Device for treating the hair

Abstract

A device (1) for treating the hair, comprising: • - a fixing (23) for removably attaching an accessory (22); • - a presence detector for detecting the presence of the accessory (22) on the fixing (23); • - at least one element of a sensor (30) of a characteristic of use of the device along the lock of hair representative of the direction of use of the device at least when the accessory (22) is mounted on the fixing (23); • - a processor for: • o receiving the use characteristic • o switching the device into one of the following modes of operation: • a mode of operation when the presence of the accessory (22) on the fixing (23) is detected and movement in a first direction of use is determined from the use characteristic, a different mode of operation when the presence of the accessory (22) on the fixing (23) is detected and movement in a second direction of use is determined from the use characteristic.

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.

[0005] The invention relates more particularly to 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 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. They can also comprise other treatment means, for example a comb, a cosmetic-product applicator or a steam applicator.

[0008] 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.

[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] On some devices, an additional treatment member can be mounted removably. In that case, once the member has been removed, the device can be used without discrimination as to direction of use. International application WO 2021 / 102751 proposes a device comprising heating plates and a gyroscope measuring the posture and the motion of the device. The gyroscope makes it possible to send motion or posture information to a processor that cuts off the power supply in the absence of motion or generates an audible and / or visual and / or vibrating warning signal according to the motion or posture detected in order to improve the user experience. This application does not specify how the user experience is improved except for the aesthetic or sensory side.

[0011] Patent application CN 109288230 proposes a hair straightener comprising a device-posture detector, for example an accelerometer or a gyroscope. The device is capable of determining whether the current posture is within 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, the warning for example using a sound or a vibration.

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

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

[0014] These devices do not allow users to know, when applying a treatment with a device that offers different treatment effects in two directions of use and a plurality of modes of operation, whether they are using the device in an 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 curling and / or straightening the hair, the device being configured to be moved along a lock of hair from a root towards a tip, and 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, the device comprising:

[0019] - a fixing configured to removably attach a treatment accessory;

[0020] - a presence detector configured to detect the presence of the treatment accessory on the fixing;

[0021] - at least one element of a sensor of a characteristic of use of the device along the lock of hair representative of the direction of use of the device at least from among the first and second directions of use at least when the treatment accessory is mounted on the fixing;

[0022] - a processor configured for: o receiving the use characteristic detected by the sensor and the presence information from the detector, and for o switching the device into at least one of the following modes of operation: a first mode of operation when the presence of the treatment accessory on the fixing is detected by the presence detector and movement in the first direction of use is determined from the use characteristic detected by the sensor, and a second mode of operation when the presence of the treatment accessory on the fixing is detected by the presence detector and movement in the second direction of use is determined from the use characteristic detected by the sensor, the first and second modes of operation being different from each other.

[0023] The term “mode of operation” means that the device is controlled differently in the first and second modes of operation, in particular that the operation of one or more elements of the device is different. For example, the temperature ranges of heating plates of the device in operation can be different or steam flow rates of steam outlets can be different, as will be seen hereinafter.

[0024] The fact that there are two modes of operation, depending on the detection of the direction of use and the presence of an accessory on the fixing, makes it possible to adapt the operation of the device, that is to say to vary the control of certain treatment members and / or to activate, or not activate, functionalities in instances in which an accessory is present on the device, depending on the direction of use. This is particularly related to the fact that the accessory can create asymmetry of the device by its presence and that use in one direction is then more favourable than in the other.

[0025] Preferably, the device is a device for shaping the hair, in particular for curling and / or straightening the hair.

[0026] Preferably, the device comprises a handpiece having notably a handle and a head. The handle facilitates gripping of the device and allows additional elements to be inserted into the device, notably a user interface, a reservoir of fluid to be vaporized, and optionally a reservoir of cosmetic product. The head preferably includes the front face and the opposite rear face.

[0027] The head of the treatment device can be of any shape in cross section. Preferably, the cross section of the head of the treatment device is substantially polygonal, in particular substantially rectangular or substantially square, or substantially oval or circular. Other cross-sectional shapes are possible, such as a cross section with a polygonal outline on one side and a non-polygonal, notably rounded, for example circular, outline on the other side. Preferably, the head of the device has a generally flattened shape in cross section.

[0028] The handpiece can be elongated along a longitudinal axis. The front and rear faces can extend along the longitudinal axis of the handpiece.

[0029] When a treatment accessory is attached to the fixing, the handpiece can be asymmetrical about at least one longitudinal mid-plane extending between the front and rear faces.

[0030] In particular, when a treatment accessory is attached to the fixing, the device can be configured such that the treatment of the lock by moving the device in the first direction of use is different from the treatment of the lock by moving the device in the second direction of use.

[0031] The fact that the treatment differs between the first and second directions of use 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 of the handpiece at a constant speed, 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.

[0032] 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. The detection of the direction of use in the first mode or the second mode can therefore make it possible to identify the treatment being applied to the lock of hair and to adapt the operation of the device to suit the treatment. This makes it possible in particular to obtain treatment of the lock of hair that is desired and easily reproducible.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Thus, thanks to data from the sensor, representative of the direction of use, and from the presence detector, which can confirm asymmetry of treatment when an accessory is attached to the fixing, it can be possible to signal to the user that they are not performing the treatment correctly.

[0035] At least when a treatment accessory is attached to the fixing, one of the first and second directions of use can be optimal for optimal treatment along the lock of hair and the other of the first and second directions of use can be sub-optimal.

[0036] When the fixing is devoid of a treatment accessory, the device can be configured such that the treatment of the lock by moving the device in the first direction of use is substantially identical to the treatment of the lock by moving the device in the second direction of use.

[0037] The device can comprise one or more components controlled, in particular differently, depending on the mode of operation from among at least the first and second modes of operation and optionally the third mode of operation. The control can be performed by the processor.

[0038] The term "component" is understood to mean any controllable member of the device. The component can be a heat treatment member and / or one or more additional controllable treatment members, in particular a vaporization member or an applicator for a cosmetic product or a combination thereof.

[0039] The or one of the components can be a heat treatment member, in particular a heating plate. In this case, the heating temperature can be set to different temperatures depending on the mode of operation. In one embodiment, the heat treatment member is turned off when the device is operated in one of the first or second modes of operation. The or one of the components can be a vaporization member. In this case, the quantity of steam produced or delivered can differ according to the mode of operation, in particular by controlling the flow rate of water supplied to a vaporization chamber.

[0040] One of either the first mode or the second mode can be an optimal operation mode and the other of either the first mode or the second mode can be a sub-optimal operation mode. The third mode of operation can be an optimal or sub-optimal operation mode or an accessory-free operation mode having a different heating temperature than the sub-optimal or optimal operation mode.

[0041] The heating temperature, in particular the temperature to which the plate is heated, when the device is in the sub-optimal operation mode, can be lower than the heating temperature when the device is in the optimal operation mode.

[0042] The flow rate of steam produced when the device is in the sub-optimal operation mode can be less than the flow rate of steam produced when the device is in the optimal operation mode, one of the first and second modes being an optimal operation mode and the other of the first and second modes being a sub-optimal operation mode.

[0043] Preferably, the heating temperature, in particular the temperature to which the plate is heated, and the steam flow rate, when the device is in the sub-optimal operation mode, are lower than the heating temperature and than the steam flow rate when the device is in the optimal operation mode.

[0044] The heating temperature, in the optimal operation mode, can be comprised between 90°C and 230°C.

[0045] The heating temperature, in the sub-optimal operation mode, can be comprised between 20°C and 150°C.

[0046] The steam flow rate produced in one of the modes of operation, corresponding in particular to an optimal treatment, can be between 0.5 g / min and 1.5 g / min.

[0047] The steam flow rate produced in one of the modes of operation, corresponding in particular to a sub-optimal treatment, can be less than 0.5 g / min.

[0048] The heating can be turned off when the device is in a sub-optimal operation mode and / or in the accessory-free operation mode.

[0049] The vaporization member may no longer deliver steam when the device is used in the sub-optimal operation mode. This is preferably done by switching off the vaporization member or simply by stopping the supply of water to the vaporization chamber. The or one of the components can be a cosmetic-product applicator. In that case, the quantity of product applied can be different depending on the mode of operation, in particular by controlling the flow rate of product. In one embodiment, the product applicator no longer applies product when the device is used according to the first or second mode of operation, in particular leading to sub-optimal treatment. This can be achieved by stopping the supply of product.

[0050] Jaws

[0051] The device can comprise two jaws connected to each other by a hinge and capable of assuming an open configuration for engaging the hair between them and a closed configuration for treatment.

[0052] The device can comprise a member for detecting the configuration of the jaws, configured to detect whether the jaws are in the closed treatment configuration or in the open configuration, in particular a Hall effect sensor.

[0053] The processor can be configured to determine a direction of use of the device only when a jaws-closed configuration is detected by the jaw configuration detection member.

[0054] The device can comprise at least one internal treatment member comprising an internal treatment surface configured to come into contact with or to face part of the lock of hair during treatment. The internal treatment surface is preferably a heat treatment surface. The treatment member is preferably a heating plate.

[0055] The internal treatment surface can extend between the front face and the opposite rear face.

[0056] Each jaw can comprise an internal treatment member comprising an internal treatment surface configured to come into contact with or to face the treatment member of the other jaw.

[0057] When the handpiece is elongate along a longitudinal axis, particularly in the jaws-closed configuration, and a treatment accessory is attached to the fixing, the handpiece is preferably asymmetrical with respect to at least one longitudinal mid-plane transverse to the treatment surface.

[0058] The device, in particular 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.

[0059] In one embodiment, in particular for curling, an external treatment surface extends on one of the front and rear faces.

[0060] The external treatment member makes it possible in particular to curl the hair by winding the hair around the handpiece and / or around one or each jaw.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The jaws can each be held by an arm, the two arms being connected to each other, notably by an articulation 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.

[0063] Additional treatment member

[0064] The device can comprise at least one additional treatment member, in particular a vaporization member, a cosmetic-product applicator, a comb, and a combination thereof. Preferably, the additional treatment member is a vaporization member.

[0065] The vaporization member can comprise one or more steam outlets, in particular aligned along the longitudinal axis of the device, in particular of the handpiece.

[0066] The additional treatment member can be mounted on one of the jaws and extend at least partially between the two jaws.

[0067] The additional treatment member can be arranged on the device, in particular on the handpiece, in particular on one of the jaws, asymmetrically relative to a mid-plane, in particular transverse to a mid-plane extending between the jaws in the jaws-closed configuration. The additional treatment member can be arranged on the device, in particular 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.

[0068] The additional treatment member can be positioned laterally on the handpiece, in particular laterally on one of the jaws.

[0069] When the additional treatment member is a vaporization member, the application of steam can be switched off for at least one mode of operation, in particular the first mode of operation. In that case, the vaporization member is one of the components controlled by the processor according to the mode of operation.

[0070] Fixing

[0071] The fixing can include a housing for at least a portion of the treatment accessory, such as a slide rail.

[0072] The fixing can include a locking member for the treatment accessory, in particular configured to cooperate with a complementary element of the treatment accessory. Alternatively, the treatment accessory is held in the housing by friction.

[0073] The fixing can be arranged on the device, in particular on the handpiece, in particular on one of the jaws, asymmetrically relative to a mid-plane, in particular transverse to a mid-plane extending between the jaws in the jaws-closed configuration. The fixing can be arranged on the device, in particular on the handpiece, in such a way that a treatment accessory attached to the fixing treats the hair before the heating plate(s) in one direction of use and after the heating plate(s) in another direction of use.

[0074] The fixing can be positioned laterally on the handpiece, in particular laterally on one of the jaws, in particular laterally with respect to a heat treatment member.

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

[0076] As a variant, the device comprises a plurality of fixings. The treatment accessory can then be attached to a selected one of the fixings, or multiple treatment accessories can be mounted on the device simultaneously.

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

[0078] Preferably, each fixing has a presence detector configured to transmit information regarding the presence of the treatment accessory on the fixing, and the processor is configured to identify the one or more fixings carrying a treatment accessory and to control the device differently according to whether one or another of the fixings or a plurality of the fixings carry a treatment accessory and according to the direction of use identified by the sensor of the use characteristic. In that case, the processor can be configured to switch the device into at least one of the following modes of operation: a first mode when the presence of a treatment accessory is detected on a first fixing by a first accessory -presence detector, a second accessory -presence detector not detecting the presence of an accessory on a second fixing, and a movement in the first direction of use is determined from the characteristic of use detected by the sensor, a second mode when the presence of the treatment accessory is detected on the first fixing by the first accessory-presence detector, the second accessorypresence detector not detecting the presence of an accessory on the second fixing, and a movement in the second direction of use is determined from the characteristic of use detected by the sensor, a third mode when the presence of the treatment accessory is detected on the second fixing by a second accessory-presence detector, the first accessory-presence detector not detecting the presence of the accessory on the first fixing, and a movement in the first direction of use is determined from the characteristic of use detected by the sensor, a fourth mode when the presence of the treatment accessory is detected on the second fixing by the second accessory-presence detector, the first accessorypresence detector not detecting the presence of the accessory on the first fixing, and a movement in the second direction of use is determined from the characteristic of use detected by the sensor.

[0079] The first and second modes can be different from each other and the third and fourth modes can be different from each other. The first and fourth modes can be identical to each other and the second and third modes can be identical to each other, in particular when the first and second fixings are symmetrical about the mid-plane. This makes it possible to choose the direction of use of the device while maintaining optimal treatment by changing only the position of the heat treatment accessory.

[0080] The processor can be configured to switch the device into an additional mode of operation when no treatment accessory is detected on the fixing(s). The additional mode of operation can be independent of the direction of use. Alternatively, the processor can differentiate between two additional modes of operation when no accessory is detected on the fixing(s) and according to the first or second direction of use. The or each additional mode of operation can be different or identical to one of the other modes of operation. In one embodiment, the vaporization member no longer delivers steam when the device is used in the additional mode of operation, in particular leading to sub-optimal treatment, and / or the heating temperature when the device is in this additional mode of operation is lower than the heating temperature when the device is in a mode of operation producing optimal treatment, or even the heating is switched off. This is preferably done by switching off the vaporization member or simply by stopping the supply of water to the vaporization chamber.

[0081] In one embodiment, the steam flow rate produced when the device is in a mode of operation producing sub-optimal treatment is lower than the steam flow rate produced when the device is in a mode of operation producing optimal treatment, and / or notably leading to sub-optimal treatment, the heating temperature when the device is in this additional mode of operation being preferably lower than the heating temperature when the device is in a mode of operation producing optimal treatment, or even the heating is switched off.

[0082] User alert member

[0083] The device can include a user alert member configured to issue a user alert, for at least one of the modes of operation.

[0084] The user alert can be a signal perceptible to the user, in particular an audible, visual or haptic signal.

[0085] The user alert member can be in or on the handpiece.

[0086] Alternatively, the user alert member can be separate to the handpiece. For example, the user alert member can be a phone or tablet connected wirelessly to the processor.

[0087] The user is thus quickly warned if they are using the device in the sub-optimal direction of use, which allows them to correct their use to move the handpiece in the optimal treatment direction. The device thus simplifies the use of the device.

[0088] Presence detector

[0089] The detector is selected from the group consisting of optical detectors, magnetic detectors, electrical detectors, mechanical detectors, and a combination thereof.

[0090] The detector can be in the vicinity of the fixing or even in the fixing. The detector can be configured to detect a complementary part of the accessory, such as the proximity of a magnetic part, the connection of a conductive part that closes a circuit, or the engagement of a complementary mechanical part.

[0091] Treatment system

[0092] Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, in combination with the foregoing, is a treatment system comprising the device as defined above and a treatment accessory configured to be attached to the fixing of the device.

[0093] The device can comprise the sensor for the use characteristic, the sensor comprising a member for detecting the use characteristic. In a variant, the treatment accessory comprises a member for detecting the use characteristic and the device comprises a connection member for connecting the use characteristic detection member to the processor.

[0094] Treatment accessory

[0095] The treatment accessory can comprise a comb, one or more steam outlets, a cosmetic-product applicator, a cosmetic-product applicator presser element and / or a combination thereof.

[0096] Preferably, the treatment accessory is a comb.

[0097] The accessory can include an element for grasping, facilitating its attachment to the fixing.

[0098] Sensor

[0099] The use characteristic can include an acceleration, an orientation and / or an inclination of the device or of the accessory, and / or sensing a pulling force on a member of the device or of the accessory or a movement of a member of the device or of the accessory.

[0100] The use characteristic can be measured along one or more axes fixed relative to the device, in particular the handpiece.

[0101] The use characteristic can be measured along an axis extending at least partially between the front face and the rear face.

[0102] The use characteristic can be characteristic of a change in orientation, or of an orientation of the device, in particular of the handpiece, about a longitudinal axis of the device, in particular of the handpiece. Each direction of use can correspond to ranges of orientations of the device, in particular of the handpiece. Preferably, one of the directions of use corresponds to a range of orientations of the device such that the additional treatment member is ahead of the internal treatment member on the lock of hair treated from the roots to the tips, and the other direction of use corresponds to a range of orientations of the device such that the additional treatment member comes after the internal treatment member on the lock of hair treated from the roots to the tips.

[0103] Where the use characteristic is an acceleration, the acceleration can be an acceleration of the device, in particular of the handpiece, and / or an acceleration due to gravity applied to the device.

[0104] The acceleration can be measured along an axis not parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device, in particular a longitudinal axis of the handpiece.

[0105] The acceleration can be measured in a mid-plane of the device.

[0106] If applicable, the acceleration can be measured in a plane extending between the jaws when in the closed configuration, or perpendicular to this plane.

[0107] Where the use characteristic is an orientation, the orientation measured can be that of the device, in particular of the handpiece, in relation to the horizontal.

[0108] The orientation can be measured about one, or two, or three axes that are fixed relative to the device, in particular to the handpiece, in particular at least measured about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handpiece.

[0109] Where the use characteristic is an inclination, the inclination can be measured along an axis not parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device, in particular along an axis parallel to a plane extending between the jaws when in the closed configuration.

[0110] The use characteristic sensor can comprise a use characteristic detection member comprising one or more gyroscopes, one or more accelerometers, one or more tilt sensors, one or more rocker switches, or “tilt switches”, one or more sensors configured to determine a position with respect to an original position, a contact, movement, bending sensor to detect a pulling of the moving hair or a combination thereof.

[0111] The sensor element can be the detection member that detects the use characteristic. In a variant, the use characteristic detection member is carried by the treatment accessory. In that case, the sensor element can be a sensor connection member configured to connect the treatment accessory detection member to the processor when the treatment accessory is received in the or one of the fixings.

[0112] The use characteristic detection member can comprise a member for detecting a mechanical interaction between the hair and the treatment device, in particular the treatment surface or the treatment accessory, and the sensor. The mechanical interaction detection member can be configured to detect pulling on a member of the device, in particular on the internal treatment member, or on the treatment accessory. The pull sensor can be configured to detect lateral movement or lateral tilting of the member of the device, in particular of the internal treatment member or of the treatment accessory held in the fixing, in either direction, in particular transversely to the longitudinal axis of the device. The detection member can comprise contactors extending laterally with respect to the internal treatment member or the accessory in the fixing, on either side of the fixing, in particular of the plate, and configured to detect contact of the heat treatment member on one side or the other depending on the direction of the applied pulling force. The contactors can be potentiometers, piezoelectric sensors, Hall effect sensors or microswitches. The detection member can comprise an elastic return member for returning it to a rest position in the absence of external force.

[0113] The detection member can be configured to detect the stress applied to at least one projecting element extending over the treatment device or accessory. The projecting element can be a tooth, in particular a tooth of a comb, or a set, such as a row, of teeth.

[0114] The projecting element can be mounted so as to be movable in one or more directions capable of allowing the detection of a direction of movement of the device over the hair in the first direction of use and / or the second direction of use. It is for example a projecting element movable in translation, bending or the like in one or two directions corresponding to the first direction of use and / or to the second direction of use.

[0115] Preferably, the projecting element is able to pivot from a rest position about at least one axis of rotation, and the detection member can be a sensor for detecting a force, in particular a return force, resulting from the pivoting movement of the projecting element about the axis of rotation, configured to detect and / or measure the movement, in particular the angle of pivoting, of the projecting element. A movement in the first direction of use is detected when at least the movement is detected in a first direction and optionally the measurement of an amplitude of the movement, in particular the angle of pivoting, is greater than or equal to a set value. A movement in the second direction of use is detected when at least the movement is detected in a second direction and optionally the measurement of an amplitude of the movement, in particular the angle of pivoting, is greater than or equal to a set value.

[0116] The force sensor can include a rotary potentiometer on which the proj ecting element is mounted, the detector being configured to measure the voltage at the output of the potentiometer which is characteristic of the movement of the projecting element in one direction or the other, in particular which is characteristic of an angle of pivoting of the projecting element in one direction or the other corresponding to the first and second directions of use,

[0117] - a Hall effect sensor on or in the projecting element and two magnets arranged on either side of the axis of rotation, the sensor being configured to detect the presence of a magnetic field from one of the magnets, each magnet being characteristic of one direction of use among the first and second directions of use and optionally for determining its value at the sensor,

[0118] - at least two microswitches arranged on either side of the axis of rotation and configured to be actuated when the projecting element is moving in one direction or the other, for example when it is pivoting about the axis of rotation through a threshold angle defined by the position of the microswitches relative to the projecting element, each microswitch being characteristic of one direction of use among the first and second directions of use.

[0119] The detector can comprise an elastic return member for returning the projecting element to a rest position in the absence of external force. The elastic retaining member can comprise one or more springs connecting the projecting element on either side of the axis of rotation to a support fixed relative to the axis of rotation.

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

[0121] Sensor operation can be blocked when the jaws are in the open configuration, for example with a locking finger, a break in the power supply, or a break in the processor’s ability to generate information.

[0122] Treatment method

[0123] According to another of its aspects, independently of or in combination with the foregoing, the invention also relates to a method for treating the hair along a lock of hair, in particular for straightening or curling the hair, by moving a device, in particular as defined hereinabove, the device being configured to move 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, the method comprising:

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

[0125] - the detection of the presence or absence of a treatment accessory on a fixing of the device;

[0126] - the switching of the device into at least one of the following modes of operation: a first mode when the presence of the treatment accessory on the fixing is detected and movement in the first direction of use is determined from the use characteristic, and a second mode when the presence of the treatment accessory on the fixing is detected and movement in the second direction of use is determined from the use characteristic, the first and second modes of operation being different from each other.

[0127] When the device is in use, the user orients the device, in particular the handpiece, by rotating it about an axis, in particular about its longitudinal axis.

[0128] “Orients the device” means that the user modifies the inclination of the device, in particular of the handpiece, with respect to the terrestrial horizontal, about an axis, in particular the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0129] The orientation of the device, in particular of the handpiece, is advantageously representative of the direction of use of the device, in particular of the handpiece. In particular, each direction of use corresponds to an orientation or a range of orientations, the orientations or ranges of orientations being different and not totally superimposed between the different directions of use. Each range of orientations can be between 20° and 200°, in particular between 60° and 100°.

[0130] The method can include switching the device to an additional mode of operation when no accessory is detected on the fixing(s). The additional mode of operation can be independent of the direction of use. Alternatively, the processor can differentiate between two additional modes of operation when no accessory is detected on the fixing(s) and according to the first or second direction of use. The or each additional mode of operation can be different or identical to one of the other modes of operation.

[0131] The method can include a step of attaching a treatment accessory to the fixing.

[0132] The method can include the issuing of a user alert when the device is used in at least one of the first, second and third modes of operation, in particular the second or third modes of operation.

[0133] The user alert can correspond to a signal perceptible to the user, in particular an audible, visual or haptic signal.

[0134] The device can comprise two jaws able to assume an open configuration for engaging the hair between them and a closed configuration for treatment, in which method the emission of an alert is carried out only if said jaws are in the closed configuration, the determination of the configuration of the jaws being carried out prior to the determination of the direction of use and the determination of the direction of use of the device being carried out only when a closed configuration of the jaws is detected.

[0135] The method can comprise determination of the configuration of the jaws prior to the detection of the use characteristic, the detection of the use characteristic being carried out only when a closed configuration of the jaws is detected.

[0136] At least one component of the device can be controlled according to the mode of operation.

[0137] The method can comprise a heat treatment step, in particular on a heat treatment surface, in particular on a heating plate, an application of steam, an application of cosmetic product, and / or combing.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] The method can comprise an additional treatment, in particular an application of steam, an application of cosmetic product and / or combing, in particular a treatment different from the one performed by the treatment accessory.

[0141] Brief description of the drawings The invention can be understood more clearly on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting examples of the implementation of the invention, and on studying the appended drawing, in which:

[0142] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 shows a side view of an example of a device in a closed configuration according to the invention,

[0143] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the device in Figure 1 in an open configuration, with the treatment accessory,

[0144] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the device in Figure 1 in an open configuration, without the treatment accessory,

[0145] [Fig 4] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a treatment accessory,

[0146] [Fig. 5a] Figure 5a schematically illustrates a top view of an example of use of the device of Figure 3, according to a first mode of operation,

[0147] [Fig. 5b] Figure 5b schematically illustrates a side view of the orientation of the device in the example of use of Figure 5a,

[0148] [Fig. 6a] Figure 6a schematically illustrates a top view of an example of use of the device of Figure 1, according to a second mode of operation,

[0149] [Fig. 6b] Figure 6b schematically illustrates a side view of the orientation of the device in the example of use of Figure 6a,

[0150] [Fig. 7a] Figure 7a schematically illustrates a top view of an example of use of the device of Figure 1, according to a third mode of operation, and

[0151] [Fig. 7b] Figure 7b schematically illustrates a side view of the orientation of the device in the example of use of Figure 7a.

[0152] Detailed description

[0153] Throughout the remainder of the description, elements that are identical or that have identical functions bear the same reference signs. For the sake of conciseness in the present description, they are not described for each of the figures, with only the differences between the embodiments being described.

[0154] For the sake of clarity, the figures are not necessarily always to scale.

[0155] Figures 1 to 4 illustrate an example of a system comprising a device 1 according to the invention, in this example for straightening the hair. 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.

[0156] 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 one another at one of their ends by an articulation 8, the handpiece 2 thus forming tongs.

[0157] The arms 5 and 6 define, between the articulation 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] The jaws 3 and 4 each have a convex external surface and a substantially planar internal surface.

[0160] 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 articulation 8.

[0161] 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.

[0162] The handpiece 2 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis X.

[0163] The jaw 3 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis Yl.

[0164] The jaw 4 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis Y2.

[0165] 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 comprising the steam outlet 21, details of which will be given hereinafter. This makes it possible to have a particularly compact device with a relatively simple internal structure. Other locations of the reservoir 7 could however be envisaged (in the other arm, 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.

[0166] 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 cord 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).

[0167] The lead 17 has a rotary fixing 18 that can rotate relative to the handpiece.

[0168] The rotary fixing 18 makes it possible to rotate the lead 17.

[0169] Heating plates

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] In a variant that is not illustrated, only one of the jaws 3 or 4 can bear 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.

[0174] 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 configuration for treatment or the open configuration, in particular a Hall effect sensor. As illustrated, the plates 16 can be laterally offset on the jaws 3 and 4, that is, not centred on the axes Y 1 and Y2. The handpiece 2 is thus asymmetrical relative to the midplane P of the jaws 3 and 4 perpendicular to the internal heating surface 14 when in the closed configuration.

[0175] Additional treatment member

[0176] 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.

[0177] The jaw 3 is for example without an additional treatment member.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] The member 12 can have a steam outlet 21, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

[0181] The steam treatment can be ensured by virtue of a vaporization member formed by an element heating an evaporation chamber supplied with water by a reservoir situated in one arm of the device, or, in a variant, by a remote reservoir. The device can have an electrically driven pump, preferably a peristaltic pump, that draws up the water to be sent to the device 1 from a reservoir of water. The pump is for example as disclosed in the publication FR 2 967 018. The evaporation chamber can be produced in accordance with the teaching in the application EP 2449909A1 or in a different way.

[0182] The evaporation chamber can be disposed on one of the arms, namely the lower arm 6 in the example in question, and the steam outlet 21 is provided on the same arm 6.

[0183] 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.

[0184] 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. The vaporization member is electrically powered and a temperature sensor is advantageously disposed in the evaporation chamber. The device is designed to keep the temperature of the evaporation chamber at a value of between 110°C and 130°C.

[0185] Treatment accessory

[0186] The system also comprises a treatment accessory, in this example a comb 22, visible in isolation in Figure 4.

[0187] In Figure 2, the comb 22 is removably attached to a fixing 23 comprising, in this example, a housing such as a longitudinal groove. The user can thus change or remove the comb 22 as desired.

[0188] The groove of the fixing 23 can have a rectangular cross section and open out at the distal end of the jaw 4.

[0189] When the comb 22 is attached to the fixing 23, it extends longitudinally and parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2 of the jaw 4 along the 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.

[0190] The arrangement of the comb 22 is here asymmetrical with respect to the midplane P.

[0191] Moreover, no fixing is provided along the edge 15 of the internal plate 16 of the jaw 4.

[0192] In Figure 3, the comb 22 has been removed from the fixing 23.

[0193] In this case, the handpiece 2 is still asymmetrical relative to the mid-plane P of the jaws 3 and 4 perpendicular to the internal heating surfaces 14 when in the closed configuration.

[0194] 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.

[0195] The teeth of the comb 22 can have a rectangular cross section.

[0196] The device 1 comprises a detector, not visible in the figures, for detecting the presence of the comb 22. The detector can be mechanical, electrical, optical or else magnetic.

[0197] The detector makes it possible to transmit to a processor in the handpiece 2 information as to whether or not the comb 22 is present on the fixing 23. Modes of operation

[0198] When the hair is treated with the device 1 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.

[0199] The movement is performed either in a first direction from a front face Fl towards an opposite rear face F2, or in a second direction from the rear face F2 towards the front face F 1.

[0200] In the event that the detector indicates that no accessory is attached to the fixing 23, the processor switches the device 1 into a first mode of operation, illustrated in Figures 5a and 5b.

[0201] In the first mode of operation, the application of steam can be switched off. In this case, the lock of hair undergoes a single step of heating between the plates 16. Thus, the treatment of a lock of hair by moving the handpiece in the first direction will be similar, or even identical, to the treatment of a lock of hair by moving the handpiece in the second direction.

[0202] In the event that the detector indicates that the comb 22 is attached to the fixing 23, the processor switches the device 1 into a second or a third mode of operation.

[0203] The choice by the processor between the second mode or the third mode is made as a function of a characteristic of use detected by a sensor 30 which makes it possible to determine whether the handpiece 2 is being used in the first direction or the second direction.

[0204] Specifically, the first direction of use leads to the performance of the following consecutive steps: combing, application of steam, and heating. The second direction of use leads to the performance of the following consecutive steps: heating, application of steam, and combing.

[0205] Thus, the first and second directions of use lead to asymmetrical treatments of the hair when the comb 22 is attached to the fixing 23.

[0206] The first direction of use is said to be optimal, in that the quality of the treatment is better than that obtained with the other direction of use, with combing taking place before the application of steam and heating. Specifically, this makes it possible to make a clear distinction between 3 key steps in the treatment and shaping of the hair. In a first step, the hair is combed and well oriented and distributed over the entire width of treatment by the comb. In a second step, distinct from the first, the hair is treated with the steam, which allows it to be slightly dampened to protect it and prepare it well for the heat treatment that will follow. In a third step, distinct from the preceding two, the hair is treated thermally and mechanically by virtue of the combination of the temperature of the plates 16 and the pressure exerted by the tongs formed by the arms 5, 6. This succession of 3 steps leads to an excellent hairstyling result while preserving the health of the hair. It will then be understood that use of the device in a different direction, in this case in the second direction of use, is not desirable because it does not produce the best result.

[0207] 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.

[0208] The processor switches the device 1 into the second mode of operation when the comb 22 is present and the handpiece 2 is moved in the first direction of use.

[0209] The processor switches the device 1 into the third mode of operation when the comb 22 is present and the handpiece is moved in the second direction of use.

[0210] The device 1 comprises, for example, a user alert member, not visible in the figures, configured to emit, in the third mode of operation, a user alert, in particular a signal perceptible to the user, in particular an audible, visual or haptic signal.

[0211] This alert is used to inform the user that the use of the device 1 is not optimal and that they must correct their handling.

[0212] Moreover, between the modes of operation, at least one component can be controlled differently. The control can be performed by the processor.

[0213] For example, the temperature to which the plates 16 are heated can be set to different temperatures in the different modes of operation. In one embodiment, the heat treatment member is switched off when the device is used in one of the modes of operation, in particular in the third mode which is sub-optimal.

[0214] The component can be the vaporization member. In this case, the quantity of steam produced or delivered can be different depending on the mode of operation. In one embodiment, the vaporization member is switched off when the device 1 is used in one of the modes of operation, which is to say that no steam is produced.

[0215] Sensor

[0216] The sensor 30 comprises a use characteristic detection member comprising one or more gyroscopes, one or more accelerometers, one or more tilt sensors, one or more rocker switches, or “tilt switches”, one or more sensors configured to determine a position with respect to an original position, a pulling sensor or a combination thereof.

[0217] The detection member can be in the handpiece 2, as illustrated in Figures 6a, 6b, 7a and 7b.

[0218] The sensor 30 is, for example, inside the casing of one of the jaws 3 and 4, and is therefore not visible in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

[0219] It can also be at one of the heat treatment plates and detect a lateral movement of the latter under the action of the hair gripped between the two jaws. The two plates can be mounted so as to be laterally movable and the sensor 30 can detect a lateral movement to one side or the other that is characteristic of use in the first or second direction. The movement can be detected by any means, in particular a piezoelectric sensor or a contactor.

[0220] The sensor 30 can be positioned close to the treatment zone, that is to say close to the distal end of the jaws 3 and 4.

[0221] The measurement axis Y is, in this example, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and is parallel in a plane extending between the jaws 3 and 4 when they are in the closed configuration. Thus, in this configuration, the axis Y will be substantially parallel to the hair present between the jaws 3 and 4 during the treatment. In this example, the axis Y extends between the front face Fl and the rear face F2.

[0222] As a variant, the detection member can be on the comb 22, in particular when it is a pull sensor. In this case, the device comprises a member for connection to the detection member, in particular at the fixing 23.

[0223] As illustrated in Figure 4, the detection member can be configured to detect the stress applied to at least one projecting element 100 extending over a tooth of the comb 22. In the case of a comb, the projecting element can be one tooth of the comb or all the teeth.

[0224] The projecting element 100 pivots from a rest position about an axis of rotation Rp. The detection member can be a sensor of a return force resulting from the pivoting movement of the projecting element 100 about the axis of rotation Rp and configured to detect and / or measure the movement, in particular the angle of pivoting, of the projecting element 100.

[0225] Movement in the first direction of use is detected when at least movement in a first direction is detected. Movement in the second direction of use is detected when at least movement in a second direction is detected.

[0226] The force sensor can comprise a rotary potentiometer on which the projecting element 100 is mounted, the detector being configured to measure the voltage at the output of the potentiometer which is characteristic of the movement of the feeler in one direction or the other, in particular which is characteristic of an angle of pivoting of the feeler 100 in one direction or the other. The invention is not limited to such a force sensor. The force sensor could be, for example, a Hall effect sensor on or in the projecting element and two magnets arranged on either side of the axis of rotation, the sensor being configured to detect the presence of a magnetic field from one of the magnets, each magnet being characteristic of one direction of use among the first and second directions of use and optionally for determining its value at the sensor, or at least two microswitches arranged on either side of the axis of rotation and configured to be actuated when the projecting element is moving in one direction or the other, for example when it is pivoting about the axis of rotation through a threshold angle defined by the position of the microswitches relative to the projecting element, each microswitch being characteristic of one direction of use among the first and second directions of use.

[0227] Such a projecting element can also be placed on the jaw and come into contact with the hair during use of the device.

[0228] In order to illustrate the operation of the sensor 30, Figures 6a and 6b illustrate the use of the handpiece 2 in the first direction and Figures 7a and 7b illustrate 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.

[0229] In Figures 6a and 6b and 7a and 7b, the sensor 30 is shown with the handpiece 2 viewed looking from the side of the lead 17 in a direction A.

[0230] As can be seen in the figures, when the device 1 is used, the mid-plane T extending between the jaws 3 and 4 forms a non-zero angle P with the horizontal H.

[0231] The orientation is thus characteristic of the direction of use, in particular of the ranges of orientations, as has just been illustrated.

[0232] An example of a method for treating the hair according to the invention with the device 1 is described below. In this example, the treatment to be performed is straightening. In one variant, the treatment to be performed is curling.

[0233] In a first step, the device 1 is switched on by connecting the lead 17 to a mains socket.

[0234] 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.

[0235] The user then puts the jaws 3 and 4 in the closed configuration in a third step.

[0236] When in the closed configuration, the member for detecting the configuration of the jaws 3 and 4 detects this and sends a signal to the processor so that the determination of the mode of operation can commence.

[0237] 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.

[0238] The processor next receives from the detector information as to whether or not the comb 22 is present on the fixing 23.

[0239] If no comb 22 is present, the processor switches the device 1 into the first mode of operation.

[0240] If a comb is present on the fixing 23, the processor determines the direction of use of the handpiece, which has not started before the signal from the jaw-configuration detection member, by means of the use characteristic transmitted by the sensor 30.

[0241] The sensor 30 determines, for example, a range of inclinations of the handpiece 2.

[0242] The processor then switches the device 1 into the second mode of operation if the handpiece 2 is being used in the first direction of use or into the third mode of operation if the handpiece 2 is being used in the second direction of use.

[0243] If the device 1 is in the first or second mode of operation, provision can be made for the alert member not to emit a signal perceptible to the user.

[0244] If the device 1 is in the third mode of operation, provision can be made for the alert member to emit a signal perceptible to the user, for example a visual, audible or haptic signal, or a combination of these. The reverse procedure could also be envisaged, that is, with a perceptible signal during use if the device is in the first or the second mode of operation, and no signal in the third mode.

[0245] It could even be envisaged to have a perceptible signal for all modes of operation, the signal being different for each mode of operation.

[0246] 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.

[0247] Once the handpiece 2 has been correctly oriented, allowing the use thereof in the optimal direction of use, the processor switches the device into the second mode of operation and 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.

[0248] The invention is not limited to the examples that have been described above.

[0249] The number of treatment steps, the type of treatment, and the order of the treatments can be different.

[0250] The method can comprise a step of applying a cosmetic product.

[0251] 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 curling and / or straightening the hair, the device (1) being configured to be moved 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), the device (1) comprising: a fixing (23) configured to removably attach a treatment accessory (22); a presence detector configured to detect the presence of the treatment accessory (22) on the fixing (23); at least one element of a sensor (30) of a characteristic of use of the device (1) along the lock of hair representative of the direction of use of the device (1) at least from among the first and second directions of use at least when the treatment accessory is mounted on the fixing (23); a processor configured for: o receiving the use characteristic detected by the sensor (30) and the presence information from the detector, and for o switching the device (1) into at least one of the following modes of operation: a first mode of operation when the presence of the treatment accessory (22) on the fixing (23) is detected by the presence detector and movement in the first direction of use is determined from the use characteristic detected by the sensor (30), and a second mode of operation when the presence of the treatment accessory (22) on the fixing (23) is detected by the presence detector and movement in the second direction of use is determined from the use characteristic detected by the sensor (30), the first and second modes of operation being different from each other.

2. Device (1) according to Claim 1, comprising two jaws (3; 4) hinged together and capable of assuming an open configuration for engaging the hair between them and a closed treatment configuration.

3. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising at least one internal treatment member comprising an internal treatment surface (16) configured to come into contact with or to face part of the lock of hair during treatment.

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

5. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, when a treatment accessory (22) is attached to the fixing (23), the device (1) is configured such that the treatment of the lock by moving the device (1) in the first direction of use is different from the treatment of the lock by moving the device (1) in the second direction of use.

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the fixing (23) is devoid of a treatment accessory (22), the device (1) is configured such that the treatment of the lock by moving the device (1) in the first direction of use is substantially identical to the treatment of the lock by moving the device (1) in the second direction of use.

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when a treatment accessory (22) is attached to the fixing (23), one of the first and second directions of use is optimal for optimal treatment along the lock of hair and the other of the first and second directions of use is sub-optimal.

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

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

10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a user alert member configured to emit, for at least one of the modes of operation, a user alert.

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

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

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

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

15. Treatment system comprising the device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a treatment accessory (22) configured to attach to the fixing (23) of the device (1), the device (1) comprising the use characteristic sensor (30), the sensor (30) comprising a member for detecting the use characteristic.

16. Treatment system comprising the device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 14 and a treatment accessory (22) configured to attach to the fixing (23) of the device (1), wherein the treatment accessory (22) includes a detection member for detecting the use characteristic, and the device (1) comprises a connection member for connecting the use characteristic detection member to the processor.

17. System according to Claim 15 or 16, wherein the treatment accessory (22) comprises a comb, one or more steam outlets, a cosmetic-product applicator, a cosmeticproduct applicator presser element and / or a combination thereof, the treatment accessory (22) preferably being a comb.

18. System according to any one of Claims 15 to 17, wherein the use characteristic sensor comprises a use characteristic detection member comprising one or more gyroscopes, one or more accelerometers, one or more tilt sensors, one or more rocker switches, or “tilt switches”, one or more sensors configured to determine a position with respect to an original position, a contact, movement, bending sensor to detect a pulling of the moving hair or a combination thereof.

19. Method for treating the hair along a lock of hair, in particular for straightening or curling the hair, by moving a device (1), the device (1) being configured to move 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), the method comprising:- the detection of a characteristic of use of the device (1) during its movement along the lock of hair;- the detection of the presence or absence of a treatment accessory (22) on a fixing (23) of the device (1);- the switching of the device (1) into at least one of the following modes of operation: a first mode when the presence of the treatment accessory (22) is detected and movement in the first direction of use is determined from the use characteristic, and a second mode when the presence of the treatment accessory (22) is detected and movement in the second direction of use is determined from the use characteristic, the first and second modes of operation being different from each other.

20. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising the emission of a user alert when the device (1) is used in at least one of the first, second or a third mode of operation.

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

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

23. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising determination of the configuration of the jaws (3; 4) prior to the detection of the use characteristic and the detection of the use characteristic being carried out only when a closed configuration of the jaws (3; 4) is detected.

24. Method according to any one of Claims 19 to 24, comprising a heat treatment step, in particular on a heat treatment surface (16), in particular on a heating plate, an application of steam, an application of cosmetic product, and / or combing.

25. Method according to any one of Claims 19 to 25, comprising the switching of the device (1) into an additional mode of operation when no accessory (22) is detected on the fixing (23).

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