Hair treatment device, including for curling and / or straightening, using steam

Abstract

The invention relates to a hair treatment device, particularly for hair styling, especially for straightening and / or curling, comprising: - at least one fluid outlet configured to be adjacent to or in contact with the hair, - a fluid supply system for the at least one fluid outlet, - at least one conductivity sensor configured to detect the absence of fluid, particularly liquid, in the supply system at the level of the conductivity sensor, the at least one conductivity sensor being configured to emit a fluid detection signal in the supply system, and - an electronic control unit configured to emit at least one control signal in a fluid-free mode when the absence of fluid is detected based on the information emitted by the conductivity sensor. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Steam-powered hair treatment device, particularly for curling and / or straightening. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair treatment device, in particular for hair styling, especially for straightening and / or curling, and the corresponding treatment process. Previous technique

[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.

[0003] To improve hair treatment, some devices provide for the distribution of steam to a strand of hair or to the entire head of hair. Applications WO2014064660, EP2959793, EP2765884, and EP2449911 describe, for example, steam hair treatment devices in which a jaw includes a vaporization system and a system for distributing steam to a strand of hair. A fluid, typically water or a hair cosmetic product, is stored in a reservoir that supplies a vaporization chamber in which the fluid is vaporized by heating means and distributed to steam outlets. In hair treatment devices implementing fluid emission, particularly in the form of vapor, it is important to know whether the fluid flows properly in the fluid supply device.This allows, in particular, the detection of whether the tank is empty or the supply is blocked, in order to, for example, act on the device 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.

[0004] 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 the case of hair treatment devices with an internal power supply, particularly a battery, in order to increase the device's autonomy between uses. Electrical recharging. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the electrical consumption of hair treatment devices when it is not required.

[0005] There is therefore a need to improve hair treatment devices implementing 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

[0006] The invention addresses this need by providing a hair treatment device, in particular for hair styling, especially for straightening and / or curling, comprising:

[0007] - At least one fluid outlet configured to be adjacent to or in contact with the hair,

[0008] - A fluid supply system with at least one fluid outlet,

[0009] - At least one conductivity sensor configured to detect an absence of fluid in the feed system at the conductivity sensor level, at least one conductivity sensor being configured to output fluid detection information in the feed system, and

[0010] - an electronic control unit configured to emit at least one signal control in a fluid-free mode when an absence of fluid at the conductivity sensor is detected from the information emitted by the conductivity sensor.

[0011] 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 sensor 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 we will see later, the supply system may include a fluid vaporization system to change the fluid from a liquid to a gaseous state.

[0012] The term "conductivity sensor" refers to an electronic device capable of measuring the conductivity between two spaced-apart electrodes. When a conductive fluid flows between the two electrodes, it is possible to detect an electrical conduction signal between them, indicative of the fluid's presence. In this case, the conductivity sensor is used to measure the electrical conductivity between the sensor's two electrodes and to derive information for detecting the presence of fluid in the supply system based on this electrical conductivity.

[0013] Thus, a capillary treatment device is obtained allowing the emission of fluid and comprising a simple device for detecting the absence of fluid supply to the fluid outlet(s).

[0014] Furthermore, the presence of the control unit acting on the device, particularly by operating it in a fluid-free mode, allows for an operating mode or a shutdown that takes into account the absence of fluid applied to the hair. The detection information emitted by the conductivity sensor is relayed to the control unit, which can then, based on this information, emit a control signal for the device. In the event of a detected absence of fluid, the control unit emits a control signal for the device in a fluid-free mode specific to the absence of fluid. The fluid-free mode may include stopping the device or operating the device in a different mode than the operating mode of the device with fluid emission via at least one fluid outlet and / or include the emission of an alert signal by the device, particularly via a user alert device.The warning signal can be visual, audible, or haptic, upon detection of a lack of fluid in the fluidic conduit.

[0015] The fluid-free mode can be a mode of stopping the hair treatment device or a different operating mode of the device, in particular by stopping only part of the supply system, in particular a fluid circulation component and / or a heating element of the vaporization system, or by reducing energy consumption, in particular by reducing the temperature of one or more heating elements. Power supply system

[0016] The supply system may include in particular a fluid source and in particular a fluid reservoir in the liquid state, the reservoir being fluidly connected to at least one fluid outlet.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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 makes it possible, in particular, to reduce power consumption in the absence of fluid, without completely stopping the heating. A fluid-free operating mode in which the heating temperature of the heating element is reduced is advantageous because, like a preheating mode, it allows a minimum temperature to be maintained. This allows for a rapid restart of vaporization when the vaporization chamber is re-supplied with fluid. When fluid is detected again in the supply system, the control unit can command the heating element to return to a fluid-filled mode, in which the heating element is heated to a temperature that allows for the vaporization of the fluid, particularly liquids. Furthermore, the device may include an automatic timer configured to detect the time elapsed 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 shut down the device, or at least the supply system, specifically by stopping the heating element and / or a fluidic circulation component (described below), when the time without fluid in the device exceeds a predetermined duration.

[0019] The vaporization system can be supplied with liquid fluid by a fluidic system. The liquid fluid can be contained in a reservoir external to the device or internal to the device as described above, 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.

[0020] Alternatively, the supply system is devoid of a vaporization system. The fluid may be delivered in liquid form. In this latter case, the supply system may include a system for projecting or nebulizing the liquid through at least one fluid outlet, in particular by pressurized projection from the fluid outlet or by application through a nebulizing nozzle.

[0021] The supply system may include a circulation element, in particular a pump, of the fluid in the supply system, in particular in the fluidic system.

[0022] The liquid circulation device can be configured to be mounted on the tank or the fluidic system, in particular a fluidic conduit of the fluidic system.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The fluid circulation element can be mounted on a conduit, in particular a flexible conduit, 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 fluid.

[0025] The fluidic system may include a single conduit connecting the fluid source, in particular the reservoir, and the vaporization system, in particular the vaporization chamber.

[0026] Alternatively, the fluidic system comprises a plurality of conduits between the fluid source, in particular the reservoir, and the vaporization system, in particular the vaporization chamber.

[0027] The fluidic system may include one or more conduits, one or more fluidic 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 will see later.

[0028] Preferably, the feeding system is configured to operate at a constant flow rate at a predetermined flow rate.

[0029] The control unit can be configured to detect the time since the absence of fluid in the fluidic conduit was detected, without refilling or changing the reservoir, and to completely shut down the device or at least the supply system, in particular by stopping the heating element and / or a fluidic circulation component (described below), when the time without fluid exceeds a predetermined duration. Conductivity sensor

[0030] The at least one conductivity sensor comprises at least two electrodes spaced apart within the device, particularly within the fluid supply system, and is configured to measure the conductivity between the two electrodes through a fluid circulation or storage space within the supply system. It enables, in particular, the detection of electrical continuity between the two electrodes, notably through the presence of a conductive fluid extending continuously between the two electrodes, and / or the evaluation of the electrical conductivity level.

[0031] The electrodes can extend into the supply system, in particular on an internal wall configured to come into direct contact with the fluid in the supply system, or in a fluid circulation or storage space in the supply system. Alternatively, the electrodes can be connected to such a wall indirectly via, for example, a conductive part of the wall.

[0032] At least one conductivity sensor is preferably configured to detect the presence of the fluid in its liquid state in the supply system. In the case of the fluid being emitted as vapor from the fluid outlet(s), the conductivity sensor is therefore preferably located upstream of the vaporization system, in particular between the source of the liquid fluid, in particular the reservoir, and the vaporization system. Alternatively, at least one conductivity sensor is configured to detect the presence of the fluid in its vapor state in the supply system, in particular downstream of the vaporization system.

[0033] At least one conductivity sensor may include a signal processing unit configured to receive electrical conductivity measurements and deduce information on the presence and / or absence of fluid between the electrodes.

[0034] The signal processing unit can be housed in the body of the hair treatment device, in particular at the level of a gripping part.

[0035] The signal processing unit and the electronic control unit can be the same electronic unit of the device.

[0036] Alternatively, the signal processing unit may be different from the electronic control unit. It may be associated with the conductivity sensor in a detection module.

[0037] For example, the device may include a housing integral with the power supply system, forming the detection module, in which the conductivity sensor and optionally the signal processing unit are housed. The detection module may advantageously include a portion of conduit fluidically connected to the power supply system, in particular to the fluidic system, having two spaced electrodes on its internal surface. The two electrodes may be arranged in the portion of conduit opposite each other or laterally. They can thus enable the detection of conductivity in the portion of pipe between the two electrodes and, in particular, the detection of a difference in conductivity when the conduit contains the fluid or when it is empty.

[0038] The conductivity sensor electrodes can be arranged on an internal wall of a fluidic conduit in the supply system, particularly the fluidic system supplying the vaporization system, to detect the presence or absence of fluid flowing between them in said fluidic conduit. This makes it possible, in particular, to detect the absence of fluid regardless of the orientation of the treatment device. Indeed, during its use, the treatment device can be manipulated in all directions, but whatever its orientation, the fluidic conduit will always be filled with fluid during operation.

[0039] The fluidic conduit may be a single unit between the fluidic circulation element and the vaporization system. Alternatively, the fluidic conduit may comprise several conduit sections connected together, one of which may include the conductivity sensor electrodes.

[0040] At least one conductivity sensor, in particular the electrodes, may extend between the fluid source, in particular the reservoir, and the vaporization system, in particular the vaporization chamber.

[0041] According to one embodiment, at least one conductivity sensor, in particular the electrodes, is disposed upstream of the circulation element in the direction of fluid flow, i.e. from the reservoir to the at least one fluid outlet, in particular between the fluid source and the circulation unit. This makes it possible to detect a lack of fluid upstream of the circulation unit and to stop the latter before it runs dry.

[0042] According to another embodiment, at least one conductivity sensor is disposed downstream of the circulation element in the direction of fluid flow, i.e., from the circulation element to the fluid outlet, in particular between the circulation element and the fluid outlet. This makes it possible to detect the absence of fluid in the conduit between the circulation element and at least one fluid outlet. In this case, at least one conductivity sensor can be arranged between the fluid circulation element and the vaporization chamber.

[0043] The two electrodes can extend into the tank or onto a wall of the tank. They can extend over virtually the entire length of the fluid tank. This allows, in particular, the detection of the presence or absence of fluid in the tank in most tank orientations.

[0044] The conductivity sensor can be configured to detect a reservoir fill level in at least one predetermined reservoir orientation. To this end, the sensor can measure the presence or absence of conductivity between two electrodes, one of which is a reference electrode immersed in the fluid in said orientation, particularly at the bottom of the reservoir, and the other electrode is a measuring electrode at a predetermined height in the reservoir configured to detect a fluid level higher than the predetermined height in said orientation. The predetermined height can be a significant height of an empty reservoir; in particular, it can be predetermined so that the remaining volume in the reservoir is less than a volume of fluid to be applied, in particular the volume of fluid to be delivered to treat one or more strands of hair.

[0045] The conductivity sensor may include a reference electrode immersed in the fluid in said orientation, particularly at the bottom of the tank, and a plurality of electrodes at different heights within the tank. Such a conductivity sensor makes it possible, in said orientation, to determine the fluid level in the tank more precisely and to provide the user with fill level information. The device may, for example, include an indicator, for example electronic, particularly visual, of the tank's fill level. Alternatively, the conductivity sensor may include pairs of electrodes arranged at several heights within the tank, particularly on opposite internal walls.

[0046] Alternatively, the electrodes are arranged in contact with an internal wall of the fluid reservoir at a position in the reservoir near a fluid outlet in order to detect whether or not fluid is passing through the fluid outlet during use. This makes it possible, in particular, to detect whether the fluid outlet is supplied with fluid from the reservoir. Indeed, depending on the orientation of the reservoir, if the reservoir has a fixed volume, the reservoir may not be empty without the fluid outlet of the reservoir receiving any fluid.

[0047] Alternatively, the conductivity sensor may include one electrode in the tank, in particular at the fluid outlet of the tank, and another electrode in the fluidic conduit. This makes it possible to determine the presence of fluid between the electrodes and thus the proper circulation of the fluid in the supply system and in particular the fluidic system.

[0048] The processing device may include several conductivity sensors arranged at different positions in the feed system. Each conductivity sensor may be as described above. For example, a first conductivity sensor may be arranged in the fluidic conduit as described above and a second conductivity sensor may be arranged in the tank as described above, and in particular, to detect a tank fill level, several conductivity sensors may be arranged in the tank at different levels. Control unit

[0049] The control unit is preferably configured to control the circulation element. It can be configured to control the shutdown of the circulation element in no-fluid mode. This makes it possible, in particular, to limit 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.

[0050] The control unit can be configured to control the vaporization system. It can be configured to control the shutdown of the vaporization system in no-fluid mode. Alternatively, the control unit can be configured to control reduced-temperature operation of the vaporization system, in particular of a heating element of said vaporization system, 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 control the shutdown of the circulation element in no-fluid mode. This can limit the power consumption of the device when no vapor is emitted, while avoiding the need to reheat the vaporization system after the tank is refilled or the supply system is unblocked, as applicable.

[0051] The control unit can be configured to control the emission of a visual, audible, and / or haptic warning signal in fluid-free mode. Fluid-free mode may involve different device operation and a different warning signal. In this way, 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 tank or unclog the supply system.

[0052] Furthermore, the control unit can issue a warning signal when the fluid level in the reservoir falls below a predetermined threshold, as described previously. In this situation, the warning signal alerts the user that they must refill or top up the reservoir with fluid. If the reservoir is refilled following the issuance of the warning, the insufficient fluid in the supply system is anticipated, for example, before the device switches to a fluid-free mode.

[0053] The control unit can be configured to switch the device to fluid-free mode only when the device is in one or more predetermined orientations. The orientation is such that the measurement taken by the conductivity sensor is indicative of the presence or absence of fluid in the tank. This is particularly preferable when the electrodes are positioned in the tank and fluid detection occurs in a predetermined orientation.

[0054] The control unit and / or the sensor, in particular the signal processing unit, can perform an average of several conductivity sensor measurements over time, in particular a moving average. This eliminates measurement discrepancies that can occur when the user moves the device while the tank is partially filled.

[0055] Conductivity information can be transmitted to the control unit, which is advantageously configured to determine fluid hardness from resistivity information and thus perform predictive maintenance on the feed system. In particular, predictive maintenance can be linked to limescale buildup in the feed system. This can improve maintenance prediction. When the maintenance prediction is reached, the control unit can be configured to send a user alert signal indicating that feed system maintenance is required. The control unit can also output a control signal to switch to a fluid-free mode when the maintenance prediction is reached.When the feed system is scaled up, operating the device in fluid-free mode advantageously protects the circulation component and / or the fluid system and / or the vaporization system. Indeed, each of these feed system components can be partially or completely blocked by deposits of matter such as scale. Fluid reservoir.

[0056] 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 or refilled when empty. The device may include a fluid connection element in the housing allowing fluid connection of the tank to the fluid system. For example, the housing may then include a coupling interface with the tank.

[0057] When the reservoir is removable from the device, the conductivity sensor is preferably disposed in the fluidic conduit.

[0058] The fluid reservoir can have a variable volume. In particular, it can include a piston forming the circulation element as described above. Alternatively, it can include a flexible membrane whose volume decreases as the liquid is sent to the fluid outlet(s). The flexible membrane can be configured to decrease the reservoir's volume while keeping the remaining fluid against the wall over which the conductivity sensor is positioned. This allows, in particular, for fluid detection in the reservoir regardless of its orientation, especially at the reservoir's fluid outlet.

[0059] The tank may include a tank filling opening.

[0060] The fluid may be a conductive fluid, in particular water. Vaporization system

[0061] The device may include several fluid outlets configured to come into contact with or near the hair during treatment.

[0062] The supply 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.

[0063] The fluidic system may open into the vaporization chamber. The fluidic system may extend at least partially into the vaporization chamber.

[0064] 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

[0065] 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.

[0066] In other words, the device may further include an application element for a cosmetic composition on at least one treatment surface.

[0067] By styling composition, we mean a hair curling, setting, straightening or smoothing composition.

[0068] 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 dyes or oxidation dyes, 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

[0069] The device may include a fluid filling detection element, either automatic or manual, in particular a button allowing the user to indicate filling, notably by filling or changing the tank, so that the device is commanded to return to a fluid-operated mode. The detection element may alternatively be automatic. It may be a tank change detection element, a fluid volume detection element, or any other means of detecting the presence of a sufficient fluid level in the tank. This is particularly useful when the conductivity sensor detects circulating fluid and therefore cannot detect the presence of fluid in the tank above a certain level. If the conductivity sensor extends into the tank, it can form the filling detection element.To do this, it may include an additional electrode at a greater height to detect when the tank is filled beyond a certain height and therefore a certain volume.

[0070] The control unit can be configured to detect the time since the absence of fluid in the supply system was detected and without filling or changing the tank and to completely stop the device or at least the supply system, in particular by stopping the heating and / or a fluid circulation element (described later) when the time without fluid is greater than a predetermined time.

[0071] The device may include a treatment sole onto which the fluid outlet(s) open or which extends laterally to the fluid outlet(s). The treatment sole may be a heating surface. The device may include one or more heating elements in the treatment sole. The heating element in the treatment sole may be the heating element of the vaporization system. Alternatively, the heating element(s) in the treatment sole are separate from that of the vaporization chamber. It is then possible to control the heating of the vaporization chamber and the treatment sole substantially independently. The fluid-free mode may then include a decrease in the temperature of the heating element in the vaporization chamber while maintaining the temperature of the treatment sole at a treatment temperature or by having a temperature control of the treatment sole independent of that of the heating element of the vaporization chamber.

[0072] The device may include teeth, in particular arranged in one or more rows of teeth, extending in particular over the treatment sole.

[0073] The hair treatment device may comprise two jaws arranged opposite each other and articulated between a closed treatment configuration and an open hair engagement configuration between the jaws, at least one of the jaws comprising the feeding system, in particular the vaporization chamber. Each jaw may be supported by an arm, the two arms being movable relative to each other between the closed and open configurations of the jaws.

[0074] At least one of the jaws may include an internal processing element, in particular defining the processing sole, comprising an internal processing surface configured to come into contact with or opposite a part of the hair strand in closed configuration.

[0075] Preferably, each of the jaws has a heated treatment pad. In fluid-free mode, the temperature of the treatment pads can be controlled independently of that of the vaporization chamber or remain unchanged.

[0076] Preferably, the device, in particular the handpiece, includes a jaw configuration detection element to detect whether the jaws are in the closed processing configuration or open, in particular a proximity sensor or a Hall effect sensor.

[0077] The detection organ can be arranged between the two arms at the level of the half-handles.

[0078] The supply system can be configured to supply the vaporization chamber with liquid fluid based on the chamber's temperature and / or the time elapsed since the device was switched on and / or the jaw configuration. The supply system can be configured to supply the vaporization chamber only when the chamber temperature exceeds a predefined threshold temperature and / or when the time elapsed since the device was switched on is greater than or equal to a predetermined time corresponding, in particular, to the time required to reach a predefined threshold temperature of the vaporization chamber. The temperature of the vaporization chamber can be measured using a sensor located within the chamber or at the interface between the heating element and the vaporization chamber.

[0079] This control of the arrival of fluid in liquid state in the vaporization chamber as a function of temperature makes it possible to limit the risk of applying liquid water instead of vapor.

[0080] The feeding system can be configured to supply the vaporization chamber only when the jaws are closed. The feeding system can be configured to activate only if the jaw configuration detection device detects a closed jaw configuration, or to be blocked if the jaw configuration detection device detects an open jaw configuration.

[0081] The device may include a steam control element configured to control the application of steam to the hair. For example, the steam control element may control the flow of the fluid to be vaporized, such as water, into the vaporization chamber. When the user wants to apply steam to their hair, they can activate the steam control element, which then controls, for example, a pump connected to the reservoir to bring the fluid into the vaporization chamber. As explained previously, this supply of fluid to the vaporization chamber may be carried out according to certain additional conditions as described previously, including a certain chamber temperature, after a certain ignition time, depending on the configuration of the jaws and / or depending on the detection of fluid present in the fluidic system.The control device can be operated by the user via a selector switch, for example a two- or three-position button.

[0082] The device may, according to one embodiment, include a power supply. For example, the power supply is provided by means of accumulators and / or batteries and / or by means of an electrical cable connected to a mains socket or a mains adapter.

[0083] The power supply can in particular be used to power the heating element, the circulation element or the conductivity sensor directly or indirectly via a control circuit.

[0084] The processing device may comprise a base and a handpiece connected to the base. The handpiece may include two jaws and the joint connecting them. The reservoir may be located in the base. Alternatively, the reservoir may be housed within the handpiece; for example, the reservoir may be located in a recess provided within the handpiece. For example, the recess may be located in at least one jaw of the handpiece. In this configuration, the conductivity sensor is preferably located in the fluidic conduit. Process

[0085] 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 the supply system by a conductivity sensor and the emission of fluid detection information, 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 conductivity sensor in the supply system is detected from the fluid detection information.

[0086] The method may include a step of recording the signals transmitted by the conductivity sensor, for example the values ​​of variation of the conductivity, and a step of deducing information on the presence of fluid in the fluidic system, in particular the reservoir or the fluidic conduit.

[0087] 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 reducing the heating temperature of the vaporization chamber, and / or completely stopping the hair treatment device, and / or emitting an alert signal, for example visual or audible.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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

[0090] [Fig. 1] represents an exploded view of a hair treatment device as described in the present invention.

[0091] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, from a top view, a fluid supply system with the conductivity sensor of a processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, from a top view, a fluid supply system with the conductivity sensor of a processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, from a top view, a fluid supply system with the conductivity sensor of a processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, from a top view, a fluid supply system for the vaporization chamber of the treatment device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates, from a top view, a fluid supply system with the conductivity sensor of a processing device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates, from a top view, a fluid supply system which includes a detection module comprising a conductivity sensor of a treatment device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] [Fig.8] illustrates schematically, an example of a regulation loop of the treatment device linked to the absence or presence of fluid in the supply system of the vaporization chamber.

[0098] [Fig.9] illustrates schematically, using a flowchart, a hair treatment process according to an embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0099] 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.

[0100] In the figures, the actual proportions have not always been respected, for the sake of clarity.

[0101] Fig. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a device 1 for processing, in particular for shaping hair, in particular for straightening, using steam to shape hair.

[0102] Device 1 illustrated is of the hair straightener type. However, the invention is not limited to such a device. A person skilled in the art will readily be able to apply the invention to another styling device, in particular to a curling or brushing device.

[0103] In the illustrated example, the device comprises a first arm 2 and a second arm 3 articulated to each other by means of a hinge-type joint 20. Each of the two arms 2 and 3 comprises a proximal portion in the form of a half-handle including the joint and a distal portion forming, respectively, a first and a second jaw 5 and 6 facing each other. The maximum angle (not (illustrated) The opening angle between the first and second arms is between 5° and 60°, preferably between 10° and 20°, and preferably approximately 15°. Jaws 5 and 6 can assume an open configuration corresponding to the maximum opening angle and a closed treatment configuration. Joint 20 may include an elastic element to hold jaws 5 and 6 in the open position at rest. The user must therefore mechanically bring the jaws together to assume the closed position for treating hair.

[0104] The device may advantageously include a jaw configuration detection element for the jaws 5, 6. The detection element may be arranged between the two arms, in particular at the half-handles, to detect whether the jaws 5, 6 are in the closed processing configuration or in the open configuration. For this purpose, the detection element may, for example, include a proximity sensor or a Hall effect sensor.

[0105] A non-visible treatment sole is carried by the first jaw 5 and a treatment sole 4 is carried by the second jaw 6, the first and second soles 4 being intended to pinch a strand of hair between them in the closed configuration of the jaws 5 and 6. The treatment sole and the second treatment surface 4 are generally complementary surfaces.

[0106] Each treatment plate has an internal treatment surface configured to come into contact with or opposite a portion of the hair strand in the closed position. The internal treatment surface may be a heat treatment surface, in particular a heating plate, extending opposite the other jaw. They may have different shapes depending on the intended use of the styling appliance 1 and are preferably interchangeable. Typically, the treatment plates are flat for use of the styling appliance 1 as a straightening appliance, or curved (not shown) for use as a curling appliance, or wavy (not shown) for use as a crimping appliance. A curling appliance is, for example, described in document EP0619087.The treatment surfaces may also be uneven, i.e., have a plurality of protrusions such as teeth or bumps (not illustrated).

[0107] Each treatment plate comprises an internal treatment surface configured to come into contact with or opposite a portion of the hair strand in its closed configuration. The internal treatment surface may be a heat treatment surface, the internal treatment element being in particular a heating plate, extending opposite the other jaw.

[0108] The treatment device 1 is configured to distribute steam towards one or more strands of hair which are pinched in particular between the treatment soles of the two jaws 5, 6 in closed configuration.

[0109] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the treatment device 1 may include one or more fluid outlets 40, in particular steam outlets. The fluid outlets 40 are configured to be adjacent to or in contact with the hair. The fluid outlets 40 are provided here in the second treatment plate 4 so as to come into contact with the hair.

[0110] The treatment device 1 includes a supply system 7 configured to supply the fluid outlets 40 with fluid, particularly steam. For this purpose, the supply system 7 includes a fluid reservoir 70, typically a water reservoir (not shown in [Fig. 1]), and / or a reservoir containing a cosmetic product, which may be integrated into one of the jaws or, alternatively, arranged remotely from the device in a so-called remote base. Alternatively, the supply system 7 may include a reservoir containing a cosmetic product. This reservoir may be associated with an application element that is preferably separate from the fluid outlets 40. The cosmetic product may be a cosmetic composition, for example, a styling composition for curling, setting, straightening, or smoothing.

[0111] Cosmetic compositions include, for example, one or more active agents selected from 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.

[0112] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 7, the fluid reservoir 70 is in fluid communication with a fluid vaporization system 71 via a fluid outlet 700 of a fluidic system. The fluid outlet 700 connects the reservoir to a fluidic conduit 72 of the fluidic system, as shown in [Fig. 3]. The fluidic conduit 72 may be opaque or transparent.

[0113] The reservoir 70 can be removably mounted on the treatment device 1. It can be housed in a recess in the body of the hair treatment device, in particular at a gripping portion. Specifically, in the example of [Fig. 1], the reservoir 70 is located at the second arm 3. The treatment device 1 can include a fluidic connection element in the recess allowing the reservoir 70 to be fluidically connected to the fluidic system. For example, the recess may then include a coupling interface with the tank 70. The tank 70 may include a tank filling opening.

[0114] The vaporization system 71 comprises at least one vaporization chamber 73, occupying a continuous volume in which vaporization takes place, i.e., a defined volume without discontinuities. The vaporization chamber 73 may be substantially parallelepiped-shaped, having, for example, a rectangular, square, or trapezoidal cross-section. This provides a good compromise between the compactness and efficiency of the vaporization system 71. The vaporization system 71 of the inlet system 7 is in fluidic communication with the fluid outlet(s) 40, particularly at the vaporization chamber 73. The latter is configured to produce vapor and transmit it to the fluid outlet(s) 40.

[0115] The vaporization chamber 73 is here in the shape of a parallelepiped and comprises two vaporization volumes 730, 731 separated by a partition forming a small passage between the two vaporization volumes. The first vaporization chamber 730 is then arranged upstream of the second vaporization chamber 731 in the direction of vapor flow.

[0116] The vaporization chamber 73 may include an upper wall formed by the lid 12 and a lower wall formed by the bottom wall of the body 10. The body 10 and the lid 12 may be made of a metal, an alloy, or any heat-conducting material. The vaporization chamber also includes two lateral walls delimiting the vaporization chamber widthwise and two proximal and distal walls forming the longitudinal ends of the vaporization chamber 73 and delimiting the vaporization chamber 73 lengthwise. Preferably, the two upper and lower walls are the walls of the vaporization chamber with the largest surface area. As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the vaporization chamber 73 extends, for example, along a principal axis X parallel to a longitudinal axis L of the device.

[0117] The vaporization system 71 includes a heating element 8 which heats the vaporization chamber 73. For this purpose, the heating element is coupled to at least one wall of the vaporization chamber 73. In the example of [Fig. 2], the heating element is coupled to the lower wall 10 of the vaporization chamber 73. In particular, the heating element 8 can extend against the lower wall 10 at least at the level of the second vaporization volume 731. The heating element 8 can be arranged outside the vaporization chamber 73 because the lower wall 10 is advantageously heat-conductive.

[0118] The heating element 8 can typically be an electrical resistance known as a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) resistor or a ceramic, but more generally any system enabling the vaporization chamber 71 to be heated in accordance with the intended purpose.

[0119] The heating element 8 can be regulated by a thermistor, for example a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, functioning as a temperature probe, preferably arranged above the injection point. The thermistor can improve the safety of the hair styling device 1 by blocking the injection of liquid under specific conditions, for example, depending on the temperature of the heating element 8. The thermistor can also regulate the heating temperature of the heating element 8 or stop heating when a lack of liquid in the supply system 7 is detected. Lowering the heating temperature of the heating element 8 when there is no fluid is advantageous because this helps maintain a minimum temperature in the vaporization chamber 73. The minimum temperature can, for example, be 90°C. When the supply system 7 again contains liquid, vaporization can then restart quickly..

[0120] The vaporization chamber 73 can be in fluidic communication with a distribution chamber 74 that supplies the steam outlets 40. As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the vaporization chamber 73 and the distribution chamber 74 can form a single unit. The steam produced in the vaporization chamber 73 thus flows towards the fluid outlets 40, where it encounters the user's hair. It is preferable to keep the fluidic outlet of the fluidic conduit 72 away from the steam distribution means 74 in order to limit the risk of ejecting hot water that has not had time to vaporize. The fluidic conduit 72 can be centered on the principal axis X of the vaporization chamber 73 or offset laterally from this same axis.

[0121] Advantageously, the portion forming the free end 720 of the fluidic conduit 72 can be beveled. Such a specific shape makes it possible to concentrate any accumulation of scale in a specific area while providing an area where the liquid can continue to enter the vaporization chamber 73 without being hindered by scale accumulation.

[0122] The vaporization system 71 can thus be supplied with fluid in liquid state by the fluidic system fluidically connecting a fluid source such as the reservoir 70 to the vaporization chamber 73.

[0123] Alternatively, the supply system 7 may be without a vaporization system. The fluid may be delivered in liquid form. In this latter case, the supply system 7 may include a system for projecting or nebulizing the liquid through at least one fluid outlet 40, in particular by pressurized projection from the fluid outlet or by application through a nebulizing nozzle.

[0124] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 7, the supply system 7 may include a circulation element 75, in particular a pump, for circulating the fluid within the supply system 7 and, in particular, within the fluidic system. The pump may, for example, be of the peristaltic or electric type. As illustrated in particular in [Fig. 2], the circulation element 75 may be located at the fluidic connection between the fluidic conduit 72 and the reservoir 70. However, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the circulation element 75 may also be located on a section of the fluidic conduit 72 between the reservoir 70 and the vaporization chamber 73. In this case, the fluidic conduit 72 may be a flexible conduit. The circulation element 75 causes the fluid, in its liquid state, contained in the reservoir 70 towards the vaporization chamber 73.The direction of flow 750 of the liquid contained in the reservoir 70 is illustrated in figures 2 to 7 by an arrow extending from the reservoir 70 into the interior of the vaporization chamber 73. The circulation element 75 is controlled by the electronic control unit 100 of the processing device 1.

[0125] Alternatively, the circulation element 75 can be 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.

[0126] The fluidic system may include a single conduit connecting the fluid source, in particular the reservoir 70, and the vaporization system 71, in particular the vaporization chamber 73. Alternatively, the fluidic system includes a plurality of conduits between the fluid source, in particular the reservoir 70, and the vaporization system 71, in particular the vaporization chamber 73.

[0127] The fluidic system may include one or more conduits, one or more fluidic connectors, one or more detectors, an element of the fluid circulation device 75, in particular of a pump, and / or an element of the detector.

[0128] Preferably, the feeding system is configured to operate at a constant flow rate at a predetermined flow rate.

[0129] For example, the control unit 100 can control the supply of vaporization chamber 73 according to different parameters: depending on the temperature of the heating element 8, depending on the time elapsed since the device was started, depending on the configuration of the jaws.

[0130] The circulation element 75 can thus be controlled to supply the vaporization chamber 73 only when the chamber temperature is above a predefined threshold temperature and / or when the time elapsed since the device was switched on is greater than or equal to a predetermined time corresponding in particular to the time required to reach a predefined threshold temperature of the vaporization chamber and, in particular, of the heating element 8. Typically, the temperature of the vaporization chamber 73 can be measured using a sensor arranged in it, or at the interface between the heating element 8 and the vaporization chamber 73.

[0131] The device may include a steam control element configured to control the application of steam to the hair. For example, the steam control element may control the flow of water or a fluid to be vaporized, such as water, into the vaporization chamber. When the user wants to apply steam to their hair, they can actuate the steam control element, which then controls, for example, a pump such as the circulation element 75 connected to the reservoir 70 to bring the fluid into the vaporization chamber 73. As explained previously, this supply of fluid to the vaporization chamber 73 may be carried out according to certain additional conditions as described previously, including a certain chamber temperature, after a certain ignition time, and / or according to the configuration of the jaws and / or according to the detection of fluid present in the fluidic system.The control unit can be operated by the user via a selector switch, for example a two- or three-position button. The selector switch can be located on an arm, for example, at the level of the human-machine interface 101 visible in [Fig. 1].

[0132] Furthermore, when a lack of fluid is detected in the supply system 7, the control unit 100 can command the circulation element 75 to stop. The lack of fluid in the supply system 7 can be determined using at least one conductivity sensor 9, in particular a commercially available conductivity sensor, configured to detect a lack of fluid, and in particular of liquid, with regard to its conductivity measurement unit(s), and in particular its electrodes. Typically, the conductivity sensor can comprise at least two electrodes extending in a fluid circulation conduit, as illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 6 and 7, and / or in the reservoir, as illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, and which are spaced apart by a distance allowing conductivity detection between them when a fluid is flowing in the fluid system.The two electrodes are positioned in contact with the fluid in the supply system 7. The presence of fluid can be assessed when an electric current flows between the two electrodes, indicating the presence or movement of liquid in the supply system. Its conductivity can also be determined. To measure an electric current between the two electrodes and determine the fluid's conductivity, the fluid must contain dissolved ions. Such a fluid could be an electrolytic fluid like water. Conversely, when no current flows between the two electrodes, this likely means that there is not a sufficient volume of fluid between them for an electric current to pass. In this case, the conductivity sensor 9 cannot detect conductivity, which may indicate the absence of fluid. The conductivity sensor electrodes. The conductivity sensor 9 may also include a signal processing unit that receives measurements from the electrodes, including the electrical current they measure, and is configured to deduce information on the presence and / or absence of liquid with respect to the conductivity sensor. It can additionally deduce conductivity information about the fluid, as we will see later.

[0133] The signal processing unit can be housed within the body of the hair treatment device, particularly at a gripping portion. The signal processing unit and the electronic control unit 100 can be a single electronic unit of the treatment device 1.

[0134] Alternatively, the signal processing unit may be different from the electronic control unit. It may be associated with the conductivity sensor 9 in a detection module. For example, the processing device 1 may comprise a housing integral with the power supply system 7 forming a detection module 90 and in which the conductivity sensor 9 and the signal processing unit are housed as illustrated in [Fig. 7].

[0135] As illustrated in [Fig.8], the conductivity sensor 9 is connected electronically and / or electrically to the control unit 100. Through this connection, the conductivity sensor 9 transmits to the control unit 100 information 91 on the absence and / or presence of liquid between its electrodes.

[0136] The conductivity sensor 9 can thus be arranged at several positions in the supply system 7 and in particular in the fluidic system which supplies the vaporization system 71. In the example of Figures 2 and 3, the conductivity sensor 9 is advantageously positioned in contact with the fluid in a portion of the fluidic conduit 72. The integration of the sensor 9 in the fluidic conduit 72 makes it possible in particular to detect the presence and / or absence of supply in the cross-section of the fluidic conduit and this regardless of the spatial orientation of the treatment device 1.

[0137] The conductivity sensor 9 can be placed in several positions within the fluidic conduit 72, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. However, the conductivity sensor 9 is preferably located in the portion of the fluidic conduit 72 that lies outside the vaporization chamber 73. More specifically, the sensor 9 can be placed in the portion of the fluidic conduit 72 that lies between the reservoir 70 and the vaporization chamber 73. On this portion of the conduit 72, the sensor 9 can be positioned downstream of the circulation element 75 in the direction of fluid flow in the supply system. According to an arrangement illustrated in [Fig. 3], the circulation element 75 can be located on the fluidic conduit 72, while the sensor 9 is placed in a portion of the conduit 72 that is interposed between the reservoir 70 and the circulation unit 75. This arrangement allows targeted detection of whether the circulation unit 75 is draining liquid or running dry, and thus allows the circulation unit 75 to be stopped before it runs dry.

[0138] Alternatively, as illustrated in [Fig. 7], the conductivity sensor 9 can be integrated into a detection module 90 that is integrated into the supply system 7, in particular between two conduits and comprising a portion of conduit fluidically connected to the fluidic system and through which the fluid can flow. In this configuration, the conductivity sensor 9 is disposed in said portion of conduit, in particular on an internal wall thereof, so as to be in contact with the fluid. As illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, the processing device 1 can also include a conductivity sensor 9 placed in the tank 70. The conductivity sensor 9 can advantageously be placed in contact with an internal wall of the tank 70 or alternatively in the cavity of the tank. It can be positioned to detect the fluid in the tank in at least one orientation of the tank.

[0139] In an alternative embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 5], the electrodes can extend over substantially the entire length of the reservoir 70. By "substantially" it is understood that the conductivity sensor 9 can have a length equal to or slightly shorter than that of the wall of the reservoir 70. In particular, the conductivity sensor 9 can comprise two electrodes that extend substantially along the entire length of an internal wall of the reservoir 70. In this configuration, the conductivity sensor 9 can measure the presence and / or absence of liquid in the reservoir 70 regardless of the fill level of the reservoir 70. This configuration is particularly advantageous when the reservoir 70 is located in a remote base of the handpiece of the processing device.This configuration corresponds to an unillustrated embodiment of the invention, in which the fluid in its liquid state can be contained in a reservoir external to the treatment device 1. In this context, the treatment device 1 may include a fixed base comprising the reservoir 70. The fixed base may also include means for electrical connection to a power distribution network. The vaporization chamber 73 of the handpiece can then be fluidly connected to the reservoir 70 by a tube. The handpiece can also be electrically connected, in particular by a dedicated cable, to the base to power the electronics and electronic equipment it contains. It should be noted that the vaporization chamber 73 can also be located remotely from the handpiece and disposed of within the fixed base, although this is not preferred.

[0140] Alternatively, the conductivity sensor and the processing unit can be configured to detect a fluid level below a predetermined threshold in at least one orientation of the tank. The conductivity sensor can include one electrode at the predetermined level and another electrode between the bottom and the level predetermined. In this case, the low fluid level notification is sent when the fluid level falls below a predetermined threshold. This notification can then be configured to trigger a low fluid mode and an alert such as an indicator light, which may or may not be combined with an audible signal informing the user that the tank needs refilling.

[0141] In an alternative or complementary embodiment, the conductivity sensor 9 can assess the tank's fill level according to at least one tank orientation. For this purpose, the conductivity sensor 9 can be configured to measure the fluid height in the tank. Typically, the conductivity sensor 9 may include a reference electrode, for example at the bottom of the tank, and several electrodes arranged at different heights within the tank 70. It is thus possible to supply the reference electrode and measure the conductivity at each electrode along its height to obtain an indication of the fluid height in the tank in a vertical tank orientation. The lowest electrode other than the reference electrode can be the one for which the conductivity sensor sends a signal indicating the absence of fluid.

[0142] Alternatively, the conductivity sensor 9 can be positioned in contact with an internal wall of the fluid reservoir 70 at a predetermined position within the reservoir. The conductivity sensor 9 can, in particular, be arranged near a fluid outlet of the reservoir 70, typically near the fluid outlet that is connected to the fluid conduit 72. Alternatively, the conductivity sensor 9 can be arranged according to a liquid level in at least one orientation of the device corresponding to a quantity of fluid above which further fluid application is no longer possible, and the sensor 9 generates an empty supply system 7 signal. This makes it possible, in particular, to detect whether the fluid outlet is being supplied with fluid from the reservoir.Indeed, depending on the orientation of the device, if the reservoir has a fixed volume, which is not preferable, the reservoir may not be empty without the fluid outlet of the reservoir receiving any fluid.

[0143] The fluid reservoir 70 may or may not have a variable volume. It may, in particular, include a piston forming the circulation element 75. Alternatively, it may include a flexible membrane whose volume decreases when the liquid is sent to the fluid outlet(s) 40. The flexible membrane may be configured to decrease the volume of the reservoir 70 while keeping the remaining fluid against the wall over which the conductivity sensor 9 is positioned. This allows, in particular, for fluid detection in the reservoir 70 to be possible regardless of the reservoir's orientation by positioning the conductivity sensor at the fluid outlet of the reservoir.

[0144] As illustrated in [Fig. 6], the processing device 1 is not limited to a single conductivity sensor. It may include several conductivity sensors 9 placed at different locations in the supply system 7. In this example, the processing device 1 includes a first conductivity sensor 9 in contact with an internal wall of the tank 70 and a second conductivity sensor in the fluidic conduit 72. Each of the two sensors can be configured as described previously. This arrangement makes it possible to detect an absence of fluid in the fluidic conduit 72 independently of the presence of fluid in the tank 70. Such a configuration can be useful when the fluidic conduit 72 is obstructed or when the circulation element 75 malfunctions.

[0145] As illustrated in [Fig. 8], the conductivity sensor 9 sends information 91 to the control unit 100 about the presence and / or absence of fluid, and in particular liquid, in the feed system 7, and more specifically, at the level of the conductivity sensor 9. The control unit 100 is configured to determine a control signal from the information 91 about the presence of fluid in the feed system 7. The control unit 100 controls the processing device 1 in a fluid-free mode when an absence of fluid is detected in the feed system 7, and in particular with regard to the conductivity sensor 9.

[0146] The electronic control unit 100 can be integrated into an arm 2, 3 of the processing device 1. In particular, in the example, the control unit 100 is arranged in the first arm 2 near the human-machine interface 101 of the processing device 1. Here, the human-machine interface 101 includes indicator lights, audible alarms, and haptics controlled by the control unit 100.

[0147] When the control unit 100 receives information 91 concerning the absence of fluid in the supply system 7, the control unit 100 can stop the circulation element 75 and maintain the operation of the vaporization system 71 at a reduced temperature, i.e., with the heating element 8 of the system maintained at a reduced temperature in order to reduce power consumption while allowing for a rapid resumption of treatment. The device 1 then operates in a fluid-free mode in which the temperature of the treatment plate 4 can be maintained at a treatment temperature. For this purpose, the treatment plate 4 preferably includes temperature control independent of that of the heating element 8 of the vaporization chamber 73.

[0148] When fluid is again detected in the supply system 7, the control unit 100 can command the heating element 8 to switch back to a mode with fluid, in which the heating element 8 is heated to a temperature allowing the vaporization of the fluid and in particular the liquid again.

[0149] In addition, the control unit 100 can also transmit a command to the human-machine interface 101 to warn the user, typically using a A visual indicator, an audible and / or haptic signal, indicates the absence of fluid in the supply system 7. The fluid-free mode may include different operation of the processing device 1 and an alert signal. In this way, 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 tank or unclog the supply system.

[0150] When a conductivity sensor 9 is positioned at the level of the reservoir 70 and measures the fluid level of the reservoir 70, the control unit 100 can average the measurements from the conductivity sensor 9 over time to determine the reservoir level. Advantageously, the control unit 100 can perform a moving average over time. This eliminates isolated and unrepresentative measurements of the fill level that may result from changes in the position and orientation of the processing device in space while the reservoir is partially filled. This is particularly relevant when the reservoir 70 is integrated into the handpiece of the processing device 1.

[0151] The conductivity sensor 9 can transmit resistivity information to the control unit 100. In this case, the latter is advantageously configured to determine the fluid hardness from the resistivity information. From the fluid hardness value, the control unit 100 can deduce predictive maintenance for the feed system 7. Indeed, predictive maintenance is notably linked to scale buildup in the feed system 7. The fluid hardness is thus a parameter that improves maintenance prediction. When the maintenance prediction is reached, the control unit 100 can be configured to send a user alert signal indicating that maintenance of the feed system 7 is required. The control unit 100 can also emit a control signal for a fluid-free mode when the maintenance prediction is reached.When the feed system 7 is scaled up, the operation of the device 1 in fluid-free mode advantageously protects the circulation element 75 and / or the fluidic system and / or the vaporization system 7 which could respectively become blocked.

[0152] The device 1 may, in one embodiment, include a power supply. For example, the power supply is provided by means of accumulators and / or batteries and / or by means of an electrical cable connected to a mains socket or a mains adapter.

[0153] The power supply can in particular be used to power the heating element 8, the circulation element 75 or the conductivity sensor 9 directly or indirectly via a control circuit.

[0154] 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.

[0155] This overconsumption is economically harmful but can also impair the autonomy of the device if it operates on battery power.

[0156] As illustrated in [Fig. 9], one aspect of the invention relates to a hair treatment process 200 which notably uses a hair treatment device 1 conforming to an embodiment of the invention. The treatment process 200 may thus include supplying 201 to at least one fluid outlet 40 with fluid by a fluid supply system 7 of the device 1. The supply 201 may be implemented as described above.

[0157] The treatment process 200 may advantageously include detecting the fluid 202 in the feed system 7 by a conductivity sensor 9 and transmitting a fluid detection signal 91 as illustrated in [Fig. 8]. When a conductivity sensor 9 is located at the reservoir 70, the treatment process 200 may include measuring the fluid level in the reservoir 70 as described above. Since this step is optional, a dashed arrow is shown in [Fig. 9] to symbolize its optional nature.

[0158] The method may include a step of recording the signals transmitted by the conductivity sensor, for example the values ​​of variation of the electric current measured between the two electrodes of the sensor, and a step of deducing information on the presence of fluid in the fluidic system, in particular the reservoir 70 or the fluidic conduit 72.

[0159] As illustrated in [Fig. 9], the treatment process 200 may include the emission 204 by a control unit 100 of a control signal in a fluid-free mode of the treatment device 1 when a lack of fluid is detected from the fluid detection information 91. The fluid-free mode may include the shutdown of a fluid circulation element 75 in the fluid conduit 72 or the heating of a vaporization chamber 73 in the feed system 7 and / or the complete shutdown of the capillary treatment device and / or the emission of an alert signal, for example, visual or audible. As described above, the fluid-free mode may also include a reduction in the heating temperature of the vaporization chamber 73.

[0160] The method may include one or more of the features described above in connection with the hair treatment device 1 independently of the device as defined above and individually or in combination with each other.

[0161] 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.

Claims

Demands

1. Hair treatment device (1), in particular for hair styling, in particular for straightening and / or curling, comprising: - at least one fluid outlet (40) configured to be adjacent to or in contact with the hair, - a fluid supply system (7) for the at least one fluid outlet (40), - at least one conductivity sensor (9) configured to detect an absence of fluid, in particular liquid, in the supply system (7) at the conductivity sensor (9), the at least one conductivity sensor (9) being configured to emit a fluid detection information in the supply system (7), and - an electronic control unit (100) configured to emit at least one control signal in a fluid-free mode when an absence of fluid at the conductivity sensor is detected from the information emitted by the conductivity sensor (9).

2. Hair treatment device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the supply system (7) comprises a fluid reservoir (70) fluidically connected to at least one fluid outlet (40).

3. Hair treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supply system (7) comprises a vaporization system (71), in particular a water vaporization system, comprising at least one fluid-supplied vaporization chamber (73) and a heating element (8) configured to heat the vaporization chamber to a temperature greater than or equal to the vaporization temperature of the fluid, the control unit (100) being configured to control the vaporization system (71), in particular stopping the vaporization system (71) in fluid-free mode or operating the vaporization system (71) at a reduced temperature, in particular a heating element (8) of said vaporization system (71), in particular in an operating range that is not off and below the vaporization temperature of the liquid.

4. Hair treatment device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the fluid-free mode is an operating mode of the device (1) in which the heating element (8) is at a temperature less than or equal to the vaporization temperature of the fluid.

5. Hair treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one conductivity sensor (9) is configured to detect the presence of fluid in the liquid state.

6. Hair treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one conductivity sensor (9) has two electrodes spaced apart in the device and is configured to measure the conductivity between the two electrodes through a fluid circulation or storage space in the supply system.

7. Hair treatment device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the supply system (7) comprises a circulation element (75), in particular a pump, of the fluid in the supply system (7), the control unit (100) being configured to control the circulation element (75), in particular, the control unit (100) is configured to control the stopping of the circulation element (75) when it determines the control signal in fluid-free mode.

8. Hair treatment device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the supply system (7) comprises a fluid reservoir (70) fluidically connected to at least one fluid outlet (40) and the circulation member (75) is configured to be mounted on the reservoir or a fluidic system extending between the reservoir and the vaporization system, in particular a fluidic conduit (72) of the fluidic system.

9. Hair treatment device (1) according to any one of claims 7 and 8, wherein at least one sensor (9) is upstream of the circulation member (75) in the direction of fluid flow, i.e. from the reservoir (70) to at least one fluid outlet (40), in particular between the reservoir (70) and the circulation member (75).

10. Hair treatment device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one sensor of conductivity (9) comprises two electrodes spaced apart in the device and is configured to measure the conductivity between the two electrodes through a fluid circulation or storage space in the supply system and the electrodes extend into the tank or on a wall of the tank, including substantially the entire length of the fluid tank.

11. Hair treatment device (1) according to claim 10, wherein at least one sensor (9) is configured to detect a reservoir fill level in at least one predetermined reservoir orientation, in particular, the sensor (9) may include a reference electrode immersed in the fluid in said orientation, in particular at the bottom of the reservoir, and a plurality of electrodes at different heights in the reservoir.

12. Hair treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (100) is configured to determine fluid hardness from resistivity information transmitted by the conductivity sensor (9) and deduce predictive maintenance of the power supply system (7).

13. Hair treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two jaws (5, 6) arranged opposite each other and articulated between a closed treatment configuration and an open hair engagement configuration between the jaws (5, 6), at least one of the jaws (5, 6) comprising the feeding system (7).

14. Hair treatment device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the jaws (5, 6) comprises an internal treatment element, in particular defining the treatment sole (4), comprising an internal treatment surface configured to come into contact or face a part of the hair strand in closed configuration.

15. A hair treatment method (200) using a hair treatment device, in particular using the hair treatment device (1) defined according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: the supply (201) of at least one fluid outlet (40) with fluid by a fluid supply system (7) of the device (1), the detection (202) of the fluid in the supply system (7) by a conductivity sensor (9) and the emission of a fluid detection information (91), and the emission (204) by a control unit (100) of a control signal in a fluid-free mode of the device when an absence of fluid at the conductivity sensor (9) in the supply system (7) is detected from the fluid detection information (91).

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