Hair treatment device

Abstract

Hair treatment device comprising: - a fixing for removably fixing an accessory; - a presence detector for detecting the presence of the accessory on the fixing; - at least one element of a sensor of a characteristic of use of the device along the hair strand representative of the direction of use of the device at least when the accessory is mounted on the fixing;- a processor to: ○ receive the usage characteristic ○ switch the device into one of the following operating modes: one operating mode when the presence of the accessory on the fixing is detected and a movement in a first direction of use is determined from the usage characteristic a different operating mode when the presence of the accessory on the fixing is detected and a movement in a second direction of use is determined from the usage characteristic Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1;

Description

Title of the invention: Hair treatment device technical field

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

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

[0003] Numerous devices of this type have already been proposed. These devices generally include internal heating plates between which the strands can be pinched, particularly in the case of straightening, and / or heating plates on their external surfaces, particularly in the case of curling, or at least to give them a wave. They may also include other processing means, for example a comb, a cosmetic product applicator, or a steam applicator.

[0004] 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.

[0005] Some of these devices are designed to be used along a strand of hair in a specific direction. In particular, on certain devices, incorrect use can lead to degraded treatment or even be uncomfortable for the user. This is especially true for devices with asymmetry, for example, by incorporating one or more additional treatment elements (steam diffuser, comb, etc.) each located only on one side of the device's plates. Thus, the result of a comb / steam treatment followed by plates may differ from a plates treatment followed by a comb / steam treatment when the device is used in the opposite direction.

[0006] On certain devices, an additional processing element can be mounted in a removable manner. In this case, once the element is removed, the device can be used without discrimination in the direction of use.

[0007] International application WO 2021 / 102751 describes a device comprising heating plates and a gyroscope that measures the posture and movement of the device. The gyroscope sends movement or posture information to a processor, which then cuts off the power supply in the absence of movement or... An audible, visual, and / or vibrating warning signal triggered by detected movement or posture is required to improve the user experience. This request does not specify how the user experience is improved beyond aesthetics or sensory enhancements.

[0008] Patent application CN 109288230 describes a hair straightener comprising a device posture detector, for example, an accelerometer or a gyroscope. The device is capable of determining whether the current posture is within an acceptable range for proper treatment. If the posture is incorrect, a warning is sent to the user to correct their posture, for example, by a sound or a vibration.

[0009] Patent application WO 2019 / 122838 describes a system for detecting the movement of a hair straightener in order to determine whether the movement of the device is in accordance with the desired treatment, in particular with regard to the speed of use.

[0010] Patent application EP 2359710 describes a device comprising heating plates and a motion sensor, for example an accelerometer or an optical sensor. The motion sensor sends an audible and / or visual warning depending on the detected movement, in particular depending on the speed of movement. For example, if the speed of movement is too fast or too slow, a warning signal is emitted.

[0011] These devices do not allow users to know whether they are using the device in an optimal way when processing between two directions of use offering different processing effects and between several operating modes. Description of the invention

[0012] There is a need for a hair treatment device that allows the user to obtain optimal and easily reproducible treatment, without complicating the use of the device. Summary of the invention

[0013] The present invention meets this need by means of, according to one of its aspects, a hair treatment device, in particular for curling and / or straightening hair, the device being configured to move along a strand of hair from a root to a tip and having, during treatment, a first direction of use in which the strand moves from a front face to an opposite rear face of said device and a second direction of use in which the strand moves from said rear face to the opposite front face,

[0014] the device comprising:

[0015] - a fixation configured to removably fix a processing accessory;

[0016] - a presence detector configured to detect the presence of the accessory treatment on fixation;

[0017] - at least one element of a sensor of a device usage characteristic along the strand of hair representative of the direction of use of the device at least among the first and second directions of use at least when the treatment accessory is mounted on the attachment;

[0018] - a processor configured for:

[0019] To receive the usage characteristic detected by the sensor and the presence information from the detector, and for

[0020] To switch the device into one of at least the following operating modes:

[0021] a first mode of operation when the presence of the processing accessory on the attachment is detected by the presence detector and a movement in the first direction of use is determined from the usage characteristic detected by the sensor, and

[0022] a second operating mode when the presence of the processing accessory on the attachment is detected by the presence detector and a movement in the second direction of use is determined from the usage characteristic detected by the sensor,

[0023] the first and second modes of operation being different from each other.

[0024] By "operating mode," it is understood that the device is controlled differently in the first and second operating modes, in particular that the operation of one or more elements of the device is different. For example, the temperature ranges of the heating plates of the device in operation may be different, or the steam flow rates of the steam outlets may be different, as we will see later.

[0025] The fact that there are two operating modes, depending on the detection of the direction of use and the presence of an accessory on the attachment, allows the device's operation to be adapted, i.e., the control of certain processing elements to be varied and / or functionalities to be activated or deactivated when an accessory is present on the device, depending on the direction of use. This is particularly related to the fact that the accessory can create an asymmetry in the device by its presence, and that use in one direction is then more advantageous than in the other.

[0026] Preferably, the device is a hair styling device, in particular for curling and / or straightening.

[0027] Preferably, the device comprises a handpiece, including a handle and a head. The handle facilitates gripping the device and allows the insertion of additional elements into the device, including a user interface. of a fluid reservoir to be sprayed and possibly a cosmetic product reservoir. The head preferably includes the front face and the opposite rear face.

[0028] The head of the processing device can have any shape in cross-section. Preferably, the head of the processing device has a substantially polygonal shape in cross-section, in particular a substantially rectangular or square, or a substantially oval or circular shape. Other cross-sectional shapes are possible, such as a section with a polygonal contour on one side and a non-polygonal, in particular rounded, for example circular, contour on the other. Preferably, the head of the device is generally flattened in cross-section.

[0029] The handpiece can be extended along a longitudinal axis. The front and rear faces can extend along the longitudinal axis of the handpiece.

[0030] When a processing accessory is attached to the attachment, the handpiece can be asymmetrical along at least one longitudinal median plane extending between the front and rear faces.

[0031] In particular, when a processing accessory is attached to the attachment, the device can be configured so that the processing of the wick by moving the device in the first direction of use is different from the processing of the wick by moving the device in the second direction of use.

[0032] The fact that the treatment differs between the first and second directions of use results in asymmetrical hair treatment; that is, by dividing the treatment into two parts of equal duration, for a constant speed of handpiece movement, the second part of the treatment is different from the inverse of the first part. Thus, the treatment differs depending on the first and second directions of use.

[0033] Consequently, such asymmetry in the device generates different treatment effects on the hair strand depending on whether the device is used in the first or second direction. Detecting the direction of use in the first or second mode can therefore make it possible to identify the treatment applied to the hair strand and adapt the device's operation accordingly. This allows, in particular, for obtaining a desired and easily reproducible treatment of the hair strand.

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

[0035] Thus, thanks to the sensor data, representative of the direction of use, and the presence detector, which can confirm a processing asymmetry when a The accessory is attached to the fixture; it may be possible to signal to the user that they are not performing the treatment correctly.

[0036] At least when a treatment accessory is attached to the attachment, one of the first and second directions of use may be optimal for carrying out the treatment along the hair strand optimally and the other of the first and second directions of use may be degraded.

[0037] When the attachment is devoid of a processing accessory, the device can be configured so that the processing of the wick by a movement of the device in the first direction of use is substantially identical to the processing of the wick by a movement of the device in the second direction of use.

[0038] The device may include one or more controlled components, in particular controlled differently, depending on the operating mode, including at least the first and second operating modes and optionally the third operating mode. The control may be performed by the processor.

[0039] The term "component" means any controllable part of the device. The component may be a heat treatment element and / or one or more additional controllable treatment elements, in particular a vaporizing element or a cosmetic product applicator or a combination thereof.

[0040] One or more components may be a heat treatment element, in particular a heating plate. In this case, the heating temperature may be controlled to different temperatures depending on the operating mode. In one embodiment, the heat treatment element is switched off when the device is used according to either the first or second operating mode.

[0041] The component(s) may be a vaporization device. In this case, the quantity of vapor produced or delivered may vary depending on the operating mode, in particular by controlling the flow rate of water supplying a vaporization chamber.

[0042] One of the first and second modes may be an optimal operating mode, and the other of the first and second modes may be a degraded operating mode. The third operating mode may be an optimal or degraded operating mode, or an operating mode without accessories exhibiting a heating temperature different from that of the degraded or optimal operating mode.

[0043] The heating temperature, in particular of the plate, when the device is in degraded operating mode, may be lower than the heating temperature when the device is in optimal operating mode.

[0044] The steam flow rate produced when the device is in degraded operating mode may be lower than the steam flow rate produced when the device is in the optimal operating mode, one of the first and second modes being an optimal operating mode and the other of the first and second modes being a degraded operating mode.

[0045] Preferably, the heating temperature, in particular of the plate, and the steam flow rate, when the device is in degraded operating mode, are lower than the heating temperature and steam flow rate when the device is in optimal operating mode.

[0046] The heating temperature, in optimal operating mode, can be between 90°C and 230°C.

[0047] The heating temperature, in the degraded operating mode, can be between 20°C and 150°C.

[0048] The steam flow rate produced in one of the operating modes, corresponding in particular to optimal treatment, can be between 0.5g / min and 1.5g / min.

[0049] The steam flow rate produced in one of the operating modes, corresponding in particular to a degraded treatment, may be less than 0.5g / min.

[0050] The heating can be switched off when the device is in a degraded operating mode and / or in the operating mode without accessories.

[0051] The vaporizing element may cease to deliver vapor when the device is used in the degraded operating mode. This is preferably achieved by shutting down the vaporizing element or solely by stopping the water supply to the vaporization chamber.

[0052] The component(s) may be a cosmetic product applicator. In this case, the amount of product applied may vary depending on the operating mode, notably through product flow control. In one embodiment, the product applicator no longer applies product when the device is used according to the first or second operating mode, which notably leads to degraded treatment. This can be achieved by stopping the product supply. Jaws

[0053] The device may comprise two jaws connected to each other by a hinge and may take an open configuration for engaging the hair between them and a closed configuration for processing.

[0054] The device may include a jaw configuration detection element configured to detect whether the jaws are in the closed processing configuration or in the open configuration, in particular a Hall effect sensor.

[0055] The processor can be configured to determine a direction of use of the device only when a closed configuration of the jaws is detected by the jaw configuration detection organ.

[0056] The device may include at least one internal treatment element having an internal treatment surface configured to come into contact with or be adjacent to a portion of the hair strand during treatment. The internal treatment surface is preferably thermal. The treatment element is preferably a heating plate.

[0057] The internal processing surface can extend between the front face and the opposite rear face.

[0058] Each jaw may include an internal processing organ having an internal processing surface configured to come into contact or opposite the processing organ of the other jaw.

[0059] When the handpiece is elongated along a longitudinal axis, particularly in the closed jaw configuration, and a processing accessory is fixed to the attachment, the handpiece is preferably asymmetrical with respect to at least one longitudinal median plane transverse to the processing surface.

[0060] The device, in particular the handpiece, may include at least one external processing element having an external processing surface configured to come into contact with a part of the hair strand during the treatment, the external processing surface being in particular thermal, in particular being a heating plate.

[0061] In one embodiment, particularly for a loop, an external processing surface extends over one of the front and rear faces.

[0062] The external processing organ makes it possible in particular to curl the hair by wrapping the hair around the handpiece and / or around one or each jaw.

[0063] Preferably, when the handpiece has two jaws connected to each other and capable of taking an open configuration for engaging the hair between them and a closed configuration for processing, the jaws extend to a distal end of the handle.

[0064] Each jaw can be carried by an arm, the two arms being connected to each other, notably by a joint at one of their ends, to assume the closed or open configuration of the jaws. Each of the two arms can include a half-handle on the side of the joint and one of the jaws on the side of the free end. Additional processing organ

[0065] The device may include at least one additional processing element, in particular a vaporizing element, a cosmetic product applicator, a comb, and a combination thereof. Preferably, the additional processing element is a vaporizing element.

[0066] The vaporization unit may include one or more vapor outlets, in particular aligned along the longitudinal axis of the device, in particular of the handpiece.

[0067] The additional processing organ can be mounted on one of the jaws and extend at least partially between the two jaws.

[0068] The additional treatment element can be arranged on the device, in particular on the handpiece, in particular on one of the jaws, asymmetrically with respect to a median plane, in particular transversely to a median plane extending between the jaws in the closed jaw configuration. The additional treatment element can be arranged on the device, in particular on the handpiece, so that it treats the hair upstream of the plate(s) in one direction of use and downstream of the plate(s) in another direction of use.

[0069] The additional processing element can be positioned laterally on the handpiece, in particular laterally on one of the jaws.

[0070] When the additional processing element is a vaporization element, the vapor application can be switched off for at least one operating mode, in particular the first operating mode. In this case, the vaporization element is one of the components controlled by the processor according to the operating mode. Fixing

[0071] The fixing may include a housing for at least part of the processing accessory, in particular a slide.

[0072] The attachment may include a locking mechanism for the processing accessory, in particular configured to cooperate with a complementary element of the processing accessory. Alternatively, the processing accessory is held in the housing by friction.

[0073] The attachment can be arranged on the device, particularly on the handpiece, and in particular on one of the jaws, asymmetrically with respect to a median plane, particularly transversely to a median plane extending between the jaws in the closed jaw configuration. The attachment can be arranged on the device, particularly on the handpiece, so that a treatment accessory attached to the attachment treats the hair upstream of the heating plate(s) in one direction of use and downstream of the heating plate(s) in another direction of use.

[0074] The attachment can be positioned laterally on the handpiece, in particular laterally on one of the jaws, in particular laterally in relation to a heat treatment element.

[0075] In one embodiment, the device comprises a single fixing.

[0076] Alternatively, the device comprises a plurality of fixings. The treatment accessory can then be fixed to one of the fixings, or several treatment accessories can be mounted on the device simultaneously.

[0077] For example, the device includes two fixings arranged on the device, in particular on the handpiece, in particular on one of the jaws, symmetrically with respect to a median plane, in particular transverse to a median plane extending between the jaws in the closed configuration of the jaws, in particular on either side of the heating plates. This allows, for example, the treatment accessory to be positioned in different positions in order to adapt the treatment or the handling of the device.

[0078] Preferably, each fixing includes a presence detector configured to transmit information about the presence of the processing accessory on the fixing and the processor is configured to identify the fixing or fixings carrying a processing accessory and to control the device differently depending on whether one or the other of the fixings or a plurality of the fixings carry a processing accessory and according to the direction of use identified by the sensor of the use characteristic.

[0079] In this case, the processor can be configured to switch the device into one of at least one of the following operating modes:

[0080] a first mode where the presence of a processing accessory is detected by a first accessory presence detector on a first fixing, a second accessory presence detector on a second fixing not detecting an accessory and a movement along the first direction of use is determined from the use characteristic detected by the sensor,

[0081] a second mode when the presence of the processing accessory is detected by the first accessory presence detector on the first fixing, the second accessory presence detector on the second fixing not detecting an accessory and a movement in the second direction of use is determined from the use characteristic detected by the sensor,

[0082] a third mode when the presence of the processing accessory is detected by a second accessory presence detector on the second fixing, the first accessory presence detector on the first fixing not detecting an accessory and a movement in the first direction of use is determined from the use characteristic detected by the sensor,

[0083] a fourth mode when the presence of the processing accessory is detected by the second accessory presence detector on the second attachment, the first accessory presence detector on the first attachment not detecting any accessory and a movement in the second direction of use is determined from the use characteristic detected by the sensor.

[0084] The first and second modes can be different from each other, and the third and fourth modes can be different from each other. The first and fourth modes can be identical to each other, and the second and third modes can be identical to each other, particularly when the first and second fixings are symmetrical with respect to the median plane. This allows the direction of use of the device to be chosen while maintaining optimal treatment by only changing the position of the heat treatment accessory.

[0085] The processor can be configured to switch the device into an additional operating mode when no processing accessory is detected on the attachment(s). The additional operating mode can be independent of the direction of use. Alternatively, the processor can differentiate between two additional operating modes when no accessory is detected on the attachment(s), depending on whether the first or second direction of use is detected. The additional operating mode(s) can be different from or identical to one of the other operating modes.

[0086] In one embodiment, the vaporizing element no longer delivers vapor when the device is used in the additional operating mode, particularly one leading to degraded treatment, and / or the heating temperature when the device is in this additional operating mode is lower than the heating temperature when the device is in an operating mode producing optimal treatment, or even the heating is switched off. This is preferably achieved by stopping the vaporizing element or solely by stopping the water supply to the vaporizing chamber.

[0087] In one embodiment, the steam flow produced when the device is in an operating mode producing degraded treatment is less than the steam flow produced when the device is in an operating mode producing optimal treatment, and / or in particular leading to degraded treatment, the heating temperature when the device is in this additional operating mode being preferably less than the heating temperature when the device is in an operating mode producing optimal treatment, or even the heating is cut off. User alert system

[0088] The device may include a user alerting device configured to issue a user alert for at least one of the operating modes.

[0089] The user alert may be a signal perceptible to the user, in particular audible, visual or haptic.

[0090] The user alerting device may be included in or on the handpiece.

[0091] The user alerting device may alternatively be separate from the handpiece. For example, the user alerting device may be a phone or tablet connected wirelessly to the processor.

[0092] In this way, the user is quickly alerted if they are using the device in the wrong direction, allowing them to correct their use and move the handpiece to the optimal operating direction. The device thus simplifies its operation. Presence detector

[0093] The detector is chosen from the group consisting of optical detectors, magnetic detectors, electrical detectors, mechanical detectors, and a combination thereof.

[0094] The detector may be near the fixing, or even be in the fixing.

[0095] The detector can be configured to detect an additional part of the accessory, in particular the proximity of a magnetic part, the connection of a conductive part closing a circuit or the engagement of a complementary mechanical part. Processing system

[0096] The invention also relates, according to another of its aspects, in combination with the above, to a processing system comprising the device as defined above and a processing accessory configured to attach to the device's attachment.

[0097] The device may include the usage characteristic sensor, the sensor comprising a usage characteristic detection element. Alternatively, the processing accessory comprises a usage characteristic detection element and the device comprises a connection element for the usage characteristic detection element to the processor. Treatment accessory

[0098] The treatment accessory may include a comb, one or more steam outlets, a cosmetic product applicator, a pressure element of a cosmetic product applicator and / or a combination of these.

[0099] Preferably, the treatment accessory is a comb.

[0100] The accessory may include a gripping element, facilitating its attachment to the fixing. Sensor

[0101] The operating characteristic may include acceleration, orientation and / or tilting of the device or accessory, and / or the detection of a force traction on a component of the device or on the accessory or displacement of a component of the device or of the accessory.

[0102] The usage characteristic can be measured along one or more fixed axes relative to the device, in particular to the handpiece.

[0103] The usage characteristic can be measured along an axis extending at least partially between the front face and the rear face.

[0104] The operating characteristic may be characteristic of a change of orientation, or of an orientation of the device, in particular of the handpiece, along a longitudinal axis of the device, in particular of the handpiece. Each operating direction may correspond to a range of orientations of the device, in particular of the handpiece. Preferably, one of the operating directions corresponds to a range of orientations of the device such that the additional treatment element is upstream of the internal treatment element on the treated hair strand from roots to tips, and the other operating direction corresponds to a range of orientations of the device such that the additional treatment element is downstream of the internal treatment element on the treated hair strand from roots to tips.

[0105] When the use characteristic is an acceleration, the acceleration may be an acceleration of the device, in particular of the handpiece, and / or an acceleration of gravity applied to the device.

[0106] The acceleration can be measured along an axis not parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device, in particular a longitudinal axis of the handpiece.

[0107] The acceleration can be measured in a median plane of the device.

[0108] Where appropriate, the acceleration can be measured in a plane extending between the jaws when in closed configuration, or perpendicular to this plane.

[0109] When the usage characteristic is an orientation, the measured orientation may be that of the device, in particular of the handpiece, with respect to the horizontal.

[0110] The orientation can be measured around one, or two, or three fixed axes relative to the device, in particular to the handpiece, in particular at least measured around an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handpiece.

[0111] When the operating characteristic is an inclination, the inclination can be measured along an axis not parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device, in particular along an axis parallel to a plane extending between the jaws when in a closed configuration.

[0112] The usage characteristic sensor may include a usage characteristic sensing element comprising one or more gyroscopes, one or more accelerometers, one or more tilt sensors, one or more toggle switches, one or more sensors configured to determine a position relative to a home position, a contact, motion, and flex sensor allowing detection of hair traction during movement or a combination thereof.

[0113] The sensor element may be the sensing member of the operating characteristic. Alternatively, the sensing member of the operating characteristic is carried by the processing accessory. In this case, the sensor element may be a sensor connection member configured to link the sensing member of the processing accessory and the processor when the processing accessory is received in the mounting or one of the fixings.

[0114] The detection element for the usage characteristic may include a detection element for mechanical interaction between the hair and the treatment device, in particular the treatment surface or the treatment accessory, and the sensor. The mechanical interaction detection element may be configured to detect traction on a component of the device, in particular the internal treatment component, or on the treatment accessory. The traction sensor may be configured to detect lateral displacement or lateral tilting of the device component, in particular the internal treatment component or the treatment accessory received in the attachment, in either direction, in particular transversely to the longitudinal axis of the device.The sensing element may include contacts extending laterally to the internal heat treatment element or the accessory within the mounting, on either side of the latter, particularly the plate, and configured to detect contact of the heat treatment element on one side or the other depending on the direction of the applied tensile force. The contacts may be potentiometers, piezoelectric sensors, Hall effect sensors, or microswitches. The sensing element may include a flexible return element in its rest position when no external force is applied.

[0115] The sensing element can be configured to detect the stress applied to at least one protruding element extending over the processing device or accessory. The protruding element can be a tooth, in particular a tooth of a comb, or a set, in particular a row, of teeth.

[0116] The protruding element can be mounted to move in one or more directions to allow detection of the direction of movement of the device on the hair according to the first direction of use and / or the second direction of use. For example, it could be a protruding element that moves in translation, flexion, or other directions in one or two directions corresponding to the first and / or second direction of use.

[0117] Preferably, the salient element pivots from a rest position about at least one axis of rotation, and the sensing member may be a force sensor, in particular a restoring force, resulting from the movement of The device detects the pivoting of the protruding element around its axis of rotation and is configured to detect and / or measure its movement, including the pivot angle. Displacement in the first direction of use is detected when at least one movement is detected in that direction, and optionally, when a measured amplitude of the movement, including the pivot angle, is greater than or equal to a setpoint value. Displacement in the second direction of use is detected when at least one movement is detected in that direction, and optionally, when a measured amplitude of the movement, including the pivot angle, is greater than or equal to a setpoint value.

[0118] The force sensor may include - a rotary potentiometer on which the salient element is mounted, the detector being configured to measure the output voltage of the potentiometer which is characteristic of the movement of the salient element in one direction or the other, in particular which is characteristic of a pivot angle of the salient element in one direction or the other corresponding to the first and second directions of use, - a Hall effect sensor on or in the protruding element and two magnets arranged on either side of the axis of rotation, the sensor being configured to detect the presence of a magnetic field from one or the other of the magnets, each magnet being characteristic of a direction of use between the first and second directions of use and optionally to determine its value at the sensor, - at least two microswitches arranged on either side of the axis of rotation and configured to activate when the salient element is moving in one direction or the other, for example when it pivots around the axis of rotation by a threshold angle defined by the position of the microswitches relative to the salient element, each microswitch being characteristic of one direction of use among the first and second directions of use.

[0119] The detector may include an elastic return element for the protruding element in its rest position when no external force is applied. The elastic retaining element may include one or more springs connecting the protruding element on either side of the axis of rotation to a support fixed relative to the axis of rotation.

[0120] The sensor can be configured to detect the usage characteristic only in the closed configuration of the jaws.

[0121] The sensor's operation can be blocked when the jaws are in the open position, for example, by means of a locking finger, a power interruption, or an interruption of the processor's ability to generate information. Processing method

[0122] The invention also relates, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the foregoing, to a method of treating hair along a strand of hair, in particular straightening or curling, by the movement of a device, in particular as defined above, the device being configured to move along a strand of hair from a root to a tip, the device having during the treatment a first direction of use in which the strand moves from a front face to an opposite rear face of said device and a second direction of use in which the strand moves from said rear face to the opposite front face,

[0123] the process comprising:

[0124] - the detection of a device usage characteristic during its movement along the strand of hair;

[0125] - the detection of the presence, or absence, of a processing accessory on a fixation of the device;

[0126] - the switching of the device into one of at least one of the following operating modes:

[0127] a first mode when the presence of the processing accessory is detected on the fixation and a movement in the first direction of use is determined from the usage characteristic, and

[0128] a second mode when the presence of the processing accessory is detected on the attachment and a movement in the second direction of use is determined from the usage characteristic the first and second modes of operation being different from each other.

[0129] When the device is used, the user orients the device, in particular the handpiece, by rotating it around an axis, in particular its longitudinal axis.

[0130] By "orients the device", it is understood that the user modifies the inclination of the device, in particular the handpiece, relative to the horizontal ground around an axis, in particular its longitudinal axis.

[0131] The orientation of the device, particularly the handpiece, advantageously represents the direction of use of the device, particularly the handpiece. In particular, each direction of use corresponds to an orientation or a range of orientations, the orientations or ranges of orientations being different and not totally overlapping between the different directions of use. Each range of orientations can be between 20° and 200°, in particular between 60° and 100°.

[0132] The method may include the device entering an additional operating mode when no accessory is detected on the fastener(s). The additional operating mode may be independent of the direction of use. Alternatively, the processor may differentiate between two additional operating modes when no accessory is detected on the fixings and according to the first or second direction of use. The additional operating mode(s) may be different from or identical to one of the other operating modes.

[0133] The method may include a step of attaching a processing accessory to the fixture.

[0134] The method may include issuing a user alert when the device is used in at least one of the first, second and third modes of operation, in particular among the second and third modes of operation.

[0135] The user alert may correspond to a signal perceptible to the user, in particular audible, visual or haptic.

[0136] The device may include two jaws that can take an open configuration for engaging the hair between them and a closed configuration for processing, in which the emission of an alert is carried out only if said jaws are in the closed configuration, the determination of the configuration of the jaws being carried out prior to the determination of the direction of use and the determination of the direction of use of the device being carried out only when a closed configuration of the jaws is detected.

[0137] The method may include determining the jaw configuration prior to detecting the use characteristic and detecting the use characteristic only when a closed jaw configuration is detected.

[0138] At least one component of the device can be controlled according to the operating mode.

[0139] The process may include a heat treatment step, in particular on a heat treatment surface, in particular on a hot plate, a steam application, a cosmetic product application and / or a combing.

[0140] The process may include a treatment of the hair on an internal treatment surface of the handpiece, in particular thermal, in particular a heating plate.

[0141] The process may include a treatment of the hair on an external treatment surface of the handpiece, in particular thermal, in particular a heated sheet.

[0142] The process may include an additional treatment, in particular an application of steam, an application of cosmetic product and / or combing, in particular a treatment different from that carried out by the treatment accessory. Brief description of the drawings

[0143] The invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description that follows, the non-limiting examples of its implementation, and upon examination of the accompanying drawing, on which

[0144] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] illustrates, in side view, an example of a device in a closed configuration according to the invention,

[0145] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] illustrates, in perspective, the device of [Fig.1] in a open configuration with the processing accessory,

[0146] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] illustrates, in perspective, the device of [Fig.1] in a open configuration without the processing accessory,

[0147] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates, in perspective, an example of a processing accessory,

[0148] [Fig 5a] [Fig 5a] illustrates schematically, in top view, an example of the use of the device of [Fig.3] according to a first mode of operation,

[0149] [Fig 5b] [Fig 5b], schematically illustrates, in side view, the orientation of the device in the example of use of [Fig 5a],

[0150] [Fig 6a] [Fig 6a] illustrates schematically, in top view, an example of use of the device of [Fig.1] according to a second mode of operation,

[0151] [Fig 6b] [Fig 6b] illustrates schematically, in side view, the orientation of the device in the example of use of [Fig 6a],

[0152] [Fig 7a] [Fig 7a] illustrates schematically, in top view, an example of using the device of [Fig. 1] according to a third mode of operation, and

[0153] [Fig 7b] [Fig 7b], schematically illustrates, in side view, the orientation of the device in the example of use of [Fig 7a]. Detailed description

[0154] In the following description, identical elements or elements with identical functions bear the same reference numeral. For the sake of brevity, they are not described opposite each figure; only the differences between the embodiments are described.

[0155] In the figures, the actual proportions have not always been respected, for the sake of clarity.

[0156] Figures 1 to 4 illustrate an example of a system comprising a device 1 according to the invention, in this example for hair straightening.

[0157] This device 1 has a handpiece 2 comprising two jaws 3 and 4 movable relative to each other between an open configuration, visible in [Fig.2], for introducing a strand of hair between them and a closed processing configuration, illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0158] The jaws 3 and 4 are carried by respective upper arms 5 and lower arms 6, which are, in the example considered, connected to each other at one of their ends by a joint 8, the handpiece 2 thus forming a clamp.

[0159] Arms 5 and 6 define, between the joint 8 and the jaws 3 and 4, respective half-handles 10 and 11 on which the user can press to bring the jaws 3 and 4 together and thus pinch the hair extending between the two jaws.

[0160] The width of arms 5 and 6 at half-handles 10 and 11 is less than that at jaws 3 and 4.

[0161] Jaws 3 and 4 each have a convex outer surface and a substantially flat inner surface.

[0162] An elastic return member (not apparent) is preferably provided to return the jaws 3 and 4 in the spread configuration, this elastic return member being for example a spring disposed around or near an axis of the joint 8.

[0163] The invention is not limited to a particular way of connecting the arms 5 and 6 together, and the jaws 3 and 4 can be made mobile in other ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. However, the presence of a joint is largely preferred for the ergonomic advantages it provides.

[0164] The handpiece 2 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis X.

[0165] The jaw 3 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis Yl.

[0166] The jaw 4 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis Y2.

[0167] The device 1 may include a water reservoir 7 for steam production, particularly in the handpiece 2. As can be seen in [Fig. 1], the reservoir 7 is preferably integrated into the handpiece 2 and, in particular, into one of the arms 5, 6. Advantageously, the reservoir 7 is integrated into the arm carrying the steam outlet 21, which will be described in detail later. This allows for a particularly compact device with a relatively simple internal construction. However, other locations for the reservoir 7 could be imagined (in the other arm, or even completely offset from the handpiece 2 without departing from the scope of the invention).

[0168] A user interface, not shown in the figures, may be present on the device 1, in particular on the handpiece 2, to allow the user to control the operation of the device 1.

[0169] The device 1 includes a cord 17 designed to supply the energy necessary for the device's operation. The cord 17 can thus be an electrical cord designed to connect the device to the electrical network. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the cord could also be a fluidic cord designed to supply the device with fluid (water, for example).

[0170] The cord 17 has a rotating attachment 18 relative to the handpiece.

[0171] The rotating attachment 18 allows the cord 17 to be rotated. Heating plates

[0172] The handpiece 2 has an internal heating surface for the hair 14 to be treated on each of the two jaws 3 and 4 opposite each other, and opposite each other in a close configuration of the jaws 3 and 4 so as to define between them a heated treatment zone in a close configuration of the two jaws 3 and 4. The two internal heating surfaces 14 are, for example, configured to pinch between each other the hair extending between the two jaws 3 and 4 in a close configuration of the two jaws 3 and 4.

[0173] The two internal heating surfaces 14 are substantially flat, but this could not be the case. They could be of complementary corrugated shapes or of complementary curved shapes, for example.

[0174] In the illustrated example, the internal heating surfaces 14 are formed by the contact surface of internal plates 16 made of a heat-conducting material, each extending over one of the jaws. Each internal plate 16 constitutes an internal heating element of the device.

[0175] In an alternative not shown, only one of the jaws 3 or 4 may carry an internal plate 16 having a heating contact surface opposite a counter-support surface of the other jaw 3 or 4. The counter-support surface may be formed by the body of the jaw or by an element attached to the jaw.

[0176] The handpiece 2 may include a sensing element, not shown, for the configuration of the jaws 3 and 4 configured to detect whether the jaws 3 and 4 are in the closed processing configuration or open, in particular a Hall effect sensor.

[0177] As illustrated, the plates 16 can be laterally offset on the jaws 3 and 4, i.e. not centered on the axes Y1 and Y2. Thus, the handpiece 2 is asymmetrical with respect to the median plane P of the jaws 3 and 4 perpendicular to the internal heating surfaces 14 when in the closed configuration. Additional processing organ

[0178] In the illustrated examples, the device 1 includes an additional hair processing element 12 extending from the jaw 4, towards the other jaw 3 in a configuration close to the two jaws 3 and 4, and arranged on said jaw 4 laterally with respect to the internal plate 16.

[0179] Jaw 3, for example, is devoid of additional treatment.

[0180] The organ 12 extends longitudinally and parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2 of the jaw 4 along an edge 13 of the internal plate 16 of the jaw 4, being disjoint from this internal plate 16, when the device 1 is observed along its longitudinal axis X.

[0181] The jaw 4 may be devoid of an additional processing organ on the side of an edge 15 of the inner plate 16 opposite the edge 13. This increases the asymmetry of the handpiece 2 relative to the median plane P.

[0182] The component 12 may include a steam outlet 21, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

[0183] Steam treatment can be achieved by means of a vaporization unit consisting of a heating element and an evaporation chamber supplied with water from a reservoir located in an arm of the device, or alternatively from a remote reservoir. The device may include an electrically driven pump, preferably peristaltic, drawing the water to be sent to the device 1 from a water reservoir. The pump is, for example, as disclosed in publication FR 2 967 018. The evaporation chamber can be made in accordance with the teaching of application EP 2449909A1 or otherwise.

[0184] The evaporation chamber can be arranged on one of the arms, namely the lower arm 6 in the example considered, and the outlet of the vapor 21 is provided on the same arm 6.

[0185] The steam outlet 21 can be in the form of a ramp, elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2.

[0186] The ramp may include several steam projection orifices, for example between 4 and 10 orifices, preferably 7, which are preferably equidistant along the ramp and each with an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the median treatment plane.

[0187] The vaporization unit is electrically powered and a temperature sensor is advantageously located in the evaporation chamber. The device is designed to maintain the temperature of the evaporation chamber at a value between 110°C and 130°C. Treatment accessory

[0188] The system also includes a processing accessory, in this example a comb 22, visible in isolation on [Fig.4].

[0189] In [Fig. 2], the comb 22 is removably fixed to a fastener 23 which, in this example, has a housing such as a longitudinal groove. The user can thus change or remove the comb 22 as needed.

[0190] The groove of the fastener 23 may have a rectangular cross-section and open out at the distal end of the jaw 4.

[0191] When the comb 22 is fixed to the fastener 23, it extends longitudinally and parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2 of the jaw 4 along the edge 13 of the plate internal 16 of the jaw 4 being disjoint from this internal plate 16, when the device 1 is observed along its longitudinal axis X.

[0192] The arrangement of the comb 22 is here asymmetric with respect to the median plane P.

[0193] Furthermore, no fixing is provided along the edge 15 of the inner plate 16 of the jaw 4.

[0194] In [Fig.3], the comb 22 has been removed from the fastener 23.

[0195] In this case, the handpiece 2 is always asymmetrical relative to the median plane P of the jaws 3 and 4 perpendicular to the internal heating surfaces 14 when in closed configuration.

[0196] The comb 22 may include, in the distal part of the device 1, an element 24 allowing the comb 22 to be grasped when being introduced into the groove 23 or extracted from it.

[0197] The teeth of the comb 22 can have a rectangular cross-section.

[0198] Device 1 includes a presence detector for comb 22, not visible in the figures. The detector may be mechanical, electrical, optical, or magnetic.

[0199] The detector allows information to be transmitted to a processor in the handpiece 2 on the presence, or not, of the comb 22 on the attachment 23. Operating modes

[0200] During the treatment of the hair with the illustrated device 1, as will be described in more detail later, the hair is pinched between the jaws 3 and 4 and the handpiece 2 is moved along the strand of hair.

[0201] The movement is carried out either in a first direction from a front face Fl to an opposite rear face F2, or in a second direction from the rear face F2 to the front face FL

[0202] In the event that the detector indicates that no accessory is attached to the fastener 23, the processor puts the device 1 into a first operating mode, illustrated in figures 5a and 5b.

[0203] In the first operating mode, the application of steam can be switched off. In this case, the strand of hair undergoes a single heating step between the plates 16. Thus, the treatment of a strand of hair by moving the handpiece in the first direction will be similar, or even identical, to the treatment of a strand of hair by moving the handpiece in the second direction.

[0204] In the event that the detector indicates that the comb 22 is fixed on the fixing 23, the processor switches the device 1 into a second or third operating mode.

[0205] The choice between the second or third mode by the processor is made according to a usage characteristic detected by a sensor 30 which makes it possible to determine whether the handpiece 2 is used in the first or second direction.

[0206] Indeed, the first direction of use leads to the following successive steps: combing, steam application, and heating. The second direction of use leads to the following successive steps: heating, steam application, and combing.

[0207] Thus, the first and second directions of use lead to asymmetrical hair treatments when the comb 22 is fixed on the attachment 23.

[0208] The first direction of use is considered optimal, in that the quality of the treatment is better than that obtained with the other direction of use, as combing takes place before the application of steam and heating. This allows for a clear separation of three key steps in the treatment and styling of the hair. First, the hair is combed, properly oriented, and evenly distributed across the entire treatment area using the comb.

[0209] In a second step, separate from the first, the hair is treated with steam, which lightly dampens it to protect it and prepare it for the subsequent heat treatment. In a third step, separate from the previous two, the hair is treated thermally and mechanically, thanks to the combination of the temperature of the plates 16 and the pressure exerted by the clamp formed by the arms 5, 6. This sequence of three steps leads to excellent styling results while preserving the health of the hair. It is therefore clear that using the device in a different direction, specifically the second direction of use, is not advisable as it does not lead to the best results.

[0210] To visually guide the user to use the handpiece in the first direction, the handpiece 2 may include arrows 25 indicating to the user the optimal direction.

[0211] The processor switches device 1 into the second operating mode when the comb 22 is present and the handpiece 2 is moved in the first direction of use.

[0212] The processor switches device 1 into the third operating mode when the comb 22 is present and the handpiece is moved in the second direction of use.

[0213] Device 1 includes, for example, a user alerting device, not visible in the figures, configured to emit in the third operating mode a user alert, in particular a signal perceptible to the user, in particular audible, visual or haptic.

[0214] This alert allows the user to be notified that the use of device 1 is not optimal and that he / she must correct his / her handling.

[0215] Furthermore, between the operating modes, at least one component can be controlled differently. The control can be done by the processor.

[0216] For example, the heating temperature of the plates 16 can be controlled to different temperatures in the operating modes. In one embodiment, the heat treatment element is switched off when the device is used according to one of the operating modes, in particular in the third mode, which is degraded.

[0217] The component may be the vaporizing element. In this case, the quantity of vapor produced or delivered may differ depending on the operating mode. In one embodiment, the vaporizing element is switched off when the device 1 is used according to one of the operating modes, i.e., no vapor is produced. Sensor

[0218] The sensor 30 includes a sensing element for the use characteristic comprising one or more gyroscopes, one or more accelerometers, one or more tilt sensors, one or more toggle switches, one or more sensors configured to determine a position relative to an origin position, a traction sensor, or a combination thereof.

[0219] The sensing member may be in the handpiece 2, as illustrated in figures 6a, 6b, 7a and 7b.

[0220] The sensor 30 is for example inside the housing of one of the jaws 3 and 4, and is therefore not visible in figures 1, 2 and 3.

[0221] It can also be located at one of the heat treatment plates and detect a lateral movement of the latter under the action of hair pinched between the two jaws. The two plates can be mounted laterally, and the sensor 30 can detect a lateral displacement to one side or the other, characteristic of use in the first or second direction. The movement detection can be achieved by any means, in particular a piezoelectric sensor or a contactor.

[0222] The sensor 30 can be positioned near the treatment area, i.e. near the distal end of jaws 3 and 4.

[0223] In this example, the measurement axis Y is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and parallel in a plane extending between jaws 3 and 4 in the closed configuration. Thus, in this configuration, the Y axis will be substantially parallel to the hair present between jaws 3 and 4 during treatment. In this example, the Y axis extends between the front face Fl and the rear face F2.

[0224] Alternatively, the sensing element may be on the comb 22, particularly when it is a traction sensor. In this case, the device includes a connection element to the sensing element, in particular at the mounting 23.

[0225] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the sensing member can be configured to detect the stress applied to at least one salient element 100 extending over a tooth of the comb 22. In the case of a comb, the salient element can be a tooth of the comb or the set of teeth.

[0226] The salient element 100 is pivotable from a rest position about an axis of rotation Rp. The sensing element can be a sensor of a restoring force, resulting from the pivoting movement of the salient element 100 about the axis of rotation Rp, configured to detect and / or measure the movement, in particular the pivoting angle, of the salient element 100.

[0227] A movement in the first direction of use is detected when at least the movement is detected in a first direction.

[0228] A movement in the second direction of use is detected when at least the movement is detected in a second direction.

[0229] The force sensor may include a rotary potentiometer on which the salient element 100 is mounted, the detector being configured to measure the output voltage of the potentiometer which is characteristic of the movement of the probe in one direction or the other, in particular which is characteristic of a pivot angle of the probe 100 in one direction or the other. The invention is not limited to such a force sensor.The force sensor could be, for example, a Hall effect sensor on or in the salient element and two magnets arranged on either side of the axis of rotation, the sensor being configured to detect the presence of a magnetic field from one or the other of the magnets, each magnet being characteristic of one direction of use among the first and second directions of use and optionally to determine its value at the sensor, or at least two microswitches arranged on either side of the axis of rotation and configured to actuate when the salient element is moving in one direction or the other, for example when it pivots around the axis of rotation by a threshold angle defined by the position of the microswitches relative to the salient element, each microswitch being characteristic of one direction of use among the first and second directions of use.

[0230] Such a protruding element can also be arranged on the jaw and come into contact with the hair during use of the device.

[0231] To illustrate the operation of the sensor 30, Figures 6a and 6b show the use of the handpiece 2 in the first direction and Figures 7a and 7b show its use in the second direction. As explained, the hair C is treated from the root Ra to the tips Po by a movement along a direction D.

[0232] In figures 6a and 6b and 7a and 7b, the visualization of the sensor 30 is done by looking at the handpiece 2 from the side of the cord 17 in a direction A.

[0233] As can be seen in the figures, when device 1 is used, the median plane T extending between the jaws 3 and 4 forms a non-zero angle [3 with the horizontal H.

[0234] Orientation is thus characteristic of the direction of use, in particular of the ranges of orientations, as has just been illustrated.

[0235] In the following, an example of a hair treatment method according to the invention with device 1 is described.

[0236] In this example, the processing to be carried out is smoothing. In a variant, the processing to be carried out is looping.

[0237] In a first step, the device 1 is powered on by connecting the cord 17 to a mains socket.

[0238] In a second step, the user positions a strand of hair between the jaws 3 and 4, which are in the open configuration. The handpiece 2 is positioned near the hairline.

[0239] The user then puts jaws 3 and 4 into the closed configuration in a third step.

[0240] When in closed configuration, the jaw configuration detection element 3 and 4 detects it and sends a signal either to the processor so that the determination of the operating mode begins.

[0241] In this step, the user oriented the handpiece 2 by changing its inclination relative to the terrestrial horizontal H, as explained.

[0242] Next, the processor receives information from the detector about the presence or absence of the comb 22 on the fixing 23.

[0243] If no comb 22 is present, the processor switches device 1 into the first operating mode.

[0244] If a comb is present on the attachment 23, the processor determines the direction of use of the handpiece, which has not started before the signal from the jaw configuration detection device, using the usage characteristic transmitted by the sensor 30.

[0245] The sensor 30 determines, for example, a range of inclinations of the handpiece 2.

[0246] The processor then switches device 1 into the second operating mode if handpiece 2 is used in the first direction of use or in the third mode of operation if handpiece 2 is used in the second direction of use.

[0247] If device 1 is in the first or second mode of operation, it may be provided that the warning device does not emit a signal perceptible to the user.

[0248] If device 1 is in the third operating mode, it may be provided that the warning device emits a signal perceptible to the user, for example visual, audible, haptic or a combination thereof.

[0249] It could also be envisaged to proceed in reverse, that is to say with a perceptible signal during use if the device is in the first or second mode of operation, and no signal in the third mode.

[0250] It could likewise be envisaged to have a perceptible signal for all operating modes, the signal being different for each operating mode.

[0251] In the event that the user has been warned of an incorrect direction of use, the method may include a step of correctly reorienting the handpiece 2 on the hair.

[0252] Once in the correct orientation allowing the use of the handpiece 2 in the optimal operating direction, the processor switches the device to the second operating mode and the handpiece 2 is moved along the hair from root to tip so as to perform, for a given area of ​​the hair strand, the following steps: combing, steam application and heating.

[0253] The invention is not limited to the examples just described.

[0254] The number of treatment steps, the type of treatment, and the order of treatments may be different.

[0255] The process may include a step of applying a cosmetic product.

[0256] The handpiece may include external heating surfaces to achieve a curling by wrapping the hair around the handpiece and / or one or more jaws.

Claims

1. Demands Hair treatment device (1), in particular for curling and / or straightening hair, the device (1) being configured to move along a strand of hair from root to tip, the device (1) having, during treatment, a first direction of use in which the strand moves from a front face (F1) to a rear face (F2) opposite said device (1) and a second direction of use in which the strand moves from said rear face (F2) to the opposite front face (F1), the device (1) comprising: - a fixing (23) configured to removably fix a processing accessory (22); - a presence detector configured to detect the presence of the processing accessory (22) on the attachment (23); - at least one element of a sensor (30) of a device use characteristic (1) along the hair strand representative of the direction of use of the device (1) at least among the first and second directions of use at least when the treatment accessory is mounted on the attachment (23); - a processor configured for: To receive the usage characteristic detected by the sensor (30) and the presence information from the detector, and for To switch the device (1) into one of at least the following operating modes: a first mode of operation when the presence of the processing accessory (22) on the attachment (23) is detected by the presence detector and a movement in the first direction of use is determined from the use characteristic detected by the sensor (30), and a second mode of operation when the presence of the processing accessory (22) on the attachment (23) is detected by the presence detector and a movement in the second direction of use is determined from the use characteristic detected by the sensor (30), the first and second modes of operation being different between them.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, comprising two jaws (3; 4) connected to each other by a hinge and capable of taking an open configuration for engaging the hair between them and a closed configuration for processing.

3. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising at least one internal processing element having an internal processing surface (16) configured to come into contact or face a part of the hair strand during the treatment.

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a handpiece (2) elongated along a longitudinal axis (X).

5. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, when a processing accessory (22) is fixed to the attachment (23), the device (1) is configured so that the processing of the wick by a movement of the device (1) in the first direction of use is different from the processing of the wick by a movement of the device (1) in the second direction of use.

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the attachment (23) is devoid of a processing accessory (22), the device (1) is configured so that the processing of the wick by a movement of the device (1) in the first direction of use is substantially identical to the processing of the wick by a movement of the device (1) in the second direction of use.

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when a treatment accessory (22) is attached to the attachment (23), one of the first and second directions of use is optimal for carrying out the treatment along the hair strand optimally and the other of the first and second directions of use is degraded.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the use feature includes an acceleration, orientation and / or tilt of the device (1).

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the use characteristic is measured along an axis (Y) extending at least partially between the front face (F1) and the rear face (F2).

10. A device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a user alerting element configured to emit, for at least one of the operating modes, a user alert.

11. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the user alert is a signal perceptible to the user, in particular audible, visual or haptic.

12. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detector is selected from the group consisting of optical detectors, magnetic detectors, electrical detectors, mechanical detectors, and a combination thereof.

13. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening (23) comprises a locking member, in particular configured to cooperate with a complementary element of the processing accessory (22).

14. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor is configured to switch the device into an additional operating mode when no processing accessory (22) is detected on the attachment (23).

15. Processing system comprising the device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a processing accessory (22) configured to attach to the attachment (23) of the device (1), the device (1) comprising the sensor (30) of the use characteristic, the sensor (30) comprising a detection element of the use characteristic.

16. Processing system comprising the device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and a processing accessory (22) configured to attach to the attachment (23) of the device (1), wherein the processing accessory (22) comprises a sensing element for the use characteristic and the device (1) comprises a connecting element for the sensing element for the use characteristic to the processor.

17. System according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the processing accessory (22) comprises a comb, one or more steam outlets, a cosmetic product applicator, a pressure element of a cosmetic product applicator and / or a combination thereof, the processing accessory (22) preferably being a comb.

18. A system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the usage characteristic sensor comprises a usage characteristic detection element comprising one or more gyroscopes, one or more accelerometers, one or more tilt sensors, one or more toggle switches, one or more sensors configured to determine a position relative to an origin position, a contact, motion, flex sensor to detect traction of moving hair or a combination thereof.

19. A method for treating hair along a strand of hair, in particular for straightening or curling, by moving a device (1), the device (1) being configured to move along a strand of hair from a root to a tip, the device (1) having, during treatment, a first direction of use in which the strand moves from a front face (F1) to a rear face (F2) opposite said device (1) and a second direction of use in which the strand moves from said rear face (F2) to the opposite front face (F1), the method comprising: - the detection of a device usage characteristic (1) during its movement along the hair strand; - the detection of the presence, or absence, of a processing accessory (22) on a fixing (23) of the device (1); - the switching of the device (1) into one of at least the following operating modes: a first mode when the presence of the processing accessory (22) is detected and a movement along the first direction of use is determined from the usage characteristic, and a second mode when the presence of the processing accessory (22) is detected and a movement in the second direction of use is determined from the usage characteristic, the first and second operating modes being different from each other.

20. A method according to the preceding claim, comprising issuing a user alert when the device (1) is used in at least one of the first, second and third modes of operation.

21. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the user alert corresponds to a signal perceptible to the user, in particular audible, visual or haptic.

22. A method according to any one of claims 20 and 21, wherein the device (1) comprises two jaws (3; 4) capable of taking an open configuration for engaging the hair between them and a closed configuration for processing, a method wherein the emission of an alert is carried out only if said jaws (3; 4) are in the closed configuration, the determination of the configuration of the jaws (3; 4) being carried out prior to the determination of the direction of use and the determination of the direction of use of the device being carried out only when a closed configuration of the jaws (3; 4) is detected.

23. A method according to the preceding claim, comprising determining the configuration of the jaws (3; 4) prior to detecting the use characteristic and detecting the use characteristic only when a closed configuration of the jaws (3; 4) is detected.

24. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 24, comprising a heat treatment step, in particular on a heat treatment surface (16), in particular on a hot plate, a steam application, a cosmetic product application and / or a combing.

25. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 25, comprising switching the device (1) into an additional operating mode when no accessory (22) is detected on the attachment (23).

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