Device for treating the hair

Abstract

Device (1) for treating the hair by moving along a lock of hair, comprising a handpiece (2) comprising: a vaporization chamber (31) supplied with liquid through an inlet (38); a steam outlet (21) in fluidic communication with the vaporization chamber (31); a sensor (45) for sensing a temperature or a temperature change in a measurement zone (46) of the vaporization chamber (31), the measurement zone (46) of the vaporization chamber (31) being arranged below the inlet (38) for liquid to be vaporized when the device (1) is used in one of the first or the second directions of use; a processor configured to receive the temperature in order to determine a direction of use of the device (1) as a function of the temperature and / or the temperature change measured.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Device for treating the hair

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to devices for treating the hair, and more particularly, but not exclusively, those intended for shaping the hair, in particular for curling and / or straightening the hair, comprising a steam application.

[0005] The invention relates more particularly to curling devices having two jaws that are movable relative to each other and are able to adopt a spaced-apart configuration for introducing a lock of hair between said jaws and a moved-together configuration for treating the lock.

[0006] Prior art

[0007] Numerous devices of this type have already been proposed. These devices generally comprise means for applying steam, internal heating plates between which the locks can be gripped, in particular in the case of straightening, and / or heating plates on the external surfaces thereof, in particular in the case of curling or at least making the locks wavy. These devices are generally used by moving the device between the root and the tip of the hair, with the lock wound around the device or not depending on the desired result and the type of device.

[0008] Applications W02014064660, EP2959793, EP2765884 and EP2449911 describe for example steam devices for treating the hair comprising a liquid reservoir, and wherein one jaw comprises a vaporization system, and a system for distributing steam towards a lock of hair. A liquid, typically water or a cosmetic product for hair, is stored in the reservoir and is injected through a pipe into the vaporization system comprising a chamber. Under the action of heating means, in contact with the vaporization chamber, the liquid changes to the steam state and can reach the distribution system, comprising a plurality of orifices in the form of slots oriented so as to spray the steam onto a lock of hair gripped between the two treatment surfaces.

[0009] Some of these devices are designed to be used along a lock of hair in a particular direction. In particular, on some devices, use in the incorrect direction can result in sub- optimal treatment, or can even be uncomfortable for the user. This is particularly the case for devices that are asymmetrical and incorporate, for example, one or more additional treatment members (steam diffusion, a comb, etc.) each arranged on just one side of the plates of the device. The result of treatment with a comb / steam and then plates can thus differ from treatment with plates and then a comb / steam when the device is used in the other direction.

[0010] WO 2021 / 102751 proposes a device comprising heating plates and a gyroscope measuring the posture and the movement of the device. The gyroscope makes it possible to send an audible and / or visible and / or vibrating warning as a function of detected movements, in particular so that the use of the device is optimal. In this application, non-optimal use is detected as a movement of the device.

[0011] CN 109288230 proposes a hair straightener comprising a module for detecting the posture of the device, for example an accelerometer or a gyroscope. The device is capable of determining whether the current posture is within a range of acceptable postures for carrying out satisfactory treatment. If the posture is incorrect, a warning is sent to the user so that they can correct their posture, for example a sound or a vibration.

[0012] WO 2019 / 122838 describes a system making it possible to detect the movement of a hair straightener in order to determine whether the movement of the device is in accordance with the desired treatment, in particular with respect to the speed of use.

[0013] EP 2359710 proposes a device comprising heating plates and a movement sensor, for example an accelerometer or an optical sensor. The movement sensor makes it possible to send an audible and / or visible warning as a function of detected movements, in particular so that the use of the device is optimal. For example, if the speed of movement is too fast or too slow, a warning signal is emitted.

[0014] However, these devices do not allow users to know whether they are using the device in the optimal direction of use during treatment.

[0015] Disclosure of the invention

[0016] There is a need for a device for treating the hair that allows the user to obtain optimal and easily reproducible treatment without complicating the use of the device.

[0017] Summary of the invention

[0018] The present invention achieves this, according to one aspect thereof, by means of a device for treating the hair, in particular for straightening and / or curling the hair, by moving said device along a lock of hair from a root towards a tip, the device having during treatment a first direction of use, in which the lock moves from a front face towards an opposite rear face of said device, and a second direction of use in which the lock moves from said rear face towards the opposite front face, said device comprising a handpiece comprising:

[0019] - a vaporization chamber configured to be supplied with liquid to be vaporized through an inlet for liquid to be vaporized;

[0020] - at least one steam outlet in fluidic communication with the vaporization chamber and configured to apply steam coming from the vaporization chamber to the hair;

[0021] - a sensor for sensing a temperature or a temperature change in a measurement zone of the vaporization chamber, the measurement zone of the vaporization chamber being at least partially arranged below the inlet for liquid to be vaporized when the device is used in one of the first or the second directions of use;

[0022] - a processor configured to receive the temperature or temperature change measured by the sensor in the measurement zone and to determine a direction of use of the device among the first direction of use and the second direction of use as a function of the temperature and / or the temperature change measured by the sensor.

[0023] “In fluidic communication” is given to mean that fluid is able to pass directly or indirectly between the aforementioned elements.

[0024] Such detection of the direction of use makes it possible to identify the direction of use among the first and second directions of use in order to, in particular, check whether the user is using the device for treating the hair in accordance with a preferred direction of use among the first and second directions of use in particular as defined by the designers of the device. Once this check has been performed, if the direction of use is not the correct direction, it is then easy for example to warn the user, as will be set out in detail hereinafter.

[0025] Such detection of the direction of use also makes it possible to identify the treatment applied to the lock of hair. This makes it possible in particular to obtain treatment of the lock of hair that is desired and easily reproducible.

[0026] When the vaporization system is in operation, the temperature of the measurement zone can be different in at least two different orientations, in particular opposite orientations, of the device, in particular two different ranges of orientation of the device, and / or a predetermined temperature change of the measurement zone can be measurable on a change in orientation of the device between two different ranges of orientation.

[0027] Preferably, the device is a device for shaping the hair, in particular for curling and / or straightening the hair. Preferably, the handpiece has a handle and a head. The handle facilitates gripping of the device and allows additional elements to be added to the device, in particular a user interface, a reservoir of fluid to be vaporized and optionally a reservoir of cosmetic product.

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

[0029] The device can be configured to have different treatment effects according to the different at least first and second directions of use of the device along the lock of hair, in particular opposite directions.

[0030] The device can include a system for supplying the vaporization chamber with liquid, in particular water, in particular a pump. The supply system can be configured to supply the vaporization chamber as a function of the temperature of the latter and / or as a function of the time elapsed since the device was started up and / or as a function of the configuration of the jaws. The supply system can be configured to supply the vaporization chamber only when the temperature of the chamber is above a predefined temperature threshold and / or when the time elapsed since the device was started up is greater than or equal to a predetermined time, corresponding in particular to the time taken for the vaporization chamber to reach a predefined temperature threshold. The temperature of the vaporization chamber can be measured using a sensor positioned therein or at the interface between the heating structure and the vaporization chamber.

[0031] Controlling the intake of liquid, in particular water, into the vaporization chamber as a function of the temperature thereof makes it possible to limit the risk of applying liquid instead of steam to the hair.

[0032] The system for supplying liquid to the vaporization chamber can be configured to supply the vaporization chamber with liquid only in the closed configuration of the jaws. The liquid supply system can be configured to be activated only if the member for detecting the configuration of the jaws detects a closed configuration of the jaws or to be inhibited if the member for detecting the configuration of the jaws detects an open configuration of the jaws. Preferably, the system for supplying liquid to the vaporization chamber is configured to operate at a predetermined constant flow rate.

[0033] The device can comprise a steam control member configured to control whether steam is applied to the hair or not. For example, the steam control member can control the intake of liquid, in particular water, to be vaporized in the vaporization chamber. When the user wishes to apply steam to their hair, they can actuate the steam control member which then for example commands a pump configured to bring liquid to be vaporized from a reservoir of liquid to be vaporized into the vaporization chamber. As explained above, this supply of liquid to the vaporization chamber can take place according to certain additional conditions as described above, in particular a certain temperature of the chamber, and / or after a certain time since switching on and / or according to the configuration of the jaws. The control member can be controlled by the user via a selector, for example a button with two or three positions.

[0034] Jaws

[0035] The handpiece can be elongated along a longitudinal axis. The front and rear faces can extend along the longitudinal axis of the handpiece.

[0036] The handpiece is preferably asymmetrical relative to at least one longitudinal midplane extending between the front and rear faces of the handpiece.

[0037] The asymmetry of the handpiece relative to at least one longitudinal mid-plane has the effect that the treatment of the hair is asymmetrical during treatment, that is, by separating the treatment into two parts of equal duration, for movement at a constant speed of the handpiece, the second part of the treatment is different from the reverse of the first part of the treatment. The treatment is thus different in the first and second directions of use.

[0038] As a result, such asymmetry of the device generates different treatment effects on the lock of hair depending on whether the device is used in the first or second direction of use. Detecting the direction of use therefore makes it possible to identify the treatment applied to the lock of hair. This makes it possible in particular to obtain treatment of the lock of hair that is desired and easily reproducible.

[0039] Such asymmetry of the treatment can in particular lead to sub-optimal treatment when the direction of use is not as prescribed, that is, treatment of a lower quality than the device can provide when used correctly in an optimal direction of use. By determining the direction of use, it can thus be possible to indicate to the user that they are not performing the treatment correctly.

[0040] The handpiece can comprise two jaws that can adopt a spaced-apart configuration for inserting the hair between the jaws and a moved-together configuration for treating the hair.

[0041] The handpiece can comprise an internal treatment surface extending between the two jaws in the moved-together configuration of the jaws, at least one of the jaws comprising a heating plate extending facing the other jaw, coming into contact with the hair and at least partially defining the internal treatment surface.

[0042] The handpiece can extend along a longitudinal axis and be asymmetrical relative to a longitudinal mid-plane, in particular transverse to the internal treatment surface in the closed configuration of the jaws.

[0043] The device can comprise a closing sensor configured to detect whether the jaws are in the moved-together configuration, in particular a Hall effect sensor.

[0044] The handpiece can comprise at least one external treatment member comprising an external treatment surface configured to come into contact with part of the lock of hair during treatment, the external treatment surface being in particular thermal, in particular being a heating sheet.

[0045] In one embodiment, in particular for curling, an external treatment surface extends on one of the front and rear faces.

[0046] The external treatment member can in particular make it possible to curl the hair by winding the hair around the handpiece and / or around one or each jaw.

[0047] Preferably, when the handpiece comprises two jaws connected to each other and able to adopt an open configuration for engaging the hair between them and a closed configuration for treatment, the jaws extend at a distal end of the handle.

[0048] The jaws can each be held by an arm, the two arms being connected to each other, in particular by a hinge at one end thereof, in order to adopt the closed or open configuration of the jaws. The two arms can each comprise a half-handle on the hinge side and one of the jaws on the free end side.

[0049] Vaporization

[0050] The device, in particular the handpiece, can comprise a single steam outlet in particular extending parallel to a main axis of the handpiece, in particular a longitudinal axis, and / or of the vaporization chamber. As a variant, the device can comprise a plurality of steam outlets extending along at least one row of steam outlets extending parallel to the main axis of the device, in particular the longitudinal axis of the handpiece, and / or of the vaporization chamber.

[0051] Preferably, the handpiece comprises a hair-treatment soleplate configured to come into contact with or to face the hair and having the steam outlet or outlets. Preferably, said treatment soleplate comprises a base having a substantially planar or substantially outwardly convex external surface. Preferably, said treatment soleplate has, when viewed from the front, a substantially polygonal, in particular rectangular or square, outline, but can also be circular or oval.

[0052] The device can comprise a reservoir for liquid to be vaporized incorporated into the handpiece, in particular into the handle thereof. As a variant, the device can comprise a base in fluidic communication with the handpiece, in particular with its handle, in which the reservoir of liquid to be vaporized is incorporated. As a further variant, the device can be connected, in particular by its handle, to an external liquid supply, in particular an external water outlet.

[0053] The device can comprise a duct for supplying liquid to be vaporized extending at least partially into the vaporization chamber at the fluid inlet, the liquid supply duct comprising a supply orifice in the vaporization chamber.

[0054] The vaporization chamber can extend along a main axis, in particular a longitudinal axis of the handpiece, in particular a longitudinal axis of one of the jaws. The duct can extend partially into the vaporization chamber at least partially along the main axis.

[0055] The supply duct can be bevelled at a free end present in the vaporization chamber.

[0056] The device can comprise a distribution chamber in fluidic communication with the vaporization chamber at its inlet and with the at least one steam outlet at its outlet.

[0057] The distribution chamber can be arranged laterally to the vaporization chamber, in particular being separated from the vaporization chamber by a separating wall that in particular opens towards the distribution chamber at its end opposite the liquid inlet into the vaporization chamber through a passage in the wall.

[0058] The distribution chamber can comprise an elongated hollow body forming a steam distribution rail, the hollow body comprising a steam inlet, preferably at one of its ends, in fluidic communication with the vaporization chamber. Preferably, there is a single distribution chamber in the device.

[0059] The distribution chamber can extend laterally to the vaporization chamber. The vaporization chamber and the distribution chamber can have planes of extension that are parallel to each other.

[0060] The processor can be configured to determine, when the vaporization of the liquid is started up, a direction of use among two different directions of use corresponding to different temperatures of the measurement zone and / or a change in the temperature of the measurement zone.

[0061] When the device is operating, the processor can be configured to determine a change in direction of use between two different directions of use through the detection of a change in the temperature of the measurement zone.

[0062] When the device, in particular the handpiece, is moving along a lock of hair from the roots towards the tips and along the body of the user, the measurement zone can be configured so that the liquid at the inlet of the vaporization chamber falls under the effect of gravity towards or onto the measurement zone in a first direction of use of the device, thus generating a predetermined drop in the temperature of the measurement zone, and opposite the measurement zone in a second direction of use of the device.

[0063] The measurement zone can be at least one zone of a measurement wall defining the vaporization chamber.

[0064] The device can comprise a bottom wall and a top wall defining the vaporization chamber, one of the bottom wall and the top wall being heated by a heating element, the measurement wall being a wall extending laterally relative to the bottom and top walls, in particular a longitudinal lateral wall defining the vaporization chamber, the latter being elongated along a longitudinal axis.

[0065] The bottom wall and / or the top wall and / or the measurement wall can be formed from a thermally conductive material, having in particular a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 10 Wm^K’1, preferably greater than or equal to 50 Wnr'K’1, more preferably greater than or equal to 100 Wm^K’1. The bottom wall and / or the top wall and / or the measurement wall can be made from metal, in particular copper, aluminium, iron, steel, or a mixture thereof, or from ceramic.

[0066] The heating element can comprise a so-called positive temperature coefficient (PTC) electrical resistor or a ceramic, in particular a metal ceramic heater (MCH). Preferably, the heating element is configured to heat the vaporization chamber so that, during use, in particular during the introduction of the liquid into the vaporization chamber, the temperature in a zone for heat exchange between the liquid and the heating element is always above or equal to the vaporization temperature of the liquid to be vaporized. The heating element can be configured to heat the heat exchange zone to a temperature of between 100 and 200°C, preferably to a temperature of between 110 and 180°C.

[0067] The heating element can have electrical power greater than or equal to 50 W, or even 100 W, 200 W or 500 W. In particular, the heating power of the heating element is selected so that, taking into account the flow rate of the liquid arriving and the temperature of the liquid, the liquid is continuously vaporized in the vaporization chamber as it arrives therein.

[0068] The device can comprise a separating wall between the vaporization chamber and the distribution chamber, the measurement zone being the or at least part of the separating wall or the wall defining the vaporization chamber opposite the separating wall.

[0069] At least one of the jaws can comprise the vaporization chamber and, if applicable, the series of steam outlet orifices, the supply duct and the distribution chamber.

[0070] Preferably, the other jaw is without a vaporization chamber, steam outlet orifices, a supply duct and a distribution chamber.

[0071] Preferably, there is a single vaporization chamber in the device.

[0072] Preferably, the vaporization chamber consists of a single cavity in the device.

[0073] The vaporization chamber can be delimited by a hollow body. The hollow body can be in several parts, in particular a cavity body forming the cavity of the vaporization chamber and a cavity-closing wall extending in particular between the cavity body and the treatment surface. The cavity body can be in one piece and the closing wall can be attached to the cavity body to close the cavity and thus form the vaporization chamber. As a variant, the hollow body is in one piece. The cavity body and / or the cavity-closing wall can be made from a thermally conductive material, having in particular a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 10 Wnr'K’1, preferably greater than or equal to 50 Wnr'K’1, more preferably greater than or equal to 100 Wm^K’1. The cavity body and / or the cavity-closing wall can be made from metal, in particular copper, aluminium, iron, steel, or a mixture thereof, or from ceramic.

[0074] The vaporization chamber can be without an element for absorbing the liquid to be vaporized. The device is thus easier to manufacture and more lightweight. The volume of the vaporization chamber can be between 3,000 mm3and 20,000 mm3. Such a vaporization chamber can hold enough steam to ensure efficient treatment of the hair while still having a device that is sufficiently compact and lightweight.

[0075] The temperature sensor in the measurement zone of the vaporization chamber can comprise one or more thermocouples, one or more thermistors, one or more resistance temperature detectors, or a combination of a plurality of the above detectors, or any other sensor for directly or indirectly measuring a temperature. The sensor can be configured to detect the temperature only in the closed configuration of the jaws.

[0076] The processor can be configured to determine the direction of use of the handpiece only in the closed configuration of the jaws.

[0077] Preferably, the liquid to be vaporized is water, preferably water that is not demineralized and not distilled.

[0078] Optimal direction

[0079] The device can comprise a user warning member configured to adopt at least two different configurations as a function of the direction of use determined by the processor.

[0080] One of the first and second directions of use can be an optimal direction of use for optimally performing the treatment along the lock of hair and the other of the first and second directions of use can be an opposite sub-optimal direction of use, one of the configurations of the user warning member corresponding to the emission of a signal perceptible by the user, in particular audible, visible or haptic, in one of the two directions of use, in particular the sub- optimal direction of use.

[0081] The device can be configured to adopt a different configuration, in particular a different configuration of the emission of steam depending on the direction of use determined by the processor.

[0082] Additional treatment member

[0083] The handpiece can comprise an additional treatment member, in particular selected from the group consisting of cosmetic product applicators, combs, and a combination thereof.

[0084] The handpiece can comprise two jaws connected to each other and capable of taking up an open configuration for engaging the hair between them and a closed configuration for treatment, the additional treatment member being mounted on one of the jaws and extending at least partially between the two jaws. The additional treatment member can be arranged on the handpiece, in particular on one of the jaws, asymmetrically relative to a mid-plane, in particular transverse to a midplane extending between the jaws in the closed configuration of the jaws. The additional treatment member can be arranged on the handpiece so that it treats the hair before the plate or plates in one direction of use and after the plate or plates in another direction of use.

[0085] The additional treatment member can be positioned laterally on the handpiece, in particular laterally on one of the jaws.

[0086] Method

[0087] The invention further relates, according to another aspect thereof, independently of or in combination with the above, to a method for treating the hair, in particular straightening or curling the hair, by moving a device, in particular as described above, along a lock of hair, in which method:

[0088] - a temperature or a temperature change of a measurement zone in a vaporization chamber is measured during the use of the device,

[0089] - a direction of use of a handpiece of the device at least among a first and a second direction of use in which the lock moves from a front face towards an opposite rear face of the handpiece and a second direction of use in which the lock moves from said rear face towards the opposite front face of the handpiece are determined as a function of the temperature measured and / or the temperature change measured,

[0090] - an item of information is generated about the direction of use of the handpiece at least among the first and second directions of use.

[0091] The method can comprise the emission of a user warning when the device is used in at least one of the first or second directions of use, in particular a signal perceptible by the user, in particular audible, visible or haptic.

[0092] When the device has an optimal direction of use for optimally performing the treatment along the lock of hair and an opposite sub-optimal direction of use, the device can adopt the warning configuration in one of the two directions of use, in particular the sub- optimal direction of use.

[0093] When the device comprises two jaws that can adopt a spaced-apart configuration of the jaws and a moved-together configuration of the jaws, the device can adopt the warning configuration only when said jaws are in the moved-together configuration. The method can comprise determining the configuration of the jaws prior to determining the direction of use, the direction of use of the device being in particular determined only when a closed configuration of the jaws is detected.

[0094] The method can comprise determining the configuration of the jaws prior to measuring the temperature or the temperature change, the temperature or temperature change being measured only when a closed configuration of the jaws is detected.

[0095] The method can comprise treatment of the hair on an internal treatment surface of the handpiece, in particular a thermal one, in particular a heating plate.

[0096] The method can comprise treatment of the hair on an external treatment surface of the handpiece, in particular a thermal one, in particular a heating sheet.

[0097] The method can comprise an additional treatment, in particular the application of a cosmetic product and / or combing.

[0098] The cosmetic product can be a composition for cleaning, dyeing, bleaching, conditioning or shaping the hair. Preferably, the cosmetic product is a hair shaping composition, in particular a composition for curling, setting or, preferably, relaxing or straightening the hair.

[0099] The cosmetic products that can be used according to the method of the invention can be liquids, gels, milks or creams in the form of single emulsions (O / W or W / O) or multiple emulsions, or solids.

[0100] The cosmetic product can contain 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, colouring agents and, in particular, pigments, direct dyes or oxidation dyes, temporary shaping agents and, in particular, styling polymers that are preferably anionic, amphoteric or non-ionic, conditioning agents and, in particular, silicones, mineral or plant oils, plant waxes, cationic surfactants or cationic polymers, alkaline agents or acids. Even more preferably, the cosmetic product contains one or more agents selected from oxidizing agents, reducing agents or alkaline agents of the hydroxide type.

[0101] Brief description of the drawings

[0102] The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof, and from examining the appended drawing, in which [Fig. 1] Figure 1 shows a side view of an example of a device in a closed configuration according to the invention,

[0103] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the device in Figure 1 in an open configuration,

[0104] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 shows a perspective view, in isolation, of a vaporization member of the device in Figure 1,

[0105] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of part of the vaporization member in Figure 3,

[0106] [Fig. 5a] Figure 5a schematically shows a top view of an example of use of the device in Figure 1,

[0107] [Fig. 5b] Figure 5b schematically shows a side view of the orientation of the device in the example of use in Figure 5 a,

[0108] [Fig. 5c] Figure 5c schematically shows a top view of the vaporization member in the example of use in Figure 5a,

[0109] [Fig. 6a] Figure 6a schematically shows a top view of another example of use of the device in Figure 1,

[0110] [Fig. 6b] Figure 6b schematically shows a side view of the orientation of the device in the example of use in Figure 6a, and

[0111] [Fig. 6c] Figure 6c schematically shows a top view of the vaporization member in the example of use in Figure 6a.

[0112] Detailed description

[0113] Throughout the remainder of the description, elements that are identical or have identical functions bear the same reference signs. For the sake of the conciseness of the present description, they are not described for each of the figures, with only the differences between the embodiments being described.

[0114] For the sake of clarity, the figures do not always show the actual proportions.

[0115] Figures 1 to 4 show an example of the device 1 according to the invention, in this example for straightening the hair.

[0116] This device 1 has a handpiece 2 comprising two jaws 3 and 4 that are able to move relative to each other between an open configuration, shown in Figure 2, for the introduction between said jaws of a lock of hair, and a closed configuration for treatment, illustrated in Figure 1.

[0117] The jaws 3 and 4 are held by an upper arm 5 and a lower arm 6 respectively, which, in the example in question, are connected to each other at one of their ends by a hinge 8, the handpiece 2 thus forming tongs.

[0118] The arms 5 and 6 define, between the hinge 8 and the jaws 3 and 4, respective half-handles 10 and 11, on which the user can press in order to move the jaws 3 and 4 together and thus grip the hair extending between the two jaws.

[0119] The width of the arms 5 and 6 at the half-handles 10 and 11 is less than the width at the jaws 3 and 4.

[0120] The jaws 3 and 4 each have a convex external surface and a substantially planar internal surface.

[0121] A resilient return member (not shown) is preferably provided to return the jaws 3 and 4 to the spaced-apart configuration, this resilient return member being, for example, a spring positioned around or in the vicinity of a pin of the hinge 8.

[0122] The invention is not limited to a particular manner of connecting the arms 5 and 6 to each other and the jaws 3 and 4 can be rendered movable in some other way without departing from the scope of the present invention. However, the presence of a hinge is greatly preferred for the ergonomics it provides.

[0123] The handpiece 2 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis X.

[0124] The jaw 3 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis Yl.

[0125] The jaw 4 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis Y2.

[0126] The device 1 can comprise a reservoir 7 of water for producing steam, in particular in the handpiece 2. As can be seen in Figure 1, the reservoir 7 is preferably incorporated into the handpiece 2 and in particular into one of the arms 5, 6. Advantageously, the reservoir 7 is incorporated into the arm 6 comprising the steam outlet 21, details of which will be given hereinafter. This makes it possible to have a particularly compact device 1 with a relatively simple internal structure. Other locations of the reservoir 7 could however be envisaged, for example in the other arm 5, or even completely remote from the handpiece 2, without departing from the scope of the invention. A user interface, not shown in the figures, can be present on the device 1, in particular on the handpiece 2, in order to allow the user to control the operation of the device 1.

[0127] The device 1 has a lead 17 designed to be able to supply the power necessary for operation of the device. The lead 17 thus can be an electric lead designed to connect the device to the electricity network. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the lead also could be a fluidic lead designed to supply the device with fluid (water, for example).

[0128] The lead 17 has a fastening 18 that can rotate relative to the handpiece.

[0129] The rotary fastening 18 makes it possible to rotate the lead 17.

[0130] Heating plates

[0131] The handpiece 2 has an internal surface 14 for heating the hair to be treated on each of the two jaws 3 and 4 facing the other of the jaws, and facing each other in the moved- together configuration of the jaws 3 and 4 so as to define between them a heated treatment zone in the moved-together configuration of the two jaws 3 and 4. The two internal heating surfaces 14 are, for example, configured to grip between them the hair extending between the two jaws 3 and 4 in the moved-together configuration of the two jaws 3 and 4.

[0132] The two internal heating surfaces 14 are substantially planar, but do not have to be. They could have complementary corrugated shapes or complementary curved shapes, for example.

[0133] The internal heating surfaces 14 are, in the example illustrated, formed by the contact surface of internal plates 16 made from a heat conducting material that each extend over one of the jaws. Each internal plate 16 constitutes an internal treatment member of the device.

[0134] As a variant, not illustrated, only one of the jaws 3 or 4 can hold an internal plate 16 having a heating contact surface facing a counter-bearing surface of the other jaw 3 or 4. The counter-bearing surface can be formed by the body of the jaw or by an element attached to the jaw.

[0135] The handpiece 2 can comprise a member, not shown, for detecting the configuration of the jaws 3 and 4, configured to detect whether the jaws 3 and 4 are in the closed treatment configuration or the open configuration, in particular a Hall effect sensor.

[0136] As illustrated, the plates 16 can be laterally offset on the jaws 3 and 4, that is, not centred on the axes Y1 and Y2. The handpiece 2 is thus asymmetrical relative to the mid- plane P of the jaws 3 and 4 perpendicular to the internal heating surface 14 when in the closed configuration.

[0137] Additional treatment member

[0138] In the examples illustrated, the device 1 comprises an additional hair treatment member 12 that extends from the jaw 4 towards the other jaw 3 in the moved- together configuration of the two jaws 3 and 4 and is arranged on said jaw 4 laterally relative to the internal plate 16.

[0139] The jaw 3 is for example without an additional treatment member.

[0140] The member 12 extends longitudinally and parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2 of the jaw 4 along an edge 13 of the internal plate 16 of the jaw 4, being separate from this internal plate 16, when the device 1 is viewed along its longitudinal axis X.

[0141] The jaw 4 can be without an additional treatment member on the side of an edge 15 of the internal plate 16 opposite the edge 13. This increases the asymmetry of the handpiece 2 relative to the mid-plane P.

[0142] The member 12 can comprise a comb 22, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

[0143] The comb 22 can be positioned, preferably removably, in a housing such as a longitudinal groove 23, shown in Figure 2. The user can thus change or remove the comb 22 as desired.

[0144] The groove 23 can have a rectangular cross section and emerge at the distal end of the jaw 4.

[0145] The comb 22 can comprise, in the distal part of the device 1, an element 24 that makes it possible to grasp the comb 22 when it is being introduced into or extracted from the groove 23.

[0146] The comb 22 can extend, for example, along the entire length of the guiding portion. As a variant, it could extend over only a part of the guiding portion.

[0147] The teeth of the comb 22 can have a rectangular cross section.

[0148] Steam

[0149] As can be seen in Figure 2, the handpiece 2 comprises steam outlets 21 in fluidic communication with a vaporization member 30 comprising a vaporization chamber 31 and a distribution chamber 34, shown in Figures 3 and 4. The steam outlets 21 are configured to apply steam coming from the vaporization chamber 31 to the hair. The steam outlet 21 can be in the form of a rail with an elongated shape in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2.

[0150] The rail can comprise a plurality of orifices for spraying steam, for example between 4 and 10 orifices, preferably 7, which are preferably evenly distributed along the rail and each have an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the treatment mid-plane.

[0151] The vaporization member 30 comprises a bottom wall 32 and a top wall 33, one of the bottom wall and the top wall being heated by a heating element not shown in the figures.

[0152] The vaporization chamber 31 and the distribution chamber 34 extend laterally along the longitudinal axis Y2 of the jaw 4 in the same plane.

[0153] The vaporization chamber 31 and the distribution chamber 34 are separated from each other by a lateral wall 35 extending between the bottom wall 32 and the top wall 33.

[0154] The lateral wall 35 comprises an opening 36 allowing the steam produced in the vaporization chamber 31 to pass into the distribution chamber 34.

[0155] The vaporization member also comprises a duct 38 for supplying liquid to be vaporized extending partially into the vaporization chamber 31 at the opposite end from the opening 36.

[0156] The duct 38 can be connected to a reservoir for liquid to be vaporized incorporated into the handpiece 2 or to a base in fluidic communication with the handpiece 2.

[0157] The end 39 of the duct 38 inserted into the vaporization chamber 31 is pointed and bevelled.

[0158] The end 39 of the duct 38 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2 of the jaw 4.

[0159] The vaporization chamber 31 is delimited by a hollow body forming a cavity 40, into which the end 39 of the duct 38 is inserted.

[0160] The internal volume of the vaporization chamber can be between 3,000 mm3and 20,000 mm3.

[0161] The distribution chamber 34 comprises an elongated hollow body 41 parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2 and forming a steam distribution rail.

[0162] The vaporization chamber 31 also comprises a ridge 42 defining a first volume 43 and a second volume 44. The ridge 42 makes it possible to form a separation between a zone in which the cavity 41 mostly contains liquid, in the first volume 43, and a zone in which the cavity 41 mainly contains steam, in the second volume 44. This separation, known per se, reduces the scaling of the duct 38.

[0163] Sensor

[0164] The vaporization member also comprises a temperature sensor 45 positioned on the lateral wall 35.

[0165] The sensor 45 measures the temperature of a measurement zone 46 positioned on the side of the cavity 40 level with the end 39 of the duct 38 taken along the axis Z1 perpendicular to the axis Y2.

[0166] The sensor 45 is for example a thermocouple.

[0167] Direction of use

[0168] As mentioned above, the handpiece 2 is asymmetrical relative to the mid-plane P of the jaws 3 and 4 perpendicular to the internal heating surface 14 when in the closed configuration.

[0169] When the hair is treated with the device illustrated, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the hair is gripped between the jaws 3 and 4 and the handpiece 2 is moved along the lock of hair.

[0170] The asymmetry relative to the plane P thus leads to asymmetrical treatment of the hair.

[0171] The handpiece 2 can be used in four directions of use:

[0172] - The first direction of use leads to the performance of the following consecutive steps, the jaw 4 being below the jaw 3: combing, application of steam, and heating.

[0173] - The second direction of use leads to the performance of the following consecutive steps, the jaw 4 being below the jaw 3: heating, application of steam, and combing.

[0174] - The third direction of use leads to the performance of the following consecutive steps, the jaw 4 being above the jaw 3: combing, application of steam, and heating.

[0175] - The fourth direction of use leads to the performance of the following consecutive steps, the jaw 4 being above the jaw 3: heating, application of steam, and combing.

[0176] The first and third treatments are performed from a front face Fl towards an opposite rear face F2; the second and fourth treatments are performed from the rear face F2 towards the front face Fl. The first and third directions of use perform substantially the same treatment of the hair and the second and fourth directions of use perform substantially the same treatment of the hair.

[0177] The first and third directions of use are said to be optimal, in that the quality of the treatment is better than the quality obtained with the other two directions of use, with combing taking place before the application of steam and heating.

[0178] In order to visually guide the user to use the handpiece in the first direction, the handpiece 2 can comprise arrows 25 showing the user the optimal direction.

[0179] In order to illustrate the operation of the sensor 45, Figures 5a to 5c show the use of the handpiece 2 in the first direction and Figures 6a to 6c show the use in the second direction. As explained, the hair C is treated from the root Ra towards the tips Po through a movement in the direction D.

[0180] In Figures 5a to 5b and 6a to 6b, the handpiece 2 is viewed looking from the side of the lead 17 in a direction A.

[0181] As can be seen in the figures, when the device is used, the mid-plane T extending between the jaws 3 and 4 forms a non-zero angle P with the horizontal H.

[0182] As can be seen, in the first direction of use in Figures 5a to 5c, the vaporization chamber 31 is towards the top and the distribution chamber 34 is towards the bottom.

[0183] The liquid L leaving the duct 38 thus falls under the effect of gravity g onto the measurement zone 46 of the sensor 45. The sensor 45 therefore measures a temperature drop due to the arrival of the liquid L.

[0184] Conversely, in the second direction of use in Figures 6a to 6c, the vaporization chamber 31 is towards the bottom and the distribution chamber 34 is towards the top.

[0185] The liquid L leaving the duct 38 thus falls under the effect of gravity g onto a zone 50 of the vaporization chamber, opposite the measurement zone 46 of the sensor 45. The sensor 45 measures a temperature drop due to the vaporization of the liquid L that is smaller than the temperature drop that can be measured when the handpiece 2 is used in the first direction of use.

[0186] In the event, not shown, that the handpiece 2 is used with an orientation at 180° to the orientations in Figures 5a to 5c and 6a to 6c, respectively corresponding to the fourth and third directions of use described above, the vaporization chamber 31 is towards the top and the distribution chamber 34 is towards the bottom in the third direction of use and the vaporization chamber 31 is towards the bottom and the distribution chamber 34 is towards the top in the fourth direction of use.

[0187] As a function of the side on which the liquid L falls in the vaporization chamber 31, the sensor 45 can thus provide a temperature or a temperature change corresponding to a range of orientations of the handpiece 2.

[0188] This temperature and / or temperature change is received by a processor of the device 1, which deduces a direction of use of the handpiece 2 therefrom.

[0189] The orientation is characteristic of the direction of use, in particular of the ranges of orientations, as has just been illustrated.

[0190] The processor can thus therefore generate an item of information about the direction of use, and in particular determine that the handpiece 2 is being used in the first or third direction of use, which are optimal, or in the second or fourth direction, which are sub- optimal.

[0191] The device 1 can comprise a user warning member, not shown in the figures, configured to receive the item of information about the direction of use of the handpiece 2 and emit, for at least one direction of use, in particular for a direction different from the optimal direction of use, a user warning, in particular a signal perceptible by the user, in particular an audible, visible or haptic one.

[0192] An example of a method for treating the hair according to the invention with the device 1 is described below.

[0193] In this example, the treatment to be performed is straightening. In one variant, the treatment to be performed is curling.

[0194] In a first step, the device 1 is switched on by connecting the lead 17 to a mains socket.

[0195] In a second step, the user positions a lock of hair between the jaws 3 and 4, which are in the open configuration. The handpiece 2 is in particular positioned in the vicinity of the root of the hair.

[0196] The user then puts the jaws 3 and 4 in the closed configuration in a third step.

[0197] When in the closed configuration, the member for detecting the configuration of the jaws 3 and 4 detects this and sends a signal either to the warning member or to the sensor 45 so that the detection of the direction of use starts. The signal could also be transmitted to any other logic unit of the device 1, provided that this logic unit is capable of starting the detection of the direction of use.

[0198] Before this signal from the detection member, the direction of use is not detected.

[0199] In addition, the device starts the vaporization of the liquid by activating the pump and the heating element.

[0200] In this step, the user has oriented the handpiece 2 by modifying the inclination thereof relative to the terrestrial horizontal H, as has been explained.

[0201] In a fourth step, which succeeds the third step, the sensor 45 determines a temperature or a temperature change of the zone 46.

[0202] As a function of this measurement, the processor determines a range of inclinations of the handpiece 2.

[0203] The processor then determines the direction of use of the handpiece 2 and transmits this item of information to the warning member.

[0204] If the direction of use is an optimal direction, provision can be made for the warning member not to emit a signal perceptible by the user.

[0205] If the direction of use is a sub-optimal direction, provision can be made for the warning member to emit a signal perceptible by the user, for example, a visible, audible, haptic one or a combination of these.

[0206] The reverse procedure could also be envisaged, that is, with a perceptible signal during use in the optimal direction, and no signal in the other directions.

[0207] Likewise, a perceptible signal could be envisaged for all directions of use, the signal being different if the direction of use is an optimal direction or a sub-optimal direction.

[0208] In the event that the user has been warned of an incorrect direction of use, the method can comprise a step of correctly reorienting the handpiece 2 on the hair.

[0209] In addition, the production of steam can be stopped if the orientation is incorrect or does not correspond to an optimal direction of use. This makes it possible in particular to limit the risk of bums to the user.

[0210] Once the handpiece 2 has been correctly oriented, allowing the use thereof in the optimal direction of use, the handpiece 2 is moved along the hair from the root towards the tips so as to perform, for a given zone of the lock of hair, the following steps: combing, application of steam, and heating.

[0211] The invention is not limited to the example that has just been described. The number of treatment steps, the type of treatment, and the order of the treatments can be different.

[0212] The method can comprise a step of applying a cosmetic product.

[0213] The handpiece can comprise external heating surfaces for performing curling by winding the hair around the handpiece and / or around one or both jaws.

Claims

Claims1. Device (1) for treating the hair, in particular for straightening and / or curling the hair, by moving said device (1) along a lock of hair from a root towards a tip, the device (1) having during treatment a first direction of use, in which the lock moves from a front face (Fl) towards an opposite rear face (F2) of said device (1), and a second direction of use in which the lock moves from said rear face (F2) towards the opposite front face (Fl), said device (1) comprising a handpiece (2) comprising: a vaporization chamber (31) configured to be supplied with liquid through an inlet (38) for liquid to be vaporized; at least one steam outlet (21) in fluidic communication with the vaporization chamber (31) and configured to apply steam coming from the vaporization chamber (31) to the hair; a sensor (45) for sensing a temperature or a temperature change in a measurement zone (46) of the vaporization chamber (31), the measurement zone (46) of the vaporization chamber (31) being at least partially arranged below the inlet (38) for liquid to be vaporized when the device (1) is used in one of the first or the second directions of use; a processor configured to receive the temperature or temperature change measured by the sensor (45) in the measurement zone (46) and to determine a direction of use of the device (1) among the first direction of use and the second direction of use as a function of the temperature and / or the temperature change measured by the sensor (45).

2. Device (1) according to Claim 1, wherein, when the vaporization system is in operation, the temperature of the measurement zone (46) is different in at least two different orientations of the device (1), in particular two different ranges of orientation of the device (1), and / or a predetermined temperature change of the measurement zone (46) is measurable on a change in orientation of the device (1) between two different ranges of orientation.

3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handpiece (2) comprises two jaws (3; 4) that can adopt a spaced-apart configuration forinserting the hair between the jaws (3; 4) and a moved-together configuration for treating the hair.

4. Device (1) according to Claim 3, wherein the handpiece (2) comprises an internal treatment surface (16) extending between the two jaws (3; 4) in the moved-together configuration of the jaws (3; 4), at least one of the jaws (3; 4) comprising a heating plate (16) extending facing the other jaw (3; 4), coming into contact with the hair and at least partially defining the internal treatment surface (16).

5. Device (1) according to one of Claims 3 and 4, comprising a closing sensor configured to detect whether the jaws (3; 4) are in the moved-together configuration, in particular a Hall effect sensor.

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handpiece (2) extends along a longitudinal axis (X) and is asymmetrical relative to a longitudinal mid-plane (P), in particular transverse to the internal treatment surface (16).

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a distribution chamber (34) in fluidic communication with the vaporization chamber (31) at its inlet and with the at least one steam outlet (21) at its outlet.

8. Device (1) according to Claim 7, wherein the distribution chamber (34) is arranged laterally to the vaporization chamber (31), in particular being separated from the vaporization chamber by a separating wall (35) that in particular opens towards the distribution chamber (34) at its end opposite the liquid inlet (38) into the vaporization chamber (31) through a passage (36) in the wall.

9. Device (1) according to one of Claims 7 and 8, comprising a separating wall (35) between the vaporization chamber (31) and the distribution chamber (34), the measurement zone (46) being the or at least part of the separating wall (35) or the wall defining the vaporization chamber (31) opposite the separating wall (35).

10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the processor being configured to determine, when the vaporization of the liquid is started up, a direction of use among two different directions of use corresponding to different temperatures of the measurement zone (46) and / or a change in the temperature of the measurement zone (46).

11. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the device (1) is operating, the processor is configured to determine a change in direction of usebetween two different directions of use through the detection of a change in the temperature of the measurement zone (46).

12. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the device (1) is moving along a lock of hair from the roots towards the tips and along the body of the user, the measurement zone (46) can be configured so that the liquid at the inlet (38) of the vaporization chamber (31) falls under the effect of gravity towards or onto the measurement zone (46) in a first direction of use of the device (1), thus generating a predetermined drop in the temperature of the measurement zone (46), and opposite the measurement zone (46) in a second direction of use of the device (1).

13. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measurement zone (46) is at least one zone of a measurement wall (35) defining the vaporization chamber (31).

14. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a bottom wall or a top wall defining the vaporization chamber (31), one of the bottom wall and the top wall being heated by a heating element, the measurement wall (35) being a wall extending laterally relative to the bottom and top walls, in particular a longitudinal lateral wall defining the vaporization chamber (31), the latter being elongated along a longitudinal axis (X).

15. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a user warning member configured to adopt at least two different configurations as a function of the direction of use determined by the processor.

16. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein one of the first and second directions of use is optimal for optimally performing the treatment along the lock of hair and the other of the first and second directions of use is an opposite sub-optimal direction of use, one of the configurations of the user warning member corresponding to the emission of a signal perceptible by the user, in particular an audible, visible or haptic one, in one of the two directions of use, in particular the sub-optimal direction of use.

17. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) is configured to adopt a different configuration depending on the direction of use determined by the processor, in particular a different configuration of the emission of steam.

18. Method for treating the hair, in particular straightening or curling the hair, by moving a device (1), in particular according to any one of the preceding claims, along a lock of hair, in which method:a temperature or a temperature change of a measurement zone (46) in a vaporization chamber (31) is measured during the use of the device (1), a direction of use of a handpiece (2) of the device (1) at least among a first and a second direction of use in which the lock moves from a front face (Fl) towards an opposite rear face (F2) of the handpiece (2) and a second direction of use in which the lock moves from said rear face (F2) towards the opposite front face (Fl) of the handpiece (2) are determined as a function of the temperature measured and / or the temperature change measured, an item of information is generated about the direction of use of the handpiece (2) at least among the first and second directions of use.

19. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising the emission of a user warning when the device (1) is used in at least one of the first or second directions of use, in particular a signal perceptible by the user, in particular an audible, visible or haptic one.

20. Method according to one of Claims 18 and 19, wherein the device (1) has an optimal direction of use for optimally performing the treatment along the lock of hair and an opposite sub-optimal direction of use, in which method the device adopts the warning configuration in one of the two directions of use, in particular the sub-optimal direction of use.

21. Method according to one of Claims 18 to 20, the device (1) comprising two jaws (3; 4) that can adopt a spaced-apart configuration of the jaws (3; 4) and a moved-together configuration of the jaws (3; 4), in which method the device (1) can adopt the warning configuration only when said jaws (3; 4) are in the moved-together configuration.

22. Method according to Claim 21, comprising determining the configuration of the jaws (3; 4) prior to determining the direction of use, the direction of use of the device (1) being determined only when a closed configuration of the jaws (3; 4) is detected, the method comprising in particular determining the configuration of the jaws (3; 4) prior to measuring the temperature or the temperature change, and the temperature or the temperature change being measured only when a closed configuration of the jaws is detected.

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