Hair treatment process and device

Abstract

Hair treatment device (10, 40) including: a fluid outlet (16, 46), a system (15) for supplying fluid to the at least one outlet (16) including at least one line (19, 49), a detector (32) of fluid in the line (19, 49) comprising at least one transmitter (32a) and at least one receiver (32b), the receiver (32b) being arranged relative ttoo tthhee transmitter (32a) to at least partially detect the signal passing at least partially through the line (19, 49), the fluid detector (32) transmitting information regarding the detection of fluid in the line (19, 49) based on the signal received by the receiver (32b), and a control unit (35, 65) configured to emit a control signal in a fluidless mode of the device when an absence of fluid at the detector (32) in the fluid line (19, 49) is detected.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title : Hair treatment process and device

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of hair treatment devices and to the corresponding treatment process .

[0004] Technical field

[0005] Many types of hairstyling appliances or accessories for shaping the hair, notably by blow-drying, straightening, curling or crimping, are known . By way of example , mention may be made of straightening or curling irons .

[0006] Hair treatment devices of the hair "brush" type or of

[0007] "tongs" type for straightening and / or curling are known .

[0008] More particularly, the invention relates to the cosmetic and / or steam treatment of the hair .

[0009] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "cosmetic product" notably means a product as defined in Regulation (EC ) No 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 relating to cosmetic products .

[0010] Hair treatment devices comprising a heating member including a heating element with or without steam and with or without application of a cosmetic composition and that enable a lock of hair to be shaped are known .

[0011] Reference may be made in this respect to WO 2023 / 001980 - Al , which proposes a hair treatment device notably having a treatment surface which heats up and / or di f fuses steam .

[0012] However, in hair treatment devices using fluid emission, notably in the vapour state , it is important to know

[0013] C1 - Internal use whether the fluid flows properly into the fluid supply device . This notably makes it possible to detect i f the tank is empty or i f the supply is blocked, for example to act on the device automatically or manually in order to protect the supply system by preventing it from running empty or to reduce the power consumption associated with the fluid supply .

[0014] Proposing ecologically responsible , environmentally friendly solutions , the design and development of which take into account environmental issues , has become a maj or concern in terms of tackling global challenges . It is thus proving essential to design products that can reduce the amount of energy used . In this context , it is important to develop hair treatment devices that do not use more energy than is necessary for their proper functioning and the right hair treatment result . Moreover, this energy saving concern is also an important factor in the case of hair treatment devices with an internal electrical supply, notably by battery, in order to increase the autonomy of the device between two electric recharges . There is therefore a need to reduce the power consumption of hair treatment devices when it is not needed .

[0015] There is thus a need to improve the safety of hair treatment devices using emission of fluid, notably steam, to limit their damage by inappropriate use and to reduce the power consumption of the hair treatment device .

[0016] Disclosure of the invention

[0017] The invention meets all or some of this need at least by means of a hair treatment device including : at least one fluid outlet configured to face or come into contact with the hair, a system for supplying fluid to the at least one fluid outlet including at least one fluid line , a detector of fluid in the fluid line comprising at least one transmitter of a signal and at least one receiver for at least a portion of the signal , the receiver being arranged relative to the transmitter to at least partially detect the signal passing at least partially through the fluid line , the fluid detector being configured to transmit information regarding the detection of fluid in the fluid line based on the signal received by the receiver, and an electronic control unit configured to emit at least one control signal in a fluidless mode of the device when an absence of fluid at the detector in the fluid line is detected from the fluid detection information transmitted by the fluid detector .

[0018] The term "passing a t l east partially through the fl uid line" means that the fluid line and the signal are configured so that the signal can pass at least partially through the fluid line at the detector so as to be , at least partially, detected by the receiver after this passing through . The transmitter and the receiver are therefore arranged relative to the fluid l ine in such a way that the signal passes through said fluid line at their level and that at least a portion of the signal reaches the receiver after it has passed at least partially through the fluid line . As shall be seen later, the transmitter and the receiver can be on either side of the fluid line to have a detection of the signal in direct transmission through the fluid line or be positioned di f ferently relative to each other with respect to the fluid line , notably side by side around or along the fluid line to detect an indirect portion of the signal , including at least a reflected portion of the signal , in the fluid line .

[0019] The term "fl uid" means a substance in the liquid or gaseous state , without distinction . The fluid emitted from the fluid outlet ( s ) and the fluid detected by the detector may be in the same state of matter or in di f ferent states of matter . For example , the emitted fluid may be the fluid in the gaseous state and the detected fluid may be the fluid in the liquid state before vapori zation . In this case , as shall be seen below, the supply system may include a system for vapori zing the fluid allowing it to pass from the liquid state to the gaseous state .

[0020] Thus , a hair treatment device is obtained, allowing the emission of fluid and comprising a simple device for detecting the absence of fluid supply through the fluid line .

[0021] The fact that the detection takes place at a fluid line means that it is not necessary to have a particular tank . Detection at the fluid line simpli fies detection as it is done in a fluid line through which the fluid necessarily passes during the fluid supply . It is then easy to detect an absence of supply by an absence of fluid or of fluid circulation in the fluid line . In addition, in the case of a removable tank, it can be removed without the need to provide a system for connecting / disconnecting the detector to / from the power supply of the device .

[0022] The absence of a fluid supply may be linked to an empty supply tank or to a blockage of fluid circulation in the supply system, for example by the presence of a foreign body, notably limescale . A variation of the signal over time can also make it possible to detect progressive fouling of the fluid line .

[0023] Moreover, the presence of the control unit acting on the device , notably by control in a fluidless mode , makes it possible to have an operating mode or a stoppage taking into account the absence of fluid applied to the hair . The fluidless mode may include stopping the device or operation of the device di f ferent from the operating mode of the apparatus with emission of fluid via the at least one fluid outlet and / or may include emission of a warning signal by the device , notably by a user alert member . The warning signal can be visual , audible or haptic, when an absence of fluid in the fluid line is detected .

[0024] The fluidless mode may be a mode of stopping the hair treatment device or a di f ferent mode of operation of the device , notably by stopping only part of the supply system, notably a fluid circulation member ( described below) and / or a heating element of a vapori zation system ( described below) , or by reducing the power consumption, notably by reducing the temperature of one or more heating elements .

[0025] Supply system

[0026] The supply system may include a tank for fluid, notably in the liquid state , notably water . The fluid tank may be connected to the at least one fluid outlet at least partially via the fluid line .

[0027] The fluid supply system may include a vapori zation system, notably water vapori zation, including at least one vapori zation chamber supplied with fluid and a heating element configured to heat the vapori zation chamber to a temperature greater than or equal to the vapori zation temperature of the fluid, notably water .

[0028] The heating element can be of adj ustable temperature . The fluidless mode may be a mode of operation of the device in which the heating element is at a temperature less than or equal to the vapori zation temperature of the fluid . This notably makes it possible to reduce the power consumption in the absence of fluid, without completely stopping the heating . By not stopping the heating, the resumption of heating on resumption of the fluid supply is faster . In addition, the device may include an automatic timing system configured to detect the time since the detection of the absence of fluid in the fluid line and without detection of the presence of fluid again in the device and to completely shut down the device or at least the supply system, notably by stopping the heating and / or a fluid circulation member ( described below) when the time without fluid in the device is greater than a predetermined time .

[0029] The device may include a member for detecting the filling of the automatic or manual device with fluid, notably a button allowing the user to indicate the filling, notably by filling or changing the tank, so that the device is controlled to return to a mode of operation with fluid . In a variant , the detection member may be automatic . It may be a member for detecting the change of the tank, the volume of fluid in the tank or any other means for detecting the presence of a suf ficient level of fluid in the tank .

[0030] The vapori zation system can be supplied with fluid in the liquid state by a fluid system compri sing the fluid line . The fluid in the liquid state may be contained in a tank external to the device or internal to the device , as described previously, the fluid system fluidly connecting the tank to the vapori zation chamber . As a variant , the vapori zation system is supplied with fluid in the liquid state by another fluid source , notably by connection to the general water network .

[0031] As a variant , the supply system does not have a vapori zation system . The fluid may be directly in the gaseous state : notably, the at least one fluid outlet may be supplied with fluid by a gas source , notably steam, or may be in the liquid state . In the latter case , the supply system may include a system for spraying the liquid through the at least one fluid outlet , notably by spraying under pressure at the fluid outlet or nebuli zation . The fluid outlet may include one or more nebuli zation noz zles configured to nebuli ze the exiting fluid to apply it to the hair in a nebuli zed state .

[0032] The supply system may include a member for circulating fluid in the fluid line configured to circulate fluid in the fluid line to the at least one fluid outlet , notably from the tank to the vapori zation system .

[0033] The control unit is preferably configured to control the circulation member . It can be configured to control the shutdown of the circulation member when it determines the control signal in fluidless mode . This limits the operation of the circulation member in an empty state when the tank is empty or under force when the supply system is blocked, which could damage it .

[0034] The control unit can be configured to control the vapori zation system . It can be configured to control the shutdown of the vapori zation system when it determines a control signal in fluidless mode . As a variant , the control unit can be configured to control a reduced temperature operation of the vapori zation system, notably of a heating element of said vapori zation system, in particular in an operating range while not switched of f and below the vapori zation temperature of the liquid . In this case , the control unit can also be configured to control the shutdown of the circulation member when an absence of fluid in the fluid line is detected . This can limit the power consumption of the device in the absence of steam emission while avoiding the need to resume heating of the vapori zation system after filling the tank or unclogging the supply system, as the case may be .

[0035] The control unit may be configured to control the emission of a visual , audible and / or haptic warning signal when it detects an absence of liquid in the fluid line . The fluidless mode may include a di f ferent operation of the device and a warning signal . In this way, the device assumes a safe and / or economical configuration and the user can immediately identi fy that the device is no longer emitting fluid and can fill the tank or unclog the supply system .

[0036] The control unit can be configured to detect the time since the detection of the absence of fluid in the fluid line and without filling or changing the tank and to completely shut down the device or at least the supply system, notably by stopping the heating and / or a fluid circulation member ( described below) when the fluidless time exceeds a predetermined time .

[0037] The fluid circulation member may be configured to be mounted to the tank or the fluid line .

[0038] The circulation member may be a pump . The pump may be any pump, for example an electric pump, notably a peristaltic pump .

[0039] The liquid circulation member may be mounted on a line , notably a flexible line , of the supply system, notably of the fluid system, notably on the fluid line . As a variant , the fluid circulation member is integrated into the fluid system, notably between two lines of the fluid system . It may include a circulation line allowing the passage of the liquid .

[0040] The supply system may include at least one line through which liquid can pass between the tank and the vapori zation chamber, notably the fluid line .

[0041] The supply system may include a single line connecting the fluid source , notably the tank, and the vapori zation system, notably the vapori zation chamber, said line being the fluid line . In a variant , the supply system includes a plurality of lines between the fluid source , notably the tank, and the vapori zation system, notably the vapori zation chamber .

[0042] The supply system may include one or more lines , one or more fluidic connectors , one or more detectors , an element of the fluid circulation member, notably a pump, and / or an element of the detector, notably a detection line , as shall be seen hereinbelow .

[0043] Signal processing unit

[0044] The device may comprise a signal processing unit configured to read the values transmitted by the detector and to deduce therefrom information regarding the presence of fluid, notably in the liquid state , in the fluid line .

[0045] The signal processing unit may be housed in the body of the hair treatment device , notably in a gripping part .

[0046] The signal processing unit and the electronic control unit may be the same electronic unit of the device .

[0047] As a variant , the signal processing unit may be di f ferent from the electronic control unit . It can be associated with the detector in a detection module .

[0048] For example , the device may include a housing integral with the power supply system forming a detection unit and in which the detector and the signal processing unit are housed .

[0049] Detector

[0050] Preferably, the detector extends between the fluid source , notably the tank, and the vapori zation system, notably the vapori zation chamber . According to one embodiment , the detector is located between the circulation member and the vapori zation system, notably the vapori zation chamber .

[0051] According to another preferred embodiment , the detector is located between the tank and the circulation member . In the case where the control unit is configured to stop the circulation member or the device in fluidless mode , this configuration can notably protect the circulation member, notably the pump, in the event of the tank being empty or of blocking of circulation by a foreign body by detecting the absence of fluid before it reaches the circulation member .

[0052] The transmitter and / or the receiver may be arranged on the outer wall of the fluid line , notably in contact with the outer wall of the line , and allow detection through the wall of the line .

[0053] As a variant , the transmitter and / or the receiver can be integrated into a detector unit integrated into the supply system, notably between two lines . The detection unit may then include the fluid line .

[0054] The transmitter and the receiver may be facing each other with respect to the fluid line . This allows detection of at least part of the signal transmitted by the transmitter and passing through the fluid line from one side to the other .

[0055] As a variant , the transmitter and the receiver may be arranged side by side on the fluid line , notably close to each other around the fluid line or along the fluid line . As a variant , the transmitter and the receiver can be combined .

[0056] In this case , the signal received by the detector may be the transmitted signal that has been di f fused and / or reflected in the fluid line , notably by the fluid in the presence of fluid in the fluid line and / or by a reflective surface facing the transmitter with respect to the fluid line oriented appropriately to reflect the signal toward the receiver .

[0057] Preferably, the detector is electromagnetic . The transmitter may emit electromagnetic radiation . In this case , the fluid line is at least partially transparent to said radiation .

[0058] Preferably, the detector is an optical detector . The transmitter may include an arti ficial electromagnetic radiation light source . The light source can be configured to emit visible or non-visible ultraviolet (UV-visible ) radiation, visible radiation, infrared ( IR) radiation, visible radiation or microwaves .

[0059] In this case , the fluid line at the detector is preferably at least partially transparent to the radiation emitted by the light source . The fact that the fluid line at the detector is at least partially transparent to this radiation allows the signal to pass at least partially through the fluid line between the transmitter and the receiver .

[0060] For example , the arti ficial electromagnetic radiation light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes ( LEDs ) configured to emit invisible or visible ultraviolet radiation, or visible or infrared radiation . The radiation can be monochromatic at an absorption wavelength of the fluid, notably water .

[0061] For example , the receiver is a photodetector that is sensitive at least to the radiation emitted by the light source , preferably sensitive to UV-visible radiation .

[0062] The photodetector may be a photoresistor, also known as a light-dependent resistor ( LDR) . The photoresistor is an electronic component , the resistance value of which varies on the basis of the luminosity perceived . The higher the luminosity, the lower its resistance value ( resistivity) . Conversely, the lower the luminosity, the greater its resistance value ( resistivity) . The photoresistor comprises , for example , a support , for example made of ceramic, and two pins , with no polarity, for transmitting a current . The surface of the photoresistor may be protected by an insulating resin or by a conventional lens or a lens filtering out ultraviolet radiation .

[0063] The photoresistor is an inexpensive component that is very easy to implement and has very high sensitivity . It has been shown that its sensitivity can be suf ficient to detect a di f ference in radiation received by the transmitter depending on whether a liquid is flowing in a tube or whether the tube is empty .

[0064] For example , the photodetector is a photodiode or a phototransistor . Photodiodes and phototransistors pick up radiation from the optical domain and trans form it into an electrical signal . The higher the luminosity, the greater the electrical signal it emits and vi ce versa . Photodiodes and phototransistors are inexpensive components that are very easy to implement and have very high sensitivity . It has been shown that their sensitivity can be suf ficient to detect a di f ference in radiation received by the transmitter depending on whether a liquid is flowing in a tube or whether the tube is empty .

[0065] According to other embodiments , the detector is acoustic, for example an ultrasonic, capacitive or conductivity detector in the fluid line at the detector .

[0066] In general , the receiver can be configured to generate an electrical signal , notably a current , based on a received quantity, notably a luminosity, an acoustic signal , a capacitance or a conductivity . Preferably, the signal processing unit is configured to detect a variation in the electrical signal transmitted by the receiver and to derive therefrom information regarding the presence of fluid, notably in the liquid state , in the fluid line at the detector as a function of the characteristics of the electrical signal , notably its value . For example , in the case of a photoresistor, it can detect a drop in the electrical signal . In the case of a photodiode or a phototransistor, it can detect an increase in the electrical signal . The electrical signal variation corresponding to a passage from a circulating liquid state to an empty state of the fluid line at the detector or vi ce versa may have an absolute value greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold . The predetermined threshold may be dependent on the fluid line at the detector, the fluid, the transmitter and the receiver . It can be determined upstream by simple tests on a test line , with the liquid circulating or not circulating in said line . The predetermined threshold may be greater than or equal to 5 mV, better still greater than or equal to 8 mV .

[0067] Tank

[0068] The tank may be removably mounted on the device . It can be housed in a housing of the body of the hair treatment device , notably in a gripping part . This notably enables it to be changed it when it is empty . The device may include a fluid connection member in the housing for fluidically connecting the tank to the fluid system .

[0069] As a variant , the tank is attached to the device .

[0070] The tank may include a filling member to fill it with liquid when it is empty .

[0071] Vaporization system The device may include a plurality of fluid outlets configured to face or come into contact with hair during treatment .

[0072] The supply system may comprise a system for distributing the fluid to the fluid outlet (s) including a fluid distribution chamber into which the fluid outlet (s) open. The fluid distribution chamber may be fluidically connected to the vaporization chamber.

[0073] The fluid system may open into the vaporization chamber. The fluid system may extend at least partially into the vaporization chamber.

[0074] The vaporization system and the dispensing system may form a single housing comprising the vaporization chamber and the dispensing chamber separated from each other by a wall and interconnected by an opening in the wall.

[0075] Cosmetic application member

[0076] According to one variant, the hair treatment device may comprise at least one cosmetic product application zone, preferably distinct from the fluid outlet zone(s) , the application zone including a cosmetic product application member .

[0077] In other words, the device may also comprise a member for applying a cosmetic composition onto at least one treatment surface.

[0078] The term "shaping composition" means a composition for curling, setting, relaxing or straightening the hair.

[0079] The cosmetic compositions comprise, for example, one or more active agents chosen from reducing agents, and in particular thiols, oxidizing agents and in particular hydrogen peroxide or persalts, such as persulfates, colouring agents such as pigments, direct dyes or oxidation dyes , temporary shaping agents such as styling polymers that are preferably anionic , amphoteric or nonionic, conditioning agents such as silicones , mineral or plant oils , plant waxes , cationic surfactants and cationic polymers , alkaline or acidic agents .

[0080] Device

[0081] The device may include a treatment soleplate onto which the fluid outlet ( s ) open or extend laterally to the fluid outlet ( s ) . The treatment soleplate may be a heating surface . The device may comprise one or more elements for heating the treatment soleplate . The treatment soleplate heating element may be the heating element of the vapori zation system .

[0082] The device may comprise teeth, notably arranged in one or more rows of teeth, extending notably over the treatment soleplate .

[0083] In one embodiment , said hair treatment device is a hair brush having a gripping part and a treatment part including a treatment surface and a plurality of teeth arranged in a plurality of rows extending from the treatment surface .

[0084] For example , the treatment surface and / or the teeth are configured to be heated by one or more heating elements .

[0085] According to another embodiment , said hair treatment device has the general shape of a pair of tongs comprising two arms movable relative to each other between a spaced apart position and a closed position in which the lock of hair to be treated is in contact with the inner surfaces of said arms .

[0086] For example , the two arms each comprise a gripping part on which the user can press in order to move the two arms together into the closed position and a treatment part located at the end of the corresponding arm and each comprising at least one treatment soleplate , notably a heated soleplate , said treatment soleplates facing each other .

[0087] The treatment part may include the fluid outlet ( s ) configured to come into contact with and / or face the hair .

[0088] The fluid supply system can be carried entirely by one of the two arms . The tank may extend into the gripping part and the vapori zation system may extend into the treatment part .

[0089] The device may include a user warning member controlled by the control unit . The control unit can be configured to trigger the user warning member when the absence of fluid is detected in the fluid line .

[0090] The device may include a battery or be connected to the mains .

[0091] Process

[0092] According to a second aspect , the invention relates to a process for treating the hair using a hair treatment device , notably using the hair treatment device as described previously, which involves : supplying fluid to at least one fluid outlet via a fluid supply system of the device , detecting the fluid in a fluid line of the supply system by a fluid detector comprising at least the transmission of a signal by a transmitter and the reception of at least a portion of the signal passing at least partially through the fluid line by a receiver, and transmission by a control unit of a control signal in a fluidless mode of the device when an absence of fluid at the detector in the fluid line is detected from the fluid detection information transmitted by the fluid detector .

[0093] The process may include a step of reading the signals transmitted by the detector' s receiver, for example the current values generated by the photodetector, and received by a signal processing unit , and of deducing information regarding the presence of fluid in the fluid line .

[0094] The fluidless mode may include stopping a member for circulating fluid in the fluid line or stopping the heating of a vapori zation chamber in the supply system, and / or completely stopping the hair treatment device and / or emitting a warning signal , for example a visual or audible signal .

[0095] The process may comprise one or more of the characteristics described previously in connection with the hair treatment device independently of the device as defined previously and individually or in combination with each other .

[0096] The treatment process may also comprise , in an entirely non-limiting manner, a step of applying a cosmetic composition, for instance a composition for cleansing, dyeing, bleaching, conditioning, repairing or shaping the hair .

[0097] Brief description of the drawings

[0098] The present invention will be understood more clearly on studying the detailed description of embodiments , given by way of examples which are not at all limiting and illustrated by the appended drawings , in which :

[0099] [ Fig . l ] is a schematic front view of a hair treatment device according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0100] [ Fig . 2A] illustrates in detail an example of a detection device of Figure . 1 ; [Fig. 2B] illustrates in detail a variant of the detection device of Figure 1;

[0101] [Fig. 2C] illustrates in detail a variant of the detection device of Figure 1;

[0102] [Fig. 3] is a schematic perspective top view of a hair treatment device according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0103] [Fig. 4] is a perspective bottom view of the device of Figure 3;

[0104] [Fig. 5] represents the steps of the hair treatment process according to the invention using the treatment device of Figure 1;

[0105] [Fig. 6] is a graph of the voltage measured at a photoresistor type receiver as a function of time during a sequence of periodic circulation of water in a fluid line; and

[0106] [Fig. 7] is a graph of the voltage measured at a photodiode type receiver as a function of time during a sequence of periodic circulation of water in a fluid line .

[0107] Detailed description

[0108] Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment in which the treatment device 10 is a hair brush.

[0109] As illustrated in Figure 1, the hair treatment device 10 comprises a gripping part 11 and a treatment part 12, referred to as the "head".

[0110] Seen from above, the treatment part 12 may be substantially rectangular in shape with rounded corners, as may be seen in Figures 2A to 2C, but it could be shaped differently. Seen from above, the treatment part 12 could be substantially polygonal, oval or round, notably comprising a plurality of spikes spaced regularly over the treatment surface. The treatment part 12 may have a substantially flat treatment soleplate 13 . It is of course conceivable to have a curved, notably outwardly convex, treatment soleplate 13 , for example having a substantially cylindrical cross section with a closed or semi- cylindrical contour .

[0111] The treatment part 12 comprises , in this case , a plurality of teeth or protrusions 12a that are arranged in a plurality of rows and extend from the treatment soleplate 13 . The rows of teeth 12a extend along a main axis XI of the brush 10 . The teeth 12a may be attached to the brush, notably being made of a di f ferent material from that defining the treatment soleplate . The brush may have a single row of teeth, in which case it is referred to as a comb .

[0112] In an entirely non-limiting manner, one or more teeth 12a may be made of a heat-conducting material , for example of iron, aluminium, titanium, stainless steel , graphite or ceramic, optionally provided with a coating .

[0113] The hair treatment device 10 comprises a plurality of fluid outlets 16 , notably steam outlets , on the treatment soleplate 13 . The fluid outlets 16 may alternate with the teeth 12a of one of the rows of teeth, but it could be otherwise and the fluid outlets 16 could form one or more rows separated from the rows of teeth . As a variant , the hair treatment device 10 comprises a single elongated fluid outlet , notably of substantially rectangular shape , extending along the teeth over the entire length of the treatment soleplate 13 carrying teeth 12a .

[0114] The fluid outlet ( s ) 16 are supplied with fluid via a fluid supply system 15 .

[0115] The fluid outlet ( s ) 16 may be simple ori fices or openings in the body of the device opening into a distribution chamber . As a variant (not shown) , the fluid outlet ( s ) 16 may each comprise an outlet or nebuli zation noz zle for applying the fluid in a controlled manner or for nebuli zing it .

[0116] As illustrated in Figure 1 , the fluid supply system 15 comprises : a tank of fluid in the liquid state 17 , housed in this case in the gripping part 11 of the hair treatment device 10 , a fluid vapori zation system 18 , comprising a vapori zation chamber 18a, a fluid line 19 , forming a fluid system, connecting the tank 17 and the vapori zation chamber 18a, a system 20 for distributing the fluid in the vapour state , said fluid outlets 16 connecting the vapori zation chamber 18a to the fluid outlets 16 , a circulation member 21 , for example a pump, configured to circulate the fluid from the tank 17 to the vapori zation system 18 through the fluid line 19 , and a unit 30 for detecting the passage of the fluid in the fluid line 19 .

[0117] The vapori zation system 18 also includes a heating element , not shown, for maintaining the vapori zation chamber and / or the fluid distribution system at a temperature above the vapori zation temperature of the fluid .

[0118] The unit 30 for detecting the passage of the fluid in the fluid line 19 is fixed to the fluid l ine 19 or close to said fluid line 19 .

[0119] In the example illustrated in Figure 2A, the unit 30 for detecting the passage of the fluid in the fluid line 19 comprises a housing 31 integral with the fluid line 19 and in which is housed a detector 32 comprising an transmitter 32a and a receiver 32b . The transmitter 32a is configured to transmit a signal into the fluid line 19 and the receiver 32b is configured to receive at least a portion of the signal after it has at least partially passed through the fluid line . Preferably, the receiver and the transmitter extend over the inner surface of the fluid line , notably in contact with said surface .

[0120] By way of non-limiting example , the detector 32 is an optical detector .

[0121] For example , the transmitter 32a comprises an arti ficial electromagnetic radiation light source configured to emit visible ultraviolet (UV-visible ) radiation, visible radiation, infrared ( IR) radiation, or microwaves .

[0122] The arti ficial electromagnetic radiation light source comprises , for example , one or more light-emitting diodes ( LEDs ) , configured to emit monochromatic ultraviolet , visible or infrared radiation with a wavelength ranging from 350 nm to 1200 nm .

[0123] The fluid line 19 is configured to be at least partially transparent to the signal of the transmitter, notably to the electromagnetic radiation of the diode ( s ) .

[0124] The light-emitting diode ( s ) may be directed radially toward the receiver 32b or the receiver 32b may be arranged laterally with respect to the diode 32a . In the example illustrated in Figure 2A, the receiver 32b is arranged laterally to the diode 32a around the fluid line ; notably, it extends radially at an angle of 90 ° with respect to the diode . It could, however, have another angle .

[0125] Also as a variant , illustrated in Figure 2C, the receiver may be arranged laterally to the diode 32a along the fluid line 19 . The transmitter 32a and the receiver 32 b may be j oined or spaced apart along the axis of the line 19 by a non- zero distance e . The fluid line may include a reflector facing the transmitter to reflect the transmitted signal toward the receiver . As a variant , this is not the case and detection by the receiver is done by the signal di f fused in the fluid line .

[0126] In a variant illustrated in Figure 2B, the receiver 32b can be arranged facing the diode 32a with respect to the line 19 .

[0127] The receiver 32b is , for example , a photodetector .

[0128] Preferably, the photodetector 32b is sensitive to infrared radiation .

[0129] As a variant , the photodetector 32b could be envisaged to be sensitive to UV-visible radiation .

[0130] The photodetector 32b could be sensitive to the variations in luminosity in the ultraviolet-visible radiation range .

[0131] The photodetector 32b is , for example , a photosensitive component .

[0132] For example , the photodetector 32b is a photoresistor, also known as a light-dependent resistor ( LDR) .

[0133] The photoresistor is an electronic component , the resistance value of which varies on the basis of the luminosity perceived .

[0134] The higher the luminosity, the lower its resistance value ( resistivity) . Conversely, the lower the luminosity, the greater its resistance value ( resistivity) . The photoresistor comprises , for example , a support , for example made of ceramic, and two pins , with no polarity, for transmitting a current .

[0135] The surface of the photoresistor may be protected by an insulating resin or by a conventional lens or a lens filtering out ultraviolet radiation .

[0136] The photoresistor is an inexpensive component that is very easy to implement .

[0137] As a variant , the photodetector is a photodiode or a phototransistor . Photodiodes and phototransistors pick up radiation from the optical domain and trans form it into an electrical signal . The higher the luminosity, the greater the electrical signal it emits and vi ce versa . Photodiodes and phototransistors are inexpensive components that are very easy to implement and have very high sensitivity . It has been shown that their sensitivity can be suf ficient to detect a di f ference in radiation received by the transmitter depending on whether a liquid is flowing in a tube or whether the tube is empty .

[0138] In a variant not shown, the detector 32 is an acoustic detector, for example an ultrasonic, capacitive or conductivity detector in the fluid line at the detector .

[0139] In general , the receiver 32b is configured to generate an electrical signal , notably a current as a function of the measured quantity .

[0140] As illustrated, and in an entirely non-limiting manner, the detection unit 30 , notably the detector 32 , is located between the circulation member 21 and the vapori zation chamber 18a .

[0141] As a variant , the detection unit 30 could be located between the tank 17 and the circulation member 21 . This makes it possible notably to detect the absence of fluid upstream of the circulation member 21 and thus to stop the circulation member 21 before it runs empty .

[0142] The detection unit 30 is , in this case , independent of the fluid line extending between the tank and the vapori zation system, but it could be otherwise . The detection unit could be a module integrated into the fluid system including a line part in which the detection is performed, the line part being connected upstream and downstream of the module to fluid circulation lines .

[0143] The device also comprises a signal processing unit 33 configured to interpret the response of the receiver 32b, notably, to record the current or voltage values transmitted by the receiver 32b and deduce therefrom information regarding the presence of liquid in the line 19 as a function of the current or voltage value .

[0144] The processing unit 33 can detect a change in the value of the electrical signal indicative of a change in the line 19 . In particular, it can detect a change in the electrical signal that is greater than or equal in absolute value to a predetermined threshold that is indicative of an absence of liquid circulating in the line 19 . The threshold may be predetermined by upstream tests depending on the configuration of the device . Speci fically, the threshold is strongly dependent in particular on the detector, the liquid and the line in which the measurement is made .

[0145] The signal processing unit 33 is , in this case , housed in the body of the hair treatment device 10 , notably in the gripping part 11 .

[0146] The hair treatment device 10 comprises an electronic control unit ECU 35 , in this case housed in the body of the hair treatment device 10 , notably in the gripping part 11 , configured to determine a control signal from the information regarding the presence of liquid in the fluid line 19 . The control unit 35 controls the device in a fluidless mode upon detection of an absence of fluid in the fluid line 19 .

[0147] The device may comprise a user warning member (not shown) , notably a visual warning member, for example an audible or haptic diode controlled by the control unit 35 .

[0148] The control unit 35 and the signal processing unit 33 are shown here as di f ferentiated . Nevertheless , they could be not integrated into the same control unit of the device or, as a variant , the processing unit 33 could be integrated into the detection unit 30 .

[0149] The signal processing unit 33 can be configured to detect the presence and / or absence of liquid in the fluid line 19 , notably, but not exclusively, when the current or voltage values generated by the photodetector 32b are greater than or equal to a threshold value , the detection of the presence or absence depending notably on the receiver used .

[0150] For example , in the case where the photoreceptor 27 is a photoresistor, it is the voltage variation at its terminals that will be measured rather than the current .

[0151] The current threshold value is , for example , between 1 uA and 10 uA per photodiode , lower values being considered as relating to ambient noise .

[0152] I f the value of the current or of the voltage is zero or almost zero , fluid circulation is detected in the fluid line 19 . Conversely, i f the value of the current or the voltage is not zero , and notably greater than or equal to the threshold value , fluid circulation is not detected in the fluid line 19 , and it is then considered that either the tank 17 is empty, or the supply system is obstructed, for example by limescale or other deposits .

[0153] According to a variant , it could be envisaged that the treatment surface 13 of the hair treatment device 10 comprises a cosmetic product application zone including a cosmetic product application member 15 , visible in Figures 2A to 2C .

[0154] The product application zone is preferably distinct from the fluid outlet zone ( s ) and / or from the heated combing zone ( s ) .

[0155] The cosmetic product application member 15 is arranged so as to come into contact with the hair . The cosmetic product application member 15 is preferably porous , elastically compressible , and may advantageously be made of an open-cell cellular material , for instance a PE (polyethylene ) foam . The application member may be made of any material that is able to release or di f fuse the cosmetic product .

[0156] Here , the device includes only one fluid line 19 connecting the vapori zation chamber 18a to the tank 17 . Nevertheless , it could be otherwise and the device could comprise a more complex fluid system between the vapori zation chamber 18a and the tank, notably a plurality of lines and / or an element of the detector 32 and / or an element of the circulation member 21 and / or any other element allowing the passage of the liquid between an inlet and an outlet . In particular, the detector 32 could be a detection unit 30 including the transmitter, the receiver and the fluid line 19 connected at the inlet to a line for conveying the fluid coming from the tank and at the outlet to a line conveying the fluid to the vapori zation chamber 18 . The transmitter and the receiver can then be as described previously and detect the presence or absence of fluid in the fluid line 19 . Here , the vapori zation chamber is connected to the fluid outlets via a line 20 . However, it could be otherwise . The device may include a chamber for distributing steam in the treatment part of the device into which the fluid outlets open . The distribution chamber may be supplied with steam from the vapori zation chamber via a line or via an opening in a common wall .

[0157] Here , the vapori zation chamber is shown in the gripping part . Nevertheless , it could be in the treatment part .

[0158] A second example of a hair treatment device 40 is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 .

[0159] The treatment device 40 has , in this case , the overall shape of a pair of tongs comprising two arms 41 , 42 that can move relative to one another between a separated or open position in which a lock of hair to be treated can be positioned and a closed position in which the lock of hair to be treated is in contact with the inner surfaces 41a, 42a of said arms 41 , 42 .

[0160] The two arms 41 , 42 are articulated relative to one another using an articulation 43 or hinge .

[0161] The arms 41 , 42 extend along respective longitudinal axes X2 , Y2 .

[0162] The two arms 41 , 42 each comprise a gripping part 41b, 42b on which the user can press in order to move the two arms together into the closed position .

[0163] A return member (not shown) is preferably provided in order to exert a separating force between the arms 41 , 42 without external force from the user on said arms .

[0164] For example , the return member is a spring mounted around the articulation axis 43 . Each arm 41 , 42 comprises a treatment part 41c, 42c located at the end of the corresponding arm, said end being opposite the articulation 43 .

[0165] Each treatment part 41c, 42c comprises a treatment surface 41a, 42a, here the internal surfaces . Said treatment surfaces 41a, 42a are facing each other . In one variant , j ust a single treatment surface could be envisaged .

[0166] Said treatment surfaces 41a, 42a are , this this case , in the form o f a rectangular plate that is elongated along the respective longitudinal axes X2 , Y2 .

[0167] The arms 41 , 42 define between them, with the treatment surfaces 41a, 42a, a hair treatment zone intended to receive a lock of hair to be treated, along which the treatment device 40 is moved, for example in the direction from the root to the tip of the hair .

[0168] The direction of movement of the treatment device 40 is preferably substantially perpendicular to the arms 41 , 42 .

[0169] The hair treatment device 40 comprises a plurality of steam outlets 46 on the treatment surface 43 . However, it could have only one , as described previously .

[0170] As illustrated in Figure 4 , the hair treatment device 40 comprises a fluid product tank 47 , here housed in one of the gripping parts 42b of the hair treatment device 40 .

[0171] The hair treatment device 40 also comprises a vapori zation system 48 comprising a vapori zation chamber 48a, a fluid line 49 connecting the tank 47 and the vapori zation chamber 48a and a system 50 for distributing fluid in the vapour state from said fluid outlets 46 connecting the vapori zation chamber 48a to the fluid outlets 46 . The hair treatment device 40 also comprises a circulation member 51 , for example a pump, configured to circulate the fluid from the tank to the vapori zation system 48 through the fluid line 49 .

[0172] As illustrated in Figure 4 , the hair treatment device 40 comprises a detector 60 of the passage of the fluid in the fluid line 49 .

[0173] The detector 60 of the passage of the fluid in the line 49 is fixed to the line 49 or close to said line 49 .

[0174] The detector 60 of the passage of the fluid in the line 49 is identical to the device 30 described with reference to Figures . 2A, 2B or 2C and will not be described further .

[0175] The elements described previously in connection with the brush also apply to this device .

[0176] As illustrated in Figure 5 , the hair treatment process 100 comprises the operating of the hair treatment device 10 , 40 .

[0177] It may be operated, for example , by connecting the appliance to the mains and / or by pres sing an on switch present on the hair treatment device 10 , 40 , for example on the gripping part , in particular in the case of portable appliances equipped with primary or secondary batteries . The power supply system, notably the circulation member and the heating element of the vapori zation system, is then switched on in step 102 .

[0178] The hair treatment process 100 also comprises a step 103 during which signals generated by the receiver 32b of the detector 32 are recorded, for example the current values generated in the case where the receiver is a photodetector, and received by the signal processing device 33 , 63 , information is deduced therefrom regarding the presence of fluid in the fluid line 19 , 49 as a function of said generated signals , for example as a function of a current value measured in the case where the receiver is a photodetector, and a control signal is determined from the information of the presence or absence of fluid in the fluid line 19 , 49 .

[0179] When an absence of fluid is detected in the fluid line 19 , 49 , the control signal is a control signal in a fluidless mode in which, depending on the upstream programming of the device : the hair treatment device 10 is switched of f , the circulation member 21 , 51 is stopped and / or the heating element of the vapori zation system 18 , 48 is stopped or operates at a reduced temperature , notably below the vapori zation temperature of the fluid, and / or a warning signal , for example a visual , audible or haptic signal , is transmitted .

[0180] In particular, the control unit can shut down the circulation member and maintain the operation of the vapori zation system at a reduced temperature , i . e . with the heating element of the system kept at a reduced temperature in order to reduce power consumption while allowing a rapid resumption of treatment .

[0181] By virtue of the treatment device according to the invention, it is possible to know whether the circulation of liquid in the fluid line at the detector is stopped and to deduce therefrom that the tank is empty or the circulation of liquid is prevented upstream of the detector, because i f this is the case , the hair treatment loses its ef fectiveness and operating the vapori zation chamber and the pump while empty can lead to material degradation, as well as excessive power consumption . This overconsumption is economically detrimental , but can also af fect the autonomy of the device i f it runs by battery .

[0182] Example

[0183] A transparent fluid line 19 was taken and water was periodically circulated in the line . The detector according to Figure 2B with a green LED as transmitter and a photoresistor as receiver . The voltage is measured at the photoresistor in Figure 6 . A voltage variation is clearly visible on this scan . This voltage variation of approximately 20 mV is synchroni zed with the presence or absence of water in the line . High voltage values around 1 . 28 V are measured when water is present in the line and voltage values around 1 . 26 V are measured when water is absent in the line .

[0184] A similar measurement was performed with an infrared LED at 860 nm as transmitter and an infrared photodiode at 950 nm as receiver . The voltage is measured at the photodiode in Figure 7 . A voltage variation is clearly visible on this scan . This voltage variation of approximately 20 mV is synchroni zed with the presence or absence of water in the line . High voltage values are measured when water is absent in the line and low voltage values are measured when water is present in the line .

[0185] These results clearly demonstrate , in the case of an optical detector, that measurements as mentioned in the invention make it possible to discriminate the absence or presence of liquid in the line or measuring line .

[0186] The invention is not limited to the examples described above . In particular, the treatment device may include additional members , notably external heating plates allowing curling or any other functionality . The examples describe the detection of the fluid in the liquid state in the fluid line. It is nevertheless conceivable to have a detection of the fluid in the vapour state in the fluid line, notably in the distribution line between the vaporization chamber and the fluid outlet (s) .

[0187] The examples describe devices involving the emission of steam and therefore a vaporization system. Nevertheless, emission of the fluid in the liquid state is possible via the fluid outlet (s) , notably by spraying drops of fluid in a known manner. In this case, the supply system does not have a vaporization system.

Claims

Claims1. Hair treatment device (10, 40) including: at least one fluid outlet (16, 46) configured to face or come into contact with the hair, a system (15) for supplying fluid from the at least one fluid outlet (16) including at least one fluid line (19, 49) , the fluid supply system (15) including a fluid tank (17, 47) connected to the at least one fluid outlet (16) at least partially via the fluid line (19, 49) , a detector (32) of fluid in the fluid line (19, 49) comprising at least one transmitter (32a) of a signal and at least one receiver (32b) of at least a portion of the signal, the receiver (32b) being arranged relative to the transmitter (32a) to at least partially detect the signal passing at least partially through the fluid line (19, 49) , the fluid detector (32) being configured to transmit information regarding the detection of fluid in the fluid line (19, 49) based on the signal received by the receiver (32b) , and an electronic control unit (35, 65) configured to emit at least one control signal in a fluidless mode of the device when an absence of fluid at the detector (32) in the fluid line (19, 49) is detected from the fluid detection information transmitted by the fluid detector (32) .

2. Device according to Claim 1, in which the fluidless mode involves stopping the device (10, 40) or operating the device (10, 40) differently from the operating mode of the apparatus with fluid emission via the at least one fluid outlet (16) and / or comprises the emission of a warning signal by the device, notably by a user warning member .

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the fluid supply system (17, 47) includes aC1 - Internal usevaporization system (18, 48) , notably for vaporization of water, comprising at least one vaporization chamber (18a, 48a) supplied with fluid and a heating element configured to heat the vaporization chamber (18a, 48a) at a temperature greater than or equal to the vaporization temperature of the fluid, notably water, the vaporization system (18, 48) being notably supplied with fluid in the liquid state via a fluid system including the fluid line.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the control unit (35, 65) is configured to control the vaporization system (18, 48) , notably the shutdown of the vaporization system (18, 48) or a reduced temperature operation of the vaporization system (18, 48) , notably of a heating element of said vaporization system, in particular in an operating range while not switched off and below the vaporization temperature of the liquid when it determines the control signal in fluidless mode.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the supply system (17, 47) includes a member (21, 51) for circulating fluid in the fluid line (19, 49) configured to circulate fluid in the fluid line (19, 49) to the at least one fluid outlet (16, 46) .

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the control unit (35, 65) is configured to control the circulation member (21, 51) , notably to stop the circulation member (21, 51) when it determines the control signal in the fluidless mode.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the detector (32) is located between the tank (17, 47) and the circulation member (21, 51) .

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the transmitter (32a) and / or the receiver (32b) are arranged on the outer wall of the fluid line (19, 49) , notably in contact with the outer wall of the fluid line, and allow detection through the wall of the line.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the transmitter (32a) and the receiver (32b) are facing each other with respect to the fluid line (19, 49) .

10. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, in which the transmitter (32a) and the receiver (32b) are arranged side by side on the fluid line (19, 49) , notably close to each other around the fluid line (19, 49) or along the fluid line (19, 49) .

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the detector (32) is an optical detector.

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the transmitter (32a) includes an artificial electromagnetic radiation light source configured to emit visible ultraviolet radiation, infrared (IR) radiation, visible radiation or microwaves.

13. Device according to the preceding claim, in which the artificial electromagnetic radiation light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to emit monochromatic ultraviolet-visible, visible or infrared radiation with a wavelength ranging from 350 nm to 1200 nm.

14. Device according to Claim 12 or 13, in which the receiver (32b) is a photodetector which is sensitive at least to the radiation emitted by the light source, notably a photoresistor, a photodiode or a pho to trans is tor .

15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the receiver (32b) is configured to generate an electrical signal, notably a current, as a function of a received quantity, notably a luminosity, an acoustic signal, a capacitance or a conductivity, the device comprising a signal processing unit (33, 63) configured to detect a variation in the electrical signal transmitted by the receiver (32b) and to derive therefrom information regarding the presence of fluid in the fluid line (19, 49) at the detector (32) based on the characteristics of the electrical signal, notably its value .

16. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, having the overall shape of a pair of tongs comprising two arms (41, 42) that can move relative to one another between a separated position and a closed position in which the lock of hair to be treated is in contact with the inner surfaces of said arms.

17. Process for treating hair by means of a hair treatment device, notably using the device as described previously, which involves: supplying fluid to at least one fluid outlet (16, 46) via a fluid supply system (15) of the device, detecting the fluid in a fluid line (19, 49) of the supply system (15) by a fluid detector (32) comprising at least the transmission of a signal by a transmitter (32a) and the reception of at least a portion of the signal passing at least partially through the fluid line (19, 49) by a receiver (32b) , and transmission by a control unit (35, 65) of a control signal in a fluidless mode of the device (10, 40) when an absence of fluid at the detector (32) in the fluid line (19, 49) is detected from the fluid detection information transmitted by the fluid detector ( 32 ) .

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