Hair treatment device with steam and temperature control based on movement and / or position

Abstract

Hair treatment device with steam and temperature control based on movement and / or position. The invention relates to a hair treatment device comprising: - A heating treatment element configured to come into contact with the hair when the device is moved along a strand of hair from root to tip, - A vaporization system comprising at least one steam outlet configured to come into contact with the hair and emit steam onto the hair when the device is moved along a strand of hair from root to tip, - A position and / or movement sensor configured to generate information relating to the movement and / or position of the device.- A control unit configured to receive at least the movement and / or position information generated by the position and / or movement sensor and to control at least the vaporization system based on this information. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 3,

Description

Title of the invention: Hair treatment device with steam and temperature control based on movement and / or position

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair treatment device, in particular for curling and / or straightening, in particular by application of steam and the corresponding treatment process. technical field

[0002] Many types of hair styling devices or accessories are known for shaping hair, particularly by straightening, curling or crimping. Straightening irons and curling irons are examples. Previous technique

[0003] Patent applications WO202223708, WO202223709, WO202223710, WO202223711, WO202223712, WO202223713, WO202223714, WO202223715, WO202223716, WO202223717, WO202223718, and WO202223719 relate to clamp-type hair straightening devices with heated plates that clamp the hair together. These patent applications emphasize the detection of movement, hair condition, and usage, as well as the control of the heated plates' temperature based on these detections or a user alert based on these detections.

[0004] Patent application WO2023105185 discloses a hair straightening device that applies steam or heated air, in which the air temperature or the steam or air flow rate is controlled based on detected movement of the device. The temperature of the delivered fluid and / or the fluid flow rate are controlled based on the speed of movement, the distance from an initial position, or the detection of a predetermined movement of the device, by means of motion sensors. In this patent application, the application of steam and / or hot air is presented as an alternative to treating hair with heated plates to reduce the risk of hair damage. However, the use of steam increases the moisture content of the user's hair, which can be undesirable, requiring a significant amount of time to dry the hair afterward.Furthermore, the steam must be expelled from these devices, which can cause discomfort for the user, particularly near the scalp.

[0005] There is a need for a hair treatment device, in particular for straightening or curling, with improved treatment performance and great ease of use. Description of the invention

[0006] The invention addresses this need by means of a hair treatment device, in particular for curling and / or straightening hair, comprising: - A heated treatment element configured to come into contact with the hair as the device moves along a strand of hair from root to tip, - A vaporization system comprising at least one steam outlet configured to position itself near the hair and emit steam onto the hair as the device moves along a strand of hair from root to tip, - A position and / or motion sensor configured to generate information relating to the movement and / or position of the device, - A control unit configured to receive at least the movement and / or position information generated by the sensor and to control at least the vaporization system at least according to this movement and / or position information.

[0007] The application of steam generated by the device allows for the humidification of the hair. This humidity acts as a protective shield, reducing the impact of high temperatures on the hair fiber and thus limiting the risks of drying, breakage or other forms of damage to the hair fibers.

[0008] Steam also plays a key role in distributing the heat emitted by the heating element. It improves thermal conduction through the hair strand, thus ensuring even styling and reducing overheated areas that could damage the hair.

[0009] By maintaining the steam at an optimal temperature, the heating element limits excessive condensation of steam on the hair and scalp. This reduces the unpleasant feeling of dampness and improves user comfort, making the styling experience more pleasant and safer. The combination of steam and the heating element is therefore particularly advantageous.

[0010] Thanks to the control unit, which receives information on the movement and position of the device, the vaporization system can be precisely controlled, including adjusting the steam flow rate and / or the temperature of the emitted steam. This makes it possible to adapt the amount of steam applied according to the styling technique, the hair type, and the proximity to the scalp, thus ensuring a personalized application, limiting discomfort, and / or reducing the risk of potential damage to the hair fibers due to excessive steam.

[0011] Furthermore, the control of the vaporization system is independent of the thermal inertia of the device and the hair. It is therefore possible to act with greater flexibility on the treatment parameters than in the case of control solely of a heating treatment element, which is dependent on thermal inertia and cannot change temperature rapidly.

[0012] These combined technical advantages contribute to a superior styling experience, where safety, efficiency and user comfort are at the heart of the device design.

[0013] Preferably, the device is a hair styling device, in particular for curling and / or straightening hair. Arm

[0014] Preferably, the device comprises two arms movable between them, each carrying a jaw, the jaws being able to take an open configuration for inserting hair between them and a closed configuration for processing hair.

[0015] The two arms can be movable relative to each other by means of a joint. The joint can extend to the proximal end of both arms.

[0016] The joint can be an elastic hinge, in particular configured to hold the two jaws in an open configuration in the absence of external stress.

[0017] Preferably, both arms each have a half-handle on the joint side and the treatment jaw extends between the half-handle and a free end of the device.

[0018] The jaws can each include an internal processing surface configured to face each other in the closed configuration of the jaws. Asymmetry

[0019] In a closed jaw configuration, the device may be asymmetrical with respect to at least one longitudinal median plane transverse to the internal treatment surfaces of both jaws. Alternatively, the device is symmetrical with respect to at least one longitudinal median plane transverse to the internal treatment surfaces of at least one of the jaws. The fact that the device is asymmetrical with respect to at least one longitudinal median plane results in asymmetrical hair treatment during use of the device; that is, by dividing the treatment into two parts of equal duration, for constant device speed, 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. Such asymmetry in the treatment can, in particular, lead to a 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. Jaw closure detection

[0020] The device may include a jaw configuration detection element configured to detect whether the jaws are in the closed or open position, in particular a Hall effect sensor. The detection element may be arranged at the jaws or at the half-handles of the arms. The closed jaw configuration may be detected by the jaw configuration detection element when the longitudinal axes of the arms form an angle less than a closing threshold angle. Heating processing unit

[0021] Preferably, the heating treatment element comprises at least one heating plate extending over one jaw opposite the other jaw in the closed jaw configuration, the heating plate having a heating surface in contact with the hair in the closed jaw configuration.

[0022] The heating treatment element may include two opposing heating plates, each extending over a jaw and configured to pinch the hair between them in a closed jaw configuration.

[0023] The heating treatment unit may include a heating element configured to heat the hair contact surface in the closed configuration of the jaws to a temperature greater than or equal to 120°C, preferably greater than or equal to 150°C.

[0024] The heating treatment element may include an external heating plate extending over an external surface of the device, in particular over an external surface of one of the arms, configured to come into contact with a portion of the hair strand during treatment, the external treatment surface being adapted, in particular, to perform heat treatment, in particular being a heating plate. The external treatment element allows, in particular, for curling the hair by wrapping the hair around the device and / or around one or both of the jaws. Vaporization system

[0025] Preferably, the steam outlet extends over one of the two jaws and is configured to emit steam between the two jaws.

[0026] The vaporization system may include several vapor outlets, in particular extending over one of the two jaws. The vapor outlets may be aligned between them according to a row of steam outlets extending along a longitudinal axis of the device, in particular a longitudinal axis of an arm supporting them.

[0027] Preferably, the steam outlet(s) extend laterally to the heating plate(s) in the closed configuration of the jaws.

[0028] The vaporization system can extend over a jaw also carrying a heating plate. Preferably, in this case, the vapor outlet(s) extend laterally to the heating plate on the same arm and are laterally separated from the latter.

[0029] Preferably, the vaporization system includes a vaporization chamber configured to supply steam to the steam outlet(s). The vaporization system may include a heating element for the vaporization chamber configured to heat the vaporization chamber to a temperature of 120°C or higher, preferably 150°C or higher. The heating element of the vaporization system and at least one heating element of the heating processing unit may be combined. It is thus possible to have a single heating element for both the vaporization system and the heating portion of the heating processing unit on the same arm. Alternatively, they may be separate.

[0030] The vaporization system may include a reservoir for the product to be vaporized, fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber. The reservoir for the product to be vaporized may be located on the device. The reservoir may be removable. Alternatively, the reservoir for the product to be vaporized is not located on the device but is housed in an external base fluidly connected to the device.

[0031] The reservoir can be refilled with product.

[0032] The vaporization system may include a pump for supplying a vaporization chamber with the product to be vaporized or for supplying the vapor outlet(s) with vapor. Preferably, the supply pump has a variable flow rate. It may be configured to be able to take at least two different non-zero setpoint flow rates so that the vapor emission rate from the vapor outlet(s) can take at least two different non-zero setpoint values. Sensor

[0033] The position and / or movement sensor may be a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a housing comprising a combination of one or more gyroscopes, one or more accelerometers, in particular an inertial measurement unit, one or more tilt sensors, one or more toggle switches, a flex sensor enabling the detection of traction of moving hair or a combination thereof.

[0034] The device can be configured so that the position and / or motion sensor only generates motion and / or position information from the device when The jaws are in the closed position. The operation of the position and / or motion sensor can be blocked when the jaws are in the open position, for example, by cutting off the power supply. The control unit can control the position and / or motion sensor based on the information provided by the jaw configuration detection device.

[0035] The position and / or motion sensor can be configured to detect a displacement of the device along at least one axis of the device, in particular along an axis parallel to the joint between the two arms and / or an axis extending between a front face and a rear face of the device relative to a strand of hair that would be introduced into it, and / or a rotation around at least one axis, in particular the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0036] The position and / or motion sensor can be configured to generate motion and / or position information in a frame of reference formed by three fixed axes of space or movable with the device, in particular along the center of gravity of the device.

[0037] The movement and / or position information(s) may be: - a motion parameter, including a displacement of the device from a first position to a second position, a movement of the device in a given direction, a speed of movement of the device along at least one direction, a distance traveled by the device and / or an acceleration or deceleration of the device along at least one direction, and / or - a parameter for changing the orientation of the device, in particular rotation of the device around at least one axis or an orientation of the device in the fixed frame of reference, and / or - a position and / or orientation parameter in a coordinate system as described above or relative to a reference position.

[0038] The movement parameter can be measured along an axis not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, in particular along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device, preferably parallel to a median plane extending between the jaws in the closed configuration of the jaws, in particular extending between the arms in the closed configuration of the jaws at least partially from the front face to the rear face of the device.

[0039] The orientation change parameter can be measured in the fixed frame in space, in particular with respect to the horizontal, or around a fixed axis of the device, in particular an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, and with respect to a fixed reference axis in the fixed frame, in particular a horizontal or vertical axis.

[0040] The position and / or motion sensor can be configured to continuously generate real-time motion and / or position information when active. Activation of the position and / or motion sensor can be triggered between a first and a second predetermined event, corresponding respectively to the start and end of processing. The control unit can be configured to control the activation and deactivation of the position and / or motion sensor based on the detection of the first or second predetermined event.

[0041] Alternatively, the position and / or motion sensor is activated as soon as the device is switched on, and the control unit is configured to control the vaporization system according to the position and / or motion information. In particular, the control unit is configured to deactivate or reduce, preferably deactivate, the emission of vapor from the vapor outlet(s) before a first predetermined event corresponding to the start of treatment and after a second predetermined event corresponding to the end of treatment.

[0042] The control unit can in all cases be configured to control the vaporization system according to movement and / or position information between a first predetermined event corresponding to a start of treatment and a second predetermined event corresponding to an end of treatment.

[0043] The first event and the second predetermined event can be respectively: - the transition to the closed jaw configuration, indicating the start of treatment of a strand of hair and / or positioning at the root of a strand of hair, and the transition to the open jaw configuration, indicating in particular the end of treatment and / or positioning of the device at the tip of a strand of hair, - the transition to a closed jaw configuration, indicative in particular of the start of processing a strand of hair and / or positioning at the root of a strand of hair, and the detection of contact between the two jaws by a contact sensor positioned on the jaws, indicative in particular of an absence of hair between the jaws and therefore of a positioning downstream of the tip of my strand of hair, - the detection of the beginning of a rotation of the device around a fixed axis of the device in a direction of rotation, indicative of the start of treatment, and the detection of the end of the rotation of the device around the fixed axis of the device in said direction of rotation, indicative of the end of treatment, and / or - The detection of the onset of movement of the device in a predetermined direction, in particular by detecting a movement along a direction at a speed along that direction greater than a minimum reference speed, significant of a start of processing, and of an end of movement of the device in the predetermined direction, in particular by detection of a change in direction of movement of the device and / or a change in speed of the device in said direction, significant of an end of processing. Control unit

[0044] The control unit can be configured to control the steam flow rate emitted by the vaporization system onto the hair, in particular by controlling the flow rate of the feed pump, at least according to the movement and / or position information generated by the movement and / or position sensor. This makes it possible, in particular, to adapt the amount of steam emitted by the steam outlet(s) at least according to the treatment to offer a personalized treatment based on the real-time use of the device. Furthermore, adapting the steam flow rate also makes it possible to extend the usage time by fine-tuning the steam emission to the situation.The steam output from the hair vaporization system can be controlled according to a steam setpoint flow rate, in particular via a feed pump setpoint flow rate, or a steam flow setpoint curve, in particular via the pump, over a predetermined time, in particular via a feed pump flow setpoint curve over a predetermined time, in particular in step, according to a ramp or a sinusoid.

[0045] The control unit can be configured to control the temperature of the steam emitted by the hair vaporization system, in particular by controlling the temperature of the heating element in the vaporization chamber, based on motion and / or position information generated by the motion and / or position sensor. The temperature of the steam emitted by the hair vaporization system can be controlled according to a setpoint temperature for the steam emitted by the vaporization system or the heating element in the vaporization chamber, or a predetermined temperature setpoint curve over time, in particular in step, ramp, or sinusoidal form.

[0046] The control unit can be configured to further control the heating element, in particular the temperature of the heating element, specifically the temperature of the heating surface in contact with the hair, based on movement and / or position information generated by the movement and / or position sensor. The temperature of the heating element can be controlled according to a setpoint temperature of the heating element or a curve of temperature setpoint over a predetermined time, in particular in step, according to a ramp or a sinusoid.

[0047] In the following, the terms "setpoint flow rate" or "setpoint temperature" will refer to both a setpoint value and a setpoint curve. It should be understood that an increase refers to a positive offset of the setpoint value or curve, and a decrease refers to a negative offset of the setpoint value or curve.

[0048] The control unit can control the vaporization system in real time.

[0049] The control unit can be configured to control the processing unit heating and vaporization systems independently.

[0050] The control unit can be configured to control the heating processing element simultaneously with the vaporization system, in particular in real time.

[0051] The control unit can be configured to determine a treatment to be applied and control the heating treatment element according to the desired treatment temperature on the hair and the vaporization system according to the desired treatment humidity, taking into account movement and position information.

[0052] Preferably, the control unit is configured to determine a control profile of the device from among a plurality of predetermined control profiles, the control profiles being different at least by different non-zero setpoint flow values ​​from each other, and / or different setpoint temperature values ​​from each other and different from the ambient and the control of the heating processing element and / or the vaporization system according to the control profile determined according to the movement and / or position information.

[0053] The control unit can be configured to determine the speed at which the device moves over the hair strand based on motion and / or position information. The control unit may include a speed, position, and / or motion estimation algorithm to process the device's motion, position, and / or orientation information. The algorithm may include a Madgwick filter or a machine learning model. It is then possible to control the flow rate of the steam emitted onto the hair as a function of the device's speed over the hair, particularly in real time. Thus, it is possible, for example, to increase the setpoint flow rate of the emitted steam, notably via the pump, as the speed increases.It is also possible to control the temperature of the steam emitted by the vaporization system onto the hair and / or the temperature of the heating element based on the speed at which the device moves over the hair, particularly in real time, for example by increasing the temperature as the speed increases. This ensures that the treatment conditions on the hair are virtually identical in terms of heat and humidity, regardless of the treatment speed.

[0054] The control unit can be configured to detect when the device's acceleration or deceleration exceeds a threshold value based on motion and / or position information. This threshold value can be predetermined based on the thermal inertia of the heating element. It can be the value at which the temperature of the treatment surface in contact with the hair cannot keep pace with the setpoint temperature change related to the device's speed due to its thermal inertia. This presents a risk of hair damage from excessive deceleration or an unsatisfactory treatment result from excessive acceleration. The control unit can be configured to control the vaporization system, specifically the vapor flow rate, based on the detected acceleration or deceleration.It can increase the steam flow rate to maintain the hair at a substantially constant temperature, regardless of the temperature of the heating element. Specifically, it can humidify the hair to protect it and lower its temperature if it decelerates beyond the threshold value, and maintain a substantially constant temperature corresponding to the steam temperature if it accelerates beyond the threshold value. This helps to protect the hair and ensure optimal treatment quality under all circumstances.

[0055] The device may include a temperature sensor for the heating element configured to generate real-time temperature information for the heating element. The control unit can determine the setpoint steam flow rate based on the actual temperature of the heating element and the device's movement speed. This determination can be made using pre-established curves that provide the setpoint flow rate value to be applied as a function of the actual temperature of the heating element and the device's movement speed over the hair.

[0056] The control unit can receive temperature ceiling information from the heating element and can be configured to adjust the steam flow rate or the temperature of the steam emitted by the vaporization system based on the ceiling information and movement and / or position when the heating element reaches a ceiling temperature. For example, it is possible to increase the steam flow rate when the heating element temperature is at the ceiling to adjust the hair treatment temperature and thus achieve a treatment effect equivalent to that which would be obtained with a treatment temperature above the ceiling.

[0057] The control unit can receive information on the vapor flow rate ceiling from the vaporization system and can be configured to adjust the temperature The heating element adjusts based on the ceiling and movement / position information when the vaporization system's steam flow rate is at its maximum. For example, it is possible to increase the temperature of the heating element with the vaporization system's steam flow rate at its maximum to adjust the hair treatment temperature and thus achieve a treatment effect equivalent to that obtained with a steam flow rate exceeding the maximum.

[0058] The control unit can be configured to determine at least one direction of use for the device, choosing between a first and a second direction of use based on movement and / or position information. During treatment, the device can exhibit a first direction of use in which the hair strand moves from a front face to an opposite rear face of the device, and a second direction of use in which the strand moves through the device from said rear face to the opposite front face. Detecting the direction of use can therefore identify the treatment applied to the hair strand and thus control the flow rate of the steam emitted onto the hair, the temperature of the steam emitted by the vaporization system onto the hair, and / or the temperature of the heating element accordingly.The control unit can then be configured to control the vaporization system in either a degraded or optimal operating mode, depending on the intended direction of use. For example, the degraded operating mode corresponds to a non-recommended direction of use, and the optimal operating mode to a recommended direction of use. Preferably, the set flow rate of the steam emitted onto the hair is lower in the degraded operating mode than in the optimal operating mode. Furthermore, the set temperature of the steam emitted by the vaporization system onto the hair and / or the set temperature of the heating element can also be reduced in the degraded operating mode compared to the optimal operating mode.In particular, during degraded operating mode, the emitted steam flow rate can be set to zero or reduced, and / or the heating element(s) of the vaporization chamber and / or the heated treatment surface can be at ambient or reduced setpoint temperatures. This helps to encourage optimal use of the device and to achieve a desired and easily reproducible hair strand treatment.

[0059] The control unit can be configured to detect a hair curling treatment based on movement and / or position information, in particular by detecting a rotation of the device. The control unit can then be configured to control the device in a curling operating mode in which the operation of the vaporization system differs from a mode of In this straightening mode, the set flow rate of steam emitted onto the hair can be predetermined. The set temperature of the steam emitted by the vaporization system onto the hair and / or the heating element can also be controlled. This allows for a reduced set flow rate of steam onto the hair and / or a lower set temperature of the steam and / or the heating element. This helps compensate for the fact that the hair is wrapped around the device and remains in contact with it for a longer period, thus limiting heat damage. The control unit can also activate the external heating plate(s) and / or control their set temperature(s).

[0060] The control unit can be configured to determine the position of the device on a strand of hair and control the vaporization system based on the device's position on the hair. Determining the device's position on a strand of hair can be done based on a displacement distance from a starting position corresponding to a position at the root of the hair, determined in particular by switching to the closed jaw configuration, and optionally based on information about the hair length or thickness between the jaws, determined in particular using a device for detecting the thickness of the hair strand between the jaws. The device for detecting the thickness of the hair strand between the jaws can be a device for detecting the spacing between the jaws in the open configuration.It can act as the jaw configuration detection device. The control unit can then be configured to adjust the steam flow rate on the hair and / or the steam temperature and / or the temperature of the heating element depending on the device's position on the hair strand between the root and the tip. For example, roots are generally less damaged than tips. The control unit can be configured to impose a higher steam and / or heating element temperature when the device is positioned at the roots than at the tips. The control unit can be configured to impose a higher steam flow rate on the hair when the device is positioned at the tips than at the roots. This allows for greater straightening efficiency while taking into account the condition of the hair fiber.

[0061] The control unit can be configured to determine a distance traveled by the device from an initial position corresponding in particular to the first event described above, based on movement and / or position information, and to control the vaporization system based on the The distance traveled by the device is determined. The control unit can also be configured to control the heating element based on movement and / or position information. The control unit can increase the set steam flow rate, the set temperature of the steam emitted by the vaporization system onto the hair, and / or the set temperature of the heating element when the distance traveled exceeds a significant predetermined threshold, for example, when the device is sufficiently far from the scalp. This helps to limit user discomfort by preventing high treatment temperatures and / or steam flow rates near the scalp.

[0062] The control unit can be configured to identify a device and / or treatment stoppage based on movement and / or position information and switch the device to a standby mode in which the operation of the vaporization system is stopped or reduced when such a stoppage is detected. The heating treatment element can also be switched to standby mode in this case. In standby mode, the set flow rate of the steam emitted onto the hair, the set temperature of the steam emitted by the vaporization system onto the hair, and / or the set temperature of the heating treatment element can be reduced. In particular, in standby mode, the heating element of the heated treatment surface can be at an ambient or reduced set temperature, and the emitted steam flow rate can be set to zero.Alternatively, the steam output can follow a decreasing setpoint curve configured to mirror the gradual decrease in temperature applied to the hair by the heating element until the setpoint temperature is reached. This helps prevent hair damage during the temperature decrease of the heating plate(s), as the application of a lower setpoint temperature is not an instantaneous process and necessarily occurs through a gradual decrease in temperature due to thermal inertia. The temperature of the heating element in the vaporization chamber can also be reduced below the vaporization temperature of the product being vaporized, preferably while remaining above ambient temperature.This allows for a quick resumption of treatment by enabling a faster temperature recovery than if the heating element in the vaporization chamber were to shut off. This standby mode prevents the device from being completely switched off during a temporary treatment interruption, thus limiting hair damage. It also saves energy, especially when the device is battery-powered.

[0063] Treatment is stopped, for example, by an absence of movement, by a transition to an open jaw configuration, or by a change in orientation. of the device, by a movement of the device not characteristic of a treatment and / or by contact of the opposing heating plates with each other. User interface

[0064] The control unit can control the vaporization system and / or the heating element further according to one or more input signals or one or more input instructions entered by the user on a user interface. The device may include the user interface or the latter may be remote, in particular via a portable device, such as a mobile phone or tablet, a computer or a remote control connected to the device, or on the base connected to the device.

[0065] The input information may, for example, be representative of the hair typology, in particular the hair type, its average thickness, its quality, its color or its average length, or the type of treatment, in particular straightening or curling and the quality of straightening or curling sought.

[0066] The input instruction(s) are for example a limit temperature of the heating plates, a forced temperature of the heating plates, a limit steam flow rate not to be exceeded or a limit temperature not to be exceeded. Additional processing organ

[0067] The device may include at least one additional processing element, in particular a cosmetic product applicator, a comb, and a combination thereof.

[0068] The additional processing organ can be mounted on one of the jaws and extend at least partially between the two jaws.

[0069] The additional treatment element can be arranged on the device, 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 so that it treats the hair upstream of the heating treatment element in one direction of use and downstream of the heating treatment element in another direction of use.

[0070] The additional processing element can be positioned laterally on the device, in particular laterally on one of the jaws. Processing method

[0071] The invention also meets this need by means of a hair treatment process, in particular for curling and / or straightening hair, using the device as described above comprising control of the vaporization system according to the movement and / or position of the device.

[0072] The process may include controlling the flow rate of steam emitted by the vaporization system, in particular by controlling the flow rate of the feed pump, according to movement and / or position information as described above.

[0073] The method may include controlling the temperature of the vapor emitted by the vaporization system on the hair, in particular by controlling the temperature of the heating element of the vaporization chamber, based on movement and / or position information as described above.

[0074] The method may further include controlling the heating treatment element, in particular the temperature of the heating treatment element, in particular the heating surface in contact with the hair, according to movement and / or position information as described above.

[0075] The control can be done in real time.

[0076] The method may include the detection of one or more parameters of the device and / or the hair, including the temperature of the heating treatment element in contact with the hair, the steam flow rate emitted, the moisture of the hair, the condition of the hair and the control of the vaporization system and / or the heating treatment element according to this detection.

[0077] The method may include determining a control profile of the device and controlling the vaporization system and / or the heating treatment element according to the control profile based on movement and / or position information.

[0078] The method may include determining a position of the device along the hair strand and applying a different steam flow rate emitted by the steam outlet(s) to at least two different positions of the device along the hair strand.

[0079] The method may include determining the speed of movement of the device along a strand of hair and applying a steam flow rate emitted by the steam outlet(s) that depends on the speed of movement of the device, in particular applying a steam flow rate that increases with the speed of movement. The method may also include applying a temperature of the heating treatment element that increases with the speed of movement.

[0080] The process may include determining an acceleration or deceleration phase greater than a threshold value and applying a temporarily increased steam flow rate as a function of the determined acceleration or deceleration.

[0081] The method may include determining the actual temperature of the heating processing element and determining the steam flow rate as a function of the actual temperature of the heating processing element and the speed of movement of the device.

[0082] The process may include applying a temperature to a temperature ceiling, and adjusting the emitted steam flow rate according to movement and / or position information to fine-tune the treatment to this ceiling temperature.

[0083] The process may include applying a steam flow rate to a ceiling flow rate, and adjusting the temperature of the heating treatment element according to movement and / or position information to fine-tune the treatment to this ceiling flow rate.

[0084] The method may include determining a distance between the device and the hair roots and applying a steam flow rate from the steam outlet(s) based on this distance. For example, roots are generally less damaged than ends. The method may include applying a higher steam and / or heating element setpoint temperature when the device is positioned at the roots than when it is positioned at the ends. The method may also include applying a higher steam flow rate to the hair when the device is positioned at the roots than when it is positioned at the ends. This allows for greater straightening efficiency while taking into account the condition of the hair fiber.

[0085] The method may include detecting a direction of use of the device from movement and / or position information and applying a degraded or optimal operating mode depending on the direction of use detected, the degraded operating mode having a lower steam flow and / or temperature of the heating treatment element than the optimal operating mode with identical treatment parameters, in particular with the same travel speed.

[0086] The method may include the detection of a stoppage of the device or the treatment and the application of a standby mode to the detection of such a stoppage, the standby mode having a setpoint flow rate of the steam emitted on the hair and / or a setpoint temperature of the heating treatment element reduced compared to an operating mode with identical treatment parameters, in particular with identical movement speed.

[0087] The process may include a treatment of the hair on an external treatment surface of the device, in particular thermal, in particular a heating plate.

[0088] The method may include the detection of a loop treatment and the activation of an external heating plate. Brief description of the drawings

[0089] 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, in which

[0090] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] illustrates, in side view, an example of a device in a closed configuration according to the invention,

[0091] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] illustrates, in perspective, the device of [Fig.1] in a open configuration with the processing accessory,

[0092] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of the interactions of the elements of the a device between them

[0093] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents an example of the device's operation, and

[0094] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a variant, in side view, of a device in a closed configuration. Detailed description

[0095] 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.

[0096] In the figures, the actual proportions have not always been respected, for the sake of clarity.

[0097] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an example of a device 1 according to the invention, for hair straightening. Figure 3 schematically represents the interactions between the different elements of the device 1.

[0098] This device 1 comprises two jaws 3 and 4 movable relative to each other between an open configuration, visible in [Fig.2], for the introduction of a strand of hair between them and a closed processing configuration, illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0099] 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 device 1 thus forming a clamp.

[0100] The 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.

[0101] The width of arms 5 and 6 at the half-handles 10 and 11 is less than that at the jaws 3 and 4.

[0102] Jaws 3 and 4 each have a convex outer surface and a substantially flat inner surface. But it could be otherwise.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] The device 1 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis X.

[0106] The jaw 3 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis Yl.

[0107] The jaw 4 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis Y2.

[0108] The device 1 comprises a heating processing element 12, a sensor of movement and / or position 30, a vaporization system 20 and a control unit 35 of at least the vaporization system 20 according to movement and / or position information Imov and Ipos generated by the sensor 30. The various elements above of the device 1 are described in detail below in relation to the device of figures 1 and 2 and the interaction diagram of [Fig.3]. Heating processing unit

[0109] The heating treatment element 12 can be in the form of an internal heating surface 14 for the hair 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.

[0110] The two internal heating surfaces 14 are substantially flat, but this could be otherwise. They could be of complementary corrugated shapes or complementary curved shapes, for example.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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 device 1 is asymmetric with respect to a median plane P of the jaws 3 and 4 perpendicular to the internal heating surfaces 14 when in closed configuration.

[0114] The plates 16 are heated by heating elements 1, in particular thermal resistors. The setpoint temperature Tpc of the heating elements 17 can be imposed by the control unit 35 as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0115] The device may include a temperature detector for the heating processing element not shown, configured to generate real-time information on the actual temperature of the processing surface 14. Vaporization system

[0116] The vaporization system 20, schematically illustrated in [Fig.3], may include at least one steam outlet 21, here a row of several steam outlets 21. The vaporization system 20 may include an element 43, in particular a thermal resistance, heating a vaporization chamber 42 integrated into the device 1 supplied with water by a reservoir 41 located in an arm 5, 6 of the device, or in a variant not illustrated by a remote reservoir 41. The vaporization chamber 42 can supply steam to the steam outlets 21 by any means, in particular via an opening 23. The vaporization system 20 may include an electrically driven pump 40, preferably peristaltic, which draws the product to be sent to the device 1 from the reservoir 41 of product to be vaporized and sends it to the vaporization chamber 42. The pump is, for example, as disclosed in publication FR 2 967 018.The vaporization chamber 42 can be made in accordance with the teaching of application EP 2449909A1 or otherwise.

[0117] The pump 40 can be controlled by the control unit 35, in particular the control unit 35 can impose a set flow rate Dc on it and the heating element 43 can be controlled at a set temperature Tvc by the control unit 35, as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0118] In one variant, the pump 40 may not supply the vaporization chamber 42 with fluid to be vaporized but supply the vapor outlets 21 with vapor from the vaporization chamber.

[0119] The heating elements 17 and 43 are shown separately in [Fig.3]. However, they could form, on the arm carrying the vaporization system 20, a single heating element heating both the vaporization chamber 42 and the plate 16.

[0120] The vaporization chamber 42 can be arranged on one of the arms 5 or 6, namely the lower arm 6 in the example considered, and the steam outlets 21 are provided on the same arm 6.

[0121] The vaporization system 20 may include a ramp, elongated in shape in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2 supplying steam to a plurality of steam outlets 21. 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.

[0122] The vaporization system 20 can be electrically powered, and a temperature sensor (not shown) is advantageously located in the vaporization chamber. The device is designed to maintain the temperature of the vaporization chamber during operation, i.e., during vapor emission, at a value higher than the vaporization temperature of the product to be vaporized, for example, for water, at a temperature between 110°C and 130°C.

[0123] The steam produced which exits through the outlets 21 is partially confined between the steam outlet 21, the internal heating plates 16 and the other jaw 3.

[0124] The reservoir 7 can be integrated into the device, in particular into the handle of one of the arms 6, specifically into the handle of the arm having the jaw 4 with the steam outlets 21. 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 device, particularly in an external base, without departing from the scope of the invention).

[0125] Jaw configuration detection device

[0126] The device 1 preferably includes a detection element 25, not shown, for the configuration of the jaws 3 and 4, configured to detect whether the jaws 3 and 4 are in the closed or open processing configuration, in particular a Hall effect sensor. Such a detection element 25 generates information on the jaw configuration Iconf. Such an element can also provide information on the distance between the jaws Lp. This information Iconf and Iep is sent to the control unit 35. Sensor

[0127] The sensor 30 may include a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a housing comprising a combination of one or more gyroscopes, one or more accelerometers, in particular an inertial measurement unit (IMU), one or more tilt sensors, one or more tilt switches, a flex sensor for detecting traction on moving hair, or a combination thereof. In the present case, the sensor 30 is arranged in the handle of the arm 5 and is an inertial measurement unit. However, it could be arranged at the jaw and may or may not interact with the hair.

[0128] For example, it could include a flex sensor and interact with the hair to detect a traction of the hair between the two jaws and thus detect a movement and a direction of movement among at least two directions or an inclination sensor.

[0129] The sensor 30 can be configured to detect traction on a component of the device and / or displacement of a component of the device in a direction due to gravity, in particular of the heating element or of a protruding element extending between the jaws 3 and 4. The sensor 30 can be configured to detect lateral displacement or lateral tilting of the component of the device, in particular of the heating element in its housing, in either direction, including transversely to the longitudinal axis of the device. Optionally, the sensor 30 may include contacts (not shown) extending laterally to the heating element in its housing, on either side thereof, including the plate, and configured to detect contact of the heating element on one side or the other.Where applicable, the protruding element may be mounted to move in one or more directions to allow the detection of displacement about an axis. For example, a protruding element may move in translation, bending, or other directions along one or two axes. Preferably, the protruding element pivots from a rest position about at least one axis of rotation, and the sensor may include a force sensor, in particular a restoring force, resulting from the pivoting movement of the protruding element about the axis of rotation, configured to detect and / or measure the movement, including the pivot angle, of the protruding element. The contactors or force sensor may be potentiometers, piezoelectric sensors, Hall effect sensors, or microswitches. The sensor 30 may include an elastic return element in the rest position of said device element in the absence of an external force.

[0130] The sensor 30 can be configured to detect a displacement of the device 1 along at least one axis of the device, in particular along an axis O parallel to the joint between the two arms. This makes it possible to detect a displacement of the device 1 along the strand of hair inserted between the jaws extending along this axis. It is then possible to generate a movement information Imov corresponding to a displacement distance from a first position corresponding to a first predetermined event characteristic of the start of processing, or to generate a position information Ipos relative to a first position corresponding to a first predetermined event characteristic of the start of processing. It is also possible to generate a movement information Imov corresponds to the speed of movement and / or acceleration of the device moving along this axis.

[0131] The sensor 30 can be configured to detect rotation around at least one axis, in particular the longitudinal axis X. It is then possible to generate motion information corresponding to the angle of rotation of the device 1 around the axis from a first orientation corresponding to a first predetermined event characteristic of the start of processing, or position information relative to a first orientation corresponding to a first predetermined event characteristic of the start of processing. It is also possible to generate motion information corresponding to the rotational speed and / or the rotational acceleration of the device around this axis.

[0132] The sensor 30 can be configured to detect a position, a displacement, an orientation or a rotation of the device 1 in a fixed frame of reference in space.

[0133] The sensor 30 can be configured to detect an orientation of the device 1 in a frame of reference formed by three axes movable with the device 1, in particular with respect to a horizontal and / or vertical axis. The frame of reference can be formed by three axes of fixed direction in space moving with the center of gravity of the device 1. Control unit

[0134] The control unit 35 may include a processor not shown, in particular a microcontroller.

[0135] The sensor 30 can be configured to continuously generate the movement and / or position information Imov and Ipos in real time, particularly when it is active. Activation of the sensor 30 can be triggered between a first and a second event corresponding respectively to the start and end of treatment. Alternatively, the sensor 30 is active as long as the device is switched on, and the control unit 35 can control the vaporization system 20 based on the movement and / or position information Imov and Ipos between the first and second events. It can deactivate or reduce, preferably deactivate, the emission of vapor from the vapor outlet(s) 21 before the first event corresponding to the start of treatment and after the second event corresponding to the end of treatment.

[0136] The first and second predetermined events can be respectively: - the transition to the closed jaw configuration, signifying in particular the start of treatment of a strand of hair and / or positioning at the root of a strand of hair, and the transition to the open jaw configuration, signifying in particular the end of treatment and / or positioning of the device at the tip of a strand of hair. hairs detected from the Iconf jaw configuration information generated by organ 25, - the transition to the jaw closure configuration, significant in particular for the start of processing a strand of hair and / or for positioning at the root of a strand of hair detected from the jaw configuration information Iconf generated by organ 25, and the detection of contact between the two jaws by a contact sensor positioned on the jaws, not shown, significant in particular for an absence of hair between the jaws and therefore for a positioning downstream of the tip of my strand of hair, - the detection of the start of rotation of the device around a fixed axis of the device in a direction of rotation and the detection of the end of the rotation of the device around the fixed axis of the device in said direction of rotation from the Imov motion information, and / or

[0137] The detection of the start of movement of the device in a predetermined direction, in particular by detecting movement along a direction at a speed in that direction greater than a minimum reference speed, and of the end of movement of the device in the predetermined direction, in particular by detecting a change in the direction of movement of the device and / or a change in the speed of the device in said direction, based on the motion information Imov. The control unit 35 can determine, from the motion and / or position information Imov, Ipos, a speed of movement of the device along at least one direction. The control unit 35 may include a speed, position, and / or movement estimation algorithm to process the motion, position, and / or orientation information of the device. The algorithm may include a Madgwick filter or a learning model.

[0138] The control unit 35 can detect, from the movement and / or position information Imov, Ipos, an acceleration or deceleration phase of the device exceeding a threshold acceleration or deceleration value. The threshold value can be predetermined based on the thermal inertia of the heating element.

[0139] The control unit 35 can determine a direction of use of the device at least among a first and a second direction of use according to the movement and / or position information Imov, Ipos, in particular from the orientation of the detected device and its movement.

[0140] The control unit 35 can detect, from the movement and / or position information Imov, Ipos, a hair curling treatment, in particular by detecting a rotation of the device.

[0141] The control unit 35 can determine, from the movement and / or position information Imov, Ipos, the position of the device on a strand of hair in relation in particular to the root and the tip.

[0142] The control unit 35 can determine, from the movement and / or position information Imov, Ipos, a distance traveled by the device relative to an initial position corresponding in particular to the first event described above.

[0143] The control unit 35 can detect, from the movement and / or position information Imov, Ipos, a stoppage of the device and / or the processing.

[0144] The control unit can be configured to control the activation and deactivation of the position and / or motion sensor 30 according to the detection of the first or second predetermined event.

[0145] The control unit 35 can be configured to control the feed pump 40 and, in particular, to control the fluid flow rate sent to the vaporization chamber at a fixed or variable setpoint flow rate Dc. Since the vaporization chamber is at a temperature greater than or equal to the operating vaporization threshold temperature, the steam flow rate emitted by the steam outlet(s) 21 depends directly on the fluid supply flow rate to the vaporization chamber by the pump 40. The control unit can then control the steam flow rate emitted by the steam outlet(s) 21.

[0146] The control unit 35 can be configured to control the temperature of the heating element 43 of the vaporization chamber to a setpoint temperature Tvc. Such temperature control of the heating element 43 of the vaporization chamber allows the temperature of the vapor to be controlled.

[0147] The control unit 35 can be configured to control the temperature of the heating element 17 of the heating processing unit to a setpoint temperature Tpc. User interface

[0148] A user interface 32, illustrated in [Fig. 3], may be present on the device 1 to allow the user to input user input information or user input instructions to the control unit 35. Alternatively, it could be external to the device, in particular located in a connected device, for example a phone, tablet or computer, or in a base external to the device and connected to it. The input information may, for example, be representative of the hair type, in particular the hair type, its average thickness, quality, color or average length, or the type of treatment, in particular straightening or curling and the desired straightening or curling quality, and the input instructions are, for example, a maximum temperature for the heating plates, a forced temperature of the heating plates, a maximum steam flow rate or a maximum temperature.

[0149] The device 1 may include a cord 17 designed to supply the energy necessary for the device's operation. The cord 17 may 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) from an external source.

[0150] The cord 17 may have a rotating attachment 18 relative to the device.

[0151] The rotating attachment 18 allows the cord 17 to be rotated.

[0152] Alternatively, the device is cordless and includes a power supply internal components embedded in the device, including a rechargeable battery.

[0153] The device 1 may further include at least one additional processing element, in particular here a comb 22 mounted on one of the jaws and extending at least partially between the two jaws 3 and 4 laterally with respect to the steam outlets 21 and the plates 16.

[0154] The device 1 may include additional sensing elements 34, shown in [Fig.3], in particular temperature, pressure, output flow, input, generating additional information I' for the control unit 35. Functioning

[0155] An example of the device's operation is given below and illustrated in [Fig.4],

[0156] When using device 1, device 1 is switched on in step 100. It can be in a standby mode in which the vapor emission is stopped, the heating element 43 of the vaporization chamber 42 is at a setpoint temperature Tvc higher than the vaporization temperature of the fluid and the heating element 17 of the heating treatment unit is at a treatment setpoint temperature Tpc.

[0157] The control unit 35 can detect in a step 105 the closing of the jaws 3 and 4 on a strand of hair based on the jaw configuration information Iconf. This event constitutes the first event mentioned above, and the control unit 35 can then control the emitted steam flow rate by controlling the fluid supply pump 40 in the vaporization chamber 42 at a set flow rate Dc according to the movement and / or position information Imov, Ipos generated by the sensor 30.

[0158] The control unit 35 can, in a step 110, determine the direction of use of the device from this information Imov, Ipos, in particular from the orientation of the device and its movement along the axis O. It can then control the device in a degraded or optimal operating mode depending on the direction of use. Indeed, the first direction of use leads to the following successive steps on the hair strand: combing, steam application, and heating. The second direction of use leads to the following successive steps on the hair strand: heating, steam application, and combing. Thus, the first and second directions of use result in asymmetrical hair treatments. The first direction of use is considered optimal, in that the quality of the treatment is better than that obtained with the second direction of use, as combing takes place before the steam application, which itself precedes the heating. Indeed, this allows for a clear separation of three key steps for the treatment and styling of the hair. Initially, the hair is combed and properly oriented and distributed across the entire width of the treatment area using the comb.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 both 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 and 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 recommended as it does not produce the best results.

[0159] The control unit 35 can control the device 1 in optimal operating mode when the device 1 is moved in the first direction of use and in degraded operating mode when the device 1 is moved in the second direction of use. In degraded operating mode, the control unit 35 can assign a reduced setpoint flow rate Dc and / or temperature Tvc and / or Tpc compared to the optimal operating mode. In particular, in degraded operating mode, the emitted steam flow rate can be set to zero. Optionally, the heating element(s) 43 and 17 of the vaporization chamber and / or the heated treatment surface can be at ambient or reduced setpoint temperatures, particularly when the thermal inertia of the heated vaporization system and the heated heat treatment element is low.This helps to encourage optimal use of the device and to achieve a desired and easily reproducible hair strand treatment.

[0160] When the device is in optimal operating mode, the control unit 35 can, in a step 120, determine the distance traveled by the device relative to the device's position when the jaws are closed, based on the movement and / or position information Imov, Ipos, and control the vaporization system 20 and / or the heating processing element 12 according to the distance traveled by the determined device. The control unit 35 can increase the set flow rate Dc and / or the set temperature Tvc and / or Tpc when the distance traveled exceeds a predetermined threshold distance significant of a sufficient distance of the device from the scalp.

[0161] In a step 125, the control unit 35 can also determine the position of the device on a strand of hair and control the vaporization system 20 according to the device's position on the hair strand. Determining the device's position on a strand of hair can be done based on a displacement distance from the closed position of the jaws and optionally on information about the hair length or thickness between the jaws, in particular determined using a hair strand thickness detection element between the jaws. The hair strand thickness detection element between the jaws can be a sensor for detecting the spacing between the jaws in the open configuration. It can be the jaw configuration detection element as described previously.The control unit 35 can then adapt the setpoint flow rate Dc and / or the setpoint temperature Tvc and / or Tpc according to the device's position on the hair strand between the root and the tip. For example, the roots are generally less damaged than the tips. The control unit 35 can be configured to impose a higher setpoint temperature Tvc and / or Tpc when the device is positioned at the roots than at the tips. The control unit 35 can be configured to impose a higher setpoint flow rate Dc when the device is positioned at the tips than at the roots.

[0162] In this step, the control unit 35 can, in combination or alternatively, determine a speed of movement of the device on the hair strand from the movement and / or position information Imov, Ipos. It can then increase the set flow rate Dc and / or the set temperature Tvc and / or Tpc as the speed increases in order to compensate for the reduced contact time.

[0163] In this step, the control unit 35 can, either in combination or alternatively, detect an acceleration or deceleration phase of the device on the hair strand that exceeds a threshold acceleration or deceleration value. The threshold value can be predetermined based on the thermal inertia of the heating treatment element 12. It can be the value above which the temperature of the treatment surface in contact with the hair cannot keep pace with the setpoint temperature change related to the device's speed change due to its thermal inertia. The control unit 35 can then increase the steam flow rate so as to The device maintains the hair at a substantially constant temperature, independent of the temperature of the heating element. Specifically, it humidifies the hair to protect it and lowers its temperature in the event of deceleration beyond the threshold value, and maintains a substantially constant temperature corresponding to the steam temperature in the event of acceleration beyond the threshold value. In this case, the device 1 may also include a temperature sensor for the heating element. The control unit can determine the setpoint flow rate Dc as a function of the actual temperature of the heating element 12 and the device's movement speed. This determination can be made using pre-established curves that provide the setpoint flow rate Dc to be applied as a function of the actual temperature of the heating element and the device's movement speed over the hair.

[0164] In a step 130, the control unit 35 detects a second event corresponding to the end of treatment. It then returns the device to standby mode. The end of treatment is detected, for example, by the jaws moving to the open configuration, by a change in the orientation of the device, by a movement of the device not characteristic of treatment, or by contact between the opposing heating plates 16.

[0165] Furthermore, at any time, if the control unit 35 identifies a stoppage of the device and / or processing based on movement and / or position information, it can switch the device into standby mode.

[0166] The control unit 35 can also adapt its control according to the input information and / or instructions. For example, in the case of information indicating fragile hair, the control unit 35 can increase the steam flow rate to limit the impact of the temperature of the plates 16 on the hair and protect it. In the case of information indicating a hot and dry ambient environment, the control unit can also increase the steam flow rate to compensate for the dryness of the air and decrease the temperature of the plates 16. Variant

[0167] In the variant illustrated in [Fig.4], the heating treatment member 12 has at least one heating plate 50 on the external surface of at least one of the jaws 3 or 4, or better, of each of the jaws 3 and 4. This makes it possible in particular to curl the hair.

[0168] Each external plate 50 is disposed on a face of the corresponding jaw 3 and 4 opposite the face receiving the internal plate 16 carried by the same jaw 3 or 4.

[0169] In the illustrated example, the outer plates 50 are made of stainless steel and the inner plates 16 are made of aluminum. However, other materials with good heat conductivity, including other metals, could be used.

[0170] The external plates 50 can be flexible metal sheets or preformed to have a convex shape complementary to the external surface of the jaw 3 and 4.

[0171] The external plates 50 are fixed to the jaw 3 or 4 by any suitable means.

[0172] The external plates 50 and the internal plates 16 are preferably elongated along the longitudinal axis Y1 or Y2 of each of the jaws 3 and 4.

[0173] The outer plates 50 and the inner plates 16 are at least partially superimposed with each other along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the device 1.

[0174] The device 1 may have, as illustrated, a distal portion, opposite the joint 8, without a heating plate. This distal portion may be convex in shape and wide enough to be grasped by a hand, particularly when using the device 1.

[0175] The internal plates 16 can be heated to a temperature above 50°C, preferably between 90°C and 230°C.

[0176] The external plates 50 can be heated to a temperature above 50°C, preferably between 60 and 100°C.

[0177] In the illustrated example, the outer plate 50 and the inner plate 16, carried by the same jaw 3 or 4, are heated by thermal conduction by the same heating element 17 extending within said jaw. However, this may be otherwise, and the device 1 could, in particular, comprise several heat sources, respectively for the inner and outer plates.

[0178] The control unit 35 can control the temperature of the external plates 50 according to the movement and / or position information Imov, Ipos.

[0179] The control unit 35 can, for example, determine the type of treatment, in particular between straightening and curling, notably by detecting the displacement and rotation of the device within a reference frame. If the control unit 35 determines a curling operation, it can switch the device 1 to a curling operating mode in which the set flow rate Dc, and / or the set temperature Tvc and / or Tpc can be maintained at reduced values. This makes it possible, in particular, to compensate for the fact that the hair is wrapped around the device and remains in contact with the device for a longer period, thus limiting heat damage to the hair.

[0180] The control unit 35 can also, in this case, activate the external heating plate(s) 50 and / or control their setpoint temperature(s). It can also control them based on a device speed, a device distance from a position corresponding to a first event, a device position from a position corresponding to a first event, or a determined acceleration or deceleration, as described previously.

[0181] The invention is not limited to the examples just described.

[0182] The number of treatment steps, the type of treatment, and the order of treatments may be different.

[0183] The control of the device by the control unit may be different from what has been described and the steam flow rate may be modified in real time according to control profiles different from those described in the example.

[0184] Furthermore, the device may include an application element for a cosmetic product.

Claims

Demands

1. Hair treatment device (1), in particular for curling and / or straightening hair, comprising: - A heating treatment element (12) configured to come into contact with the hair when the device (1) moves along a strand of hair from root to tip, - A vaporization system (20) comprising at least one steam outlet (21) configured to come into contact with the hair and emit steam onto the hair when the device (1) moves along a strand of hair from root to tip, - A position and / or motion sensor (30) configured to generate information relating to the movement and / or position (Imov, Ipos) of the device,- A control unit (35) configured to receive at least the motion and / or position information generated by the position and / or motion sensor (30) and to control at least the vaporization system (20) at least according to this motion and / or position information (Imov, 1^).,

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two arms (5,6) movable relative to each other, each carrying a jaw (3, 4), the jaws (3, 4) being able to take an open configuration for inserting hair between them and a closed configuration for processing hair, the heating processing member (12) comprising at least one heating plate (16; 50) extending over one jaw (3, 4) opposite the other jaw (3, 4) in closed configuration of the jaws (3, 4), the heating plate (16; 50) having a heating surface (14) in contact with the hair in closed configuration of the jaws.

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the position and / or motion sensor (30) only generates the motion and / or position information (Imov, Ipos) of the device in closed configuration of the jaws (3, 4).

4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the position and / or motion sensor (30) is configured to detect a displacement of the device along at least one axis of the device, in particular along an axis O parallel to the joint between the two arms, and / or an axis extending between a front face and a rear face of the device with respect to a strand of hair that would be inserted into it, and / or a rotation around at least one axis, in particular the longitudinal axis X of the device.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vaporization system (20) includes a pump for supplying (40) a vaporization chamber (42) with product to be vaporized, or for supplying the vapor outlet(s) (21), and the control unit (35) is configured to control the flow rate of vapor emitted by the vaporization system onto the hair, in particular by controlling the flow rate of the supply pump (40), at least as a function of the movement and / or position information (Imov, Ipos) generated by the movement and / or position sensor (30).

6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit (35) is configured to determine a steam flow control profile based on received motion and / or position information (Imov, Ipos) and to regulate the vaporization system (20) according to this control profile.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (35) is configured to control the heating treatment element (12) simultaneously with the vaporization system (20), in particular in real time, the control unit (35) being configured to control the heating treatment element (12), in particular the temperature of the heating treatment element (12), in particular of the heating surface in contact with the hair, according to the movement and / or position information (Imov, Ipos) generated by the movement and / or position sensor (30).

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (35) is configured to determine a speed of movement of the device (1) on the hair strand from the motion and / or position information (Imov, Ipos) and to control the flow rate of steam emitted on the hair as a function of the speed of movement of the device on the hair, in particular in real time, in particular by increasing a setpoint flow rate of the steam.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (35) is configured to detect an acceleration or deceleration phase of the device greater than a threshold acceleration or deceleration value from motion and / or position information (Imov, Ipos) and control the vaporization system (20), in particular the vapor flow rate as a function of the detected acceleration or deceleration.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (35) is configured to determine a direction of use of the device at least among a first and a second direction of use according to the movement and / or position information (Imov, Ipos), and to control the vaporization system (20) according to a degraded operating mode or an optimal operating mode according to the determined direction of use, the set flow rate of the vapor emitted on the hair being in particular lower in the degraded operating mode than in the optimal operating mode.

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (35) is configured to detect a hair curling treatment based on movement and / or position information (Imov, Ipos), in particular by detecting a rotation of the device, and to control the device in a curling operating mode in which the operation of the vaporization system (20) is different from a straightening operating mode, the set flow rate of the steam emitted onto the hair being in particular predetermined, in particular reduced, in this curling operating mode.

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (35) is configured to determine the position of the device (1) on a strand of hair and to control the vaporization system according to the position of the device on the strand of hair.

13. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (35) is configured to determine a distance traveled by the device from an initial position corresponding in particular to the first event as a function of the movement and / or position information (Imov, Ipos) and to control the vaporization system (20) according to the distance travelled by the determined device, in particular by increasing the setpoint steam flow rate when the distance travelled exceeds a predetermined threshold distance.

14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (35) is configured to identify a stoppage of the device and / or the treatment based on movement and / or position information (Imov, Ipos) and to switch the device into a standby mode in which the operation of the vaporization system (20) is stopped or reduced when such a stoppage is detected, the set flow rate of the vapor emitted onto the hair being in particular reduced in the standby mode.

15. A hair treatment method, in particular for curling and / or straightening hair, using the device as described above, comprising a step of controlling the vaporization system (20) according to the movements and / or position of the device.

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