Improved hair care device and system

Abstract

Enhanced Hair Care Device and System The hair care device comprises a body (4), one or more functional components, an electrical control unit (50) for controlling the operating parameters of the functional components according to several operating modes, including custom operating modes, an accessory (6) configured for removable mounting on the body (4), and a detection system configured for detecting and identifying the accessory (6) mounted on the body (4). The electrical control unit (50) is configured so that, when the electrical control unit implements a first custom operating mode (M1) and the detection system (34) detects the mounting of the accessory (6) on the body (4), it automatically switches to a second custom operating mode (M2) specifically associated with the accessory (6). Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Improved hair care device and system

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of hair care, and in particular to hair drying.

[0002] For drying and / or styling hair, it is possible to use a hair drying device (or "hair dryer") configured to generate a flow of hot air that the user can direct onto the hair to dry and / or style it.

[0003] The hair dryer includes, for example, a body having an air outlet for the outlet of the airflow and an accessory configured to be mounted removably on the body to modify one or more parameters of the airflow exiting the body, such as, for example, the shape of the airflow or the speed of the airflow outlet.

[0004] One of the aims of the invention is to provide a hair drying device that has improved operation.

[0005] To this end, the invention proposes a hair care device comprising a body, one or more functional organs, an electrical control unit configured to control operating parameters of the functional organs according to several operating modes including one or more personalized operating modes, an accessory configured to be removably mounted on the body, a detection system configured for the automatic detection and identification of the accessory mounted on the body, in which the electrical control unit is configured to, when the electrical control unit implements a first personalized operating mode and the detection system detects the mounting of the accessory on the body, automatically switch to a second personalized operating mode specifically associated with the accessory.

[0006] The functional components of the hair dryer may include an airflow generator configured to generate an airflow, a heating device configured to generate the airflow, a lighting device configured to heat the airflow and / or the hair by infrared radiation, and / or a plasma device configured to generate plasma near the hair. Each functional component is provided, for example, on the body or on an accessory.

[0007] The electrical control unit allows for the implementation of different operating modes, each operating mode differing from each other operating mode by one or more operating parameters.

[0008] Operating parameters may include the power supply of the airflow generator, the airflow rate, the power supply of the air heating device, the airflow temperature, and the power power supply of the light device, a wavelength of light generated by the light device and / or a power supply of a plasma device.

[0009] Different operating modes allow the user to choose an operating mode according to the nature of the hair to be treated, the treatment that the user wishes to perform on the hair and / or on the scalp and / or the hairstyle to be created.

[0010] The emission of light with certain wavelengths can be used to treat hair and / or scalp conditions. Certain wavelengths (particularly infrared waves) have biological effects on the scalp and effects on scalp inflammation.

[0011] Each operating mode can be a predefined operating mode, i.e. present natively in the hair care device, or a customized operating mode, i.e. one or more parameters of which have been chosen by the user.

[0012] The electrical control unit configured to implement customized modes allows the user to define operating modes according to their preferences and / or the nature of their hair and / or the treatments they wish to perform.

[0013] The automatic switching from a first customized operating mode to a second customized operating mode associated with the accessory upon detection of the accessory's attachment to the body allows for automatic switching to the second customized operating mode without the user needing to access a user interface. This improves ergonomics and facilitates the use of the hair care device.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the operating modes include at least one predefined operating mode. The provision of one or more predefined operating modes allows the user to have operating modes with common combinations of operating parameters, adapted for different hair care, different hair types and / or different hairstyles to be achieved.

[0015] Advantageously, the electronic control unit is configured to allow the setting of a custom operating mode from a predefined operating mode and / or from another custom operating mode. This makes it easy to create custom operating modes from existing operating modes.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the electrical control unit is configured to save several user profiles and to assign a personalized operating mode to one of the user profiles. The user can thus Select a user profile and use the custom operating modes assigned to that user profile.

[0017] Preferably, the first custom operating mode and the second custom operating mode between which the electronic control unit switches upon detection of the mounting of the accessory on the body are associated with the same user profile.

[0018] Advantageously, the electronic control unit is configured to switch to a predefined operating mode associated with the accessory whose mounting is detected when no custom operating mode associated with the accessory is available.

[0019] Preferably, the electronic control unit is configured to switch to a predefined operating mode associated with the accessory whose mounting is detected when no custom operating mode associated with the accessory and assigned to a user profile being selected is available.

[0020] Switching to a predefined default operating mode allows switching to an operating mode associated with the accessory, whose settings are adapted to the accessory, even if no operating mode associated with the accessory and / or a user profile being selected is available.

[0021] The hair care device preferably comprises an air circulation passage extending into the body and opening into an air outlet, the functional component(s) including an airflow generator for generating an airflow through the air circulation passage. The operating parameters of each operating mode preferably include a power supply for the airflow generator and / or an airflow rate. The air generator comprises, for example, a ventilation unit including a propeller and a drive motor for rotating the propeller.

[0022] The functional component(s) include, for example, a heating device configured to heat an airflow generated by the airflow generator, the operating parameters of each operating mode preferably including a power supply for the heating device and / or a heating power for the heating device. Heating the airflow allows for rapid drying and facilitates hair styling.

[0023] The functional component(s) including, for example, a lighting device configured for generating a light flux or luminous flux, the operating parameters of each operating mode preferably including a power supply to the lighting device and / or a thermal power irradiated by the lighting device and / or a wavelength of the luminous flux generated by the lighting device. The luminous flux is preferably an infrared flux. The emission An infrared beam allows for the radiant heating of air exiting the hair care device or the hair itself. Using an infrared beam can improve drying and / or result in a gentler drying process for the hair.

[0024] The functional component(s) include, for example, a plasma device configured for plasma generation, the operating parameters of each operating mode preferably including a power supply for the plasma device. Plasma generation provides hair care through the ions present in the plasma.

[0025] The invention also relates to a hair care system comprising a hair care device as defined above and a user interface system configured for the selection, by a user, of an operating mode from among the personalized operating modes and, optionally, one or more predefined operating modes.

[0026] Advantageously, the user interface system includes a local user interface located on the hair care device and / or a remote user interface located on an electronic device separate from the hair care device and in communication with the hair care device, the remote user interface being, for example, implemented on an electronic device, preferably portable or handheld, in particular on a smartphone, a digital tablet or a smartwatch.

[0027] A local user interface allows the user to interact with the hair care device without having to resort to another electronic device.

[0028] A remote user interface on an electronic device separate from the hair care device allows, for example, the use of an electronic device having an ergonomic terminal, such as a large touch screen.

[0029] The hair care device preferably includes a communication unit enabling the hair care device to exchange electronic signals with a corresponding communication module of the electronic device.

[0030] The communication unit is preferably configured to perform wireless communication, for example according to one or more protocols from WIFI®, Bluetooth®, ANT+®...

[0031] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic view of a hair care system including a hair care device;

[0033] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a block diagram illustrating elements of the healthcare system capillary of the [Fig.l];

[0034] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] illustrates a hair care process that can be implemented with the hair care system shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0035] The hair care system 1 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a hair care device 2 having a body 4 and an accessory 6 configured to be removably mounted on the body 4.

[0036] The hair care device 2 comprises one or more functional components. Each functional component has operating parameters. Each functional component is located on the body 4 or on the accessory 6.

[0037] Each functional organ is configured for the performance of a hair care service, either alone or jointly with one or more of the other functional organs of the hair care device 2.

[0038] The hair care device 2 preferably includes an air circulation passage 8 extending into the body 4, the air circulation passage 8 being supplied with outside air from at least one air inlet 10 and opening outside the body 4 through an air outlet 12.

[0039] Accessory 6 is configured for example to modify at least one parameter of an airflow F exiting through the air outlet 12. Accessory 6 is for example a nozzle or diffuser configured to modify the shape of the airflow F and / or to modify the speed of the airflow F.

[0040] The functional component(s) include, for example, an airflow generator 14 for generating an airflow through the air circulation passage 8. The airflow generator 14 includes, for example, a propeller 16 and a motor 18 for driving the propeller 16 in rotation so as to generate an airflow. The airflow generator 14 is preferably located inside the air circulation passage 8.

[0041] Operating parameters of the airflow generator 14 include, for example, a supply power of the airflow generator 14 and / or a flow rate of the airflow generated by the airflow generator 14.

[0042] The functional organ(s) include, for example, a heating device 20 configured to heat an airflow generated by the airflow generator 14. The heating device 20 includes, for example, heating elements 22 arranged in the air circulation passage 8 and configured to generate heat by Joule effect when supplied with electricity, to heat the airflow circulating in the air circulation passage 8.

[0043] Operating parameters of the heating device 20 include, for example, a supply power of the heating device 20 and / or an airflow temperature, in particular an airflow temperature downstream of the heating device 20 in the air circulation passage 8.

[0044] The functional component(s) include, for example, a light device 24 configured for generating a light beam, preferably an infrared light beam. The light device 24 is, for example, configured to emit the light beam in a direction of ejection of the airflow at the air outlet 12, preferably converging towards a convergence point located at a distance from the air outlet 12, for example, between 5 cm and 30 cm. The light device 24 includes, for example, one or more light sources 26 and an optical reflector 28 configured to form a light beam from the light generated by the light source(s) 26.

[0045] The light device 24 is, for example, arranged on the body 4. In one particular embodiment, the light device 24 is annular in shape and surrounds the air outlet 12. It comprises several light sources 26 distributed around the air outlet 12.

[0046] Operating parameters of the light device 24 including for example a supply power of the light device 24 and / or a thermal power irradiated by the light device 24 and / or a wavelength of the luminous flux generated by the light device 24.

[0047] The emission of light with certain wavelengths can be used to treat hair and / or scalp conditions. Certain wavelengths (particularly infrared waves) have biological effects on the scalp and effects on scalp inflammation.

[0048] The functional component(s) include, for example, a plasma device 30 configured for generating plasma. The plasma device 30 includes, for example, one or more plasma generating elements 32. The plasma generating elements 32 are, for example, arranged on the accessory 6, near an edge of the accessory 6 intended to be placed near or in contact with the hair.

[0049] In operation, the plasma device 30 makes it possible to generate ions and transfer them onto the hair to perform an ionic treatment of the hair.

[0050] In the case of the accessory 6 such as a diffuser having an air inlet opening 6A intended to receive the air flow ejected from the air outlet 12 of the body 4 and an air outlet opening 6B for the outlet of the air flow from the accessory 6, the plasma generating elements 32 are for example arranged near the air outlet opening 6B.

[0051] The operating parameters of the plasma device 30 preferably include a power supply for the plasma device 30.

[0052] The hair care device 2 includes a detection system 34 configured to detect the mounting of the accessory 6 on the body 4 and to identify the accessory 6 automatically.

[0053] The detection system 34 includes, for example, a reader 36 disposed on the body 4 and an identification label 38 disposed on the accessory 6, such that when the accessory 6 is mounted on the body 4, the reader 36 detects the identification label 38 and generates an electronic signal indicating the presence of the accessory 6 and identifying the accessory 6.

[0054] The reader 36 and the identification tag 38 are, for example, configured to exchange electronic signals via radio frequency waves. The reader 36 and the identification tag 38 are, for example, respectively an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader and an RFID tag.

[0055] The hair care device 2 includes a power supply system 40 for supplying power to the functional components. The power supply system 40 includes, for example, a power cord 42 and / or a battery 44, preferably rechargeable.

[0056] The hair care device 2 includes an electrical control unit 50 configured to control the functional organs according to several operating modes including customized operating modes and, optionally, one or more predefined operating modes.

[0057] Each operating mode corresponds to a combination of operating parameters of the functional organ(s) (airflow generator 14, heating device 20, lighting device 24, plasma device 30) of the hair care device 2.

[0058] Each predefined operating mode is, for example, natively provided and corresponds to a predefined combination of operating parameters.

[0059] Each customized operating mode includes operating parameters chosen by the user.

[0060] Each customized operating mode is, for example, programmable by the user from a predefined operating mode or another customized operating mode.

[0061] The electrical control unit 50 is preferably configured to control the functional components according to several user profiles, each customized operating mode preferably being associated with a user profile and selectable when the electrical control unit 50 implements that user profile.

[0062] The electrical control unit 50 is, for example, provided in the form of a data processing unit comprising a memory containing a software application containing code instructions and a processor configured to execute the software application. Alternatively, the electrical control unit 50 is provided in the form of a programmable logic component or a specific integrated circuit.

[0063] The hair care system 1 includes a user interface system 54 usable by a user to control the hair care device 2, in particular to program the personalized operating modes and to select an operating mode to use from among the personalized operating modes and, where applicable, the predefined operating mode(s).

[0064] The user interface system 54 includes, for example, a local user interface 56 located on the body 4. The local user interface 56 includes, for example, a display screen, possibly touch-sensitive, one or more lights and / or one or more buttons.

[0065] The user interface system 54 includes, for example, a remote user interface 58 implemented on an electronic device 60 separate from the hair care appliance 2. The electronic device 60 is preferably portable or handheld. The electronic device 60 is, for example, a computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or a smartwatch.

[0066] The electronic device 60 includes, for example, a memory and a processor. The remote user interface 58 is, for example, a software application comprising code instructions that can be stored in memory and executed by the processor.

[0067] The hair care device 2 advantageously includes a communication unit 62 ([Fig.2]) configured for electronic signal exchange with a communication module 64 ([Fig.2]) of the electronic device 60.

[0068] Preferably, the communication unit 62 is configured for wireless communication, for example according to a WIFI®, Bluetooth®, Ant+ protocol...

[0069] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the power supply system 40 is connected to the functional components (airflow generator 14, heating device 20, lighting device 24, plasma device 30) for their power supply.

[0070] The electrical control unit 50 is configured to receive an electrical signal from the detection system 34, in particular from the reader 36 of the detection system 34.

[0071] The control unit 50 is configured to control the functional components (airflow generator 14, heating device 20, lighting device 24, plasma device 30) of the hair care device 2 according to the operating modes.

[0072] The electrical control unit 50 is connected to the user interface system 52, in particular to the local user interface 54 and / or the remote user interface 58, via the communication unit 62 in communication with the communication module 64 of the electronic device 60.

[0073] The electrical control unit 50 is configured so that, when the electrical control unit 50 implements a first custom operating mode M1 and receives a mounting detection and identification signal of the accessory 6 on the body 4 generated by the detection system 34, in particular by the reader 36, it automatically switches to a second custom operating mode M2 ​​specifically associated with the accessory 6.

[0074] The first customized operating mode M1 and the second customized operating mode M2 ​​are different.

[0075] The second custom operating mode M2 ​​is an operating mode that has been programmed by the user for the accessory 6 and associated by the user as the default custom operating mode M2 ​​associated with the accessory 6, i.e. as the custom operating mode to be automatically selected and used upon detection of the mounting of the accessory 6 on the body 4.

[0076] The hair care device 2 includes, for example, several different accessories 6, each accessory 6 being associated with a respective personalized operating mode, different from that associated with each other accessory 6.

[0077] Alternatively, it is possible to associate the same custom operating mode with several different accessories 6 if the operating parameters of this custom operating mode are appropriate for these accessories 6.

[0078] Preferably, the electrical control unit 50 is configured so that, when the electrical control unit 50 implements a predefined operating mode and receives a mounting detection signal of the accessory 6 on the body 4 generated by the detection system 34, in particular by the reader 36, it automatically switches to the second custom operating mode M2 ​​associated with the accessory 6.

[0079] Preferably, the electrical control unit 50 is configured so that, when the electrical control unit 50 implements the second custom operating mode M2 ​​and receives a mounting detection signal of the accessory 6 on the body 4 generated by the detection system 34, in particular by the drive 36, it maintains the second custom operating mode M2 ​​active.

[0080] Hair care device 2 is in particular a hair dryer, configured to generate a flow of hot air for drying hair. Alternatively, hair care device 2 is a hair straightener or a hair curler.

[0081] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the hair care device 2 is configured to put a hair care process including

[0082] - a first step El of implementing a first mode of operation customized Ml, corresponding to the operating parameters of the functional organs of the hair care device 2;

[0083] - a second step E2 of automatic detection of the mounting of accessory 6 on the body 4 and identification of the accessory 6 via the detection system 34;

[0084] - a third step E3 of automatic switching from the first mode of custom operation M1 to a second custom operating mode M2 ​​associated with accessory 6;

[0085] - a fourth step E4 of implementing the second operating mode customized M2.

[0086] Thanks to the invention, the ergonomics of the hair care device 2 are improved. Indeed, the automatic switching from a first personalized operating mode M1 to a second personalized operating mode M2 ​​associated with the accessory 6 upon detection of the attachment of the accessory 6 to the body 4 allows the device to automatically switch to the second personalized operating mode M2 ​​without the user needing to control this switchover via a user interface.

Claims

Demands

1. Hair care device comprising a body (4), one or more functional organs, an electrical control unit (50) configured to control operating parameters of the functional organs according to several operating modes including custom operating modes, an accessory (6) configured to be removably mounted on the body (4), a detection system configured for the detection and identification of the accessory (6) mounted on the body (4), wherein the electrical control unit (50) is configured to, when the electrical control unit implements a first custom operating mode (M1) and the detection system (34) detects the mounting of the accessory (6) on the body (4), automatically switch to a second custom operating mode (M2) specifically associated with the accessory (6).

2. Hair care device according to claim 1, wherein the operating modes include at least one predefined operating mode.

3. Hair care device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operating modes include customized operating modes assigned to separate users.

4. Hair care device according to claim 3, wherein the first personalized operating mode (M1) and the second personalized operating mode (M2) are associated with the same user profile.

5. Hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical control unit (50) is configured to switch to a predefined operating mode associated with the accessory (6) when no custom operating mode associated with the accessory (6) is defined.

6. A hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an air circulation passage (8) extending into the body (4) and opening via an air outlet (12), the functional component(s) including an airflow generator for generating an airflow through the air circulation passage (8), the operating parameters of each operating mode preferably including a supply power of the airflow generator and / or an airflow rate at the air outlet (12).

7. Hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, the functional component(s) including a heating device (20), the operating parameters of each operating mode preferably including a supply power of the heating device (20) and / or a heating power of the heating device (20).

8. Hair care device according to any one of the preceding claims, the functional component(s) including a light device (24) for generating a light flux, the operating parameters of each operating mode preferably including a power supply to the light device (24) and / or a thermal power irradiated by the light device (24) and / or a wavelength of the light flux generated by the light device (24).

9. Hair care apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the functional component(s) including a plasma device (30) for generating a plasma, the operating parameters of each operating mode preferably including a power supply for the plasma device (30).

10. Hair care system comprising a hair care device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims and a user interface system (54) configured for selecting an operating mode from among the custom operating modes and, optionally, one or more predefined operating modes.

11. Hair care system according to claim 10, wherein the user interface system (54) comprises a local user interface (56) located on the hair care device and / or a remote user interface (58) implemented on an electronic device (60) separate from the hair care device (2) and in communication with the hair care device (2), the remote user interface (58) being, for example, implemented on a portable or handheld electronic device, in particular on a computer, smartphone, tablet or smartwatch.

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