ES2973797T3 - Hair treatment device with improved tightness - Google Patents

Abstract

Hair treatment apparatus (1) having: - first and second arms (4, 5) which are movable relative to each other and which can adopt a spaced configuration, for the introduction of a lock of hair between them, and a closed configuration for the treatment of the lock of hair, first and second contact surfaces (12, 3) carried respectively by the first and second arms (4, 5) and arranged facing each other, at least one of said contact surfaces (12, 3) providing heat, - at least one steam outlet (20) carried by one of the arms (4) at a distance from the contact surface (13) located on the same arm, for exposing hairs caught between the arms (4, 5) to steam, - at least the first arm (4) having at least a first part (40) supporting the first contact surface (12) and at least a second part (41) distinct from the first part and separated from the latter, - an elastically sealing element Deformable (50) having a proximal portion (51) extending at least partially around the first contact surface (12) between the latter and the first support part (40), and a distal portion (52) extending in contact with the second part (41), the proximal portion (51) and the distal portion (52) being connected by an intermediate portion (53) extending between the first (40) and the second (41) parts and configured to form a vapor screen. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Hair treatment device with improved tightness

Technical scope of the invention

The present invention concerns a hair treatment apparatus and, more particularly, an apparatus comprising a steam projection apparatus.

Prior art state

It is known to straighten hair with a straightening iron, such a straightening device also being called. This straightener allows you to straighten the hair fibers at high temperatures without pulling the hair, unlike styling with a brush and dryer. However, to obtain a good straightened appearance, it is necessary to make several passes with the iron, which significantly lengthens the treatment time. Furthermore, repeated application of the straightening iron can sometimes cause degradation of the hair fibers, due to the temperature to which the hair is exposed.

It is known to use steam for hair treatment, for example associated with treatment with heating plates, the steam being projected or diffused over the hair. Such a procedure can be implemented by a hair treatment device and/or be associated with different hair cosmetic treatments. Examples include documents EP 659 395, EP 659 393, EP 659 396, EP 659 397, US 2004/0000319, US 2004/0045570, JP 2000157322, EP1396207, EP1515628, EP1515629, 6554, FR 2967017 and WO 2004/ 002262. Furthermore, it is known to place a gasket around the heating plates of a straightening device.

Document JP 3609064 describes a straightener in which each straightening plate is equipped with a gasket that ensures tightness in the event of humidity but also electrical leakage at the level of the housing.

Document WO 2005/011434 discloses a straightener in which each straightening plate is equipped with a gasket that ensures the tightness of the plates with the housing in the event of steam release.

JP 2005087629 describes a straightener in which each straightening plate is equipped with a gasket between the plate and the housing.

Document FR 3015 195 concerns a hair treatment apparatus comprising two arms movable with respect to each other between an approximate hair treatment configuration and a separate configuration for introducing the hair to be treated between them. At least one of the arms comprises a sealing gasket.

Document US 2016/360846 concerns a hair treatment apparatus comprising two movable arms, each arm comprising a seal that insulates the heating part of the handle. Documents CN205884964 and CN 205866296 are also related to straighteners.

Hair treatment devices comprising a water vaporization device such as that described in document FR 2967 017 in the form of steam with high vaporization flow rates generally comprise steam outlet nozzles placed outside the device. In this case, the steam is released to the outside, in an infinite volume of air, so that the different parts of the device are little or not exposed to the steam.

Document WO 2016/001583 discloses a hair treatment apparatus, which comprises a first and a second arm movable with respect to each other, which can take a separate configuration for introducing a lock of hair between them and an approximate configuration for treatment of the hair. lock of hair, a first and a second contact surface carried respectively by the first and second arms, arranged opposite each other, at least one of said contact surfaces being heating, - at least one steam outlet carried by the second arm at a distance from the contact surface located on the same arm, to expose the hair inserted between the arms to steam.

On the contrary, when the steam outlet nozzles are placed towards the interior of the device, the steam is then released into a restricted volume of air. This leads to different problems. Indeed, the steam that tries to escape from this restricted volume will partly enter the appliance and condense upon contact with cold areas or during cooling of the appliance, with the risk of damaging the appliance and causing malfunctions. Finally, the steam that has not entered the device escapes along the outside of the device covers. When these covers are cold, especially at the beginning of the treatment, the steam that condenses on these exterior surfaces creates spills or falls of condensate that can bother the user.

There is thus a need to have a hair treatment device that implements steam diffusion, which solves all or part of the problems encountered.

Exposition of the invention

The invention aims to respond to this need and achieves this thanks to a hair treatment device according to claim 1.

Thanks to the invention, a device is obtained that limits the amount of steam that can penetrate an interior space of the arms due to the presence of the sealing element. In other words, the casing (i.e., the cover) that forms the wall of the arms is made airtight against the vapor projected by the appliance.

The term "hair" encompasses the corresponding human or animal keratinous fibers as well as synthetic fibers called "extensions", which are sometimes attached to a person's natural hair by different means, in particular by gluing, for the purpose, for example, of modify the appearance of a person's natural hair.

Preferably, at least the first contact surface, and preferably each of the contact surfaces, is rotatably mounted on the corresponding arm, for example by a ball joint or the like. The presence of the intermediate portion in the sealing element allows it to deform to accompany the rotation of the contact surface, in such a way that the movement of the latter is not excessively hindered by the presence of the sealing element. The contact surface can then rotate to better adapt to the thickness of the hair strand in its contact, thus improving the effectiveness of its heat treatment, while maintaining a perfect seal thanks to the presence of the three zones together ( proximal portion, distal portion and intermediate portion that can be deformed).

The developed length of the intermediate portion, measured in cross section, may be greater than 6 mm, in particular 7.5 mm, in particular between 7 mm and 13 mm, in particular between 7.5 mm and 12 mm.

The intermediate portion joins the proximal and distal parts in such a way that there can be, if desired, a difference in height and/or width, that is, according to a horizontal and/or vertical plane, between the proximal portion and the distal portion. preferably greater than 2 mm and advantageously substantially equal to 3.5 mm. The proximal portion advantageously extends along the entire contour of the first contact surface. A seal is therefore created around this contact surface, thus preventing water or any other element from entering the interior of the device. Furthermore, this makes it possible to reinforce the mechanical fixation of the sealing element.

In one embodiment, the proximal portion is pressed between the first contact surface and a rib of the first piece, which in particular has a generally H-shaped cross section, with a groove introduced in a return of the first contact surface. contact and an opposite groove introduced in the aforementioned rib of the first piece. This allows the proximal portion of the sealing element to be kept in place, in a watertight manner, around the contact surface.

The distal portion of the sealing element may be pressed between the second piece and a third internal piece of the first arm. This allows the sealing element to be kept in place, in a watertight manner, at a distance from the first contact surface. In this case, the second part may have a slot in which the distal portion is housed at least partially, the third part presenting a rib that applies to the distal portion directly above said slot.

The intermediate portion may comprise several elbows, in the manner of bellows, such as an accordion bellows.

The width of the intermediate portion of the joint, measured in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus, is preferably greater than or equal to 1 mm.

The presence and shape of the sealing element, with the proximal, intermediate and distal portions, allows creating an effective barrier against vapor so that it does not penetrate into the interior of the device, along the first surface of contact. Furthermore, the intermediate portion has a flexibility that allows it to accept a greater positioning tolerance of the first and second pieces relative to each other. This variation in positioning between the first and second pieces can in fact be involuntary, resulting for example from manufacturing variations, or on the contrary and advantageously, be voluntary resulting from controlled mobility of the first contact surface. According to this advantageous embodiment, the first piece is preferably in a ball-and-socket connection with the housing of the apparatus so as to allow different degrees of freedom to be given to the smoothing contact surface so that the latter can adapt as best as possible to the thickness and positioning of the lock of hair An assembly of this type is known to those skilled in the art or for example from document FR3011449, so it is not detailed here.

The first contact surface may have a generally rectangular shape contour and the intermediate portion and the distal portion may extend around only three of the four sides of the first contact surface. This makes it possible to limit the volume linked to the sealing element and therefore the width of the device while forming a vapor screen. In this case, the intermediate portion and the distal portion are advantageously absent on the side of the first contact surface furthest from said at least one steam outlet. In other words, the sealing element then only comprises a bellows on three of these four sides, thus offering a notable compromise between sealing, flexibility and volume.

The intermediate portion may have a height that varies along at least one side of the first contact surface, and better along each side of the first contact surface. In this case, the height of the intermediate portion is preferably minimal at approximately half the length of at least one side of the first contact surface and increases towards the ends of said side to be maximum at the corners. This difference in height is advantageously provided to allow movements of the contact surface in the event of its rotation, movements whose amplitude increases with the distance from the center of rotation. The developed length of the intermediate portion, measured in cross section, is thus maximum at the corners, being at this location for example between approximately 10 mm and 13 mm, preferably being equal to 11.7 mm. The developed length of the intermediate portion, measured in cross section, is minimum in the center of the sides, being in this place for example between approximately 6 mm and 10 mm, preferably being equal to 7.9 mm.

The sealing element has, in one embodiment, a non-symmetrical shape with respect to a median plane that passes through the first contact surface parallel to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus and perpendicular to a heating surface of the first surface. of contact in front of the second contact surface. This lack of symmetry is linked to the absence of an intermediate portion and a distal portion on one of the sides of the first contact surface and allows the width of the device to be reduced, as explained above, without compromising the tightness.

The sealing element is preferably present on a single arm, the aforementioned being then at least one steam outlet carried by the other arm. Advantageously, the concave curved portion of the sealing element is slightly displaced with respect to the steam outlet, being displaced for example by 7 mm.

The apparatus may comprise a cartridge containing a cosmetic composition. In this case, the second piece can serve as a support for said cartridge, in particular having a slide where the cartridge is inserted.

Even in this case, the cartridge may comprise a porous material impregnated by said composition, in particular a felt, and the second piece may comprise a rib that is applied against said porous material, on the side opposite to the sealing element, penetrating the nerve preferably partially in said porous material. Thus, the second piece with its rib forms a seal with the porous material with respect to the steam emitted by said at least one steam outlet, which is also without generating extra cost.

In a variant, the apparatus may not comprise a reservoir for a cosmetic composition, nor an applicator for a cosmetic composition.

Advantageously, the second piece is in front of said at least one steam outlet.

The apparatus may also comprise at least one comb comprising at least one row of teeth, the comb preferably being carried by the second arm.

The apparatus advantageously comprises a confined area around said at least one steam outlet. By "confined area" is meant at least one piece or set of pieces that allows at least partial confinement of the steam generated by said at least one steam outlet. This confined area may be delimited by at least one of the following elements: a cartridge of composition to be applied to the lock of hair, a comb, a confinement structure arranged substantially in front of said at least one steam outlet, comprising such confinement structure, for example at least one slot in front of said at least one steam outlet and, optionally, when the apparatus comprises a comb, a cover of said comb, the second piece, a side of the first and the second surface contact and any other element of the apparatus that partially creates a confinement around said at least one steam outlet.

The presence of this confined area makes the presence of the sealing element all the more useful.

The confinement, at least partial, allows more steam to be locally accumulated in the volume between said at least one steam outlet and the confinement structure, which can lead to a reduction in the steam flow rate necessary for hair treatment. You can reduce the amount of steam needed for the treatment, therefore prolonging the autonomy of the device and reducing the amount of residual moisture in the hair when leaving the device. Furthermore, the confined area can contribute to a better distribution of steam longitudinally, between the steam outlets. In this way, the hair strand can be treated more homogeneously in the transversal direction. Furthermore, the relative partition created by the confined area allows the bulk of the steam to be applied only locally, during the passage of the lock of hair in the area located in said at least one steam outlet.

The apparatus according to the invention can be autonomous, with an integrated water tank, or comprise a handpiece that is formed by the arms and a base station to which the handpiece is connected, which comprises a tank that contains the water intended to steam production.

The cumulative steam flow rate for the or all steam outlets is preferably between 0.5 g/min and 1.1 g/min, preferably less than or equal to 3.5 g/min, better still less than or equal to 1 g/min, for example between 0.7 g/min and 0.9 g/min.

Said at least one steam outlet advantageously comprises at least one steam expulsion channel and at least one vapor expulsion nozzle. This channel can be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding arm. The nozzle can have the same orientation; Thus, the steam is emitted in a direction perpendicular to the contact surfaces, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the hair strand in the device. Preferably, the nozzle(s) are conical in shape with a circular section, the section of the nozzles widening in the direction of the nozzle outlet. The or each vapor expulsion nozzle is preferably mounted at one end of the or each vapor expulsion channel. The nozzles can be identical to each other. The channels can be identical to each other.

The steam outlet(s) are preferably fed with steam by a vaporization chamber, which is in turn fed with water by a pump. Preferably, the steam is water vapor, in particular without additives.

The apparatus may comprise a heating device of the first contact surface constituted by a thermistor with a positive temperature coefficient, called CTP, and a device for measuring the temperature of the heating device constituted by a thermistor with a negative temperature coefficient, called CTN.

When the apparatus comprises a positive temperature coefficient thermistor and a negative coefficient thermistor, these can advantageously be arranged behind the first contact surface, and the apparatus can comprise two plugs, in particular silicone, arranged at the longitudinal ends of the accommodation that receives them. This protects the CTP and CTN thermistors from any possible presence of condensate that could cut creepage lines and create a risk for the user.

Each cap is advantageously perforated with two holes in order to allow the CTN thermistor wires to pass in front of the first contact surface and the CTP thermistor wires to pass behind the first contact surface.

The apparatus may comprise a cartridge detection switch, this switch being in a housing comprising two parts, which may be ultrasonically welded. The passage of the switch wires and a mobile cartridge detection finger can be carried out by sealing gaskets, in particular silicone, pressed between the two parts of the housing before welding.

When steam is emitted in a confined area, it cannot escape vertically or laterally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. In this way, the steam can escape longitudinally, in front of the appliance or behind, on the side of a grip area of the appliance. The grip zone is a colder zone. It is not desirable for steam to escape into the grip area, held by the user's hand during operation of the appliance, due to the associated risk of discomfort, or even burns. The apparatus may thus comprise a seal located behind said at least one steam outlet, in particular behind the last nozzle, on the side of the gripping area of the apparatus. This seal is secured, for example, to the second arm, and is configured to come into contact with the first arm at an approximate position of the arms. The sealing gasket is preferably arranged between the end of said at least one steam outlet and a pivot joint that allows the arms to form a clamp. It is planned to extend, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device, behind the contact surfaces and behind said at least one steam outlet, so that a rear partition is made that forces the steam to escape. through the front of the device.

Said third piece can advantageously have an elongated wall in the direction of the grip area of the device, towards the rear part of the device. The third piece is in at least indirect contact with the first contact surface. Thus, as soon as the device is started, the third part heats up and can, through its elongated wall in the direction of the gripping area, accelerate the heating of the housing of the first arm, so as to limit the risk of vapor condensation on the internal and external surfaces of this casing.

The vaporization chamber is advantageously supported by a support member on the second arm. The support element of the vaporization chamber may comprise an elongated wall towards the grip area of the apparatus. This allows heat to be provided to the internal and external surfaces of the second arm cover in order to limit condensation on these surfaces.

Without forming part of the invention, a hair treatment apparatus is described that comprises:

- a first and a second arm movable with respect to each other, which can take a separate configuration for introducing a lock of hair between them and an approximate configuration for treating the lock of hair, the first and second contact surfaces being carried by the first and second arms, arranged one opposite the other, at least one of said contact surfaces being heating,

- at least one steam outlet carried by one of the arms at a distance from the contact surface located on the same arm, to expose the hair inserted between the arms to steam,

- a heating device for the first contact surface constituted by a thermistor with a positive temperature coefficient, called CTP, and a device for measuring the temperature of the heating device constituted by a thermistor with a negative temperature coefficient, called CTN, being the CTP thermistor and the CTN thermistor are arranged behind the first contact surface, the apparatus comprising two plugs, in particular silicone, arranged at the longitudinal ends of the housing that houses the thermistor and the temperature measuring device.

This allows the CTP and CTN thermistors to be protected from any eventual presence of condensate which, as mentioned above, could cut the creepage lines and create a risk for the user.

Advantageously, each plug is perforated with two holes in order to allow the CTN thermistor wires to pass in front of the first contact surface and the CTP thermistor wires to pass behind the first contact surface. Without forming part of the invention, a hair treatment apparatus is described that comprises:

- a first and a second arm movable with respect to each other, which can take a separate configuration for introducing a lock of hair between them and an approximate configuration for treating the lock of hair, first and second contact surfaces carried respectively by the first and second arms, arranged opposite each other, at least one of said heating contact surfaces being, - at least one steam outlet, comprising in particular at least one nozzle, carried by one of the arms at a distance from the contact surface located on the same arm, to expose the hair inserted between the arms to steam,

- a seal located behind said at least one steam outlet, in particular behind the last nozzle, on the side of the gripping area of the apparatus, said seal being fixed to the second arm, and being configured to come into contact with the first arm in the approximate position of the arms, the seal being preferably arranged between the end of said at least one steam outlet and a pivot joint that allows the arms to form a clamp.

A seal of this type may be provided to extend, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus, behind the contact surfaces and behind said at least one steam outlet, to make a rear partition for forcing steam. to escape in front of the device.

Brief description of the figures.

The invention can be better understood by reading the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and examining the attached drawing, in which:

- Figure 1 schematically represents, in lateral perspective, an example of a hair treatment apparatus according to the invention,

- figure 2 schematically represents, in perspective seen from the other side, the apparatus of figure 1, the apparatus having been turned over,

- Figure 3 schematically represents, in front perspective, the apparatus of Figure 1,

- Figure 4 is a schematic and partial side view of an example of an apparatus according to the invention,

- Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1,

- figure 6 is a schematic view, in cross section, of another example of apparatus according to the invention, - figure 7 is a schematic and partial view, in cross section and in perspective, of a detail of the apparatus of figure 6,

- Figure 8 is a schematic and partial view, in longitudinal section and in perspective, of another detail of the apparatus of Figure 6,

- Figure 9 is a schematic and partial view, in cross section and in perspective, of another detail of the apparatus of Figure 6,

- Figure 10 is a schematic and perspective view, isolated, of the switch box of the apparatus of Figure 6,

- Figure 11 is a schematic and partial view, in longitudinal section and in perspective, of a detail of the apparatus of Figure 6,

- Figure 12 is a schematic and partial view, in cross section and in perspective, of another detail of the apparatus of Figure 6,

- Figure 13 is a schematic and partial view, in longitudinal section and in perspective, of another detail of the apparatus of Figure 6,

- Figure 14 is a schematic and partial view, in longitudinal section and in perspective, of a detail of the apparatus of Figure 6, and

- Figure 15 is an isolated, schematic and perspective view of the sealing element of the apparatus of Figure 5.

Detailed description of embodiments.

In the remainder of the description, identical elements or elements with identical functions bear the same reference sign. Its detailed description is not repeated with respect to each of the figures, only the main differences between the embodiments are mentioned.

Figure 1 shows a hair treatment apparatus 1, according to an embodiment according to the invention.

In the illustrated example, the appliance 1 is autonomous, with an integrated water tank 2. Only a part of the power supply cord 3 is visible in figures 1 and 2.

The apparatus 1 comprises a first arm 4 and a second arm 5 that extend along a longitudinal axis Y of the apparatus 1, mobile with respect to each other, which can adopt a separate configuration for introducing a lock of hair between them and a configuration approximate treatment of the hair strand. Figures 1, 2 and 3 in particular illustrate this last configuration. Figure 4 represents, within an apparatus 1, the separate configuration of the first and second arms 4 and 5 for introducing a lock of hair between them.

The first and second arms 4 and 5 are articulated with each other by means of a pivot joint 6 so that they form a clamp. The housing of each of the first and second arms 4 and 5 comprises a cover, indicated respectively by 17 and 18, which houses different constituent elements. The first and second arms 4 and 5 are displaceable in the approximate configuration along the lock of hair to be treated and comprise respective proximal parts 4a and 5a that can be grasped simultaneously with one hand to manipulate the apparatus 1.

The first and second arms 4 and 5 also comprise respective distal parts 4b and 5b equipped with corresponding first and second plates 10 and 11 facing each other that allow the hair to be squeezed between them. The first and second plates 10 and 11 define respective first and second heating contact surfaces 12 and 13. By "contact" is meant contact with the strand of hair or any other hair fiber as mentioned above.

In the illustrated example, the first and second contact surfaces 12 and 13 are substantially flat.

The first plate 10 is heated by at least one resistive heating element 15, in this case a CTP thermistor, housed in a housing 22 of the first arm 4, not far from the contact surface 12. In a variant, the first and second plates 10 and 11 are each heated by its own heating device, in which case another resistive heating element is mounted for example in the housing 23.

It should be noted that variants of shapes are possible for the first and second contact surfaces 12 and 13. It is possible, for example, to use curved surfaces, as in certain hairdressing devices that allow hair to be curled, or wavy, as for example those used for hair embossing, or even those equipped with a plurality of protuberances, such as teeth. Preferably, the contact surfaces are then complementary so that they adequately squeeze the strand of hair.

The apparatus 1 also comprises at least one steam outlet 20, in this case several outlets, carried by the second arm 5, in this example at a distance from the second plate 11, to expose the hair introduced between the first and second arms to steam. 4 and 5 when they are in this area of steam application.

The apparatus 1 comprises at least one comb 30 comprising at least one row of teeth 31, the comb 30 in this example being carried by the second arm 5. The comb may comprise rigid teeth and/or flexible bristles such as, for example, silk bristles or a combination of stiff teeth and flexible bristles.

In this example, the first arm 4 comprises at least one first piece 40 supporting the first plate 10 and at least one second piece 41 different from the first and separate from it.

The apparatus 1 further comprises, according to the invention, an elastically deformable sealing element 50, comprising a proximal portion 51 that extends at least partially around the first plate 10 between the latter and the first piece 40 and a distal portion 52 that extends in contact with the second piece 41, the proximal portions 51 and distal 52 being joined by an intermediate portion 53 that extends between the first and second pieces 40 and 41.

The thickness of the intermediate portion 53, measured in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis Y of the apparatus 1, may be greater than 1 mm, being in particular less than 4 mm.

The developed length of the intermediate portion 53 measured in a transverse plane may be greater than 5 mm, in particular 7 mm.

The intermediate portion 53 joins the proximal parts 51 and distal 52 so that there can be a difference in level Ah, between a low point P of the proximal portion 51 and a low point Q of the distal part 52, for example visible in Figure 5, preferably greater than 2 mm, for example being less than 6 mm, being for example substantially equal to 3.6 mm.

The total height of the sealing element 50, which corresponds to the distance measured between point P and the upper part of the concave part of the intermediate portion 53, is preferably between 5 mm and 15 mm, knowing that this height evolves according to the cross section of the sealing element 50. In particular, as seen in Figure 15, this height is minimum in the middle of the length while it is maximum at the corners. Advantageously, the minimum height is substantially equal to 8 mm and the maximum height is substantially equal to 10 mm.

The proximal portion 51 extends over the entire circumference of the first plate 10.

As can be seen in Figure 5, the proximal portion 51 of the sealing element 50 is pressed between the first plate 10 and a rib 55 of the first piece 40. In this example, the proximal portion 51 has a generally cross-section in the shape of H. The proximal portion 51 has a slot 56 introduced into a return 57 of the first plate 10 and an opposite slot 58 coupled to the rib 55 of the first piece 40.

The distal portion 52 is in turn squeezed between the second part 41 and a third internal part 42 of the first arm 4, formed in this example by an internal part of the cover 17.

The intermediate portion 53 has at least one elbow in cross section. In the illustrated example, the intermediate portion 53 is concave curved towards the opposite arm 5, with a U-shaped bottom in cross section.

The first plate 10 has a generally rectangular shape with four sides. The intermediate portion 53 and the distal portion 52 extend only around three of the four sides of the first plate 10. The intermediate portion 53 and the distal portion 52 are absent on the side 16 of the first plate 10 furthest from said at least one steam outlet 20. Thus, in Figure 5 the sealing element 50 is seen on the side of the first plate 10 that is opposite to the steam outlet 20 which only comprises the proximal part 51. The other three sides of the first plate 10, as seen in Figure 15, are surrounded by the entire proximal part 51, the distal part 52 and the intermediate part 53 of the sealing element 50. This allows the width of the apparatus 1 to be reduced without noticeably damaging the tightness.

In particular due to this, the sealing element 50 has a non-symmetrical shape, as seen in particular in Figure 15, with respect to a median plane passing through the first plate 10 parallel to the longitudinal axis Y of the apparatus 1 and perpendicular to a contact surface 12 of the first plate 10 facing the second plate 11.

Still in this example, the sealing element 50 is present in a single arm, namely the first arm 4, said at least one steam outlet 20 being carried by the other arm, namely the second arm 5. The intermediate portion 53 is located in the steam ejection zone, possibly slightly displaced from said at least one steam outlet 20 so that it forms a steam screen. By "slightly displaced" is meant a displacement between 2 mm and 15 mm and advantageously substantially equal to 7 mm with respect to the steam ejection axis. Preferably, the movement is towards the interior of the device.

In this example, the apparatus 1 does not comprise a reservoir for a cosmetic composition, nor an applicator for a cosmetic composition.

The second piece 41 is opposite said at least one steam outlet 20.

In the illustrated example, the apparatus 1 comprises a confined area 90 around said at least one steam outlet 20. The confined area 90 is delimited in this example by the confinement structure 21 formed by the second piece 41 that allows at least a partial confinement of the vapor emitted by the device. This confinement structure 21 comprises in this example a slot 25 in front of the steam outlets 20. The confined area 90 is also delimited by the comb 30. The confinement structure 21 also comprises a cap 91 of said comb 30.

The first plate 10, in the example illustrated in Figures 5 or 6, is rotatably mounted on the corresponding first arm 4 through the engagement of a head 110 in the form of a sphere portion, formed on the first piece 40, in a housing defined by a cylindrical wall 111 formed with the cover 17 of the first arm 4.

The support of the spherical surface of the head 110 on the circular edge of the wall 111 creates a ball joint that allows the first plate 10 to rotate when the thickness of the lock of hair that is clamped between the plates is not homogeneous or is not placed in the center of the first plate 10, and thus have a greater contact surface with the lock. In Figure 5 you can see a helical spring 62 that rests at one end on the bottom of the housing defined by the cylindrical wall 111 and at the other end against the head 110. The deformability of the sealing element 50 thanks to the intermediate portion 53 allows it to accompany this rotation of the first plate 10 while playing a barrier role with respect to vapor. Indeed, the bellows shape of said intermediate portion 53 gives the sealing element notable flexibility, while its proximal portions 51 and distal 53 are fixed, respectively, with the first plate 10 and the second piece 41.

The lower part of the second arm 5 houses the vaporization chamber that allows the creation of vapor that is then projected through the outlets 20 passing through the channels 26 and the nozzles 27.

Such a vaporization chamber may comprise a heating device consisting of a positive temperature coefficient thermistor, called CTP, and a temperature measuring device of the heating device constituted by a negative temperature coefficient thermistor, called CTN.

The total steam flow rate provided by all steam outlets can be between 0.5 g/min and 0.8 g/min or between 2 g/min and 2.5 g/min.

The vaporization chamber is in turn fed by means of an electric pump and in particular a peristaltic pump, in turn connected to the tank 2, these elements being preferably found in the second arm 5.

The apparatus 1 may also comprise an electronic card, not illustrated, configured to manage the power supply to the resistive heating elements in order to control the operating temperature. This electronic card can be arranged inside one of the two arms 4 or 5, for example in the proximal part 5a of the arm 5, and have a user interface.

The apparatus 1 may further comprise a magnetic sensor, not illustrated, of the ILS flexible reed switch type, which makes it possible to detect the approximate configuration of the arms 4 and 5, in which the surfaces 12 and 13 are substantially against each other to pinch the lock of hair that needs to be treated. In another variant, the flexible reed switch could be replaced by a magneto-resistive sensor MRS, or by any other detection means.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 to 14, the second part 41 is different. In this example, as seen in particular in Figure 6, the second part 41 has a slot 60 in which the distal portion 52 is housed at least partially, the third part 42 presenting a rib 61 that applies to the distal portion. 52 in the vertical of said slot 60.

Even in this example, as in the preceding example visible in Figure 15 and as seen in this example in Figures 7 and 8 in particular, the intermediate portion 53 has a height h that varies along at least one side of the first plate 10, and along each side of the first plate 10 in which the intermediate portion 53 is present.

As seen in Figures 7 and 8, the height h of the intermediate portion 53 is minimal at approximately half the length of at least one side of the first plate 10 and increases towards the ends of said side.

The height difference h of the intermediate portion 53, maximum at the corners of the sides of the first plate 10 and minimum at the centers of the sides of the first plate 10, is chosen in particular so as to allow the rotation of the first plate 10. Indeed, the further it moves away from the head 110, the greater the amplitude of the movements of the first plate 10 during rotation of a given angle. These high-amplitude movements are then significantly facilitated by the difference in maximum height h in the corners, since the length of the bellows is then maximized.

In this example, the water tank is not integrated into device 1 but in a separate station.

As illustrated, the apparatus 1 may comprise a cartridge 80 containing a cosmetic composition C to be applied to the hair, the second part 41 serving as a support for said cartridge 80. The second part 41 may then have a slider 81 in the which the cartridge 80 is attached to. The cartridge 80 comprises a porous material 82 impregnated with said composition C. In the illustrated example, the porous material 82 is a felt. As seen in Figures 6 and 9, the second piece 41 comprises a rib 85 that is applied against said porous material 82, on the opposite side to the sealing element 50. In this example, the rib 85 partially penetrates the material. porous 82, as seen.

The cartridge 80 is also held in place, in this example being engaged in a slide 86 of the apparatus 1.

In the second arm 5, a spring 107 makes it possible to press the hair as it passes, pressing during its passage a surface 108 against the lower edge 109 of the porous material 82, as seen in particular in Figure 12.

In this example, the confined area 90 is delimited by the cartridge 80, the comb 30 and one side of the first and second plates 10 and 11.

Still in this example, the apparatus 1 comprises a heating device of the first plate 10 constituted by a positive temperature coefficient thermistor CTP 15 and a temperature measuring device of the heating device constituted by a temperature coefficient thermistor CTN 101. The thermistors CTP 15 and CTN 101 are, as seen in Figure 8, arranged behind the first plate 10. The apparatus 1 comprises two plugs 102, for example made of silicone, arranged at its longitudinal ends. This allows the thermistors 15 and 101 to be protected from any possible presence of condensate that could cut the creepage lines and create a risk for the user.

Each plug 102 is advantageously perforated with two holes, not visible in the figure for the sake of clarity of the drawing, in order to allow the thermistor wires 101 to pass in front of the first plate 10 and the thermistor wires 15 behind it. the first plate 10.

The apparatus 1 also includes, as seen in Figure 10, a switch 105 for detecting the presence of the cartridge, present in a housing 106 comprising two parts welded together by ultrasonics. The passage of the switch wires and a movable sensing finger is carried out through the sealing gaskets, in particular silicone, pressed between the two parts of the housing 106 before welding.

The apparatus 1 also comprises, in this example, as seen in Figures 11 and 12, a seal 120 placed behind the last nozzle 27a, on the side of the gripping area of the apparatus. This seal 120 is fixed to the second arm 5, and is configured to come into contact with the first arm 4 in the approximate position of the arms 4 and 5. The seal 120 is arranged between the last steam nozzle 27a and the pivot joint 6 that allows the arms to form a clamp. The seal 120 extends, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus, behind the plates 10 and 11 and behind the last nozzle 27a, so as to force the steam to escape through the front part of the apparatus 1 and thus protect the grip of steam. The user's hand therefore does not run the risk of being burned and steam condensation in the grip area is avoided. This also makes it possible to avoid the formation of condensate in unidentified areas.

The third part 42 has, as seen in Figure 13, a wall 112 that extends towards the grip area of the device 1, towards the rear part of the same. This third piece 42 is in at least indirect contact with the first plate 10. Thus, as soon as the apparatus 1 is started, the third piece 42 is heated and can, through its wall 112, accelerate the heating of the cover 17. of the first arm 4, so as to limit condensation on the internal and external surfaces of this cover 17.

Likewise, as illustrated in Figure 14, in the second arm 5, the support element 114 of the vaporization chamber can comprise a wall 115 elongated towards the grip area of the apparatus 1. This allows calories to be provided towards the internal and external surfaces. external of the cover 18 of the second arm 5 in order to limit condensation on them.

Claims (13)

1. Hair treatment apparatus (1), comprising: - first and second arms (4, 5) movable with respect to each other, which can take a separate configuration for introducing a lock of hair between them, and an approximate configuration for treating the lock of hair, first and second contact surfaces (12, 13) carried respectively by the first and second arms (4, 5) and arranged opposite each other, at least one of said contact surfaces (12, 13) being heating, - at least one steam outlet (20) carried by the second arm (5) at a distance from the contact surface (13) located on the same arm, to expose the hair introduced between the arms (4, 5) to steam, - at least the first arm (4) comprising at least one first piece (40) that supports the first contact surface (12) and at least one second piece (41) different from the first and separated from it, characterized in that the apparatus (1) comprises a sealing element (50) present only in the first arm (4), elastically deformable, which comprises a proximal portion (51) that extends at least partially around the first contact surface (12) between the latter and the first support piece (40) and a distal portion (52) that extends in contact with the second piece (41), the proximal (51) and distal portions (52) being joined by a intermediate portion (53) that extends between the first (40) and second (41) pieces and configured to form a steam screen, said intermediate portion (53) presenting at least one elbow in cross section, the intermediate portion (53) being ) preferably curved concave towards the opposite arm, in particular with a U-shaped bottom in cross section. 2. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, the proximal portion (51) extending around the entire contour of the first contact surface (12). 3. Apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, the proximal portion (51) being clamped between the first contact surface (12) and a rib (55) of the first piece (40), which in particular has a generally H-shaped cross section, with a groove (56) engaged in a return (57) of the first contact surface (12) and an opposite groove (58) engaged in said rib (55) of the first piece (40). 4. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the distal portion (52) being clamped between the second part (41) and a third internal part (42) of the first arm (4). 5. Apparatus (1) according to claim 4, the second piece (41) presenting a slot (60) in which the distal part (52) is housed at least partially, the third piece (42) presenting a rib (61) which is applied to the distal portion (52) in the vertical of said slot (60). 6. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the first contact surface (12) having a generally rectangular shape and the intermediate portion (53) and the distal portion (52) extending around only three of the four sides of the first contact surface (12), the intermediate portion (53) and the distal portion (52) being preferably absent on the side (16) of the first contact surface (12) furthest from said at least a steam outlet (20). 7. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first contact surface (12) is rotatably mounted on the first arm (4), in particular by a ball joint or similar. 8. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the intermediate portion (53) has a height (h) that varies along at least one side of the first contact surface (12), and better along each side of the first contact surface (12), preferably, the height (h) of the intermediate portion (53) is minimal at approximately half the length of at least one side of the first contact surface. contact (12) and increases towards the ends of said side. 9. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the second piece (41) being in front of said at least one steam outlet (20). 10. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one comb (30) comprising at least one row of teeth (31), the comb (30) being preferably carried by the second arm (5). . 11. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a confined area (90) around said at least one steam outlet (20). 12. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, the confined area (90) being delimited by at least one of the following elements: a cartridge (80) of composition (C) that must be applied to the lock of hair, a comb ( 30) and a confinement structure (21) arranged substantially in front of said at least one steam outlet (20), said confinement structure (21) comprising, in particular, at least one slot (25) in front of said one. less a steam outlet (20) and eventually, when the apparatus (1) comprises a comb (30), a cap (91) of said comb (30), partially creating the second piece (41), one side of the first and of the second contact surfaces (12, 13) or any other element of the apparatus a confinement around said at least one steam outlet (20). 13. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a sealing gasket (120) located behind said at least one steam outlet (20), in particular behind the last nozzle (27 a), on the side of the gripping area of the device (1), said sealing gasket (120) being fixed to the second arm (5), and being configured to come into contact with the first arm (4) in an approximate position of the arms, the seal (120) being preferably arranged between the end of said at least one steam outlet (20) and a pivot joint (6) that allows the arms (4, 5) to form a clamp.