JP7349991B2 - Device for treating hair with improved sealing - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to hair treatment devices, and more particularly to devices including steam atomization devices.

It is known to straighten hair with straightening clamps, such devices are also called straighteners. This clamp allows hair fibers to be smoothed at high temperatures without pulling the hair, unlike brushing. However, in order to obtain a good smooth appearance, several passes of the clamp are necessary, which considerably lengthens the processing time. Additionally, repeated applications of straightening clamps can sometimes cause deterioration of the hair fibers due to the temperatures to which the hair is exposed.

It is known to use steam for the treatment of hair, for example in connection with treatment with hot plates, the steam being sprayed or diffused onto the hair. Such methods may be performed by hair treatment devices and/or may be associated with various cosmetic hair treatments. Examples include the literature (US Pat. It is also known to place a seal around the heating plates of a smoothing device.

US Pat. No. 6,000,200 describes a straightener, each smoothing plate of which is equipped with a seal that guarantees tightness not only in the case of moisture, but also in the case of electrical leakage at the level of the case. .

US Pat. No. 5,200,302 discloses a straightener, each smoothing plate of which is provided with a seal that ensures the tightness of the plate with the case in case of release of steam.

US Pat. No. 5,002,300 describes an orthotic device in which each smoothing plate has a seal between the plate and the case.

US Pat. No. 5,001,200 discloses a hair treatment comprising two arms movable relative to each other between a closed configuration for hair treatment and a spaced configuration for engagement between the hair to be treated. Relating to processing devices. At least one of the arms has a seal.

US Pat. No. 5,200,300 relates to a hair treatment device that includes two movable arms, each arm including a seal that insulates a heated portion of the handle. Patent Document 19 and Patent Document 20 also relate to orthotics.

Hair treatment devices that include a water steaming device in the form of steam with high steaming rates, such as the one described by US Pat. Contains a steam outlet nozzle. In this case, the steam is supplied externally in an infinite volume of air so that the various parts of the device are not exposed or are only slightly exposed to the steam.

On the other hand, as soon as the steam outlet nozzle is placed towards the interior of the device, the steam is then distributed within the restricted volume of air. This gives rise to various problems. In fact, vapor attempting to escape from this confined volume will partially enter the device and condense either on contact with cold areas or during cooling of the device. In this way, there is a risk of damaging the device and causing it to malfunction. Finally, any vapor that does not enter the device escapes along the outside of the device's shell.
When these shells are cooled, especially at the beginning of processing, steam condensing on their outer surfaces can create condensation drips or drops that can annoy the user.

Therefore, there is a need to benefit from a hair treatment device that performs vapor diffusion that corrects all or some of the problems encountered.

European Patent No. 659395 (EP659395) European Patent No. 659393 (EP659393) European Patent No. 659396 (EP659396) European Patent No. 659397 (EP659397) US Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0000319 (US2004/0000319) US Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0045570 (US2004/0045570) Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000157322 (JP2000157322) European Patent No. 1396207 specification (EP1396207) European Patent No. 1515628 (EP1515628) European Patent No. 1515629 (EP1515629) European Patent No. 1516554 (EP1516554) French Patent No. 2967017 (FR2967017) International Publication No. 2004/002262.11 (WO2004/002262.11) Patent No. 3609064 (JP3609064) International Publication No. 2005/011434 (WO2005/011434) Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005087629 (JP2005087629) French Patent No. 3015195 (FR3015195) US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/360846 (US2016/360846) Chinese Patent No. 205884964 (CN205884964) Chinese Patent No. 205866296 (CN205866296) French Patent No. 301144 (FR3011449)

The present invention aims to meet this need and accomplishes it with a hair treatment device that includes:
- movable with respect to each other, which can have a configuration in which they are separated for the introduction of a tuft of hair between them and a configuration in which they are closed for the treatment of a tuft of hair; first and second arms, the first and second contact surfaces being carried by the oppositely disposed first and second arms, respectively; and at least one of the contact surfaces a first and a second arm, the first and second arms being capable of being heated up;
- at least one steam outlet carried by one of the arms at a distance from a contact surface located on the same arm, for exposing the hair engaged between the arms to steam;
- at least one first piece for supporting the first contact surface and at least one second piece different from and separated from the first piece; at least a first arm comprising;
- a proximal portion extending at least partially around the first contact surface between the first contact surface and the first support part; and a second part. a distal portion extending in contact with the first and second parts, the proximal and distal portions being connected by an intermediate portion extending between the first and second parts and forming a vapor screen. Elastically deformable sealing element.

Thanks to the invention there is a device which limits the amount of steam that can enter the internal space of the arm by the presence of a sealing element. In other words, the case (or shell) forming the wall of the arm is sealed against vapors emitted by the device.

The term "hair" refers to the corresponding human or animal keratin fibers as well as the natural hair of a person, sometimes by various means, e.g. Contains synthetic fibers called "extensions" that are attached to the

Preferably, the at least first contact surface, and preferably each of the contact surfaces, is pivotally attached to the corresponding arm, for example by a ball joint or something similar. The presence of the intermediate portion on the sealing element allows the sealing element to deform to accompany the pivoting of the contact surface, so that the movement of the contact surface is not unduly impeded by the presence of the sealing element. The contact surface thus becomes more sensitive to the lock of hair in contact with it, thanks to the presence of three zones of the joint (proximal part, distal part, and middle part, which can become deformed). The heat treatment efficiency is improved while maintaining a perfect seal.

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

Optionally, i.e. along the horizontal and/or vertical plane, between the proximal part and the distal part, a height preferably greater than 2 mm and advantageously substantially equal to 3.5 mm. The intermediate portion connects the proximal and distal parts such that the intermediate portion connects the proximal and distal parts and/or may have a width difference. The proximal portion advantageously extends all the way around the first contact surface. A seal is thus created around the entire perimeter of this contact surface, thus preventing water or any other elements from entering the interior of the device. In addition, this makes it possible to strengthen the mechanical fixation of the sealing element.

In one embodiment, the proximal portion is sandwiched between the first contact surface and the rib of the first part, and in particular has a generally H-shaped cross-section, and is located at the return portion of the first contact surface. an engaging groove and an opposing groove that engages the rib of the first component. This holds the proximal portion of the seal in such a way that it is sealed in place around the contact surface.

A distal portion of the sealing element may be sandwiched between a second and a third internal part of the first arm. This holds the sealing element in place and in a sealed manner away from the first contact surface. In this case, the second part may have a groove in which the distal part is at least partially received, and the third part has a rib applied to the distal part directly above said groove. have

Said intermediate part advantageously has at least one bend in its cross section. In the latter case, the intermediate part is, for example, concave, curved towards the opposite arm, which arm preferably carries said at least one steam outlet and has a bottom, in particular U-shaped in cross section. The middle part may include several elbows, for example as a kind of bellows, like an accordion bellows.

The width of the middle part of the joint, measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device, is preferably 1 mm or more.

The presence and shape of the sealing element with proximal, intermediate, and distal portions creates an effective barrier against vapor so that vapor does not penetrate into the interior of the device along the first contact surface. make it possible. In addition, the intermediate portion has flexibility, which allows it to accept greater tolerances for positioning the first and second parts relative to each other. This variation in position between the first part and the second part may be actually unintentional, for example as a result of manufacturing variations, or, conversely and advantageously, it may be It may also be spontaneous as a result of controlled mobility of the contact surface. According to this advantageous embodiment, the first part preferably has different degrees of freedom on the smoothing contact surface, so that the smoothing contact surface can be best adapted to the thickness and positioning of the hair tress. connected with the case of the device by a ball joint in such a way as to make it possible to provide Such an assembly is known to the person skilled in the art or, for example, in the literature (US Pat. No. 6,002,303), and therefore it will not be detailed here.

The first contact surface may have a generally rectangular profile, and the intermediate and distal portions extend only around three of the four sides of the first contact surface. It may be extended. This limits the space associated with the sealing element and therefore the width of the device while forming the vapor screen. In this case, the intermediate part and the distal part are advantageously not present on the side of the first contact surface furthest from said at least one steam outlet. In other words, the sealing element then simply comprises bellows on three of these four sides, thus providing a remarkable compromise between sealing, flexibility and volume. do.

The intermediate portion may have a varying height at least along one side of the first contact surface, or better along each side of the first contact surface. In this case, the height of the intermediate portion is preferably minimal at substantially the middle length of at least one side of the first contact surface and increases towards the end of said side. , its maximum in the corner. This height difference is advantageously provided to allow movements of the contact surface upon pivoting of the contact surface, and the amplitude of these movements increases with distance from the center of rotation. The developed length of the intermediate section, measured in cross-section, is therefore greatest at the angles, for example between approximately 10 and 13 mm, preferably at 11.7 mm. equal. The developed length of the intermediate section, measured in cross-section, is at its minimum in the middle of the sides and is, for example, between approximately 6 mm and 10 mm, preferably equal to 7.9 mm.

In one embodiment, the sealing element has a midline passing through the first contact surface parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device and perpendicular to the heating surface of the first contact surface facing the second contact surface. It has a shape that is not symmetrical with respect to a plane. This lack of symmetry is associated with the lack of a medial and distal portion on one of the sides of the first contact surface and, as explained above, may however damage the sealing. allows you to reduce the width of the device without

The sealing element is preferably present on a single arm and said at least one steam outlet is then carried by the other arm. Advantageously, the concave curved portion of the sealing element is slightly offset from the steam outlet, for example by offsetting by 7 mm.

The device may include a cartridge containing a cosmetic composition. In this case, the second part may in particular serve as a support for said cartridge, comprising a slide into which said cartridge is engaged.

Further in this case, the cartridge may comprise a porous material, in particular felt, impregnated with said composition, and the second part is applied against said porous material on the side opposite to the sealing element. the porous material, the ribs preferably partially penetrating into the porous material. In this way, the second part with its ribs forms a seal with the porous material against the steam released by said at least one steam outlet, which furthermore incurs no additional costs. I won't let you.

Alternatively, the device may include neither a reservoir for the cosmetic composition nor an applicator for the cosmetic composition.

The second part advantageously faces said at least one steam outlet.

The device may also include at least one comb comprising at least one row of teeth, preferably carried by the second arm.

The device advantageously includes a confined zone around said at least one vapor outlet. "Confined area" means at least one part or set of parts allowing at least partial confinement of the steam produced by said at least one steam outlet. This confined area is defined by one of the following elements: a cartridge of composition applied to the hair tress, a comb, a confinement structure located substantially opposite said at least one vapor outlet. such a containment structure may include, for example, at least one groove opposite said at least one steam outlet and, possibly, when the device is connected to a comb. , the comb cover, the second part, one side of the first and second contact surfaces, and any other element of the device provide a partial confinement around the at least one vapor outlet. to create.

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

The confinement allows, at least in part, to locally accumulate more steam in the volume between said at least one steam outlet and the confinement structure, which reduces the steam flow required to treat the hair. This could lead to a decrease. It is possible to reduce the amount of steam required for treatment, thus extending the autonomy of the device and reducing the amount of residual moisture from the hair exiting the device. In addition, the confined area may contribute to a better distribution of steam in the longitudinal direction between the steam outlets. The hair strands can thus be treated more evenly in the lateral direction. Furthermore, the relative partition created by the confining zone makes it possible to apply most of the steam only locally during the passage of the hair tress in the zone located at the level of said at least one steam outlet.

The device according to the invention can be autonomous with an integrated water tank or can include a handpiece formed by an arm and a base station to which the handpiece is connected, which has water for steam generation. Including tank.

The cumulative steam flow rate of (all of) the steam outlets is preferably between 0.5 and 1.1 g/min, preferably less than or equal to 3.5 g/min, and even better less than or equal to 1 g/min, e.g. , between 0.7 g/min and 0.9 g/min.

Said at least one steam outlet advantageously comprises at least one steam ejection channel and at least one steam ejection nozzle. This channel may be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding arm. The nozzles may have the same orientation, so that the steam is emitted in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface, ie perpendicular to the direction of movement of the hair strands within the device. Preferably, the nozzle(s) are conical in shape with a circular cross section, the cross section of the nozzle widening in the direction of the exit of the nozzle. Each steam ejection nozzle is preferably attached to one end of each steam ejection channel. The nozzles can be identical to each other. Channels can be identical to each other.

The steam outlet(s) are preferably supplied with steam by a steaming chamber which is itself supplied with water by a pump. The steam is preferably water steam, in particular free of additives.

The devices include a device for heating the first contact surface consisting of a thermistor with a positive temperature coefficient known as PTC and a heating device consisting of a thermistor with negative temperature coefficient known as NTC. and a measuring device.

If the device includes a thermistor with a positive temperature coefficient and a thermistor with a negative temperature coefficient, these can advantageously be placed behind the first contact surface and the device can be placed along the longitudinal axis of the case receiving them. It may include two plugs, especially made of silicone, arranged at the ends of the direction. This shortens the leak lines and protects the PTC and NTC thermistors from the presence of any possible condensate that could pose a risk to the user.

Each plug advantageously has two holes in order to allow the wires of the NTC thermistor to pass in front of the first contact surface and the wires of the PTC thermistor to pass behind the first contact surface. It's opened.

The device may include a cartridge detection switch, which is in a case that includes two parts that can be ultrasonically welded. The passage of the wire from the switch and from the movable finger for detecting the cartridge can be realized by a seal, especially made of silicone, wedged between the two parts of the case before welding.

If vapor is released within a confined area, it cannot escape vertically or perpendicularly transversely to the longitudinal axis of the device. In this way, steam can escape longitudinally from the front side of the device or from the back side of the grip area of the device. The grip area is the cooler area. It is undesirable for steam to escape towards the grip area located in the user's hand during operation of the device due to the associated discomfort or even risk of burns. In this way, the device may include a seal located behind said at least one steam outlet, in particular behind the last nozzle, on the side of the grip area of the device. The seal is, for example, fixed to the second arm and configured to contact the first arm at a location proximal to the arm. A seal is preferably arranged between the end of said at least one steam outlet and a pivot connection allowing the arm to form a clamp. It is intended to extend behind the contact surface and behind said at least one steam outlet in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device, so as to create a rear partition for escaping steam at the front of the device.

The third part mentioned above may advantageously have an elongated wall towards the rear of the device in the direction of the grip area of the device. The third component is at least indirectly in contact with the first contact surface. In this way, as soon as the device is switched on, the third part is heated and, by its elongated wall, accelerates the heating of the shell of the first arm in the direction of the grip area and this Limiting the risk of vapor condensation on the inner and outer surfaces of the shell.

The steaming chamber is advantageously supported by a support element in the second arm. The support element of the steaming chamber may have an elongated wall towards the grip area of the device. This provides heat to the inner and outer surfaces of the shell of the second arm in order to limit condensation on these surfaces.

Another subject of the invention, according to another aspect thereof, is a hair treatment device, in combination with all or part of the above or independently,
- first movable with respect to each other, which can assume a configuration in which they are spaced apart for introducing a tuft of hair between them and a configuration in which they are closed for treatment of a tuft of hair; and a second arm, wherein the first and second contact surfaces are carried by the oppositely disposed first and second arms, respectively, and at least one of the contact surfaces is heated first and second arms, which are capable of
- at least one steam outlet carried by one of the arms at a distance from the contact surface located on the same arm, for exposing the hair engaged between the arms to steam;
- a device for heating the first contact surface, consisting of a thermistor with a positive temperature coefficient, called PTC, and for measuring the temperature of the heating device, consisting of a thermistor with a negative temperature coefficient, called NTC; A device, in particular made of silicone, in which a PTC thermistor and a CTN thermistor are arranged behind the first contact surface, and the device is arranged at the longitudinal end of the case containing the thermistor and the temperature measuring device. a device comprising two plugs;
including.

This protects the PTC and NTC thermistors from the presence of any possible condensate that could short out the leakage line and pose a risk to the user, as mentioned above.

Each plug advantageously has two holes in order to allow the wires of the NTC thermistor to pass in front of the first contact surface and the wires of the PTC thermistor to pass behind the first contact surface. It's opened.

Another subject of the invention, according to another aspect thereof, is a hair treatment device, in combination with all or part of the above or independently,
- movable with respect to each other, which can have a configuration in which they are separated to introduce a tuft of hair between them and a configuration in which they are closed for the treatment of a tuft of hair; first and second arms, the first and second contact surfaces being carried by the oppositely disposed first and second arms, respectively; at least one of the contact surfaces is first and second arms that can be heated;
- at least one steam outlet carried by one of the arms at a distance from the contact surface located on the same arm, for exposing the hair engaged between the arms to steam;
- a seal located behind at least one steam outlet, in particular behind the last nozzle, on the side of the grip area of the device, said seal being fixed to a second arm and located close to the arm; and a seal is preferably arranged between the end of said at least one steam outlet and a pivoting connection allowing the arm to form a clamp. to be sealed,
including.

Such a seal is provided extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device behind the contact surface and behind said at least one steam outlet for forcing steam to escape from the front of the device. Generate rear partition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be better understood on a reading of the detailed description that follows non-limiting examples of its implementation, and on consideration of the accompanying drawings.
1 schematically shows, in side perspective, an example of the treatment of a hair device according to the invention; FIG. 2 schematically shows the device of FIG. 1 in perspective from the other side, the device being turned over; FIG. 2 schematically shows the device of FIG. 1 in frontal perspective; FIG. 1 is a schematic partial side view of an example of a device according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of a device according to the invention; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional and perspective schematic partial view of a detail of the device of FIG. 6; FIG. 7 is a schematic partial view in longitudinal section and perspective of another detail of the device of FIG. 6; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional and perspective schematic partial view of another detail of the device of FIG. 6; FIG. 7 is an isolated schematic perspective view of the switch box of the device of FIG. 6; FIG. 7 is a schematic partial view in longitudinal section and perspective of a detail of the device of FIG. 6; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional and perspective schematic partial view of another detail of the device of FIG. 6; FIG. 7 is a schematic partial view in longitudinal section and perspective of another detail of the device of FIG. 6; FIG. 7 is a schematic partial view in longitudinal section and perspective of a detail of the device of FIG. 6; FIG. 6 is an isolated schematic perspective view of a sealing element of the device of FIG. 5; FIG.

In the following description, identical elements or identical functions are provided with the same reference symbols. Their detailed description will not be repeated with respect to each of the figures and only the main differences between the embodiments will be mentioned.

FIG. 1 shows a device 1 for treating hair according to an exemplary embodiment according to the invention.

In the example shown, the device 1 is autonomous with an integrated water tank 2. In FIGS. 1 and 2 only part of the electrical supply cord 3 is visible.

The device 1 comprises a first arm 4 and a second arm 5, movable relative to each other, extending along the longitudinal axis Y of the device 1, which facilitates the introduction of a tuft of hair between them. One can envisage a configuration in which they are separated for treatment of hair strands and a configuration in which they are closed for treatment of hair tresses. Figures 1, 2, and 3 specifically illustrate this latter configuration. Figure 4 represents the configuration inside the device 1 separated from the first and second arms 4 and 5 for introducing a tress of hair between them.

The first and second arms 4 and 5 are hinged by a pivot link 6 to form a clamp. The case of each of the first and second arms 4 and 5 comprises a shell, referenced 17 and 18 respectively, housing different components. The first and second arms 4 and 5 are movable in a closed configuration along the hair tress to be treated and their respective proximal portions can be grasped simultaneously in order to operate the device 1 with one hand. (proximal parts) including 4a and 5a.

The first and second arms 4 and 5 also include respective distal portions 4b and 5b and are provided with corresponding first and second plates 10 and 11 on the opposite side, which means that the hair is It allows you to be caught in between.

The first and second plates 10 and 11 define first and second respective contact surfaces 12 and 13 that heat up. "Contact" means contact with the hair strand or any other hair fibers as described above.

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

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

It is noted that variations in shape are possible for the first and second contact surfaces 12 and 13. For example, like certain hair dressing devices, implementing a curved surface that allows the hair to curl, or even making it wavy, like those used in hair crimpers, or even, for example, on teeth. It can even be equipped with many protuberances. Preferably, the contact surfaces are complementary so as to then securely grip the hair strand.

The device 1 is also spaced a short distance from the second plate 11 in order to expose the hair that is engaged between the first and second arms 4 and 5 when they are in this steam application zone. In this example it comprises at least one steam outlet 20, in this case several outlets, carried by the second arm 5.

The device 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 include rigid teeth and/or flexible bristles, such as tufts of silk bristles, or a combination of rigid teeth and flexible bristles.

In this example, the first arm 4 includes at least a first part 40 for supporting the first plate 10 and at least one part different from the first part 40 and separate from the first plate 10. and two second portions 41.

Device 1 also includes, according to the invention, an elastically deformable sealing element 50 extending at least partially around first plate 10 between first plate 10 and first part 40 . a portion 51 and a distal portion 52 extending in contact with the second component 41, the proximal portion 51 and the distal portion 52 being separated by an intermediate portion 53 extending between the first and second components 40 and 41. It is connected.

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

The unfolded length of the intermediate section 53, measured in cross-section, may be greater than 5 mm, in particular 7 mm.

The intermediate portion 53 connects the proximal portion 51 and the distal portion 52, so that it is preferably larger than 2 mm, such as less than 6 mm, e.g. substantially 3.5 mm, as can be seen for example in FIG. There may be a drop Δh between the low point P of the proximal part 51 and the low point Q of the distal part 52 equal to 6 mm.

The total height of the sealing element 50, which corresponds to the distance measured between the point P and the top of the recess of the intermediate part 53, is preferably between 5 and 15 mm, and this height varies depending on the cross-section of the sealing element 50. It is known to do. Specifically, as seen in FIG. 15, this height is minimum at the center of the length, while maximum at the corners. Advantageously, the minimum height is substantially equal to 8 mm and the maximum height is substantially equal to 10 mm.

Proximal portion 51 extends around the entire circumference of first plate 10 .

As seen in FIG. 5, the proximal portion 51 of the sealing element 50 is sandwiched between the first plate 10 and the rib 55 of the first part 40. In this example, proximal portion 151 has a generally H-shaped cross-section. The proximal portion 51 has a groove 56 that engages the return 57 of the first plate 10 and an opposite groove 58 that engages the rib 55 of the first part 40.

The distal portion 52 is in this example. It is sandwiched between a second part 41 and a third internal part 42 of the first arm 4, which are formed by the internal parts of the shell 17.

The intermediate portion 53 has at least one bend in its cross section. In the illustrated example, the intermediate portion 53 has a bottom portion that is U-shaped in cross-section and is concavely curved towards the opposite arm 5 .

The first plate 10 has a generally rectangular profile 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. In this way, FIG. 5 shows the sealing element 50 on the side of the first plate 10 opposite the steam outlet 20 with only a proximal portion 51 . As seen in FIG. 15, the other three sides of the first plate 10 are surrounded by an assembly of a proximal portion 51, a distal portion 52 and an intermediate portion 53 of the sealing element 50. This allows the width of the device 1 to be reduced without appreciably affecting the seal.

Particularly for this reason, as can be seen in particular in FIG. It has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the median plane passing through the first plate 10.

Further in this example, the sealing element 50 is present on a single arm, the first arm 4, and said at least one steam outlet 20 is carried by the other arm, the second arm 5. Preferably, the sealing element 50 and in particular the intermediate part 53 is arranged in a steam ejection zone or slightly offset from said at least one steam outlet 20 so as to form a steam screen. "Slightly offset" means an offset of between 2 and 15 mm, and advantageously substantially equal to 7 mm, relative to the axis of the steam jet. Preferably the offset is towards the interior of the device.

In this example, the device 1 has neither a reservoir for the cosmetic composition nor an applicator for the cosmetic composition.

The second part 41 advantageously faces said at least one steam outlet 20 .

In the example shown, the device 1 comprises a confinement zone 90 around said at least one steam outlet 20.
The confinement zone 90 is delimited in this example by a confinement structure 21 formed by the second part 41, which allows at least partial confinement of the vapors emitted by the device. This confinement structure 21 includes in this example a groove 25 facing the steam outlet 20 . The restricted area 90 is also delimited by the comb 30. The storage structure also includes a cover 91 for the comb 30.

The first plate 10, in the example shown in FIG. is pivotally attached to the first corresponding arm 4 via engagement of the head 110 in the form of a portion of the head 110 .

The spherical support of the head 110 on the circular edge of the wall 111 is useful when the thickness of the hair strands sandwiched between the plates is not uniform or is not centered on the first plate 10. It creates a ball joint that allows the plate 10 to pivot, and in this way the contact surface with the lock is increased. FIG. 5 shows a coil spring 62 supported at one end against the bottom of the case defined by the cylindrical wall 111 and against the head 110 at the other end. The deformability of the sealing element 150 by the intermediate part 53 makes it possible to follow this pivoting movement of the first plate 10 while acting as a barrier against steam. Indeed, the bellows shape of said intermediate part 53 gives the sealing element a remarkable flexibility, while its proximal part 51 and distal part 53 are connected to the first plate 10 and the second part, respectively. It is fixed at 41.

The lower part of the second arm 5 houses a steam chamber that allows the generation of steam which then projects through the outlet 20 passing through the channel 26 and the nozzle 27.

Such a steaming chamber comprises a heating device consisting of a thermistor with a positive temperature coefficient, called PTC, and a device for measuring the temperature of the heating device consisting of a thermistor with a negative temperature coefficient, called NTC. You can stay there.

The total steam flow rate delivered by all steam outlets is between 0.5 g/min and 0.8 g/min, or between 2 and 2.5 g/min.

The steaming chamber is itself supplied by an electric pump, in particular a peristaltic pump, which is itself connected to the reservoir 2, these elements being preferably arranged in the second arm 5.

The device 1 may also include an electronic card, not shown, configured to manage the power supply of the resistive heating element in order to control the operating temperature. This electronic card can be placed in one of the two arms 4 or 5, for example in the proximal part 5a of arm 5, and has a user interface.

Furthermore, the device 1 may include a magnetic sensor of the ILS flexible blade switch type, not shown, which allows the contact surfaces 12 and 13 to grip the hair strands to be treated. It makes it possible to detect a closed configuration of arms 4 and 5, substantially facing each other. In another variant, the flexible blade switch may be replaced by a magnetoresistive sensor MRS or by any other detection means.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 14, the second part 41 is different. In this example, as can be seen in particular in FIG. It has a rib 61 applied to the distal portion 52.

Further in this example, as in the previous example shown in FIG. 15 and in particular in this example shown in FIGS. and along each side of the first plate 10 on which the intermediate portion 53 lies, has a varying height h.

As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the height h of the intermediate portion 53 is at a minimum at substantially the mid-length of at least one side of the first plate 10 and at the end of said side. It increases towards.

The difference in height h of the intermediate portion 53 which is greatest at the corner of the side of the first plate 10 and least at the center of the side of the first plate 10 is, in particular, Selected to allow pivoting. In fact, the further away from the head 110 it moves, the higher the movement of the first plate 10 during its pivoting by a predetermined angle. These high-amplitude movements are then significantly facilitated by the maximum difference in height h at the corners, since the length of the bellows is then maximized.

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

As shown, the device 1 may include a cartridge 80 containing a cosmetic composition C to be applied to the hair, the second part 41 serving to support said cartridge 80. Second part 41 may then have a slide 81 in which cartridge 80 engages. Cartridge 80 includes a porous material 82 impregnated with composition C. In the illustrated example, porous material 82 is felt. As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 9, the second part 41 has a rib 85 that presses said porous material 82 on the opposite side of the sealing element 50. In this example, ribs 85 partially penetrate porous material 82 as can be seen.

The cartridge 80 is also held in place in this example by engaging a slide 86 of the device 1.

In the second arm 5, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 12, the spring 107 makes it possible to push the hair by pressing the surface 108 against the lower edge 109 of the porous material 82 during its passage.

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

In this example, the device 1 includes a device for heating the first plate 10 consisting of a positive temperature coefficient PTC thermistor 15 and a device for measuring the temperature of the heating device consisting of a negative coefficient thermistor NTC 101. , is provided. Thermistors PTC15 and NTC101 are arranged behind the first plate 10, as seen in FIG. The device 1 comprises two plugs 102, for example made of silicone, arranged at their longitudinal ends. This protects thermistors 15 and 101 from the presence of any possible condensate that could short the leakage line and create a risk to the user.

Each plug 102 is advantageously designed for clarity in the drawing in order to allow the wires of the thermistor 101 to pass in front of the first plate 10 and the wires of the thermistor 15 to pass behind the first plate 10. Two holes, which are not visible in the diagram, are drilled to ensure this.

The device 1 also includes a switch 105 for detecting the presence of a cartridge, present in a case 106 comprising two parts that are welded together by ultrasound, as can be seen in FIG. there is no. The switch wire and the movable detection finger pass through a seal, especially made of silicone, which is pressed between the two parts of the case 106 before welding.

The device 1 also includes a seal 120 located in this example behind the last nozzle 27a, on the side of the grip area of the device, as seen in FIGS. 11 and 12. This seal 120 is fixed to the second arm 5 and configured to contact the first arm 4 at a location close to the arms 4,5. A seal 120 is placed between the last steam nozzle 27a and the pivot link 6, allowing the arm to form a clamp. A seal 120 is located behind and at the rear of the plates 10 and 11 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device so as to force steam to escape through the front of the device 1 and thus protect the grip area from steam. The nozzle 27a extends behind the nozzle 27a. There is therefore no risk of burning the user's hands and condensation of steam in the grip area is avoided. This also avoids the formation of condensation in unspecified areas.

The third part 42 has a wall 112 extending towards the rear of the device 1, in the direction of the grip area of the device 1, as seen in FIG. This third part 42 is in at least indirect contact with the first plate 10 . In this way, as soon as the device 1 is started, the third part 42 is heated and accelerates the heating of the shell 17 of the first arm 4 by its wall 112, so that the inner surface of this shell 17 and limit external condensation.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 14, in the second arm 5 the support element 114 of the steaming chamber may include an elongated wall 115 towards the grip area of the device 1. This makes it possible to bring heat to the inner and outer surfaces of the shell 18 of the second arm 5 in order to limit its condensation.

Claims (19)

first and second arms (4) movable with respect to each other capable of having a separated configuration for introducing a tuft of hair and a closed configuration for treatment of said tuft of hair; , 5), wherein the first and second contact surfaces (12, 13) are respectively carried by the first and second arms (4, 5) arranged oppositely, and the contact surfaces ( first and second arms (4, 5), at least one of which can be heated;
carried by one of the arms (4) at a distance from the contact surface (13) located on the same arm in order to expose the hair engaged between the arms (4, 5) to steam; at least one steam outlet (20) for supporting the first contact surface (12); at least one steam outlet (20) comprising at least one second part (41) different from and separated from the first part;
an elastically deformable sealing element (50) extending at least partially around the first contact surface (12) between the first contact surface and the first part (40); a distal portion (52) extending in contact with the second component (41), the proximal portion (51) and the distal portion (52) an elastically deformable sealing element (50) extending between one part (40) and said second part (41) and connected by an intermediate part (53) forming a vapor screen;
including;
said intermediate part (53) has at least one bend in cross section and is concave, curved towards the opposite arm, in particular having a U-shaped bottom in cross section;
Device (1) for treating hair. said proximal portion (51) extends around the entire circumference of said first contact surface (12);
Device (1) according to claim 1. Said proximal portion (51) is sandwiched between said first contact surface (12) and a rib (55) of said first part (40), in particular said first contact surface (12) a generally H-shaped groove (56) that engages the return (57) of the first part (40) and an opposite groove (58) that engages the rib (55) of the first part (40). having a cross section,
Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2. said distal part (52) being sandwiched between said second part (41) and third part (42) of the first arm (4);
Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The second part (41) has a groove (60) in which the distal part (52) is at least partially received, and the third part (42) has a groove (60) immediately above the groove (60). a rib (61) applied to said distal portion (52);
Device (1) according to claim 4. The first contact surface (12) has a generally rectangular profile, and the intermediate portion (53) and the distal portion (52) define four sides of the first contact surface (12). Extending from only around three of the
Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. said intermediate portion (53) and said distal portion (52) are absent on said side (16) of said first contact surface (12) furthest from said at least one steam outlet (20);
Device (1) according to claim 6. said first contact surface (12) is pivotally attached to said first arm (4), in particular by a ball joint or the like;
Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Said intermediate portion (53) varies along at least one side of said first contact surface (12), and better along each side of said first contact surface (12). having a height (h) of
Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Said height (h) of said intermediate portion (53) is at a minimum at substantially the middle length of at least one side of said first contact surface (12) and at the end of said side increasing towards
Device (1) according to claim 9. Said sealing element (50) is parallel to the longitudinal axis (Y) of said device (1) and perpendicular to the heating surface of said first contact surface (12) facing said second contact surface (13). has a shape that is asymmetrical with respect to the median plane (M) passing through the first contact surface (12);
Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10. said sealing element (50) is on a single arm (4) and said at least one steam outlet is carried by another arm (5);
Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11. comprising a cartridge (80) containing a cosmetic composition (C), said second part (41) functioning to support said cartridge (80), in particular a slide in which said cartridge (80) engages; (81),
Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12. said second part (41) faces said at least one steam outlet (20);
Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. at least one comb (30) comprising at least one row of teeth (31), said comb (30) being preferably carried by said second arm (5);
Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14. comprising a confined area (90) around said at least one steam outlet (20);
Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15. Said confined area (90) comprises substantially the following elements: a cartridge (80) of composition (C) applied to said hair tress, a comb (30), and said at least one vapor outlet (20). bounded by at least one of the storage structures (21) disposed on opposite sides;
Such a containment structure (21) in particular comprises at least one groove (25) facing said at least one steam outlet (20), and possibly said device (1) comprises a comb (30), the cover (91) of said comb (30), when including said second part (41), one side of said first and said second contact surfaces (12, 13) or any of said device; other elements partially create a containment around said at least one steam outlet (20);
Device (1) according to claim 16. a seal (120) arranged behind said at least one steam outlet (20), in particular behind the last nozzle (27a), on the side of the grip area of said device (1), said seal (120) , fixed to said second arm (5) and configured to contact said first arm (4) in a position close to said arm, said seal (120) preferably arranged between the end of the steam outlet (20) and a pivot connection (6) that allows said arms (4, 5) to form a clamp;
Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17. said third part (42) has an elongated wall (112) towards the rear of said device (1) in the direction of the grip area of said device (1);
Device (1) according to claim 4.

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