device. The draining and liquid discharge devices can thus communicate with each other by any watertight means. For example, the pump's draining device can be connected to the device's discharge device by means of a pipe, or the draining and discharge devices can be placed side by side and connected by a watertight connection, in particular a sealing gasket. This arrangement makes it possible, in particular, to have a particularly compact and inexpensive device since the distance between the draining and discharge devices is minimized.

[0032] Preferably, the liquid drainage device extends through the body of the transport device, in particular the pump body. The body of the transport device, in particular the pump body, may include a removable cover for the pumping chamber, with the liquid drainage device arranged through said cover. This design makes it possible to provide a transport device whose assembly and / or maintenance are facilitated by the presence of the cover, while ensuring controlled drainage of any liquid that may be inside the chamber.

[0033] Preferably, the body of the transport device is sealed except for the draining device.

[0034] The draining device may include any device passing through the body, in particular the cover, that is to say any device capable of connecting the pumping chamber and the outside of the pump at a place defined in advance by design.

[0035] Preferably, the draining device extends opposite a wall of the tank receiving housing, in particular on a wall of the transport device body opposite said wall of the tank receiving housing. Said wall may be a rear wall of the transport device body, that is to say, the wall of the transport device body opposite the vaporization and steam distribution device.

[0036] As mentioned previously, the liquid transport device, in particular the peristaltic pump, may include one or more sealing elements designed To contain the liquid within the pumping chamber, particularly in the event of a rupture of the liquid circulation element, a sealing element can be placed between the lid and the rest of the transport device body to maintain a seal at the lid. A sealing element can also be placed at the draining device to prevent liquid leakage from the drain. Thus, in the event of a rupture of the liquid circulation element, the liquid can be contained—that is, retained and preserved—within the pumping chamber and will not leak, or will leak only minimally, outside the transport device in an uncontrolled manner, but only through the draining device.Therefore, a possible rupture of the peristaltic pump tubing may have limited consequences since the liquid remains contained inside the pump without spilling out, as would normally be the case for pumps known from the prior art.

[0037] The fluid is preferably discharged solely through the drain device, i.e., at a well-defined location and advantageously along a controlled path, the location and advantageously the drainage path having been carefully defined in advance. Furthermore, given the sealing device, the drain device preferably constitutes the only possible passage point for any fluid that might be inside the pumping chamber. Consequently, fluid discharge solely through the drain device can be guaranteed, regardless of the device's orientation in space. Electrical or electronic component

[0038] As previously stated, the transport device may include a rotary motor, the pumping chamber containing a rotating shaft of said motor passing through the pump body in contact with the deformable pipe via one or more rollers.

[0039] The transport device may include a motor block separated from the pumping chamber by a partition wall in the body having an opening through which the motor shaft extends into the pumping chamber. The transport device may include a sealing element between the motor shaft and the pump body, in particular said partition wall, to seal the pumping chamber from the motor block. Consequently, in the event of a rupture of the deformable pipe, the liquid may not escape through the area between the drive shaft, which is a rotating moving part, and the body, which is a fixed part attached to the motor block.

[0040] Preferably, the draining device is arranged in the body on the side opposite the engine block receiving housing, in particular extending on the wall of the body opposite the engine block receiving housing.

[0041] Said sealing element may comprise a lip seal(s), and preferably a double-lip seal. This type of seal, and in particular the double-lip seal, may to ensure a very good seal between a rotating shaft, in this case the drive shaft, against which the lip(s) of the seal press, and a fixed part, in this case the pump body, in which the seal is held.

[0042] The liquid transport device, in particular the peristaltic pump, may include one or more electrical connection contacts, in particular electrical solder points, on one of its outer walls, in particular for supplying electrical power to the rotary motor. These electrical contacts may, at least in part or entirely, form the electrical or electronic component(s).

[0043] The hair styling device may, in addition, include one or more electrical or electronic heating elements, in particular heating elements of the vaporization chamber and / or heating plates of the device. Input and output connectors

[0044] The transport device may include an inlet connector intended to connect directly or indirectly to the liquid reservoir, in particular to receive a liquid suction conduit connected to the liquid reservoir, and / or an outlet connector intended to connect directly or indirectly to the liquid circulation element, in particular to receive a liquid discharge conduit connected to the liquid circulation element.

[0045] The outlet connector, in particular the discharge conduit connected to the outlet connector, can be connected on the other side to the vaporizing device, and the inlet connector, in particular the suction conduit connected to the inlet connector, can be configured to connect on the other side to the liquid reservoir.

[0046] Preferably, the input and output connectors extend from a side wall of the body relative to the longitudinal axis of the transport device.

[0047] The transport device may include one or two sealing elements at the input and output connectors.

[0048] Said sealing element may be a sealing plate, preferably made of silicone, through which each of said inlet and outlet connectors passes. Advantageously, the plate comprises two openings, and preferably two holes, each opening accommodating one of the connectors. This configuration makes it possible, in particular, to guarantee the sealing of the chamber, including at the connectors, in cases where the latter are added parts on the pump, for example, are not molded with the pump body or the cover. Furthermore, this solution allows the connectors to be removed without any damage to either the connectors or the pump itself. The use of a silicone plate is particularly advantageous and inexpensive when the two connectors are located close to each other and on the same plane forming a surface of the pump, as will be detailed later.

[0049] Alternatively, the transport device includes two sealing elements, each at one of the inlet and outlet connectors. The two sealing elements may be two O-rings. According to this alternative, each connector has its own O-ring positioned between the connector and the body of the transport device so as to ensure the pumping chamber is sealed at the connectors. This solution is particularly advantageous when the connectors are mounted on the transport device and are far apart and / or not in the same plane.

[0050] Advantageously, the inlet and outlet connectors are arranged in the same plane on a single external face of the transport device, in particular a lateral face relative to the longitudinal axis of the transport device. This results in a particularly compact transport device with all connections grouped on a single face, thus limiting the length of the conduits required at the inlet and outlet of the transport device. Preferably, the inlet and outlet connectors each have an elbow, advantageously of approximately 90°. Such connectors can facilitate the integration of the transport device by positioning it transversely to the suction and discharge conduits, respectively at the inlet and outlet of the transport device. Sealing gasket

[0051] The hair styling appliance, in particular the evacuation device, may include a sealing joint between the reservoir receiving housing and a transport device receiving housing, in particular between the reservoir receiving housing and the transport device.

[0052] The sealing gasket may in particular be located between the tank receiving housing and the pump draining device.

[0053] Alternatively, the sealing gasket may include a first portion forming a connecting element fluidly linking the liquid reservoir and the transport device, in particular directly linking the liquid reservoir and the suction line. The suction line may extend through a wall of the reservoir's receiving housing. The sealing gasket may further include a second portion forming the device for draining liquid from the apparatus between the reservoir's receiving housing and the transport device, in particular the pump's draining device.

[0054] The sealing gasket can be a sealing piece extending into a notch in a wall of the tank receiving housing.

[0055] The sealing gasket, in particular the sealing piece, may have at least one orifice, and preferably two orifices, extending between the receiving housing of the tank and the transport device, including the pump discharge device.

[0056] Alternatively, the sealing element, in particular the sealing component, may have at least two, and preferably three, orifices. At least one of the orifices may extend into the first portion of the sealing element and form a fluid outlet to the conveying device. At least one of the orifices may extend into the second portion of the sealing element and form an orifice of the discharge device. Sealing element

[0057] The hair styling device may include, in particular between the receiving housing of the transport device and the receiving housing of the vaporization and steam distribution device, a sealing element, in particular to prevent leakage of liquid towards the vaporization and steam distribution device.

[0058] Said sealing element may be a sealing plate, preferably made of silicone. The sealing element may have an opening for the passage of the outlet connector or the discharge conduit to the vaporization and steam distribution device. The opening is preferably fitted to the outlet connector or the discharge conduit and / or the device has a sealing gasket at the opening. This provides a seal at the opening around the discharge conduit. Hair styling tool

[0059] The hair styling device may include a suction duct fluidly connecting the liquid reservoir and the liquid transport device, in particular via the inlet connector, as mentioned above. In particular, the suction duct and / or the inlet connector may extend through a wall of the reservoir's receiving housing.

[0060] The hair styling device may comprise a first arm and a second arm, in particular articulated to each other by a hinge so as to form a hair styling clamp. The device forms, for example, a straightening clamp which allows for great ease of use and optimal styling results.

[0061] The housing can be formed from at least a portion of a first arm. The fluid transport device and said at least one electrical or electronic component are advantageously integrated into said first arm, in particular within said housing, in particular within a dedicated compartment of said housing, thus resulting in a relatively compact hair styling device. This configuration can also improve the repairability of the device: it is possible to replace only the hydraulic sub-assembly, rather than an entire arm of the device.

[0062] The first arm may include a first hair treatment surface by contact, in particular a heated surface or a surface comprising a heating element. The second arm may include a second hair treatment surface by contact, in particular a heated surface or a surface comprising a heating element.

[0063] The term "treatment surface" used above refers to any type of surface, regardless of its shape or dimensions, as long as it comes into contact with the hair at least at one point. The treatment surface may be continuous, for example, formed by a single piece, or discontinuous, for example, formed by a plurality of pieces. The treatment surface may, by way of illustration and without limitation, be:

[0064] - smooth and flat, for example by being formed by a smoothing plate,

[0065] - smooth and curved, for example by being formed by a mandrel, a roller or a tile,

[0066] - wavy, for example, comprising a succession of hollows and bumps, or

[0067] - damaged for example by including spikes or teeth.

[0068] The hair styling device, particularly the housing, may include at least one positioning feature, including a protruding feature, for the liquid transport device, particularly the peristaltic pump. In particular, the hair styling device, particularly the housing, may include two positioning features, including a protruding feature, for the liquid transport device. The positioning features may act as stops for external walls of the transport device body. The transport device may have a portion configured to extend into the transport device housing between a wall of the liquid reservoir housing and the positioning features, coming into contact with the wall of the liquid reservoir housing and the positioning features.

[0069] The hair styling device may include at least one snap-on device for securing the liquid transport device, in particular the peristaltic pump, in a housing for receiving the transport device. The snap-on device may include protruding features on the housing configured to contact the transport device and snap onto the body of the latter, in particular on the portion configured to extend into the housing of the transport device between a wall of the liquid reservoir housing and the positioning features. Brief description of the drawings

[0070] [Fig. 1] represents, schematically and partially, a hair styling device as described by the invention in a perspective view,

[0071] [Fig.2] illustrates, schematically and partially, the apparatus of [Fig.1] according to another orientation,

[0072] [Fig.3] illustrates, schematically and partially, in perspective the first arm of the apparatus of the [Fig.1],

[0073] [Fig.4] is a schematic and partial longitudinal section of the arm of the [Fig.3],

[0074] [Fig.5] is a schematic and partial view of the liquid transport device, issued of the [Fig.4],

[0075] [Fig.6A] illustrates, schematically and partially, a peristaltic pump according to the invention in a perspective view,

[0076] [Fig.6B] illustrates, schematically and partially, the peristaltic pump of [Fig.6A] according to a front view,

[0077] [Fig.6C] is an exploded, schematic and partial view of the peristaltic pump of [Fig.6A],

[0078] [Fig.7A] is a schematic and partial cross-section of the arm of [Fig.5], according to a perspective view,

[0079] [Fig.7B] is another schematic and partial cross-section of the arm of the [Fig.5],

[0080] [Fig.8A] is a schematic and partial view of a sealing element, from the [Fig.4],

[0081] [Fig.8B] is a top view of [Fig.8A]. Detailed description

[0082] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a hairdressing device 1 and more specifically a straightening clamp, comprising a first arm 11 and a second arm 12 connected to each other by a hinge 13 disposed substantially at the end of each of said first arm 11, and second arm 12. Thus the arms are mobile relative to each other according to a rotational movement and more specifically of clamping.

[0083] As can be seen in [Fig. 3], the first arm 11 comprises a first hair-treatment surface 112 for contact, in this case a heating plate. The second arm 12 comprises a second hair-treatment surface 122 for contact, complementary to the first treatment surface 112. Preferably, the second hair-treatment surface 122 for contact is also heated.

[0084] In a manner well known as such, the hinge 13 allows the user to open the straightening clamp to introduce a strand of hair between the processing surfaces 112, 122, and then to close the clamp on the strand of hair to perform the shaping, generally a straightening.

[0085] The hair styling appliance 1 is further equipped with a steam vaporization and distribution device 4. More specifically, the steam vaporization and distribution device 4 comprises a vaporization means 41, in this case a a vaporization chamber, observable in [Fig. 4], and a diffusion means 42 for the vapor thus produced, directed towards a strand of hair. The diffusion means 42 may, in particular, be formed by a series of orifices, as illustrated, or by a diffusion slit or groove. Such elements are well known to those skilled in the art, and are detailed, for example, in patent EP 2 449 909.

[0086] As can be seen in [Fig. 2], the apparatus 1 also includes a liquid storage device, in this case a reservoir 3. Preferably, the reservoir 3 is intended to store water. However, it could be imagined, without departing from the scope of the invention, that the reservoir 3 could also store a cosmetic product, possibly diluted in water.

[0087] According to the illustrated invention, the reservoir 3 is integrated into the first arm 11 in a housing 30 provided for this purpose. However, it is perfectly possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, for the reservoir to be separate from the first arm 11 and the second arm 12. The reservoir can, in fact, be located at a distance from the first arm 11 and the second arm 12, and be located, for example, in a remote base (i.e., located at a distance from the gripper) connected to one of the arms by a cord capable of transporting the liquid. Such an arrangement is, for example, described in the applicant's patent EP 2 449 912.

[0088] As can be seen in [Fig. 4], the device 1 comprises a housing 111 formed by the first lower section 11, the housing including, in particular, the reservoir housing 30. However, although not illustrated, it is perfectly conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, that the housing could be formed by the previously mentioned offset base.

[0089] The housing 111 thus forms an enclosure, for example made of plastic material, further comprising at least one liquid transport device 2 and an electrical or electronic component, such as, for example, a heating element (e.g., a PTC), an electric motor 5 and its associated connections, a temperature sensor, a capacitor, an electronic board, etc. Generally, these elements are very sensitive to any contact with a liquid, and in particular water, such contact being able to cause damage to them, or even their destruction, and even generate a risk of electrocution.

[0090] The housing 111 further includes a liquid evacuation device 114 designed to evacuate the liquid in the event of a liquid leak from the liquid transport device 2, to the receiving housing 30 of the reservoir 3, in particular to the reservoir 3. The evacuation device 114 is arranged so that the liquid cannot come into contact with the electrical or electronic component(s).

[0091] In order to supply the vaporization and vapor distribution device 4 with liquid, and preferably water, the illustrated liquid transport device 2 comprises a peristaltic pump 6 and conduits 32, 33. The liquid transport device 2 also includes a motor 5 connected to the peristaltic pump 6 and intended to move the various moving parts of the peristaltic pump 6 and thus to move the liquid from the reservoir 3 to the vaporization and steam distribution device 4. The electric motor 5 includes in particular electrical or electronic components 54 on its distal face.

[0092] As can be seen in [Fig. 5], the housing 111 also includes two positioning walls 70 for the pump 6, located on either side of the pump and ensuring the position and locking of a portion of the pump 6 in the device 1 within the housing 111, between a wall of the reservoir housing 30 at the rear of the pump and said positioning walls 70 laterally to the pump. The housing 111 also includes a snap-fit ​​device 66 for holding the pump 6 in the housing 69 for receiving the transport device 2 within the housing 111, the snap-fit ​​being achieved, for example, at the inlet connector 61 and outlet connector 62.

[0093] According to the illustrated invention, the transport device 2 is integrated into the first arm 11 as can be seen in [Fig.4], but it can, without departing from the scope of the invention, be integrated, at least in part, into the remote base mentioned above in the case where the receiving housing of the tank 30 is remote into a base.

[0094] As can be seen in Figures 4 to 6C, the peristaltic pump 6 includes, in particular, a pump body 60. An inlet connector 61 is arranged on the pump body 60 to connect the peristaltic pump 6 to a suction line 32, which is itself connected to the reservoir 3. An outlet connector 62 is arranged on the pump body 60 to connect the peristaltic pump to the liquid consumption device 4, via a discharge line 33. More specifically, each of the inlet connectors 61 and outlet connectors 62 passes through the pump body 60. Thus, a portion of each of the inlet connectors 61 and outlet connectors 62 protrudes outside the pump, and a portion of each of the inlet connectors 61 and outlet connectors 62 protrudes inside the pump. that is to say, in room 68.The portion of the inlet connector 61 and outlet connector 62 protruding outside the pump is then connected respectively to the suction line 32 and the discharge line 33, as can be seen in [Fig. 5]. The portion of the inlet connector 61 and outlet connector 62 protruding into the chamber 68 is then connected to a deformable pipe 63.

[0095] The inlet connectors 61 and outlet connectors 62 can be positioned on the same face of the pump body 60, even if said face is of limited size. Indeed, the inlet connectors 61 and outlet connectors 62 can be positioned side by side, as illustrated, or even be in contact with each other, which allows for This design limits the size of the peristaltic pump 6 and simplifies the routing of the suction ducts 32 and discharge ducts 33. Indeed, the suction duct 32 and the discharge duct 33 are practically aligned with each other, that is, in the same plane and almost along the same straight line. Furthermore, each of these ducts enters and exits the peristaltic pump 6 from the same face of the pump, i.e., from a single side. It is therefore possible to position the peristaltic pump 6 in a particularly confined and difficult-to-access location, since only one face of the pump needs to be accessible to connect the suction ducts 32 and 33.

[0096] As illustrated in Figures 6A to 6C, the pump body 60 also includes a cover 64 cooperating with the pump body 60 to define a chamber 68. In particular, the assembly of the various internal components is facilitated. Furthermore, the peristaltic pump 6 can be disassembled and reassembled at will, without any damage, for example, to work on the internal components.

[0097] Figure 6C shows the various components of the peristaltic pump 6. The chamber 68 contains a deformable tube 63, a rotor 65 comprising one or more pressure elements 651 connected to the rotor by a support 653, and one or more springs 652. The deformable tube 63 is fixed and connected on one side to the inlet connector 61 and on the other side to the outlet connector 62, forming a loop. The rotor 65 is located at the center of the loop and is driven in rotation by a drive shaft 51 passing through the pump body 60 and connected to a motor shaft of the electric motor 5. The rotor 65 is guided in rotation by a bearing 645 housed in the cover 64.During the rotation of the drive shaft 51, pressure elements 651, such as rollers, intermittently compress the deformable tube 63. Their movement, resulting from the rotation of the rotor 65, creates a suction effect and also displaces the liquid inside the deformable tube 63. Thus, the liquid is drawn in from one side of the pump 6 and expelled from the other. This operation is quite standard and characteristic of peristaltic pumps known to those skilled in the art, and therefore is not described in further detail here. The peristaltic pump 6 and the electric motor 5 are both connected to a mounting plate 52, for example, by means of screws 53.

[0098] As can be seen in [Fig.6C], the peristaltic pump 6 comprises several sealing elements 661, 662, 663.

[0099] More specifically, the peristaltic pump 6 includes a first sealing element 661 disposed between the drive shaft 51 and the pump body 60. More specifically, the first sealing element 661 is a lip seal and preferably a double-lip seal. Such a seal is indeed very efficient for ensure a perfect seal against any liquid between a rotating part, in this case the drive shaft 51, and a fixed part, in this case the pump body 60 (or possibly the cover 64). Thus, thanks to the presence of this first sealing element 661, any liquid that might be inside the chamber 68, for example in the event of a rupture of the deformable pipe 63, or accidental disconnection of the inlet and / or outlet connector, could not escape outside the chamber towards the motor 5, i.e. outside the peristaltic pump 6, through the gap, i.e. the functional clearance between the drive shaft 51 and the pump body 60. The first sealing element 661 ensures both the proper rotation of the drive shaft 51 relative to the pump body 60 (or possibly the cover) while also ensuring a seal between these two parts.

[0100] According to the illustrated embodiment, the peristaltic pump 6 also includes a second sealing element 662 disposed between the cover 64 and the rest of the pump body 60, as can be seen in [Fig. 6C]. This second sealing element 662 is advantageously formed by a gasket with a circular cross-section. The second sealing element 662 is then disposed around the chamber 68, near the edge, i.e., the periphery of the cover 64 and the rest of the pump body 60. As can be seen in [Fig. 6C], the second sealing element 662 follows the contour of the pump body 60 and the cover 64, and thus replicates its shape. The second sealing element 662 forms almost a loop upon itself; however, it has two edges, i.e., it is not closed upon itself.Thus, once installed between the pump body and the cover, the second sealing element 662 takes on the shape of a horseshoe or even the capital Greek letter Omega. The presence of this second sealing element 662 thus ensures a seal between the pump body 60 and the cover 64, while allowing the cover 64 to be disassembled and reassembled. However, it should be noted that this second sealing element 662 does not go all the way around the pump body 60. In other words, the second sealing element is not located on the entire periphery of the chamber 68 but on at least 60% and preferably 80% of the periphery of the chamber 68. The remaining portion of the periphery is then closed by a third sealing element 663, as will be described in more detail below, which ensures a complete seal between the pump body 60 and the cover 64, and therefore a seal for the chamber 68.

[0101] As can be seen in [Fig. 6C], the peristaltic pump 6 also includes a third sealing element 663. This element comprises a plate through which the inlet connectors 61 and outlet connectors 62 pass. Preferably, the plate is made of silicone, or any other material capable of providing a seal. The plate then comprises Two openings allow the passage of the inlet connector 61 and outlet connector 62. The plate is made of a material sufficiently elastic to ensure a seal around said inlet connector 61 and outlet connector 62. The plate is thus in contact with the inlet connector 61 and outlet connector 62, the pump body 60, and also the cover 64, as can be seen in [Fig. 6C]. This plate, in conjunction with the second sealing element 662 described previously, remarkably completes the sealing of the chamber 68, that is to say, it completes the seal between the cover 64 and the pump body 60, by closing the periphery of the chamber.

[0102] Thus, thanks to the combined presence of the sealing elements described above, namely the first sealing element 661, the second sealing element 662, and the third sealing element 663, the chamber 68 is sealed. Consequently, if liquid were to accidentally escape from the deformable tube 63 and enter the chamber 68, the liquid, generally water, would be trapped in the chamber 68 without being able to escape. This results in a peristaltic pump that is particularly safe because it is completely sealed, that is, it cannot allow any liquid to escape, even if its deformable tube ruptures.

[0103] The pump 6 further includes a drain device 67 designed to, in the event of a rupture of the deformable tube 63 of the peristaltic pump 6, drain the liquid from the chamber 68 to the outside of the peristaltic pump 6 along a controlled trajectory. This drain device 67 is particularly effective when used in conjunction with a device 1 that includes a liquid discharge device 114.

[0104] The draining device 67 is arranged through the closing cover 64. This construction makes it possible to offer a peristaltic pump 6 whose assembly and / or possible maintenance are facilitated, thanks to the presence of the cover 64, while ensuring a controlled evacuation of the liquid that could be inside the chamber 68.

[0105] The liquid drainage device 114 comprises two orifices 1141 arranged side by side. Each orifice 1141 connects the receiving chamber 30 of the reservoir 3 to the receiving chamber 69 of the liquid transport device in the housing. Using two separate orifices ensures sufficient drainage flow and guarantees a minimum flow rate if one of the orifices 1141 becomes obstructed. However, a single orifice or more than two orifices could be provided. Each orifice 1141 is a hole with a diameter of approximately 1.2 mm. Thus, the possible drainage area is approximately 2.26 mm². The holes are separated by approximately 2.5 mm.

[0106] The draining device 67 of the peristaltic pump 6 communicates with the discharge device 114. As can be seen in Figures 5, 7A and 7B, the The draining device 67 is located opposite the discharge device 114. In other words, the draining device 67 is located opposite the discharge device 114. More precisely, the draining device 67 has two holes 671, and the discharge device 114 also has two openings 1141, each of the holes 671 belonging to the draining device 67 extending opposite, that is, directly opposite, an opening 1141 of the discharge device 114. However, a different number of openings could be provided. For example, the draining device could have a single large hole and the discharge device two smaller holes, both opposite the large hole, or vice versa.

[0107] Each of the holes 671 here has a diameter of approximately 1.2 mm, corresponding to a discharge area of ​​2.26 mm². The holes are preferably spaced 2.5 mm apart. Thus, when liquid accidentally enters the chamber 68 of the pump 6, it is possible to control the flow path of the liquid at a precise, pre-determined, and pre-selected location. For example, the location of the drain device 67 allows the liquid, as it flows, to be diverted away from any electrical or electronic components.

[0108] Advantageously, the evacuation section of the drain device 67 and that of the evacuation device 114 are substantially identical and of the order of 2.26 mm2, which guarantees the total flow of the liquid which may be in the chamber 68 of the pump 6 without funneling phenomenon.

[0109] The draining device 67, in particular the two holes 671, is offset transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis X of a shaft of the motor 5. In the illustrated example, the line passing through the two holes 671 of the draining device 67 is spaced at a distance of 4 mm from the shaft of the rotary motor.

[0110] The two holes 671 of the draining device 67 each extend along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the motor shaft 5.

[0111] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 111 includes a sealing gasket 20 extending between the housing 30 for receiving the reservoir 3 and the housing 69 for receiving the liquid transport device. The gasket 20 is manually inserted into the housing 111 during its manufacture. Sealing is ensured by the tight assembly of the components within the housing 111, particularly the support of the rear of the transport device against the sealing gasket 20.

[0112] In the illustrated example, a first portion 201 of the sealing gasket 20 corresponds to the drainage device 114. This means that the sealing gasket 20 has two orifices 1141, located opposite the holes 671 of the drainage device 67. The junction between the holes 674 of the drainage device 67 and the orifices 1141 of the sealing gasket 20 is watertight.

[0113] Thanks to this, in the event of a rupture of the deformable tube of the peristaltic pump 6 of the device 1, the liquid would then be evacuated in a controlled, design-defined manner, i.e. thoughtfully, only by the evacuation device 114, and via the drain device 67 of the peristaltic pump 6, so that the liquid cannot come into contact with any electrical or electronic component located inside the housing 111. In other words, the electrical or electronic components are protected from any possible liquid, even in the event of a failure within the peristaltic pump 6, which considerably improves the safety of the device 1, both for the device itself (its electrical or electronic components) and for the user (risk of electrocution).

[0114] A second portion 202 of the sealing joint 20 has an orifice 2021 allowing a sealed fluid connection to be established between the reservoir 3 and the suction conduit 32 or the inlet connector 61.

[0115] As can be seen in Figures 8A and 8B, the housing 111 further comprises a sealing element 21, in particular in the form of a sealing plate, for example made of silicone, in particular substantially in the shape of a Z. The sealing element 21 is arranged so as to separate the receiving housing 69 of the transport device from a receiving housing of the vaporization and steam distribution device 692. This makes it possible to separate and seal the pump housing 69, which includes fluid connections, from the vaporization and steam distribution device with its corresponding electrical connections, in particular in connection with the heating element of the vaporization means 41.

[0116] The sealing element 21 also includes an opening 210 for the passage of the outlet connector 62 or the discharge conduit 33 to the vaporization and steam distribution device 4. The opening 210 is preferably fitted to the outlet connector 62 or the discharge conduit 33 and / or the device 1 includes a sealing gasket at the opening 210. This provides a seal at the opening 210 around the discharge conduit 33.

[0117] The distal face of the motor 5 comprising the electrical or electronic component(s) 54 is preferably spaced from the sealing member 21 by a space E sufficient to allow the establishment of the relevant electrical connections.

[0118] The invention is not limited to the example just described. In an unillustrated embodiment, the peristaltic pump has inlet and outlet connectors arranged in different planes, for example at opposite external faces of the transport device.

[0119] In another variant not shown, the liquid evacuation device is an element, in particular a sealing gasket, isolated from a connecting member linking fluidly the liquid reservoir and the suction duct. This means that the evacuation device and the said connecting element are two different parts of the device, namely two seals.

Claims

Demands

1. Hairdressing apparatus (1) comprising - a housing (111) having a housing (30) for receiving a liquid reservoir (3), - a liquid transport device (2; 6; 32; 33) from the liquid reservoir (3), - a liquid evacuation device (114) designed to evacuate, in the event of a liquid leak from the liquid transport device (2; 6; 32; 33), the liquid to the housing (30) for receiving the liquid reservoir, and - at least one electrical or electronic component (54), said evacuation device (114) being arranged so that the electrical or electronic component (54) is fluidically isolated from the liquid in the event of a liquid leak from the liquid transport device (2; 6; 32; 33).

2. Hairdressing apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the liquid evacuation device (114) comprises at least one through orifice (1141), and preferably two through orifices (1141), connecting the receiving housing (30) of the reservoir (3) and a receiving housing (69) of the liquid transport device (2; 6; 32; 33) in the housing (111).

3. Hairdressing apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the orifice(s) (1141) are holes having a diameter between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 1.5 mm.

4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid transport device (2) comprises a peristaltic pump (6), the peristaltic pump comprising a pump body (60) defining a pumping chamber (68) housing a deformable pipe (63) forming a liquid circulation element and intended to contain a liquid to be moved between a liquid inlet (61) fluidly connected to the reservoir (3) and a liquid outlet (62), and a liquid draining device (67) designed to, in the event of rupture of the deformable pipe (63) of the pump in the pumping chamber (68), drain the liquid from the chamber (68) to the outside of the pump (6), said draining device (67) communicating with said discharge device (114).

5. Hairdressing apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the pump body (60) has a closing cover (64) of the pumping chamber (68) and the liquid draining device (67) is arranged through the closing cover (64).

6. Hairdressing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport device (2) includes an inlet connector (61) intended to receive a suction conduit (32) connected to the liquid reservoir (3).

7. Hairdressing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the evacuation device (114) comprises a sealing joint (20) between the housing (30) for receiving the reservoir (3) and a housing (69) for receiving the transport device (2; 6; 32; 33), in particular the pump draining device (67).

8. Hairdressing apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the sealing joint (20) is a sealing piece extending into a notch in a wall of the housing (30) for receiving the reservoir (3), the sealing piece having at least one orifice (1141), and preferably two orifices (1141), extending between the housing (30) for receiving the reservoir (3) and the transport device (2; 6; 32; 33), in particular the pump draining device (67).

9. Hairdressing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises a sealing joint (20) between the housing (30) for receiving the reservoir (3) and a housing (69) for receiving the transport device (2; 6; 32; 33), the sealing joint (20) comprising: - a first portion (202) forming a connecting element fluidly linking the liquid reservoir (3) and the transport device (2; 6; 32; 33), in particular a suction conduit (32) extending through a wall of the housing (30) for receiving the reservoir (3), and - a second portion (201) forming the evacuation device (114) between the housing (30) for receiving the reservoir (3) and the transport device (2; 6; 32; 33), in particular the pump draining device (67).

10. Hairdressing appliance according to the preceding claim, wherein the sealing gasket (20) is a sealing piece extending into a notch in a wall of the housing (30) receiving the tank (3), the sealing piece having at least two orifices (1141; 2021), and preferably three orifices (1141; 2021), at least one of the orifices (2021) extending into the first portion (202) and forming a fluid outlet to the transport device (6; 32) and at least one of the orifices (1141) extending into the second portion (201) and forming an orifice of the discharge device (114).

11. Hairdressing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first arm (11) and a second arm (12) articulated to each other by a hinge (13) so as to form a hair-shaping clamp (1), the housing (111) being formed by at least a part of one of the arms (11).

12. Hairdressing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises at least one relief (70) for positioning the transport device (2), in particular the peristaltic pump (6).

13. Hairdressing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises at least one snap-on device (66) for fixing the transport device (2), in particular the pump (6), in a receiving housing (69) of the transport device (2).

14. Hairdressing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising, between the housing (69) for receiving the transport device (2) and the housing for receiving the vaporization and steam distribution device (4), a sealing element (21).

15. Hairdressing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport device (2; 6; 32; 33), in particular the peristaltic pump (6), comprises one or more sealing elements (661; 662; 663) designed to contain the liquid inside the pumping chamber (68) in the event of rupture of the deformable tube (63).

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