Device for treating hair, in particular for curling and / or straightening, with steam

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for treating hair, in particular for shaping hair, in particular for straightening and / or curling, comprising: 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, at least one conductivity sensor configured to detect an absence of fluid, in particular liquid, in the supply system at the conductivity sensor, the at least one conductivity sensor being configured to emit a detection information of the fluid in the supply system, and an electronic control unit configured to emit at least one control signal in a fluid-free mode when an absence of fluid is detected from the information emitted by the conductivity sensor.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Device for treating hair, in particular for curling and / or straightening, with steam

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a device for treating hair, in particular for shaping hair, in particular for straightening and / or curling, and the corresponding treatment method.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] Many types of hairdressing appliances or accessories are known that allow hair to be shaped, in particular by straightening, curling or crimping. As an example, mention can be made of straightening or curling irons.

[0007] In order to improve the treatment of the hair, certain appliances provide for the distribution of steam to a strand of hair or the hair. Applications W02014064660, EP2959793, EP2765884 and EP 2449911 describe, for example, steam hair treatment appliances, in which a jaw comprises a vaporisation system and a system for distributing steam to a strand of hair. A fluid, typically water or a hair cosmetic product, is stored in a reservoir that supplies a vaporisation chamber, in which the fluid is vaporised under the action of heating means and is distributed to steam outlets. In hair treatment devices implementing fluid emission, in particular in the steam state, it is important to know if the fluid flows properly in the fluid supply device. This makes it possible, in particular, to detect if the reservoir is empty or if the supply is blocked in order, for example, to act on the device automatically or manually, in order to protect the supply system by preventing it from operating empty or to reduce the electrical consumption connected to the fluid supply.

[0008] The proposal of eco-responsible, environmentally friendly solutions, the design and development of which take into account environmental issues is becoming a major concern to help meet global challenges. It is therefore essential to design products that reduce the quantity 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 correct hair treatment result. In addition, this concern for energy saving is also an important factor in the case of hair treatment devices having an internal power supply, in particular by battery, in order to increase the autonomy of the device between two electrical recharges. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the power consumption of hair treatment devices when it is not necessary.

[0009] There is thus a need to improve hair treatment devices implementing an emission of fluid, in particular steam, to limit their damage by unsuitable use and to reduce the power consumption of the hair treatment device.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] The invention meets this need by providing a device for treating the hair, in particular for shaping the hair, in particular for straightening and / or curling, comprising:

[0012] - At least one fluid outlet configured to face or come into contact with the hair,

[0013] - A system for supplying fluid to the at least one fluid outlet,

[0014] - At least one conductivity sensor configured to detect an absence of fluid in the supply system at the conductivity sensor, the at least one conductivity sensor being configured to emit a detection information of the fluid in the supply system, and

[0015] - an electronic control unit configured to emit at least one control signal in a fluid-free mode when an absence of fluid at the conductivity sensor is detected from the information emitted by the conductivity sensor.

[0016] By “fluid”, this means a substance in the liquid or gaseous state, equally. The fluid emitted by the fluid outlet(s) and the fluid detected by the sensor can be in the same state of matter or in different states of matter. For example, the fluid emitted can be the fluid in the gaseous state and the fluid detected can be the fluid in the liquid state before its vaporisation. In this case, as will be seen below, the supply system comprises a system for vaporising the fluid, making it possible to change it from the liquid state to the gaseous state.

[0017] By “conductivity sensor” , this means an electronic device capable of measuring the conductivity between two electrodes spaced apart from one another. When a conductive fluid extends between the two electrodes, it is possible to detect an electrical conduction signal, between the two electrodes, indicative of the presence of the fluid. In the present case, the capacitive sensor is used to measure the electrical conductivity between the two electrodes of the sensor, and to deduce therefrom, detection information of the fluid in the supply system as a function of this electrical conductivity.

[0018] Thus, a hair treatment device allowing the emission of fluid and comprising one single device for detecting the absence of fluid supply to the fluid outlet(s) is obtained. Moreover, the presence of the control unit acting on the device, in particular by control in a fluid-free mode, makes it possible to have an operating mode or a shutdown, considering the absence of fluid applied to the hair. The detection information emitted by the conductivity sensor is relayed to the control unit which can then emit, according to this information, a control signal for the device. In the case of an absence of fluid detected from said detection information, the control unit emits a control signal of the device in a fluid-free mode specific to the absence of fluid. The fluid-free mode comprises the shutting down of the device or an operation of the device that is different from the operating mode of the appliance with fluid emission by the at least one fluid outlet and / or comprise the emission of an alert signal by the device, in particular, by a user alert member. The alert signal can be visual, sound or haptic, during the detection of an absence of fluid in the fluid conduit.

[0019] The fluid-free mode can be a mode of shutting down the hair treatment device or a different operating mode of the device, in particular, by stopping a part of the supply system only, in particular a fluid flow member and / or a heating element of the vaporisation system, or by reducing the energy consumption, in particular, by reducing the temperature of one or more heating elements.

[0020] Supply system

[0021] The supply system comprises, in particular, a fluid source and in particular, a fluid reservoir in the liquid state, the reservoir being fluidically connected to the at least one fluid outlet.

[0022] The fluid supply system comprises a vaporisation system, in particular for vaporising water, comprising at least one vaporisation chamber supplied with fluid and a heating element configured to heat the vaporisation chamber to a temperature greater than or equal to the vaporisation temperature of the fluid, in particular, water.

[0023] The heating element can be of adjustable temperature. The fluid-free mode can be an operating mode of the device, in which the heating element is at a temperature less than or equal to the vaporisation temperature of the fluid. This makes it possible, in particular, to reduce the electrical consumption in the absence of fluid, without totally stopping the heating. A fluid-free operation mode, in which the heating temperature of the heating element is reduced is advantageous as, like a preheating mode, it allows a minimum temperature to be maintained that allows rapid restarting of the vaporisation when the vaporisation chamber is again supplied with fluid. When fluid is detected again in the supply system, the control unit can control the heating element to return to a fluid mode, in which the heating element is heated to a temperature allowing the fluid, and in particular the liquid, to vaporise again. Moreover, the device comprise an automatic timing system configured to detect the time since the detection of the absence of fluid in the fluid conduit and without detecting the presence of fluid again in the device and to totally shut down the device or at least the supply system, in particular by stopping the heating and / or a fluid flow member (described below) when the duration without fluid in the device is greater than a predetermined duration.

[0024] The vaporisation system can be supplied with fluid in a liquid state by a fluid system. The fluid in the liquid state can be contained in a reservoir external to the device or internal to the device as described above, the fluid system fluidically connecting the reservoir to the vaporisation chamber. In a variant, the vaporisation system is supplied with fluid in the liquid state by another fluid source, in particular by connection to the general water network.

[0025] In a variant, the supply system is devoid of a vaporisation system. The fluid can be emitted in the liquid state. In the latter case, the supply system comprises a system for spraying or nebulising the liquid by the at least one fluid outlet, in particular by pressurised spraying at the fluid outlet or by application by a nebulisation nozzle.

[0026] The supply system comprises a member for circulating, in particular a pump, the fluid in the supply system, in particular in the fluid system.

[0027] The liquid fluid flow member can be configured to be mounted on the reservoir or the fluid system, in particular a fluid conduit of the fluid system.

[0028] The fluid flow member can be a pump. The pump can be any pump, for example an electric pump, in particular, a peristaltic pump.

[0029] The liquid fluid flow member can be mounted on a conduit, in particular a flexible conduit, of the supply system, in particular of the fluid system, in particular on the fluid conduit. In a variant, the fluid flow member is integrated into the fluid system, in particular between two conduits of the fluid system. It comprises a flow conduit allowing the passage of the liquid.

[0030] The fluid system comprises one single conduit connecting the fluid source, in particular, the reservoir, and the vaporisation system, in particular, the vaporisation chamber. In a variant, the fluid system comprises a plurality of conduits between the fluid source, in particular the reservoir, and the vaporisation system, in particular the vaporisation chamber.

[0031] The fluid system comprises one or more conduits, one or more fluid connectors, one or more detectors, an element of the fluid flow member, in particular a pump, and / or an element of the detector, in particular a detection conduit, as will be seen below.

[0032] Preferably, the supply system is configured to operate at a constant flow rate at a predetermined flow rate.

[0033] The control unit can be configured to detect the time since the detection of the absence of fluid in the fluid conduit and without filling or changing the reservoir and to totally shut down the device or at least the supply system, in particular by stopping the heating and / or a fluid flow member (described below) when the duration without fluid is greater than a predetermined duration.

[0034] Conductivity sensor

[0035] The at least one conductivity sensor comprises at least two electrodes spaced apart in the device, in particular in the fluid supply system, and is configured to measure the conductivity between the two electrodes through a fluid flow or storage space in the supply system. In particular, it makes it possible to detect the presence of electrical continuity between the two electrodes, in particular by the presence of a conductive fluid extending continuously between the two electrodes, and / or to evaluate the level of electrical conductivity.

[0036] The electrodes can extend into the supply system, in particular, on an internal wall configured to come into contact with the fluid directly in the supply system, or into a fluid flow or storage space in the supply system. In a variant, the electrodes can be connected to such a wall indirectly via a conductive part of the wall, for example.

[0037] The at least one conductivity sensor is preferably configured to detect the presence of the fluid in the liquid state in the supply system. In the case of the emission of the fluid in the form of steam by the fluid outlet(s), the conductivity sensor is therefore preferably located upstream of the vaporisation system, in particular between the fluid source in the liquid state, in particular the reservoir, and the vaporisation system. In a variant, the at least one conductivity sensor is configured to detect the presence of the fluid in the steam state in the supply system, in particular downstream of the vaporisation system. The at least one conductivity sensor comprise a signal processing unit configured to receive the electrical conductivity measurements and deduce therefrom, information on the presence and / or absence of fluid between the electrodes.

[0038] The signal processing unit can be housed in the body of the hair treatment device, in particular at a gripping part.

[0039] The signal processing unit and the electronic control unit can be one same electronic unit of the device.

[0040] In a variant, the signal processing unit can be different from the electronic control unit. It can be associated with the conductivity sensor in a detection module.

[0041] For example, the device comprises a housing integral with the supply system forming the detection module and in which the conductivity sensor and optionally the signal processing unit are housed. The detection module can advantageously comprise a conduit portion fluidically connected to the supply system, in particular, to the fluid system, comprising on its internal surface, two electrodes spaced apart from one another. The two electrodes can be arranged in the conduit portion opposite or laterally against one another. They can thus make it possible to detect the conductivity in the pipe portion between the two electrodes and in particular, to detect a difference in conductivity when the conduit contains the fluid or when it is empty.

[0042] The electrodes of the conductivity sensor can be disposed on an internal wall of a fluid conduit of the supply system, in particular of the fluid system supplying the vaporisation system, to detect the presence or the absence of fluid between them circulating in said fluid conduit. This makes it possible, in particular, to detect the absence of fluid regardless of the orientation of the treatment device. Indeed, during its use, the treatment device can be handled in all directions, but regardless of its orientation, the fluid conduit will always be filled with fluid in use.

[0043] The fluid conduit can be one-piece between the fluid flow member and the vaporisation system. In a variant, the fluid conduit comprise several conduit portions associated with one another, one of which comprise the electrodes of the conductivity sensor.

[0044] The at least one conductivity sensor, in particular the electrodes, can extend between the fluid source, in particular the reservoir, and the vaporisation system, in particular the vaporisation chamber. According to an embodiment, the at least one conductivity sensor, in particular the electrodes, is disposed upstream of the fluid flow member in the flow direction of the fluid, i.e. from the reservoir to the at least one fluid outlet, in particular between the fluid source and the fluid flow member. This makes it possible to detect an absence of fluid upstream of the fluid flow member and to stop the latter before it runs empty.

[0045] According to another embodiment, the at least one conductivity sensor is disposed downstream of the fluid flow member in the flow direction of the fluid, i.e. from the fluid flow member to the fluid outlet, in particular between the fluid flow member and the fluid outlet. This makes it possible to detect the absence of fluid in the conduit between the fluid flow member and the at least one fluid outlet. In this case, the at least one conductivity sensor can be arranged between the fluid flow member and the vaporisation chamber.

[0046] The two electrodes can extend into the reservoir or onto a wall of the reservoir. They can extend over substantially the entire length of the fluid reservoir. This makes it possible, in particular, to detect the presence or the absence of fluid in the reservoir in most orientations of the reservoir.

[0047] The conductivity sensor can be configured to detect a filling level of the reservoir in at least one predetermined orientation of the reservoir. To this end, the sensor can measure the presence or the absence of conductivity between the two electrodes, one of the electrodes being a reference electrode immersed in the fluid in said orientation, in particular at the bottom of the reservoir, and the other electrode being a measuring electrode at a predetermined height in the reservoir configured to detect a fluid level greater than the predetermined height in said orientation. The predetermined height can be a significant height of an empty reservoir, in particular, it can be predetermined, such that the volume remaining in the reservoir is less than a volume of fluid to be applied, in particular the volume of fluid to be delivered to treat one or more strands of hair.

[0048] The conductivity sensor comprises a reference electrode immersed in the fluid in said orientation, in particular at the bottom of the reservoir, and a plurality of electrodes at different heights in the reservoir. Such a conductivity sensor makes it possible, in said orientation, to determine more accurately, the height of fluid in the reservoir, and to be able to provide the user with information on the filling level. The device can, for example, comprise an indicator, for example an electronic indicator, in particular a visual indicator, of the filling level of the reservoir. In a variant, the conductivity sensor comprise pairs of electrodes disposed at several heights of the reservoir, in particular on opposite internal walls.

[0049] In a variant, the electrodes are arranged in contact with an internal wall of the fluid reservoir at a position in the reservoir in the proximity of a fluid outlet of the reservoir, in order to be able to detect if fluid is passing through the fluid outlet of the reservoir during use, or not. This makes it possible, in particular, to detect if the fluid outlet is supplied with fluid from the reservoir. Indeed, according to the orientation of the reservoir, if the reservoir is of fixed volume, the reservoir cannot be empty without the fluid outlet of the reservoir receiving fluid.

[0050] Alternatively, the conductivity sensor comprises an electrode in the reservoir, in particular at the fluid outlet of the reservoir and another electrode in the fluid conduit. This makes it possible to determine the presence of fluid between the electrodes and therefore the correct flow of the fluid in the supply system and, in particular, the fluid system.

[0051] The treatment device comprise several conductivity sensors arranged at different positionings in the supply system. Each conductivity sensor can be such as described above. For example, a first conductivity sensor can be disposed in the fluid conduit such as described above and a second conductivity sensor can be disposed in the reservoir such as described above, and in particular, to detect a filling level of the reservoir or several conductivity sensors can be arranged in the reservoir at different reservoir levels.

[0052] Control unit

[0053] The control unit is preferably configured to control the fluid flow member. It can be configured to control the stopping of the fluid flow member in fluid-free mode. This makes it possible, in particular, to limit the operation of the empty fluid flow member when the reservoir is empty or in force when the supply system is blocked, which could damage it.

[0054] The control unit can be configured to control the vaporisation system. It can be configured to control the stopping of the vaporisation system in fluid-free mode. In a variant, the control unit can be configured to control a reduced temperature operation of the vaporisation system, in particular a heating element of said vaporisation system, in particular in a not-off operating range and below the vaporisation temperature of the liquid. In this case, the control unit can also be configured to control the stopping of the fluid flow member in fluid-free mode. This can make it possible to limit the electrical consumption of the device in the absence of steam emission, while avoiding the need to resume heating the vaporisation system after filling the reservoir or unblocking the supply system, as the case can be.

[0055] The control unit can be configured to control the emission of a visual, sound and / or haptic alert signal in fluid-free mode. The fluid-free mode can have a different operation of the device and an alert signal. In this way, the device takes a safety and / or economy configuration and the user can immediately identify that the device no longer has any fluid emission and fill the reservoir or unblock the supply system.

[0056] Moreover, the control unit can emit an alert signal when the fluid level in the reservoir is below a predetermined threshold, as described above. In this situation, the alert signal warns the user that they must fill the reservoir with fluid. If the reservoir is filled following the emission of the alert, the lack of fluid in the supply system is anticipated, for example, before the device goes into fluid-free mode.

[0057] The control unit can be configured to switch the device to the fluid-free mode only when the device is in one or more predetermined orientations. The orientation being such that the measurement made by the conductivity sensor is indicative of the presence or not of fluid in the reservoir. This is, in particular, preferable in the case where the electrodes are positioned in the reservoir and that the fluid detection occurs in a predetermined orientation.

[0058] The control unit and / or the sensor, in particular the signal processing unit, can take an average of several measurements of the conductivity sensor over time, in particular, a sliding average. This makes it possible to avoid the measurement deviations that can occur when the user moves the device in the space while the reservoir is partially filled.

[0059] The conductivity information can be transmitted to the control unit, the latter is advantageously configured to determine a hardness of the fluid from the resistivity information and deduce therefrom, a predictive maintenance of the supply system. In particular, predictive maintenance can be connected to the deposit of scale in the supply system. This can make it possible to improve the maintenance prediction. When the maintenance prediction is reached, the control unit can be configured to send a user alert signal, indicating that maintenance of the supply system is required. The control unit can also emit a fluid-free mode control signal when the maintenance prediction is reached. When the supply system is scaled, the operation of the device in fluid-free mode advantageously makes it possible to protect the fluid flow member and / or the fluid system and / or the vaporisation system. Indeed, each of these elements of the supply system can be partially or totally blocked by deposits of materials, such as scale.

[0060] Fluid reservoir

[0061] The reservoir can be removably mounted on the device. It can be housed in a housing of the body of the hair treatment device, in particular, at a gripping part. This allows it to be changed or filled when it is empty. The device comprises a fluid connection member in the housing for fluidically connecting the reservoir to the fluid system. For example, the housing can thus comprise an interface for coupling with the reservoir.

[0062] When the reservoir is removable from the device, the conductivity sensor is preferably disposed in the fluid conduit.

[0063] The fluid reservoir can be of variable volume. In particular, it comprises a piston forming the fluid flow member, as described above. In a variant, it comprises a flexible membrane, the volume of which decreases when the liquid is sent to the fluid outlet(s). The flexible membrane can be configured to decrease the volume of the reservoir by preserving the remaining fluid against the wall over which the conductivity sensor extends. This makes it possible, in particular, to detect fluid in the reservoir, regardless of the orientation of the latter, in particular at the fluid outlet of the reservoir.

[0064] The reservoir comprises a reservoir filling opening.

[0065] The fluid can be a conductive fluid, in particular, water.

[0066] Vaporisation system

[0067] The device can have multiple fluid outlets configured to face or come into contact with the hair during treatment.

[0068] The supply system comprises a system for distributing fluid to the at least one fluid outlet comprising a fluid distribution chamber into which the at least one fluid outlet opens. The fluid distribution chamber can be fluidically connected to the vaporisation chamber.

[0069] The fluid system can open into the vaporisation chamber. The fluid system can extend at least partially into the vaporisation chamber.

[0070] The vaporisation system and the distribution system can form one single housing comprising the vaporisation chamber and the distribution chamber separated from one another by a wall and connected to one another by an opening in the wall. Cosmetic application member

[0071] According to a variant, the hair treatment device comprises at least one zone for applying a cosmetic product, preferably distinct from the fluid outlet zone(s), the application zone comprising a member for applying a cosmetic product.

[0072] In other words, the device can further comprise a member for applying a cosmetic composition to at least one treatment surface.

[0073] By “shaping composition”, this means a composition for curling, setting, uncurling or straightening the hair.

[0074] The cosmetic compositions comprise, for example, one or more active agents chosen by the reducing agents, and in particular thiols, oxidising agents and in particular, hydrogen peroxide or persalts, such as persulfates, colouring agents such as pigments, direct dyes or oxidation colourations, non-sustainable shaping agents, such as preferably anionic, amphoteric or non-ionic styling polymers, conditioning agents such as silicones, mineral or vegetable oils, plant waxes, cationic surfactants and cationic polymers, alkaline or acidic agents.

[0075] Device

[0076] The device comprises a member for detecting the filling with fluid of the automatic or manual device, in particular, a button allowing the user to indicate the filling, in particular, by filling or changing the reservoir, such that the device is controlled to return to an operating mode with fluid. The detection member can, in a variant, be automatic. It can be a member for detecting the change of the reservoir, the volume of fluid in the reservoir or any other means for detecting the presence of a sufficient level of fluid in the reservoir. This is particularly useful in the case where the conductivity sensor detects the flowing fluid, and therefore does not make it possible to detect the presence of fluid in the reservoir beyond a certain level. In the case where the conductivity sensor extends into the reservoir, it can form the filling detection member. To this end, it comprises an additional electrode at a greater height to detect the filling of the reservoir beyond a certain height in the reservoir and therefore, a certain volume.

[0077] The control unit can be configured to detect the time since the detection of the absence of fluid in the supply system and without filling or changing the reservoir and to totally shut down the device or at least the supply system, in particular by stopping the heating and / or a fluid flow member (described below) when the duration without fluid is greater than a predetermined duration.

[0078] The device comprises a treatment pad onto which the one or more fluid outlets open or extending laterally to the one or more fluid outlets. The treatment pad can be a heating surface. The device comprises one or more heating elements of the treatment pad. The heating element of the treatment pad can be the heating element of the vaporisation system. In a variant, the heating element(s) of the treatment plate are distinct from that of the vaporisation chamber. It is thus possible to control the heating of the vaporisation chamber and the treatment plate, substantially independently. The fluid-free mode can thus comprise a decrease in the temperature of the heating element of the vaporisation chamber, while maintaining the temperature of the treatment pad at a treatment temperature or by having a control of the temperature of the treatment pad, independent of that of the heating element of the vaporisation chamber.

[0079] The device comprises teeth, in particular arranged in one or more rows of teeth, extending, in particular, over the treatment pad.

[0080] The hair treatment device comprise two jaws disposed facing one another and hinged between a closed treatment configuration and an open configuration for engaging the hair between the jaws, at least one of the jaws comprising the supply system, in particular the vaporisation chamber. Each jaw can be carried by an arm, the two arms being movable relative to one another between the closed configuration and the open configuration of the jaws.

[0081] At least one of the jaws comprise an internal treatment member, in particular, defining the treatment pad, comprising an internal treatment surface configured to come into contact with or face a part of the strand of hair in a closed configuration.

[0082] Preferably, each of the jaws comprises a heating treatment pad. In fluid-free mode, the temperature of the treatment pads can be controlled independently of that of the vaporisation chamber or unchanged.

[0083] Preferably, the device, in particular, the handpiece, comprises a member for detecting the configuration of the jaws to detect if the jaws are in the closed treatment or open configuration, in particular a proximity sensor or a Hall-effect sensor.

[0084] The detection member can be arranged between the two arms at the half-handles. The supply system can be configured to supply the vaporisation chamber with fluid in the liquid state as a function of the temperature of the latter and / or as a function of the time elapsed since the starting of the device and / or as a function of the configuration of the jaws. The supply system can be configured to supply the vaporisation chamber, only when the temperature of the chamber is greater than a predefined threshold temperature and / or when the time elapsed since the starting of the device is greater than or equal to a predetermined time corresponding, in particular, to the temperature rise time up to a predefined threshold temperature of the vaporisation chamber. The temperature of the vaporisation chamber can be measured using a sensor disposed therein, or at the interface between the heating element and the vaporisation chamber.

[0085] This control of the arrival of fluid in the liquid state in the vaporisation chamber as a function of the temperature makes it possible to limit the risk of application of liquid water instead of steam.

[0086] The supply system can be configured to supply the vaporisation chamber only in the closed configuration of the jaws. The power system can be configured to activate only if the jaw configuration detection member detects a closed jaw configuration or to be blocked if the jaw configuration detection member detects an open jaw configuration.

[0087] The device comprises a steam control member, configured to control the application, or not, of steam to the hair. For example, the steam control member can control the arrival of fluid to be vaporised, such as water, into the vaporisation chamber. When the user wants to apply steam to their hair, they can actuate the steam control member which then controls, for example, a pump connected to the reservoir to bring the fluid into the vaporisation chamber. As explained above, this supply of fluid into the vaporisation chamber can be carried out according to certain additional conditions such as described above, in particular a certain temperature of the chamber, after a certain switching on time, according to the configuration of the jaws and / or according to the detection of fluid present in the fluid system. The control member can be controlled by the user via a selector, for example, a two- or three-position button.

[0088] The device comprises, according to an embodiment, a power supply. For example, the power supply is produced by means of accumulators and / or batteries and / or by means of an electric cable connected to a mains outlet or to a mains adapter. In particular, the power supply can make it possible to supply the heating element, the fluid flow member or the conductivity sensor directly or indirectly via a control circuit.

[0089] The treatment device comprise a base and a handpiece connected to the base. The handpiece comprises both jaws and the articulation that connects them. The reservoir can be disposed in the base. In a variant, the reservoir can be housed in the handpiece, for example, the reservoir can be disposed in a housing provided in the handpiece. For example, the housing can be disposed in at least one jaw of the handpiece. In this configuration, the conductivity sensor is preferably in the fluid conduit.

[0090] Method

[0091] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for treating hair by a hair treatment device, in particular, using the hair treatment device such as described above, comprising:

[0092] Supplying at least one fluid outlet with fluid by a fluid supply system of the device,

[0093] - Detecting the fluid in the supply system by a conductivity sensor and emitting fluid detection information, and

[0094] - Emitting by a control unit of a control signal in a fluid-free mode of the device when an absence of fluid at the conductivity sensor in the supply system is detected from the fluid detection information.

[0095] The method comprises a step of reading the signals transmitted by the conductivity sensor, for example, the values of variation in conductivity, and a step of deducing information on the presence of fluid in the fluid system, in particular the reservoir or the fluid conduit.

[0096] The fluid-free mode comprises the stopping of a fluid flow member in the fluid conduit or heating a vaporisation chamber in the supply system, and / or reducing the heating temperature of the vaporisation chamber, and / or completely stopping the hair treatment device, and / or emitting an alert signal, for example, visual or sound.

[0097] The method comprises one or more of the features described above in connection with the hair treatment device, independently of the device as defined above and individually or in combination with one another. The treatment method can further comprise, in a non-limiting manner, a step of applying a cosmetic composition, such as, for example, a composition for cleaning, dyeing, bleaching, conditioning, repairing or shaping the hair.

[0098] Brief description of the drawings

[0099] [Fig 1] represents an exploded view of a hair treatment device, such as described in the present invention.

[0100] [Fig 2] schematically illustrates, in a top view, a fluid supply system with the conductivity sensor of a treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] [Fig 3] schematically illustrates, in a top view, a fluid supply system with the conductivity sensor of a treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] [Fig 4] schematically illustrates, in a top view, a fluid supply system with the conductivity sensor of a treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] [Fig 5] schematically illustrates, in a top view, a system for supplying fluid to the vaporisation chamber of the treatment device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] [Fig. 6] schematically illustrates, in a top view, a fluid supply system with the conductivity sensor of a treatment device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] [Fig. 7] schematically illustrates, in a top view, a fluid supply system that comprises a detection module comprising a conductivity sensor of a treatment device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] [Fig. 8] schematically illustrates an example of a control loop of the treatment device related to the absence or the presence of fluid in the supply system of the vaporisation chamber.

[0107] [Fig. 9] schematically illustrates, using a flowchart, a hair treatment method according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0108] Detailed description Below in the description, identical elements or identical functions have the same reference sign. For brevity of the present description, they are not described with reference to each of the figures, only the differences between the embodiments being described.

[0109] In the figures, the actual proportions have not always been respected, for clarity.

[0110] Figure 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a device 1 for treating, in particular for shaping hair, in particular for straightening, using steam to shape hair.

[0111] The device 1 illustrated is of the hair straightener type. However, the invention is not limited to such a device. A person skilled in the art will know, without difficulty, how to apply the invention to another shaping device, in particular to a curling or brushing device.

[0112] In the example illustrated, the device comprises a first arm 2 and a second arm 3 hinged to one another, by means of a hinge-type articulation 20. The two arms 2 and 3 each comprise a proximal part in the form of a half-handle comprising the articulation and a distal part respectively forming a first and a second jaw 5 and 6 facing one another. The maximum opening angle (not illustrated) between the first and second arms is between 5° and 60°, preferably between 10° and 20°, and more preferably around equal to 15°. The jaws 5 and 6 can take an open configuration corresponding to the maximum opening angle and a closed treatment configuration. The articulation 20 comprise an elastic member for maintaining the jaws 5 and 6 in the open configuration at rest. The user must therefore mechanically bring the jaws closer together, such that they take the closed configuration to treat the hair.

[0113] The device can advantageously comprise a member for detecting the configuration of the jaws 5, 6. The detection member can be arranged between the two arms, in particular, at the half-handles to detect if the jaws 5, 6 are in the closed treatment configuration or in the open configuration. For this, the detection device can, for example, comprise a proximity sensor or a Hall-effect sensor.

[0114] A treatment pad which cannot be seen is carried by the first jaw 5 and a treatment pad 4 is carried by the second jaw 6, the first and second pads 4 being intended to clamp a strand of hair between them in the closed configuration of the jaws 5 and 6. The treatment pad and the second treatment surface 4 are generally complementary surfaces.

[0115] Each treatment pad comprises an internal treatment surface, configured to come into contact with or face a part of the strand of hair in the closed configuration. The internal treatment surface can be a heat treatment surface, the internal treatment surface being in particular a heating plate, extending facing the other jaw. They can have different shapes, according to the desired use of the styling device 1 and are preferably interchangeable. Typically, the treatment pads are flat for use of the treatment device 1 as a straightening device, or curved (not illustrated) for use as a curling appliance or wavy (not illustrated) for use as a crimping appliance. A curling appliance is, for example, described in document EP0619087. The treatment surfaces can also be uneven, i.e. comprise a plurality of protrusions, like, for example, teeth or spikes (not illustrated).

[0116] Each treatment pad comprises an internal treatment surface, configured to come into contact with or face a part of the strand of hair in the closed configuration. The internal treatment surface can be a heat treatment surface, the internal treatment member being, in particular, a heating plate, extending facing the other jaw.

[0117] The treatment device 1 is configured to distribute steam in the direction of one or more strands of hair, which are clamped, in particular, between the treatment pads of the two jaws 5, 6 in the closed configuration.

[0118] As illustrated in figure 1, the treatment device 1 comprise one or more fluid outlets 40, in particular, steam outlets. The fluid outlets 40 are configured to face or be in contact with the hair. The fluid outlets 40 are, in this case, arranged in the second treatment pad 4 so as to come into contact with the hair.

[0119] The treatment device 1 comprises a supply system 7, which is configured to supply the fluid outlets 40 with fluid and in particular, with steam. To this end, the supply system 7 comprises a fluid reservoir 70, typically a water reservoir (not represented in figure 1), and / or a reservoir containing a cosmetic product, which can be embedded in one of the jaws, or alternatively be arranged at a distance from the appliance in a so-called remote base. In a variant, the supply system 7 comprise a reservoir containing cosmetic product. This reservoir can be associated with an application member which is preferably distinct from the fluid outlets 40. The cosmetic product can be a cosmetic composition, for example, a shaping composition for curling, setting, uncurling or straightening.

[0120] The cosmetic compositions comprise, for example, one or more active agents chosen by the reducing agents, and in particular thiols, oxidising agents and in particular, hydrogen peroxide or persalts, such as persulfates, colouring agents such as pigments, direct dyes or oxidation colourations, non-sustainable shaping agents, such as preferably anionic, amphoteric or non-ionic styling polymers, conditioning agents such as silicones, mineral or vegetable oils, plant waxes, cationic surfactants and cationic polymers, alkaline or acidic agents.

[0121] As illustrated in figures 2 to 7, the fluid reservoir 70 is in fluid communication with a fluid vaporisation system 71 through a fluid outlet 700 of a fluid system. The fluid outlet 700 connects the reservoir to a fluid conduit 72 of the fluid system as can be seen in figure 3. The fluid conduit 72 can be opaque or transparent.

[0122] The reservoir 70 can be removably mounted on the treatment device 1. It can be housed in a housing of the body of the hair treatment device, in particular, at a gripping part. In particular, in the example of figure 1, the reservoir 70 is disposed at the second arm 3. The treatment device 1 comprise a fluid connection member in the housing for fluidically connecting the reservoir 70 to the fluid system. For example, the housing can thus comprise an interface for coupling with the reservoir 70. The reservoir 70 comprise an opening for filling the reservoir.

[0123] The vaporisation system 71 comprises at least one vaporisation chamber 73, occupying a continuous volume in which vaporisation occurs, i.e. a volume defined without discontinuity. The vaporisation chamber 73 can be substantially parallelepiped having, for example, a rectangular, square, or trapezoidal cross-section. This makes it possible to provide a good compromise between the compactness and the effectiveness of the vaporisation system 71. The vaporisation system 71 of the intake system 7 is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet(s) 40, in particular at the vaporisation chamber 73. The latter is configured to produce steam and transmit it to the fluid outlets 40.

[0124] The vaporisation chamber 73 is, in this case, parallelepiped-shaped and comprises two vaporisation volumes 730, 731 separated by a wall forming a passage of reduced dimensions between the two vaporisation volumes. The first vaporisation chamber 730 is thus arranged upstream of the second vaporisation chamber 731 in the direction of passage of the steam.

[0125] The vaporisation chamber 73 comprise an upper wall formed by the cover 12 and a lower wall formed by the bottom wall of the body 10. The body 10 and the cover 12 can be constituted of a metal, an alloy, or any heat-conducting material. The vaporisation chamber also comprises two side walls delimiting the width of the vaporisation chamber and two proximal and distal walls forming longitudinal ends of the vaporisation chamber 73 and delimiting the length of the vaporisation chamber 73. Preferably, the two upper and lower walls are the walls of the vaporisation chamber of larger surface area. As illustrated in figure 1, the vaporisation chamber 73 extends, for example, along a main axis X parallel to a longitudinal axis L of the device.

[0126] The vaporisation system 71 comprises a heating element 8 that heats the vaporisation chamber 73. To do this, the heating element is coupled to at least one wall of the vaporisation chamber 73. In the example of figure 2, the heating element is coupled to the lower wall 10 of the vaporisation chamber 73. In particular, the heating element 8 can extend against the lower wall 10 at least at the second vaporisation volume 731. The heating element 8 can be disposed outside the vaporisation chamber 73, as the bottom wall 10 is advantageously a heat conductor.

[0127] The heating element 8 can typically be a so-called Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) electrical resistor or a ceramic, but more generally, any system making it possible to heat the vaporisation chamber 71 according to the aim sought.

[0128] The heating element 8 can be regulated by a thermistor, for example, with a negative temperature coefficient or NTC, operating as a temperature probe, preferably arranged above the injection point. The thermistor can allow a better safety of the hairdressing appliance 1 by blocking the injection of liquid under particular conditions, for example according to the temperature of the heating element 8. The thermistor can also regulate the heating temperature of the heating element 8 or stop the heating when an absence of liquid in the intake system 7 is detected. It is advantageous to lower the heating temperature of the heating element 8 in the absence of fluid, as this makes it possible to maintain a minimum temperature in the vaporisation chamber 73. The minimum temperature can, for example, be 90°C. When the supply system 7 again comprises liquid, the vaporisation can thus rapidly restart.

[0129] The vaporisation chamber 73 can be in fluid communication with a distribution chamber 74 that supplies the steam outlets 40. As illustrated in figure 1, the vaporisation chamber 73 and the distribution chamber 74 can form one single housing. The steam produced in the vaporisation chamber 73 thus flows towards the fluid outlets 40 at which it meets the hair of the user. It is preferable to move the fluid outlet of the fluid conduit 72 away from the steam distribution means 74, in order to limit the risk of ejecting hot water that would not have had time to vaporise. The fluid conduit 72 can be centred on the main axis X of the vaporisation chamber 73 or offset laterally relative to this same axis. Advantageously, the portion forming the free end 720 of the fluid conduit 72 can be bevelled. Such a specific shape making it possible to concentrate the possible accumulation of scale in a specific zone, while providing a zone where the liquid can continue to enter the vaporisation chamber 73, without being impeded by the accumulation of scale.

[0130] The vaporisation system 71 can thus be supplied with fluid in the liquid state by the fluid system, fluidically connecting a fluid source, such as the reservoir 70 to the vaporisation chamber 73.

[0131] In a variant, the supply system 7 can be devoid of a vaporisation system. The fluid can be emitted in the liquid state. In the latter case, the supply system 7 comprise a system for spraying or nebulising the liquid by the at least one fluid outlet 40, in particular by pressurized spraying at the fluid outlet or by application by a nebulisation nozzle.

[0132] As illustrated in figures 2 to 7, the supply system 7 comprise a fluid flow member 75, in particular a pump, for flowing the fluid in the supply system 7 and in particular, in the fluid system. The pump can, for example, be of the peristaltic or electric type. As illustrated, in particular, in figure 2, the fluid flow member 75 can be disposed at the fluid connection between the fluid conduit 72 and the reservoir 70. However, as illustrated in figure 3, the fluid flow member 75 can also be disposed on a cross-section of the fluid conduit 72 between the reservoir 70 and the vaporisation chamber 73. In this case, the fluid conduit 72 can be a flexible conduit. The fluid flow member 75 leads to a movement of the fluid, in the liquid state, contained in the reservoir 70 in the direction of the vaporisation chamber 73. The flow direction 750 of the liquid contained in the reservoir 70 is illustrated in figures 2 to 7 by an arrow that extends from the reservoir 70 to the inside of the vaporisation chamber 73. The fluid flow member 75 is controlled by the electronic control unit 100 of the treatment device 1.

[0133] In a variant, the fluid flow member 75 can be integrated into the fluid system, in particular, between two conduits of the fluid system. It comprises a flow conduit allowing the passage of the liquid.

[0134] The fluid system comprises one single conduit connecting the fluid source, in particular, the reservoir 70, and the vaporisation system 71, in particular the vaporisation chamber 73. In a variant, the fluid system comprises a plurality of conduits between the fluid source, in particular the reservoir 70, and the vaporisation system 71, in particular, the vaporisation chamber 73.

[0135] The fluid system comprises one or more conduits, one or more fluid connectors, one or more detectors, an element of the fluid flow member 75, in particular a pump, and / or an element of the detector.

[0136] Preferably, the supply system is configured to operate at a constant flow rate at a predetermined flow rate.

[0137] For example, the control unit 100 can control the supply of the vaporisation chamber 73 according to different parameters: as a function of the temperature of the heating element 8, as a function of the time elapsed since the device was started, as a function of the configuration of the jaws.

[0138] The fluid flow member 75 can thus be controlled to supply the vaporisation chamber 73 only when the temperature of the chamber is greater than a predefined threshold temperature and / or when the time elapsed since the starting of the device is greater than or equal to a predetermined time corresponding in particular to the temperature rise time, up to a predefined threshold temperature of the vaporisation chamber and, in particular, of the heating element 8. Typically, the temperature of the vaporisation chamber 73 can be measured using a sensor disposed therein, or at the interface between the heating element 8 and the vaporisation chamber 73.

[0139] The device comprises a steam control member, configured to control the application, or not, of steam to the hair. For example, the steam control member can control the arrival of water of fluid to be vaporised, such as water, into the vaporisation chamber. When the user wants to apply steam to their hair, they can actuate the steam control member, which then controls, for example, a pump such as the fluid flow member 75 connected to the reservoir 70 to bring the fluid into the vaporisation chamber 73. As explained above, this supply of fluid into the vaporisation chamber 73 can be carried out according to certain additional conditions, such as described above, in particular a certain temperature of the chamber, after a certain switching on time, and / or according to the configuration of the jaws and / or according to the detection of fluid present in the fluid system. The control member can be controlled by the user via a selector, for example, a two- or three-position button. The selector can be disposed on an arm, for example, at the human-machine interface 101 which can be seen in figure 1. Furthermore, when an absence of fluid is detected in the supply system 7, the control unit 100 can control the stopping of the fluid flow member 75. The absence of fluid in the supply system 7 can be determined using at least one conductivity sensor 9, in particular a commercially known conductivity sensor, configured to detect an absence of fluid and, in particular, of liquid with regard to its conductivity measurement unit(s), and in particular, its electrodes. Typically, the conductivity sensor comprises at least two electrodes extending in a fluid flow conduit, as illustrated in figures 2, 3, 6 and 7, and / or in the reservoir, as illustrated in figures 4 to 6 and which are spaced apart by a distance allowing conductometric detection between them when a fluid circulates in the fluid system. The two electrodes are disposed in contact with the fluid in the supply system 7. The presence of fluid can be evaluated when an electric current passes between the two electrodes connected to the presence or to the movement of liquid in the supply system. Its conductivity can also be determined. To measure an electric current between the two electrodes and determine the conductivity of the fluid, the latter must comprise ions dissolved in its volume. Such a fluid can be an electrolytic fluid, such as water. Conversely, when no current circulates between the two electrodes, this initially means that there is not a sufficient volume of fluid between the two electrodes for an electric current not to pass. In this case, the conductivity sensor 9 cannot deduce conductivity, which can mean an absence of fluid at the electrodes of the conductivity sensor. The conductivity sensor 9 can also comprise a signal processing unit that receives the measurements of the electrodes, in particular of the electric current that they measure, and is configured to deduce therefrom, in particular, information on the presence and / or absence of liquid with regard to the conductivity sensor. It can additionally deduce conductivity information on the fluid as will be seen below.

[0140] The signal processing unit can be housed in the body of the hair treatment device, in particular at a gripping part. The signal processing unit and the electronic control unit 100 can be one same electronic unit of the treatment device 1.

[0141] In a variant, the signal processing unit can be different from the electronic control unit. It can be associated with the conductivity sensor 9 in a detection module. For example, the treatment device 1 comprise a housing integral with the supply system 7 forming a detection module 90 and in which the conductivity sensor 9 and the signal processing unit are housed, such as illustrated in figure 7. As illustrated in figure 8, the conductivity sensor 9 is electronically and / or electrically connected to the control unit 100. Through this connection, the conductivity sensor 9 transmits to the control unit 100, information 91 on the absence and / or the presence of liquid between its electrodes.

[0142] The conductivity sensor 9 can thus be arranged at several positions of the supply system 7 and, in particular, of the fluid system which supplies the vaporisation system 71. In the example of figures 2 and 3, the conductivity sensor 9 is advantageously disposed in contact with the fluid in a portion of the fluid conduit 72. The integration of the sensor 9 in the fluid conduit 72 makes it possible, in particular, to detect the presence and / or the absence of supply in the cross-section of the fluid conduit, regardless of the spatial orientation of the treatment device 1.

[0143] The conductivity sensor 9 can be placed at several positions in the fluid conduit 72 such as is illustrated in figures 2 and 3. However, the conductivity sensor 9 is preferably disposed in the portion of the fluid conduit 72 that is located outside the vaporisation chamber 73. More specifically, the sensor 9 can be placed in the portion of the fluid conduit 72 that is between the reservoir 70 and the vaporisation chamber 73. On this portion of the conduit 72, the sensor 9 can be positioned downstream of the fluid flow member 75 in the flow direction of the fluid in the supply system. According to an arrangement illustrated in figure 3, the fluid flow member 75 can be disposed on the fluid conduit 72, while the sensor 9 is placed in a conduit portion 72 which is interposed between the reservoir 70 and the fluid flow member 75. This arrangement makes it possible to detect in a targeted manner, if the fluid flow member 75 drains liquid or if it operates empty and thus to be able to stop the fluid flow member 75 before it operates empty.

[0144] In a variant, as is illustrated in figure 7, the conductivity sensor 9 can be integrated into a detection module 90 integrated into the supply system 7, in particular between two conduits and comprising a conduit portion fluidically connected to the fluid system and in which the fluid can circulate. In this configuration, the conductivity sensor 9 is disposed in said conduit portion, in particular on an internal wall thereof, in order to be in contact with the fluid. As illustrated in figures 4 to 6, the treatment device 1 can also comprise a conductivity sensor 9 placed in the reservoir 70. The conductivity sensor 9 can advantageously be placed in contact with an internal wall of the reservoir 70 or alternatively in the cavity of the reservoir. It can be positioned to detect fluid in the reservoir in at least one orientation of the latter.

[0145] In an alternative embodiment illustrated in figure 5, the electrodes can extend over substantially the entire length of the reservoir 70. By “substantially”, it must be understood that the conductivity sensor 9 can have a length identical to or slightly less than that of the wall of the reservoir 70. In particular, the conductivity sensor 9 comprise two electrodes, which extend substantially over the entire length of an internal wall of the reservoir 70. In this configuration, the conductivity sensor 9 can measure the presence and / or the absence of liquid in the reservoir 70, regardless of the filling level of the reservoir 70. This configuration is of interest, in particular, when the reservoir 70 is located in a remote base of the handpiece of the treatment device. This configuration corresponds to a nonillustrated embodiment of the invention, in which the fluid in the liquid state can be contained in a reservoir external to the treatment device 1. To this end, the treatment device 1 comprise a fixed base comprising the reservoir 70. The fixed base can also comprise means for electrical connection to an electricity distribution network. The vaporisation chamber 73 of the handpiece can then be fluidically connected to the reservoir 70 by a pipe. The handpiece can also be electrically connected, in particular by a dedicated cable, to the base to power the electronics and the electronic equipment that it comprises. It must be noted that the vaporisation chamber 73 can also be offset from the handpiece and disposed in the fixed base, even if this is not preferential.

[0146] In a variant, the conductivity sensor and the treatment unit can be configured to detect a fluid level less than a predetermined threshold in at least one orientation of the reservoir. The conductivity sensor comprises one electrode at the predetermined level and another electrode between the bottom and the predetermined level. In this case, the fluid absence information is sent when the fluid level falls below a determined threshold. The latter can thus be configured to control the fluid-free mode and an alert such as a warning light which can be combined, or not, with a sound signal informing the user that the reservoir must be filled.

[0147] In an alternative or complementary embodiment, the conductivity sensor 9 can evaluate the filling level of the reservoir according to at least one orientation of the reservoir. For this, the conductivity sensor 9 can be configured to measure the height of fluid in the reservoir. Typically, the conductivity sensor 9 comprise a reference electrode, in particular at the bottom of the reservoir, and several electrodes disposed respectively at different heights in the reservoir 70. It is thus possible to supply the reference electrode and to measure the conductivity at each electrode over the height, to obtain an indication of the height of the fluid in the reservoir in a vertical orientation of the reservoir. The lowest electrode other than the reference electrode can be that for which the conductivity sensor sends fluid absence information.

[0148] In a variant, the conductivity sensor 9 can be positioned in contact with an internal wall of the fluid reservoir 70 at a predetermined position in the reservoir. The conductivity sensor 9 can, in particular, be arranged in the proximity of a fluid outlet of the reservoir 70, typically in the proximity of the fluid outlet which is connected to the fluid conduit 72. Alternatively, the conductivity sensor 9 can be arranged as a function of a liquid level in at least one orientation of the device corresponding to a quantity of fluid from which the application of fluid is no longer possible, and the sensor 9 generates emptiness information of the supply system 7. This makes it possible, in particular, to detect if the fluid outlet is supplied with fluid from the reservoir. Indeed, according to the orientation of the device, if the reservoir has a fixed volume, which is not preferential, the reservoir cannot be empty, without the fluid outlet of the reservoir receiving fluid.

[0149] The fluid reservoir 70 can have a variable volume, or not. In particular, it comprises a piston forming the fluid flow member 75. In a variant, it comprises a flexible membrane, the volume of which decreases when the liquid is sent to the fluid outlet(s) 40. The flexible membrane can be configured to decrease the volume of the reservoir 70 by keeping the remaining fluid against the wall over which the conductivity sensor 9 extends. In particular, this allows fluid detection to be possible in the reservoir 70, regardless of the orientation of the reservoir by positioning the conductivity sensor at the fluid outlet of the reservoir.

[0150] As illustrated in figure 6, the treatment device 1 is not limited to one single conductivity sensor. It comprises several conductivity sensors 9 placed at different sites of the supply system 7. In this example, the treatment device 1 comprises a first conductivity sensor 9 in contact with an internal wall of the reservoir 70 and a second conductivity sensor in the fluid conduit 72. Each of the two sensors can be such as described above. This arrangement makes it possible to detect an absence of fluid in the fluid conduit 72, independently of the presence of fluid in the reservoir 70. Such a configuration can be of interest when the fluid conduit 72 is obstructed or when the fluid flow member 75 malfunctions.

[0151] As illustrated in figure 8, the conductivity sensor 9 sends information 91 to the control unit 100 on the presence and / or the absence of fluid and in particular of liquid in the supply system 7, and more specifically, at the conductivity sensor 9. The control unit 100 is configured to determine a control signal from the information 91 about the presence of fluid in the supply system 7. The control unit 100 controls the treatment device 1 in a fluid-free mode during the detection of an absence of fluid in the supply system 7 and, in particular, facing the conductivity sensor 9.

[0152] The electronic control unit 100 can be integrated into an arm 2, 3 of the treatment device 1. In particular, in the example, the control unit 100 is disposed in the first arm 2 in the proximity of the human-machine interface 101 of the treatment device 1. In this case, the human-machine interface 101 comprises warning lights, haptic sound alarms controlled by the control unit 100.

[0153] When the control unit 100 receives information 91 relating to the absence of fluid in the supply system 7, the control unit 100 can stop the fluid flow member 75 and maintain the operation of the vaporisation system 71 at a reduced temperature, i.e. with the heating element 8 of the system maintained at a reduced temperature, in order to reduce the electric consumption while allowing rapid resumption of treatment. The device 1 thus operates in a fluid-free operating mode, in which the temperature of the treatment pad 4 can be maintained at a treatment temperature. To this end, the treatment pad 4 preferably comprises a temperature control independent of that of the heating element 8 of the vaporisation chamber 73.

[0154] When the fluid is detected again in the supply system 7, the control unit 100 can control the heating element 8 to return to a mode with fluid, in which the heating element 8 is heated to a temperature allowing the fluid, and in particular the liquid, to vaporise again.

[0155] Furthermore, the control unit 100 can also transmit a control to the humanmachine interface 101 to warn the user, typically using a warning light, of a sound and / or haptic signal of the absence of fluid in the supply system 7. The fluid-free mode comprises a different operation of the treatment device 1 and an alert signal. In this way, the device takes a safety and / or economy configuration, and the user can immediately identify that the device no longer has any fluid emission and fill the reservoir or unblock the supply system. When a conductivity sensor 9 is disposed at the reservoir 70 and makes it possible to measure the filling level, with fluid, of the reservoir 70, the control unit 100 can take an average of the measurements of the conductivity sensor 9 over time in order to determine the level of the reservoir. Advantageously, the control unit 100 can perform a sliding average over time. This makes it possible to remove isolated and non-representative measurements of the filling level that can be due to changes in the positions and orientation of the treatment device in the space while the reservoir is partially filled. This is, in particular, the case, when the reservoir 70 is integrated into the handpiece of the treatment device 1.

[0156] The conductivity sensor 9 can transmit information on the resistivity to the control unit 100. In this case, the latter is advantageously configured to determine a hardness of the fluid from the resistivity information. From the hardness value of the fluid, the control unit 100 can deduce a predictive maintenance of the supply system 7. Indeed, the predictive maintenance is, in particular, connected to the deposit of scale in the supply system 7. The hardness of the fluid is thus a parameter that makes it possible to improve the maintenance prediction. When the maintenance prediction is reached, the control unit 100 can be configured to send a user alert signal indicating that maintenance of the power system 7 is required. The control unit 100 can also emit a fluid-free mode control signal when the maintenance prediction is reached. When the supply system 7 is scaled, the operation of the device 1 in fluid-free mode advantageously makes it possible to protect the fluid flow member 75 and / or the fluid system and / or the vaporisation system 7 which could respectively be blocked.

[0157] The device 1 comprise, according to an embodiment, a power supply. For example, the power supply is produced by means of accumulators and / or batteries and / or by means of an electric cable connected to a mains outlet or to a mains adapter.

[0158] The power supply can, in particular, make it possible to supply the heating element 8, the fluid flow member 75 or also the conductivity sensor 9 directly or indirectly via a control circuit.

[0159] Thanks to the treatment device according to the invention, it is possible to know if the flow of liquid in the fluid conduit at the detector is stopped and to deduce therefrom, that the reservoir is empty or the flow of liquid prevented upstream of the detector because, if this is the case, the hair treatment loses its effectiveness and the empty operation of the vaporisation chamber and of the pump can lead to a degradation of the equipment, as well as an over-consumption of energy.

[0160] This overconsumption is economically damaging but can also affect the autonomy of the device if it operates on battery.

[0161] As illustrated in figure 9, one aspect of the invention relates to a hair treatment method 200 that, in particular, uses a hair treatment device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The treatment method 200 can thus comprise supplying 201 at least one fluid outlet 40 with fluid by a fluid supply system 7 of the device 1. The supply 201 can be produced, such as described above.

[0162] The treatment method 200 can advantageously comprise detecting the fluid 202 in the supply system 7 by a conductivity sensor 9 and emitting the fluid detection information 91, such as illustrated in figure 8. When a conductivity sensor 9 is disposed at the reservoir 70, the treatment method 200 comprise measuring the fluid level in the reservoir 70, such as described above. With this step being optional, a dotted arrow is represented in figure 9 to symbolise its optional character.

[0163] The method comprises a step of reading the signals transmitted by the conductivity sensor, for example, the values of variation of the electric current measured between the two electrodes of the sensor, and a step of deducing information on the presence of fluid in the fluid system, in particular, the reservoir 70 or the fluid conduit 72.

[0164] Such as illustrated in figure 9, the treatment method 200 can comprise the emission 204 by a control unit 100 of a control signal in a fluid-free mode of the treatment device 1 when an absence of fluid is detected from the fluid detection information 91. The fluid-free mode can comprise the stopping of a member 75 for circulating the fluid in the fluid conduit 72 or heating a vaporisation chamber 73 in the supply system 7 and / or completely shutting down the hair treatment device and / or emitting an alert signal, for example, visual or sound. Such as described above, the fluid-free mode can also comprise a reduction in the heating temperature of the vaporisation chamber 73.

[0165] The method can comprise one or more of the features described above in connection with the hair treatment device 1 independently of the device, such as defined above and individually or in combination with one another. The treatment method can further comprise, in a non-limiting manner, a step of applying a cosmetic composition, such as, for example, a composition for cleaning, dyeing, bleaching, conditioning, repairing or shaping the hair.

Claims

Claims1. Device (1) for treating hair, in particular for shaping hair, in particular for straightening and / or curling, comprising: at least one fluid outlet (40) configured to face or come into contact with the hair, a system (7) for supplying steam to the at least one fluid outlet (40), at least one conductivity sensor (9) configured to detect an absence of fluid, in particular liquid, in the supply system (7) at the conductivity sensor (9), the at least one conductivity sensor (9) being configured to emit a fluid detection information in the supply system (7), and an electronic control unit (100) configured to emit at least one control signal in a fluid-free mode when an absence of fluid at the conductivity sensor is detected from the information emitted by the conductivity sensor (9), the supply system (7) comprising a vaporisation system (71) comprising at least one vaporisation chamber (73) supplied with liquid and a heating element (8) configured to heat the vaporisation chamber to a temperature greater than or equal to the vaporisation temperature of the liquid, the conductivity sensor (9) being located upstream of the vaporisation system (71).

2. Hair treatment device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the supply system (7) comprises a liquid reservoir (70) fluidly connected to the vaporisation chamber (71).

3. Hair treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (100) is configured to control the vaporisation system (71), in particular to stop the vaporisation system (71) in fluid-free mode or to operate the vaporisation system (71), in particular a heating element (8) of said vaporisation system (71), at a reduced temperature, in particular in a not-off operating range below the vaporisation temperature of the liquid.

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

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

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

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

8. Hair treatment device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the supply system (7) comprises a fluid reservoir (70) fluidically connected to the vaporisation chamber (71) and the fluid flow member (75) is configured to be mounted on the reservoir or a fluid system extending between the reservoir and the vaporisation system, in particular a fluid conduit (72) of the fluid system.

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

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

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

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

13. Hair treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two jaws (5, 6) disposed opposite one another and hinged to one another between a closed configuration for treatment and an open configuration for engaging the hair between the jaws (5, 6), at least one of the jaws (5, 6) comprising the supply system (7).

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

15. Method (200) for treating hair by a hair treatment device, in particular using the hair treatment device (1) defined according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: supplying (201) at least one fluid outlet (40) with steam by a fluid supply system (7) of the device (1) comprising a vaporisation system (71) comprising at least one vaporisation chamber (73) supplied with liquid and a heating element (8) configured to heat the vaporisation chamber to a temperature greater than or equal to the vaporisation temperature of the liquid, detecting (202) the fluid in the supply system (7) by a conductivity sensor (9) and emitting fluid detection information (91), and emitting (204) by a control unit (100) of a control signal in a fluid-free mode of the device when an absence of fluid at the conductivity sensor (9) in the supply system (7) is detected from the fluid detection information (91).

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