Hair treatment method and device

Abstract

Method and device for cosmetic treatment of keratin fibers. Hair treatment device (10, 40) comprising: a fluid outlet (16, 46), a fluid supply system (15) with at least one outlet (16) comprising at least one conduit (19, 49), a fluid detector (32) in the conduit (19, 49) comprising at least one transmitter (32a) and at least one receiver (32b), the receiver (32b) being disposed relative to the transmitter (32a) to detect at least partially the signal passing at least partially through the conduit (19, 49), the fluid detector (32) emitting a fluid detection information in the conduit (19, 49) based on the signal received by the receiver (32b), and a control unit (35, 65) configured to emit a control signal in a fluid-free mode of the device when there is an absence of fluid at the detector (32) in the fluidic conduit (19, 46). 49) is detected. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Hair treatment method and device

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of hair treatment devices and the corresponding treatment process. technical field

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

[0003] Hair treatment devices of the "brush" type or of the "clamp" type are known for straightening and / or curling.

[0004] More particularly, the invention relates to the cosmetic and / or steam treatment of hair.

[0005] For the purposes of this invention, "cosmetic product" means, in particular, a product as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products.

[0006] Hair treatment devices are known, comprising a heating element with or without steam and with or without application of a cosmetic composition, which allow the shaping of a strand of hair.

[0007] Reference can be made in this regard to document WO 2023 / 001980 - Al which proposes a hair treatment device, in particular having a heated treatment surface and / or diffusing steam.

[0008] However, in hair treatment devices that use fluid emission, particularly in vapor form, it is important to know whether the fluid flows properly through the fluid supply device. This allows, in particular, the detection of whether the reservoir is empty or whether the supply is blocked, so that the device can be adjusted automatically or manually to protect the supply system by preventing it from running dry or to reduce the electrical consumption related to the fluid supply.

[0009] The development of eco-responsible, environmentally friendly solutions, whose design and development take environmental issues into account, is becoming a major concern in order to contribute to meeting global challenges. It is therefore essential to design products that reduce the amount of energy used. In this context, it is important to develop hair treatment devices that do not use more energy than necessary for their proper functioning and the desired results. Furthermore, this concern for energy conservation is also an important factor in This applies to hair treatment devices with internal power supplies, particularly batteries, to increase the device's autonomy between charges. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the power consumption of hair treatment devices when it is not required.

[0010] There is therefore a need to improve the safety of hair treatment devices implementing a fluid emission, in particular vapor, to limit their damage by inappropriate use and to reduce the electrical consumption of the hair treatment device. Description of the invention

[0011] The invention meets all or part of this need at least by means of a hair treatment device comprising: - At least one fluid outlet configured to come into contact with or near the hair, - A fluid supply system with at least one fluid outlet comprising at least one fluid conduit, - A fluid detector in the fluidic conduit comprising at least one transmitter of a signal and at least one receiver of at least a part of the signal, the receiver being arranged relative to the transmitter to detect at least partially the signal passing at least partially through the fluidic conduit, the fluid detector being configured to emit fluid detection information in the fluidic conduit based on the signal received by the receiver, and - An electronic control unit configured to emit at least one control signal in a fluid-free mode of the device when an absence of fluid at the detector in the fluidic conduit is detected from the fluid detection information emitted by the fluid detector.

[0012] By "at least partially traversing the fluidic conduit," it is understood that the fluidic conduit and the signal are configured so that the signal can at least partially traverse the fluidic conduit at the detector in order to be, at least partially, detected by the receiver after this passage. The transmitter and receiver are therefore arranged relative to the fluidic conduit so that the signal passes through said fluidic conduit at their level and that at least a part of the signal reaches the receiver after its at least partial passage through the fluidic conduit. As we will see later, the transmitter and receiver can be on either side of the fluidic conduit to detect the signal by direct transmission through the fluidic conduit or be positioned differently relative to each other with respect to the fluidic conduit, in particular side by side around or along the conduit fluidic to have a detection of a non-direct part of the signal, in particular at least a reflected part of the signal, in the fluidic conduit.

[0013] The term "fluid" refers to a substance in either a liquid or gaseous state. The fluid emitted by the fluid outlet(s) and the fluid detected by the detector may be in the same state of matter or in different states of matter. For example, the emitted fluid may be the fluid in its gaseous state, and the detected fluid may be the fluid in its liquid state before vaporization. In this case, as will be seen later, the supply system may include a fluid vaporization system to change the fluid from a liquid to a gaseous state.

[0014] Thus, a capillary treatment device is obtained allowing the emission of fluid and comprising a simple device for detecting the absence of fluid supply through the fluidic conduit.

[0015] The fact that detection occurs at the level of a fluidic conduit means that a special reservoir is not required. Detection at the fluidic conduit level simplifies the process, as it takes place within a fluidic conduit through which fluid necessarily flows during the fluid supply. It is therefore easy to detect a lack of supply by observing the absence of fluid or fluid circulation in the fluidic conduit. Furthermore, in the case of a removable reservoir, it can be removed without the need for a system to connect / disconnect the sensor to the device's power supply.

[0016] The absence of fluid supply may be due to an empty supply tank or a blockage of fluid circulation in the supply system, for example, by the presence of a foreign body, particularly limescale. A variation in the signal over time can also help detect progressive fouling of the fluid line.

[0017] Furthermore, the presence of the control unit acting on the device, in particular by control in a fluid-free mode, allows for an operating mode or a stop taking into account the absence of fluid applied to the hair.

[0018] The fluid-free mode may involve the device stopping or operating in a different mode than the device operating with fluid discharge through at least one fluid outlet and / or include the device emitting an alert signal, in particular via a user-controlled alarm. The alert signal may be visual, audible, or haptic, upon detection of a lack of fluid in the fluid conduit.

[0019] The fluid-free mode may be a shutdown mode of the hair treatment device or a different operating mode of the device, in particular by shutting down only part of the supply system, specifically a fluid circulation component (described below) and / or a heating element of a system of vaporization (described below), or by reducing energy consumption, particularly by reducing the temperature of one or more heating elements. Power supply system

[0020] The supply system may include a fluid reservoir, in particular containing liquid, such as water. The fluid reservoir may be connected to the fluid at least partially via the fluid conduit at least one fluid outlet.

[0021] The fluid supply system may include a vaporization system, in particular for water vaporization, comprising at least one fluid-supplied vaporization chamber and a heating element configured to heat the vaporization chamber to a temperature greater than or equal to the vaporization temperature of the fluid, in particular water.

[0022] The heating element can have a variable temperature. The fluid-free mode can be an operating mode of the device in which the heating element is at a temperature lower than or equal to the vaporization temperature of the fluid. This notably reduces power consumption in the absence of fluid, without completely stopping the heating process. Not stopping the heating process allows for a faster reheating when the fluid supply is restored.Furthermore, the device may include an automatic timer system configured to detect the time since the absence of fluid in the fluidic conduit is detected and the presence of fluid is not detected again in the device, and to completely stop the device or at least the supply system, in particular by stopping the heating and / or a fluidic circulation element (described below) when the time without fluid in the device exceeds a predetermined time.

[0023] The device may include a fluid refill detection element, either automatic or manual, in particular a button allowing the user to indicate refilling, notably by filling or changing the reservoir, so that the device is commanded to return to a fluid-operated mode. The detection element may alternatively be automatic. It may be a reservoir change detection element, a fluid volume detection element, or any other means of detecting the presence of a sufficient fluid level in the reservoir.

[0024] The vaporization system can be supplied with liquid fluid by a fluidic system comprising the fluidic conduit. The liquid fluid can be contained in a reservoir external to the device or internal to the device, as described previously, with the fluidic system fluidly connecting the reservoir to the vaporization chamber. Alternatively, the vaporization system is supplied with liquid fluid from another fluid source, in particular by connection to the general water supply.

[0025] Alternatively, the supply system lacks a vaporization system. The fluid may be directly in a gaseous state, in particular at least one fluid outlet may be supplied with fluid by a gas source, in particular steam, or it may be in a liquid state. In the latter case, the supply system may include a system for projecting the liquid through at least one fluid outlet, in particular by pressurized projection from the fluid outlet or by nebulization. The fluid outlet may include one or more nebulizing nozzles configured to nebulize the fluid at the outlet for application to the hair in a nebulized state.

[0026] The supply system may include a fluid circulation element in the fluidic conduit configured to circulate the fluid in the fluidic conduit to at least one fluid outlet, in particular from the reservoir to the vaporization system.

[0027] The control unit is preferably configured to control the circulation element. It can be configured to stop the circulation element when it determines the control signal in no-fluid mode. This limits the operation of the circulation element to dry running when the tank is empty or to forced running when the supply system is blocked, which could damage it.

[0028] The control unit can be configured to control the vaporization system. It can be configured to shut down the vaporization system when it detects a control signal in a fluid-free mode. Alternatively, the control unit can be configured to operate the vaporization system, particularly a heating element of said vaporization system, at a reduced temperature, especially within an operating range that is not switched off and below the vaporization temperature of the liquid. In this case, the control unit can also be configured to shut down the circulation element when a lack of fluid in the fluidic conduit is detected.This can help limit the device's power consumption when there is no steam emission, while also avoiding the need to reheat the vaporization system after refilling the tank or unblocking the supply system, as applicable.

[0029] The control unit can be configured to trigger a visual, audible, and / or haptic warning signal when it detects a lack of liquid in the fluid conduit. The fluid-free mode can include different device operation and a warning signal. In this mode, the device assumes a safety and / or energy-saving configuration, and the user can immediately identify that the device is no longer emitting fluid and refill the reservoir or unblock the supply system.

[0030] The control unit can be configured to detect the time since the absence of fluid in the fluidic conduit was detected and without filling or changing the reservoir and to completely stop the device or at least the supply system, in particular by stopping the heating and / or a fluidic circulation element (described later) when the time without fluid is greater than a predetermined time.

[0031] The liquid circulation device can be configured to be mounted on the reservoir or the fluidic conduit.

[0032] The circulation device can be a pump. The pump can be any type of pump, for example an electric pump, in particular a peristaltic pump.

[0033] The fluid circulation element can be mounted on a conduit, particularly a flexible one, of the supply system, in particular of the fluidic system, specifically on the fluidic conduit. Alternatively, the fluid circulation element is integrated into the fluidic system, in particular between two conduits of the fluidic system. It may include a circulation conduit allowing the passage of the liquid.

[0034] The supply system may include at least one conduit through which the liquid can pass between the reservoir and the vaporization chamber, in particular the fluidic conduit.

[0035] The supply system may include a single conduit connecting the fluid source, in particular the reservoir, and the vaporization system, in particular the vaporization chamber, said conduit being the fluidic conduit.

[0036] Alternatively, the supply system comprises a plurality of conduits between the fluid source, in particular the reservoir, and the vaporization system, in particular the vaporization chamber.

[0037] The supply system may include one or more conduits, one or more fluid connectors, one or more detectors, an element of the fluid circulation device, in particular a pump, and / or an element of the detector, in particular a detection conduit, as we shall see later. Signal processing unit

[0038] The device may include a signal processing unit configured to pick up the values ​​transmitted by the detector and deduce information on the presence of fluid, in particular in liquid state, in the fluidic conduit.

[0039] The signal processing unit can be housed in the body of the hair treatment device, in particular at the level of a gripping part.

[0040] The signal processing unit and the electronic control unit can be the same electronic unit of the device.

[0041] Alternatively, the signal processing unit may be different from the electronic control unit. It may be associated with the detector in a detection module.

[0042] For example, the device may include a housing attached to the power supply system forming a detection unit and in which the detector and the signal processing unit are housed. Detector

[0043] Preferably, the detector extends between the fluid source, in particular the reservoir, and the vaporization system, in particular the vaporization chamber.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the detector is located between the circulation element and the vaporization system, in particular the vaporization chamber.

[0045] According to another preferred embodiment, the detector is located between the reservoir and the circulation element. In the case where the control unit is configured to stop the circulation element or the device in a no-fluid mode, this configuration makes it possible, in particular, to protect the circulation element, especially the pump, in the event of the reservoir being empty or the circulation being blocked by a foreign body by detecting the absence of fluid before it reaches the circulation element.

[0046] The transmitter and / or receiver can be arranged on the external wall of the fluidic conduit, in particular in contact with the external wall of the conduit, and allow detection through the wall of the conduit.

[0047] Alternatively, the transmitter and / or receiver may be integrated into a detection unit that is integrated into the supply system, in particular between two conduits. The detection unit may then include the fluidic conduit.

[0048] The transmitter and receiver can be positioned opposite each other with respect to the fluidic conduit. This allows for the detection of at least a portion of the signal emitted by the transmitter and passing through the fluidic conduit from one end to the other.

[0049] Alternatively, the emitter and receiver may be arranged side by side on the fluidic conduit, in particular close to each other around or along the fluidic conduit. Alternatively, the emitter and receiver may be one and the same.

[0050] In this case, the signal received by the detector can be the emitted signal which has been diffused and / or reflected in the fluidic conduit, in particular by the fluid in the presence of fluid in the fluidic conduit and / or by a reflective surface opposite the emitter with respect to the fluidic conduit oriented appropriately to reflect the signal towards the receiver.

[0051] Preferably, the detector is electromagnetic. The emitter can emit electromagnetic radiation. In this case, the fluidic conduit is at least partially transparent to said radiation.

[0052] Preferably, the detector is an optical detector. The emitter may include a light source with artificial electromagnetic radiation. The light source may be configured to emit visible ultraviolet radiation or no, the acronym UV-visible refers to visible radiation, infrared radiation, the acronym IR refers to visible radiation, and microwaves are also used.

[0053] In this case, the fluidic conduit at the detector is preferably at least partially transparent to the radiation emitted by the light source. The fact that the fluidic conduit at the detector is at least partially transparent to this radiation allows the signal to pass at least partially through the fluidic conduit between the emitter and the receiver.

[0054] For example, the artificial electromagnetic radiation light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes, acronym LEDs, configured to emit invisible or visible ultraviolet radiation, or visible or infrared radiation. The radiation may be monochromatic at a wavelength of absorption by the fluid, in particular water.

[0055] For example, the receiver is a photodetector sensitive at least to the radiation emitted by the light source, preferably sensitive to UV-visible radiation.

[0056] The photodetector can be a photoresistor, also known as a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR). A photoresistor is an electronic component whose resistance varies according to the perceived brightness. The higher the brightness, the lower its resistance. Conversely, the lower the brightness, the higher its resistance. The photoresistor comprises, for example, a substrate, such as ceramic, and two non-polarized leads for current transmission. The surface of the photoresistor can be protected by an insulating resin, conventional glass, or ultraviolet-filtering glass.

[0057] The photoresistor is an inexpensive component, very easy to implement, and exhibits very high sensitivity. It has been shown that its sensitivity can be sufficient to detect a difference in radiation received by the emitter depending on whether a liquid is flowing in a tube or whether the tube is empty.

[0058] For example, the photodetector is a photodiode or a phototransistor. Photodiodes and phototransistors capture radiation from the optical range and convert it into an electrical signal. The higher the luminosity, the stronger the electrical signal it emits, and vice versa. Photodiodes and phototransistors are inexpensive components, very easy to implement, and exhibit very high sensitivity. It has been shown that their sensitivity can be sufficient to detect a difference in radiation received by the emitter depending on whether a liquid is flowing in a tube or whether the tube is empty.

[0059] According to other embodiments, the detector is acoustic, for example ultrasonic, a capacitive or conductivity detector in the fluidic conduit at the detector level.

[0060] In general, the receiver can be configured to generate an electrical signal, in particular a current, as a function of a received quantity, in particular brightness, an acoustic signal, capacitance or conductivity.

[0061] Preferably, the signal processing unit is configured to detect a change in the electrical signal transmitted by the receiver and to deduce information about the presence of fluid, particularly in a liquid state, in the fluidic conduit at the detector, based on the characteristics of the electrical signal, especially its value. For example, in the case of a photoresistor, it can detect a decrease in the electrical signal; in the case of a photodiode or phototransistor, it can detect an increase in the electrical signal. The change in the electrical signal corresponding to a transition from a flowing liquid state to an empty state in the fluidic conduit at the detector, or vice versa, can have an absolute value greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold can depend on the fluidic conduit at the detector, the fluid, the transmitter, and the receiver.It can be determined beforehand by simple tests on a test line by circulating the liquid through it or not. The predetermined threshold can be greater than or equal to 5 mV, preferably greater than or equal to 8 mV. Reservoir.

[0062] The reservoir can be mounted removably on the device. It can be housed in a compartment in the body of the hair treatment device, particularly at a gripping point. This allows it to be changed when empty. The device may include a fluid connection element in the compartment for fluidically connecting the reservoir to the fluid system.

[0063] Alternatively, the reservoir is fixed on the device.

[0064] The reservoir may include a filling device to fill it with liquid when it is empty. Vaporization system

[0065] The device may include several fluid outlets configured to come into contact with or near the hair during treatment.

[0066] The feeding system may include a fluid distribution system to the fluid outlet(s), comprising a fluid distribution chamber into which the fluid outlet(s) open. The fluid distribution chamber may be fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber.

[0067] The fluidic system may open into the vaporization chamber. The fluidic system may extend at least partially into the vaporization chamber.

[0068] The vaporization system and the distribution system can form a single housing comprising the vaporization chamber and the distribution chamber separated from each other by a partition and connected to each other by an opening in the partition. Cosmetic application device

[0069] According to one variant, the hair treatment device may include at least one area for applying a cosmetic product, preferably separate from the fluid outlet area(s), the application area comprising an element for applying a cosmetic product.

[0070] In other words, the device may further include an application element for a cosmetic composition on at least one treatment surface.

[0071] By "shaping composition" is meant a hair curling, setting, straightening or smoothing composition.

[0072] Cosmetic compositions include, for example, one or more active agents selected by reducing agents, and in particular thiols, oxidizing agents and in particular hydrogen peroxide or persalts, such as persulfates, coloring agents such as pigments, direct colorants or oxidation colorants, non-durable shaping agents such as styling polymers preferably anionic, amphoteric or non-ionic, conditioning agents such as silicones, mineral or vegetable oils, vegetable waxes, cationic surfactants and cationic polymers, alkaline or acidic agents. Device

[0073] The device may include a treatment base onto which the fluid outlet(s) open or which extends laterally to the fluid outlet(s). The treatment base may be a heating surface. The device may include one or more heating elements of the treatment base. The heating element of the treatment base may be the heating element of the vaporization system.

[0074] The device may include teeth, in particular arranged in one or more rows of teeth, extending in particular over the treatment sole.

[0075] According to one embodiment, said hair treatment device is a hairbrush comprising a gripping part and a treatment part comprising a treatment surface and a plurality of teeth arranged in a plurality of rows extending from the treatment surface.

[0076] For example, the treatment surface and / or the teeth are configured to be heated by one or more heating elements.

[0077] According to another embodiment, said hair treatment device has the general shape of a clamp comprising two arms movable relative to each other between a spread position and a closed position in which the strand of hair to be treated is in contact with the internal surfaces of said arms.

[0078] For example, the two arms each include a gripping part which the user can press to bring the two arms together in the closed position and a treatment part located at the end of the corresponding arm and each including at least one treatment insole, in particular heated, said treatment insoles facing each other.

[0079] The treatment part may include the fluid outlet(s) configured to come into contact with and / or opposite the hair.

[0080] The fluid supply system can be entirely supported by one of the two arms. The reservoir can extend into the gripping section and the vaporization system can extend into the processing section.

[0081] The device may include a user alert device controlled by the control unit. The control unit may be configured to trigger the user alert device when the absence of fluid is detected in the fluid conduit.

[0082] The device may include a battery or be connected to the mains. Process

[0083] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a hair treatment method using a hair treatment device, in particular using the hair treatment device as described above, comprising: - The supply of fluid to at least one fluid outlet by a fluid supply system of the device, - The detection of fluid in a fluidic conduit of the supply system by a fluid detector comprising at least the emission of a signal by a transmitter and the reception of at least a part of the signal passing at least partially through the fluidic conduit by a receiver, and - The emission by a control unit of a control signal in a fluid-free mode of the device when an absence of fluid at the detector in the fluidic conduit is detected from the fluid detection information emitted by the fluid detector.

[0084] The method may include a step of picking up the signals transmitted by the detector receiver, for example the current values ​​generated by the photodetector, and received by a signal processing unit, from deducing information on the presence of fluid in the fluidic conduit.

[0085] The fluid-free mode may include stopping a fluid circulation element in the fluidic conduit or the heating of a vaporization chamber in the supply system, and / or the complete shutdown of the hair treatment device and / or the emission of an alert signal, for example visual or audible.

[0086] The method may include one or more of the features described above in connection with the hair treatment device independently of the device as defined above and individually or in combination with each other.

[0087] The treatment process may further include, in no way limitingly, a step of applying a cosmetic composition, such as, for example, a composition for cleansing, coloring, bleaching, conditioning, repairing, or styling hair. Brief description of the drawings

[0088] The present invention will be better understood upon study of the detailed description of embodiments, taken by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0089] [Fig-1] is a schematic front view of a hair treatment device according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0090] [Fig.2A] illustrates in detail an example of a detection device for [Fig.1];

[0091] [Fig.2B] illustrates in detail a variant of the detection device of the [Fig.1];

[0092] [Fig.2C] illustrates in detail a variant of the detection device of the [Fig.1];

[0093] [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective view from the top of a device hair treatment according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0094] [Fig.4] represents a perspective view of the underside of the device of [Fig.3];

[0095] [Fig. 5] represents the steps of the hair treatment process according to the invention to with the help of the processing device of the [Fig.1];

[0096] [Fig.6] is a graph of the voltage measured at a photoresistor-type receiver as a function of time during a periodic water circulation sequence in a fluidic conduit; and

[0097] [Fig.7] is a graph of the voltage measured at a photodiode-type receiver in function of time during a periodic water circulation sequence in a fluidic conduit. Detailed description

[0098] Fig. 1 illustrates a first embodiment in which the treatment device 10 is a hairbrush.

[0099] As illustrated in [Fig.1], the hair treatment device 10 comprises a gripping part 11 and a treatment part 12, called the "head".

[0100] The processing portion 12 may, in top view, be substantially rectangular with rounded corners, as can be seen in Figures 2A to 2C, but it could be otherwise. The processing portion 12 could be, in view of top substantially polygonal, oval or round, in particular comprising a plurality of regularly spaced spikes on the treatment surface.

[0101] The treatment portion 12 may have a substantially flat treatment sole 13. It is obviously possible to have a curved treatment sole 13, in particular convex outwards, for example substantially cylindrical with a closed contour section or semi-cylindrical.

[0102] The treatment portion 12 here comprises a plurality of teeth or projections 12a arranged in a plurality of rows extending from the treatment sole 13. The rows of teeth 12a extend along a principal axis XI of the brush 10. The teeth 12a may be attached to the brush, in particular being made of a material different from that defining the treatment sole. The brush may comprise a single row of teeth, and is then called a comb.

[0103] Without limitation, one or more teeth 12a may be made of heat-conducting material, for example iron, aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, graphite or ceramic, possibly provided with a coating.

[0104] The hair treatment device 10 comprises a plurality of fluid outlets 16, in particular steam outlets, on the treatment sole 13. The fluid outlets 16 may alternate with the teeth 12a of one of the rows of teeth, but this could not be the case, and the fluid outlets 16 could form one or more rows separate from the rows of teeth. Alternatively, the hair treatment device 10 comprises a single elongated fluid outlet, in particular substantially rectangular in shape, extending along the teeth over the entire length of the treatment sole 13 carrying teeth 12a.

[0105] The fluid outlet(s) 16 are supplied with fluid by a fluid supply system 15.

[0106] The fluid outlet(s) 16 may be simple orifices or openings in the body of the device leading into a distribution chamber. In an alternative (not shown), the fluid outlet(s) 16 may each include an outlet or misting nozzle for applying the fluid in a controlled manner or for misting it.

[0107] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the fluid supply system 15 comprises: - a liquid fluid reservoir 17, here housed in the gripping part 11 of the hair treatment device 10, - a fluid vaporization system 18, comprising a vaporization chamber 18a, - a fluidic conduit 19, forming a fluidic system, connecting the reservoir 17 and the vaporization chamber 18a, - a distribution system 20 for the fluid in the vapor state, said fluid outlets 16 connecting the vaporization chamber 18a to the fluid outlets 16, - a circulation device 21, for example a pump, configured to circulate the fluid from the reservoir 17 to the vaporization system 18 through the fluid conduit 19, and - a detection unit 30 of the passage of the fluid in the fluidic conduit 19.

[0108] The vaporization system 18 also includes a heating element, not shown, allowing the vaporization chamber and / or the fluid distribution system to be maintained at a temperature higher than the vaporization temperature of the fluid.

[0109] The fluid passage detection unit 30 in the fluidic conduit 19 is fixed on or near the fluidic conduit 19.

[0110] In the example illustrated in [Fig. 2A], the fluid flow detection unit 30 in the fluid conduit 19 comprises a housing 31 integral with the fluid conduit 19 and in which is housed a detector 32 comprising a transmitter 32a and a receiver 32b. The transmitter 32a is configured to emit a signal into the fluid conduit 19 and the receiver 32b is configured to receive at least a portion of this signal after it has passed at least partially through the fluid conduit. Preferably, the receiver and the transmitter extend over the internal surface of the fluid conduit, in particular in contact with said surface.

[0111] By way of non-limiting example, detector 32 is an optical detector.

[0112] For example, the emitter 32a includes an artificial electromagnetic light source configured to emit visible ultraviolet radiation, acronym UV-visible, visible radiation, infrared radiation, acronym IR, or microwaves.

[0113] The artificial electromagnetic light source includes, for example, one or more light-emitting diodes, acronym LED, configured to emit monochromatic visible or infrared ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength ranging from 350 nm to 1200 nm.

[0114] The fluidic conduit 19 is configured to be at least partially transparent to the signal from the emitter, in particular to the electromagnetic radiation from the diode(s).

[0115] The light-emitting diode(s) may be directed radially towards the receiver 32b, or the receiver 32b may be arranged laterally with respect to the diode 32a. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 2A], the receiver 32b is arranged laterally to the diode 32a around the fluidic conduit; in particular, it extends radially at an angle of 90° to the diode. It could, however, have a different angle.

[0116] In a further alternative, illustrated in [Fig.2C], the receiver can be arranged laterally to the diode 32a along the fluidic conduit 19. The emitter 32a and the receiver 32b can be joined or separated from each other along the axis of the conduit 19 by a non-zero distance e.

[0117] The fluidic conduit may include a reflector opposite the emitter to reflect the emitted signal back to the receiver. Alternatively, this is not the case, and detection by the receiver occurs via the signal diffused in the fluidic conduit.

[0118] In the variant illustrated in [Fig.2B], the receiver 32b can be arranged opposite the diode 32a with respect to the conduit 19.

[0119] Receiver 32b is, for example, a photodetector.

[0120] Preferably, the photodetector 32b is sensitive to infrared radiation.

[0121] Alternatively, the photodetector 32b could be provided to be sensitive to UV-visible radiation.

[0122] The photodetector 32b could be sensitive to variations in brightness in the visible ultraviolet radiation range.

[0123] The photodetector 32b is, for example, a photosensitive component.

[0124] For example, the photodetector 32b is a photoresistor, called a "Light Dependent Resistor", acronym LDR, or "Photoresistor" in Anglo-Saxon terms.

[0125] The photoresistor is an electronic component whose ohmic value varies according to the perceived brightness.

[0126] The higher the brightness, the lower its ohmic value (resistivity). Conversely, the lower the brightness, the higher its ohmic value (resistivity).

[0127] The photoresistor includes, for example, a support, for example made of ceramic, and two pins, without polarity, for the transmission of a current.

[0128] The surface of the photoresistor can be protected by an insulating resin or by conventional glass or ultraviolet filtering glass.

[0129] The photoresistor is an inexpensive component, very easy to implement.

[0130] Alternatively, the photodetector is a photodiode or a phototransistor. Photodiodes and phototransistors capture radiation from the optical range and convert it into an electrical signal. The higher the luminosity, the stronger the electrical signal it emits, and vice versa. Photodiodes and phototransistors are inexpensive components, very easy to implement, and exhibit very high sensitivity. It has been shown that their sensitivity can be sufficient to detect a difference in radiation received by the emitter depending on whether a liquid is flowing in a tube or whether the tube is empty.

[0131] In an alternative not shown, the detector 32 is an acoustic detector, for example ultrasonic, a capacitive or conductivity detector in the fluidic conduit at the detector level.

[0132] In general, the receiver 32b is configured to generate an electrical signal, in particular a current, as a function of the measured quantity.

[0133] As illustrated, and in no way limiting, the detection unit 30, in particular the detector 32, is located between the circulation element 21 and the vaporization chamber 18a.

[0134] Alternatively, the detection unit 30 could be located between the reservoir 17 and the circulation element 21. This makes it possible in particular to detect the absence of fluid upstream of the circulation element 21 and thus to stop the circulation element 21 before it operates dry.

[0135] The detection unit 30 is here independent of the fluidic conduit extending between the reservoir and the vaporization system, but this could be otherwise. The detection unit could be a module integrated into the fluidic system comprising a portion of conduit in which detection is performed, the portion of conduit being connected upstream and downstream of the module to fluidic circulation conduits.

[0136] The device further includes a signal processing unit 33 configured to interpret the response of the receiver 32b, in particular to pick up the current or voltage values ​​transmitted by the receiver 32b and to deduce information on the presence of liquid in the conduit 19 as a function of the current or voltage value.

[0137] The processing unit 33 can detect a significant change in the electrical signal value indicating a change in the conduit 19. In particular, it can detect a change in the electrical signal equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold indicating the absence of fluid circulating in the conduit 19. The threshold can be predetermined by upstream testing according to the device configuration. Indeed, the threshold is highly dependent on the detector, the fluid, and the conduit in which the measurement is taken.

[0138] The signal processing unit 33 is here housed in the body of the hair treatment device 10, in particular at the gripping part 11.

[0139] The hair treatment device 10 includes an electronic control unit ECU 35, here housed in the body of the hair treatment device 10, in particular at the gripping part 11, and configured to determine a control signal from the information on the presence of fluid in the fluidic conduit 19. The control unit 35 controls the device in a fluid-free mode when an absence of fluid is detected in the fluidic conduit 19.

[0140] The device may include a user alerting element not shown, in particular visual, for example a diode, audible or haptic controlled by the control unit 35.

[0141] The control unit 35 and the signal processing unit 33 are shown here as separate. However, they could not be integrated into a single control unit of the device or, alternatively, the processing unit 33 could be integrated into the detection unit 30.

[0142] The signal processing unit 33 can be configured to detect the presence and / or absence of liquid in the fluidic conduit 19, in particular, but not exclusively, when the current or voltage values ​​generated by the photodetector 32b are greater than or equal to a threshold value, the detection of presence or absence depending in particular on the receiver used.

[0143] For example, in the case where the photoreceptor 27 is a photoresistor, it is the voltage variation across its terminals that will be measured rather than the current.

[0144] The current threshold value is, for example, between luA and lOuA per photodiode, lower values ​​being considered as relating to ambient nuisances.

[0145] If the value of the current or voltage is zero or almost zero, the circulation of the fluid is detected in the fluidic conduit 19. Conversely, if the value of the current or voltage is not zero, and in particular greater than or equal to the threshold value, the circulation of the fluid is not detected in the fluidic conduit 19, it is then considered that either the reservoir 17 is empty, or the supply system is obstructed, for example by a deposit of limescale or other.

[0146] According to one variant, it could be envisaged that the treatment surface 13 of the hair treatment device 10 includes a cosmetic product application area comprising a cosmetic product application element 15, visible in Figures 2A to 2C.

[0147] The application area of ​​a product is preferably separate from the fluid outlet area(s) and / or the combing heating area(s).

[0148] The cosmetic product application element 15 is arranged so as to come into contact with the hair. The cosmetic product application element 15 is preferably porous, elastically compressible, and may advantageously be made of an open-cell cellular material, such as a PE (polyethylene) foam, for example. The application element may be made of any material suitable for releasing or diffusing the cosmetic product.

[0149] Here, the device comprises only a fluidic conduit 19 connecting the vaporization chamber 18a to the reservoir 17. However, it could be otherwise, and the device could comprise a more complex fluidic system between the chamber vaporization chamber 18a and the reservoir, including a plurality of conduits and / or an element of the detector 32 and / or an element of the circulation device 21 and / or any other element allowing the passage of liquid between an inlet and an outlet. In particular, the detector 32 could be a detection unit 30 comprising the emitter, the receiver, and the fluidic conduit 19 connected at its inlet to a conduit supplying fluid from the reservoir and at its outlet to a conduit supplying the fluid to the vaporization chamber 18. The emitter and receiver can then be as described above and detect the presence or absence of fluid in the fluidic conduit 19.

[0150] Here, the vaporization chamber is connected to the fluid outlets by a conduit 20. However, it could be otherwise. The device may include a steam distribution chamber in the processing portion of the device into which the fluid outlets open. The distribution chamber may be supplied with steam from the vaporization chamber via a conduit or through an opening in a common wall.

[0151] Here, the vaporization chamber is shown in the gripping part. However, it could be in the processing part.

[0152] A second example of a hair treatment device 40 is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.

[0153] The treatment device 40 here has the general form of a clamp comprising two arms 41, 42 movable relative to each other between a spread or open position in which a strand of hair to be treated can be placed and a closed position in which the strand of hair to be treated is in contact with the internal surfaces 41a, 42a of said arms 41, 42.

[0154] The two arms 41, 42 are articulated relative to each other by a joint 43 or hinge.

[0155] The arms 41, 42 extend along respective longitudinal axes X2, Y2.

[0156] The two arms 41, 42 each include a gripping part 41b, 42b on which the user can press to bring the two arms together in the closed position.

[0157] A return element (not shown) is preferably provided to exert a separating force between the arms 41, 42 without external stress from the user on said arms.

[0158] For example, the return member is a spring mounted around the articulation axis 43.

[0159] Each arm 41, 42 includes a processing part 41c, 42c located at the end of the corresponding arm opposite the joint 43.

[0160] Each processing part 41c, 42c comprises a processing surface 41a, 42a, here the internal surfaces. Said processing surfaces 41a, 42a face each other. In an alternative, only one processing surface could be provided.

[0161] Said treatment surfaces 41a, 42a are here in the form of an elongated rectangular plate along the respective longitudinal axes X2, Y2.

[0162] The arms 41, 42 define between themselves, with the treatment surfaces 41a, 42a, a hair treatment zone intended to receive a strand of hair to be treated, along which the treatment device 40 is moved, for example in the direction from the root to the tip of the hair.

[0163] The direction of movement of the processing device 40 is preferably substantially perpendicular to the arms 41, 42.

[0164] The hair treatment device 40 includes a plurality of steam outlets 46 on the treatment surface 43. But it could include only one, as described previously.

[0165] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the hair treatment device 40 includes a fluid product reservoir 47, here housed in one of the gripping parts 42b of the hair treatment device 40.

[0166] The hair treatment device 40 further includes a vaporization system 48 comprising a vaporization chamber 48a, a fluidic conduit 49 connecting the reservoir 47 and the vaporization chamber 48a and a fluid distribution system in the vapor state 50 of said fluid outlets 46 connecting the vaporization chamber 48a to the fluid outlets 46.

[0167] The hair treatment device 40 further includes a circulation element 51, for example a pump, configured to circulate the fluid from the reservoir to the vaporization system 48 through the fluidic conduit 49.

[0168] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the capillary treatment device 40 includes a detector 60 of the passage of the fluid in the fluidic conduit 49.

[0169] The fluid passage detector 60 in the conduit 49 is fixed on or near the conduit 49.

[0170] The fluid passage detector 60 in the conduit 49 is identical to the device 30 described with reference to Figures 2A, 2B or 2C and will not be described further.

[0171] The elements described above in connection with the brush also apply to this device.

[0172] As illustrated in [Fig.5], the hair treatment process 100 includes the activation of the hair treatment device 10, 40.

[0173] The device can be switched on, for example, by connecting it to the mains power supply and / or by pressing a power switch located on the hair treatment device 10, 40, for example on the gripping part, in particularly for portable devices equipped with primary or secondary batteries. The power supply system, including the circulation unit and the heating element of the vaporization system, is then switched on in step 102.

[0174] The hair treatment process 100 further includes a step 103 in which signals generated by the receiver 32b of the detector 32, for example the current values ​​generated in the case where the receiver is a photodetector, and received by the signal processing device 33, 63, information on the presence of fluid in the fluidic conduit 19, 49 is deduced as a function of said generated signals, for example as a function of a current value recorded in the case where the receiver is a photodetector, and a control signal is determined from the information of the presence or absence of fluid in the fluidic conduit 19, 49.

[0175] Upon detection of an absence of fluid in the fluidic conduit 19, 49, the control signal is a control signal in a fluid-free mode in which, according to the programming of the upstream device: - the hair treatment device 10 is stopped, - the circulation unit 21, 51 is stopped and / or the heating element of the vaporization system 18, 48 is stopped or operating at a reduced temperature, in particular below the vaporization temperature of the fluid, and / or - an alert signal, for example visual, audible or haptic, is emitted.

[0176] In particular, the control unit can stop the circulation device and maintain the operation of the vaporization system at a reduced temperature, i.e. with the heating element of the system maintained at a reduced temperature in order to reduce electrical consumption while allowing a rapid resumption of processing.

[0177] Thanks to the treatment device according to the invention, it is possible to know if the circulation of liquid in the fluidic conduit at the detector is stopped and to deduce that the reservoir is empty or the circulation of liquid is prevented upstream of the detector, because if this is the case, the capillary treatment loses its effectiveness and the dry operation of the vaporization chamber and the pump can lead to degradation of the equipment, as well as overconsumption of energy.

[0178] This overconsumption is economically harmful, but can also impair the autonomy of the device if it operates on battery power. Examples

[0179] A transparent fluidic conduit 19 was used, and water was circulated through the conduit periodically. The detector, as shown in [Fig. 2B], had a green LED as the emitter and a photoresistor as the receiver. The voltage was measured across the photoresistor in [Fig. 6]. A voltage variation is clearly visible on This acquisition. This voltage variation of approximately 20 mV is synchronized with the presence or absence of water in the pipe. High voltage values ​​around 1.28 V are measured when water is present in the pipe, and voltage values ​​around 1.26 V are measured when water is absent from the pipe.

[0180] A similar measurement was performed using an 860 nm infrared LED as the emitter and a 950 nm infrared photodiode as the receiver. The voltage is measured at the photodiode in [Fig. 7]. A voltage variation is clearly visible in this acquisition. This voltage variation of approximately 20 mV is synchronized with the presence or absence of water in the pipe. High voltage values ​​are measured when water is absent from the pipe, and low voltage values ​​are measured when water is present in the pipe.

[0181] These results clearly demonstrate, in the case of an optical detector, that measurements such as those mentioned in the invention make it possible to discriminate the absence or presence of liquid in the conduit or measuring conduit.

[0182] The invention is not limited to the examples described above. In particular, the processing device may include additional components, notably external heating plates enabling recirculation or any other functionality.

[0183] The examples describe the detection of the fluid in the liquid state in the fluidic conduit. It is nevertheless conceivable to have the detection of the fluid in the vaporic state in the fluidic conduit, in particular in the distribution conduit between the vaporization chamber and the fluid outlet(s).

[0184] The examples describe devices that emit vapor and therefore include a vaporization system. However, emission of the fluid in its liquid state is possible through the fluid outlet(s), particularly by projecting fluid droplets in a known manner. In this case, the supply system lacks a vaporization system.

Claims

Demands

1. Hair treatment device (10, 40) comprising: - At least one fluid outlet (16, 46) configured to be adjacent to or in contact with the hair, - A fluid supply system (15) for at least one fluid outlet (16) comprising at least one fluid conduit (19, 49), - A fluid detector (32) in the fluid conduit (19, 49) comprising at least one transmitter (32a) of a signal and at least one receiver (32b) of at least a portion of the signal, the receiver (32b) being disposed relative to the transmitter (32a) to detect at least partially the signal passing at least partially through the fluid conduit (19, 49), the fluid detector (32) being configured to emit a fluid detection information in the fluid conduit (19, 49) as a function of the signal received by the receiver (32b), and - An electronic control unit (35,65) configured to emit at least one control signal in a fluid-free mode of the device when an absence of fluid at the detector (32) in the fluidic conduit (19, 49) is detected from the fluid detection information emitted by the fluid detector (32).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid-free mode includes stopping the device (10, 40) or operating the device (10, 40) differently from the operating mode of the device with fluid emission by at least one fluid outlet (16) and / or includes the emission of an alert signal by the device, in particular by a user alerting device.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the supply system (15) comprises a fluid reservoir (17, 47), in particular in liquid form, in particular water.

4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid supply system (17, 47) comprises a vaporization system (18, 48), in particular for water vaporization, including at least one vaporization chamber (18a, 48a) supplied with fluid and a heating element configured to heat the vaporization chamber (18a, 48a) at a temperature greater than or equal to the vaporization temperature of the fluid, in particular water, the vaporization system (18, 48) being supplied in particular with fluid in liquid state by a fluidic system comprising the fluidic conduit.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (35, 65) is configured to control the vaporization system (18, 48), in particular stopping the vaporization system (18, 48) or operating the vaporization system (18, 48) at a reduced temperature, in particular a heating element of said vaporization system, in particular in an on-off operating range and below the vaporization temperature of the liquid when determining the control signal in fluid-free mode.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supply system (17, 47) includes a fluid circulation element (21, 51) in the fluidic conduit (19, 49) configured to circulate the fluid in the fluidic conduit (19, 49) to at least one fluid outlet (16, 46).

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (35, 65) is configured to control the circulation element (21, 51), in particular stopping the circulation element (21, 51) when it determines the control signal in fluid-free mode.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detector (32) is located between the reservoir (17, 47) and the circulation element (21, 51).

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the emitter (32a) and / or the receiver (32b) are arranged on the outer wall of the fluidic conduit (19, 49), in particular in contact with the outer wall of the fluidic conduit, and allow detection through the wall of the conduit.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the emitter (32a) and the receiver (32b) are opposite each other with respect to the fluidic conduit (19, 49).

11. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the emitter (32a) and the receiver (32b) are arranged side by side on the fluidic conduit (19, 49), in particular in close proximity to one of the other around the fluidic conduit (19, 49) or along the fluidic conduit (19, 49).

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detector (32) is an optical detector.

13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the emitter (32a) comprises an artificial electromagnetic light source configured to emit visible ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, acronym IR, visible radiation or microwaves.

14. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the artificial electromagnetic light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes, acronym LEDs, configured to emit monochromatic ultraviolet, visible, or infrared radiation, with wavelengths ranging from 350 nm to 1200 nm.

15. Device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the receiver (32b) is a photodetector sensitive at least to the radiation emitted by the light source, in particular a photoresistor, a photodiode or a phototransistor.

16. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiver (32b) is configured to generate an electrical signal, in particular a current, as a function of a received quantity, in particular brightness, an acoustic signal, capacitance or conductivity, the device comprising a signal processing unit (33, 63) configured to detect a variation in the electrical signal transmitted by the receiver (32b) and to deduce therefrom information on the presence of fluid in the fluidic conduit (19, 49) at the detector (32) as a function of the characteristics of the electrical signal, in particular its value.

17. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, having the general form of a clamp comprising two arms (41; 42) movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position in which the strand of hair to be treated is in contact with the internal surfaces of said arms.

18. A hair treatment method using a hair treatment device, in particular using the device as described above, comprising: The supply of fluid to at least one fluid outlet (16, 46) by a fluid supply system (15) of the device, The detection of fluid in a fluidic conduit (19, 49) of the supply system (15) by a fluid detector (32) comprising at least the emission of a signal by a transmitter (32a) and the reception of at least a portion of the signal passing at least partially through the fluidic conduit (19, 49) by a receiver (32b), and The emission by a control unit (35, 65) of a control signal in a fluid-free mode of the device (10, 40) when an absence of fluid at the detector (32) in the fluidic conduit (19, 49) is detected from the fluid detection information emitted by the fluid detector (32).