WO2023126601A1 - Heating and steam diffusion hairstyling appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

- The invention relates to a steam hairstyling appliance (1) comprising at least one heating element (4) intended to come into contact with the hair, and also comprising means for emitting steam that are designed to subject said hair, in contact with said heating element, to a flow of steam, said heating element comprising at least one steam ejection opening, the means for emitting steam comprising: - a device (5) for vaporising liquid in order to generate the flow of steam, comprising a vaporisation chamber (50) provided with at least one steam outlet (502); and - a steam channelling device (52) that is separate from the vaporisation chamber and from the heating element and that is connected on one side to the steam outlet and on the other side to said one steam ejection opening. - Hairstyling appliances

Description

HAIRDRESSING APPLIANCE WITH HEATING AND STEAM DIFFUSION

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the general technical field of hairdressing appliances, for example for domestic use, intended to provide shaping, embellishment and / or improvement of the health of the hair, and more specifically to the field of electric portable hairdressing appliances such as hairdressing brushes, detangling brushes, smoothing brushes or hair straighteners.

The invention relates more specifically to a steam hairdressing appliance comprising at least one heating element intended to come into contact with the hair as well as steam emission means configured to subject said hair to a flow of steam.

PRIOR TECHNIQUE

[0003] Hairdressing appliances are known which make it possible to subject the hair to a stream of water vapour, and to a mechanical and/or thermal treatment. This treatment is for example carried out by means of a device of the straightener type comprising a pair of heating plates between which the hair can be pinched, a comb to untangle the hair prior to their heat treatment between the heating plates and orifices diffusing vapor which are arranged adjacent to the comb. The emission of steam, prior to the mechanical and thermal actions exerted against the hair, aims to facilitate the styling operation and to improve its efficiency, while preserving, at least to a certain extent, the appearance of the hair. Nevertheless, it turns out that the results which can be obtained using such a known steam device can still be improved, in particular as regards the diffusion of steam on and against the hair. Indeed, the vapor diffusion orifices remain relatively cold, which leads to immediate condensation of the vapor on contact with them or in the immediate vicinity of the latter, thus limiting its good propagation through the hair of the user. [0004] More generally, the construction of known steam hairdressing appliances is particularly complex, in particular because of the steam that must be created, transported and diffused. These devices generally comprise in particular a steam generator heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize a fluid (generally water) which is then routed to one or more steam diffusion orifices. The designers of these devices must then ensure that the steam is diffused only in the desired places. For example, the steam must not spread inside the hairdressing appliance, otherwise it could cause a serious malfunction of the latter, or even a risk of electrocution for the user.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to provide a response to the above-mentioned needs and problems, and to propose in particular a new steam hairdressing device which makes it possible to subject the hair of a user to a flow of steam. in combination with heat treatment in a particularly effective, reliable and safe manner.

[0006] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new hairdressing appliance of simple construction and of relatively easy and inexpensive manufacture.

[0010] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new hairdressing device of particularly robust and compact construction.

[0007] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new hairdressing device which, while making it possible to obtain, easily and quickly, particularly satisfactory hair styling and shaping effects.

[0008] The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a steam hairdressing appliance comprising at least one heating element intended to come into contact with the hair as well as means for emitting steam configured for subjecting to a flow of steam said hair in contact with said heating element, said heating element comprising at least one steam ejection orifice, said means for emitting steam comprising - a liquid vaporization device for generating said vapor flow, said vaporization device comprising a vaporization chamber provided with at least one vapor outlet, and

- a steam channeling device, which is separate from the vaporization chamber and from the heating element, and which is connected on one side to the steam outlet and on the other side to said at least one ejection orifice of steam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear and emerge in more detail on reading the description given below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given solely by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, among which :

- Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a hairdressing appliance according to the invention, consisting in this case of a hairdressing brush;

- Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the hairdressing appliance of Figure 1, of which the cowling elements and the head elements have been omitted so as to show details of the internal design of the appliance. Furthermore, a pipe element connecting a liquid supply device to the vaporization device of said liquid has been omitted;

- Figure 3 is another schematic perspective view of the hairdressing appliance of Figure 1, of which cowling elements and head elements have been omitted so as to show details of the internal design of the appliance . Furthermore, a pipe element connecting a liquid supply device to the vaporization device of said liquid has been omitted;

- Figure 4 is an exploded view of a hairdressing appliance according to the invention. Certain elements of piping and electrical wiring in particular have been omitted;

- Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the head of the hairdressing appliances of the previous figures; - Figure 6 illustrates in isolation, in a schematic perspective view, a one-piece piece of cast aluminum that advantageously forms the heating element of the hairdressing appliance, and which contributes to forming the head of Figure 4 or that of FIG. 5, which includes heating pins and steam pins;

- Figure 7 illustrates in isolation, in a schematic perspective view, the vaporization chamber and the steam channeling device of the hairdressing appliances of Figures 1 to 4, the steam channeling device being illustrated connected to the steam outlets of the vaporization chamber;

- Figure 8 is an exploded view in perspective of the vaporization device and the vapor channeling device of Figure 7;

- Figure 9 illustrates in isolation, in a perspective detail view, the steam channeling device of Figures 7 and 8 in particular;

- Figure 10 is an exploded view in perspective showing the interaction between the vapor channeling device of Figure 9 and the one-piece part of Figure 6, these elements having been turned over with respect to the previous figures;

- Figure 11 schematically illustrates in a truncated view in sagittal section the head of the hairdressing appliances of Figures 1 to 4.

BEST WAY TO REALIZE THE INVENTION

[0010] The hairdressing appliance 1 in accordance with the invention is preferably portable, that is to say that at least part, and preferably all, of the appliance 1 is designed to be gripped and handled by hand. The hairdressing appliance 1 is preferably a portable electric appliance, intended to be connected to the electricity distribution network in order to be electrically supplied. It is however alternatively conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, that the device 1 embeds electrical supply batteries, possibly rechargeable. The hairdressing appliance 1 is preferably designed for use in a domestic setting, and is intended to provide hair shaping and/or hair embellishment and/or hair health improvement. Preferably, the hairdressing appliance 1 is designed so that the user uses the hairdressing appliance 1 on himself, that is to say on his own hair. However, it is perfectly possible for the hairdressing appliance 1 to be designed for use by the user on the hair of a third person (or other user). Preferably, the hairdressing appliance 1 is intended for use in a domestic setting by a user (woman or man) lacking particular professional skills in hairdressing. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing appliance 1 constitutes a hairdressing brush. The invention is however not limited to a hairdressing appliance 1 forming a hairdressing brush, and the hairdressing appliance 1 can for example constitute a smoothing brush, a detangling brush or a straightener, without however out of the scope of the invention.

As illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing device 1 advantageously comprises a handle 2 for manual gripping, which is intended to be gripped by hand, and for example grasped, by the user, to manipulate the hairdressing device. 1. The handle 2 extends for example longitudinally, along a central longitudinal axis X-X', between a first end from which emerges for example an electric power cable, and an opposite second end. The hairdressing appliance 1 advantageously comprises a head 3 to engage the hair, that is to say to preferably come into contact with the hair in order to subject it to a mechanical, thermal and/or fluidic action. The head 3 is advantageously carried by said handle 2, and extends for example longitudinally, along said central axis X-X', between a rear end fixed to the second end of the handle 2, and a free front end. Preferably, as illustrated in the figures, the handle 2 has a substantially elongated shape which is extended by the head 3, which is advantageously wider than the handle 2 and has for example a substantially oblong general shape. Preferably and as illustrated, the handle 2 and the head 3 are formed, at least in part, by a main body in one piece, of the box type, for example made of plastic material. The head 3 advantageously has a front face 3A which, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, is preferably provided with brushing pins 7 between and against which the hair is intended to find itself and to move, during use. of the hairdressing device 1 .

[0012] The hairdressing appliance 1 comprises at least one heating element 4 intended to come into contact with the hair, to transmit heat thereto, as well as means for emitting steam configured to subject said hair to a flow of steam. in contact with said heating element 4. In other words, the hairdressing appliance 1 is designed so that hair is simultaneously:

- in contact, at least locally, with said heating element 4,

- And subjected, at least locally, to a flow of steam, advantageously during a styling operation during which the head 3 engages said hair, for example to brush them, preferably by means of the aforementioned brushing pins 7.

As illustrated by example in the figures, said heating element 4 is advantageously carried by the head 3 of the hairdressing device 1, an outer face of the heating element 4 contributing to form at least a portion of the front face 3A of said head 3, while an internal face 4A of heating element 4 is oriented facing the inside of head 3.

[0014] The steam emission means comprise in particular a liquid vaporization device 5 for generating, from a liquid, said stream of steam, which is advantageously intended to be directed towards and on the hair of the user. Said vapor emission means preferably further comprise a supply device 6 for supplying liquid to the vaporization device 5.

[0015] Preferably, the liquid in question is water. The term "water" can designate any liquid containing mainly water (that is to say at least 50% by weight of water, and preferably at least 80% by weight of water, even more preferably at least 95% by weight of water) and capable of being transformed into steam, and thus includes distilled water, running tap water, but also various aqueous solutions containing cosmetic, olfactory elements , etc.

[0016] The term "steam" must here be taken in an extensive sense and thus denotes either:

- a substance (preferably water) in gaseous state, or

- said substance (preferably water) in a liquid state in the form of a mist of droplets and/or microdroplets, or - a mixture of said substance (preferably water) in the gaseous state and of said substance (preferably water) in the liquid state in the form of a mist of droplets and/or microdroplets .

[0017] In other words, the expression "water vapour" should not be limited to its strictly scientific definition and here covers water in the gaseous state, the particles of liquid water in suspension in the air, or a mixture of gaseous water and liquid water particles (droplets / microdroplets) suspended in the air.

As illustrated in the figures, said vaporization device s comprises a vaporization chamber 50 provided with at least one vapor outlet 502, as well as advantageously at least one liquid supply inlet 501 . Typically, as illustrated by example in Figures 2, 4, 8 and 11, said at least one steam outlet 502 has a tubular shape, and thus advantageously forms a chimney, which projects from one face (upper face) of the vaporization chamber 50. Advantageously, the vaporization chamber 50 is arranged inside the head 3 of the hairdressing appliance 1, therefore as close as possible to the heating element 4.

[0019] Preferably and as illustrated, the vaporization device s also comprises a first heating device 51 designed to heat the vaporization chamber 50 and thus transform, within the vaporization chamber 50, the liquid into vapor. The first heating device 51 is therefore designed and configured to bring, and advantageously maintain, the vaporization chamber 50 at an operating temperature sufficient to allow the vaporization of the liquid within said vaporization chamber 50. In particular, the first device heater 51 is preferably designed and configured to bring the vaporization chamber 50 to an operating temperature between between 100°C and 180°C, more preferably between 105°C and 150°C, and for example substantially equal at 130°C. The first heating device 51 is formed, for example, by one or more resistive elements capable of heating by Joule effect (for example one or more heating elements, or thermistor(s), with a "Positive Temperature Coefficient" (PTC)) , said resistive element(s) being advantageously arranged in contact with the vaporization chamber 50. More preferably, the first heating device 51 is arranged opposite a face (lower face) of the bedroom vaporization 50, opposite the face (upper face) of the latter which carries said at least one outlet 502 of steam.

[0020] Preferably and as illustrated, the hairdressing device 1 comprises a second heating device 40, designed and arranged to heat said heating element 4. The second heating device 40 can be formed, for example, by one or more resistive elements capable of heating by Joule effect (for example one or more heating elements, or thermistor(s), with a "Positive Temperature Coefficient" (PTC)), said resistive element(s) being arranged ) advantageously in contact with the heating element 4. Preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the second heating device 40 of the heating element 4 is separate from said first heating device 51 of the vaporization chamber 50 This makes it possible in particular to easily and easily heat the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating element 4 in order to bring them respectively to operating temperatures which may advantageously be different. In particular, the second heating device 40 is preferably designed and configured to heat the heating element 4 so that the latter has (in operation of the device 1) a first surface temperature (that is to say a temperature of surface) whose value is at least equal to 110°C, preferably at least equal to 120°C and advantageously between 120°C and 200°C, more preferably between 130°C and 170°C, preferably also between 140°C and 160°C, and for example substantially equal to 150°C.

[0021] In order to subject the hair to the flow of steam generated by the liquid vaporization device, the hairdressing appliance 1 comprises at least one steam ejection orifice 710, which is arranged on the side of the front face 3A of the head 3. Said steam outlet 502 is for its part advantageously in fluid communication with the surrounding outside air, preferably permanently, via said at least one steam ejection orifice 710 . In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the vaporization chamber 50 is advantageously kept permanently at atmospheric pressure, as envisaged above, which in particular avoids having to resort to a valve at the outlet, due to the absence of rise in steam pressure within the vaporization chamber 50 and the apparatus 1 . Among the advantages of such a design, we can note in particular the absence of risk of overpressure (and therefore the absence of the need for means to prevent or manage such overpressures), as well as a lower risk of ejection of a stream of steam at too high a temperature likely to damage the hair or the scalp.

Said liquid supply device 6 preferably comprises a reservoir 60 for storing a quantity of liquid, and preferably liquid water, and a pump 61 connected to said reservoir 60 and to said vaporization device 5, for example via a pipe connected to the supply inlet 501 of the vaporization chamber 50. Advantageously on board, the tank 60 is for example removable, that is to say it is detachable from the main body of the device 1 with a view to filling it, which makes it possible in particular to dispense with an earth connection for the power supply of the device 1. To this end, the tank 60 is preferably substantially under pressure atmospheric. The use of a pump 61 associated with a tank 60 at atmospheric pressure, rather than a pressurized tank associated with a valve, also allows optimum safety of use and increased reliability in terms of flow control. Preferably, said pump 61 is a peristaltic pump, which allows very fine control of low flow rates. Alternatively, a diaphragm pump or any other suitable type could be considered, although a peristaltic pump is still preferred. Preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the device 1 does not have a device for heating the reservoir 60, so that the liquid contained in the latter remains substantially at ambient temperature when the device is in use.

The hairdressing device 1 is therefore advantageously designed to subject the hair engaged by the head 3 to a thermo-mechanical steam treatment, according to which the hair is advantageously simultaneously subjected to:

- A mechanical action, due to the brushing effected by the displacement of the front face 3A, from which brushing pins 7 preferably protrude, on and against the hair;

- a thermal action, by contact and/or proximity with the heating element 4, which is advantageously carried by the head 3 as mentioned above;

- and a fluidic action, which is in this case a steam treatment, consisting in subjecting the hair engaged by the head 3 and in contact with and/or close to the heating element 4, advantageously via said at least orifice 710 for steam ejection.

[0024] The simultaneous implementation, and advantageously combined, of these three treatments (mechanical, thermal and steam) advantageously makes it possible to beautify, and/or to treat, and/or to repair the hair, and advantageously also allows the shaping the hair, in particular by disciplining it.

[0025] More specifically, the heating element 4 comprises said at least one orifice 710 for ejecting steam, so that the flow of steam is therefore ejected out of the hairdressing appliance 1 via the heating element 4, as close as possible to the hair which is in contact with, and/or close to, said heating element 4. Thus, the thermal treatment of the hair (supply of heat by the heating element 4) is combined with the fluidic treatment (supply of steam via said at least one orifice 710 for ejecting steam from the heating element 4). The term “combined” is understood here to mean simultaneous performance of said thermal and fluidic treatments on the same zone of hair. Thus the same portion of lock of hair will undergo simultaneously, that is to say concomitantly, both a heat treatment and a fluidic treatment. This makes it possible to obtain a "double" action combined and concentrated on the same area of hair. This makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of the treatment, and to obtain excellent results in terms of styling, beautifying and caring for the hair, while minimizing the number of necessary passages of the hairdressing device 1 against the hair. The fact that the heating element 4 comprises said at least one steam ejection orifice 710 also makes it possible to greatly limit, or even completely eliminate, the risk of premature condensation of the steam at the outlet of the orifice 710 of ejection of steam, given the temperature to which the heating element 4 is brought in operation of the apparatus 1 . The temperature of the heating element 4 will thus contribute to maintaining the flow of steam in the form of steam for as long as possible. The aforementioned fluidic action, coupled with the thermal action, is thus particularly effective and safe. In fact, it is thus advantageously avoided that, by condensing, the vapor of the vapor stream is transformed back into liquid (or condensate), which nevertheless remains relatively hot. This liquid resulting from the condensation of the vapor flow can present several inconveniences or risks, whether for the user or for the hairdressing appliance 1 itself. In particular, the liquid hot risk of running on the user's hair, which will soak them, then compromising the desired result of the hairdressing operation. The liquid also runs the risk of flowing onto the user's scalp, thus risking burning it, or at the very least causing it an unpleasant sensation. There is also a risk of the liquid running off along and/or inside the hairdressing device, thus compromising its manageability and its reliability.

In order to effectively guide the vapor generated by the liquid vaporization device 5 to aud it at least one vapor ejection orifice 710, the vapor emission means further comprise a vapor channeling device 52 , which is separate from the vaporization chamber 50 and from the heating element 4, and which is connected (that is to say connected in fluidic connection) on one side to said at least one vapor outlet 502 of the vaporization chamber 50, and on the other side to said at least one orifice 710 for steam ejection. The steam channeling device 52 is therefore designed and configured to ensure a fluidic connection, tight to steam, between the vaporization chamber 50 and said at least one steam ejection orifice 710 carried or defined by the heating element 4 so as to conduct the flow of vapor generated by the vaporization chamber 50 from the outlet 502 of vapor towards the orifice 710 of vapor ejection. Thus, the vapor channeling device 52 is interposed between and connected to two heating components - or at the very least heated - different from the device 1, namely the vaporization chamber 50 on the one hand and the heating element 4 on the other hand, which are preferentially at different temperatures, and advantageously both at temperatures above 100° C., during operation of the hairdressing device 1 .

The use of such a channeling device 52 separate steam from the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating element 4 provides a number of interesting technical advantages. First of all, this allows operation of the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating element 4 at different temperatures which can be controlled, regulated, independently in a precise and fine manner. This also makes it possible to limit a risk of heating in the vaporization chamber 50 in the case where the heating element 4 is at a very high operating temperature relative to the vaporization temperature of the liquid. Indeed, the steam channeling device 52 being separate from the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating element 4, it becomes possible to design the steam channeling device 52 in a material making it possible to limit the thermal conduction between the heating element 4 and the vaporization chamber 50, that is to say to thermally insulate the heating element 4 from the vaporization chamber 50, so that the operating temperature of the heating element 4 does not interfere with the correct operation of the vaporization chamber 50 and vice versa. As a result, the hairdressing device 1 according to the invention is particularly efficient and reliable in operation.

Furthermore, the implementation of such a channeling device 52 allows good management of the thermal expansion phenomena of the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating element 4, during their temperature setting as during their cooling, it being observed that, due to the fact that the heating element 4 advantageously has an external face oriented towards the outside of the hairdressing device 1 (which external face advantageously defines at least a portion of the front face 3A of the head 3 of the hairdressing device 1, as mentioned above), the heating element 4 is therefore likely to take longer to reach its operating temperature and, symmetrically, to cool more quickly, than the vaporization chamber 5 which is for its part advantageously arranged within the head 3 of the hairdressing device 1, and is therefore not in direct contact with the external environment. Such optimal management of the thermal expansion phenomena, and of the associated mechanical stresses, advantageously limits the risk of loss of tightness of the steam emission means, and therefore contributes to making the operation of the device 1 particularly reliable and safe. In addition, the use of such a channeling device 52 separate from the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating element 4 facilitates the design, manufacture and assembly of the hairdressing device 1, insofar as the channeling device 52 can then be advantageously designed and configured to compensate for any dimensional manufacturing tolerances of the vaporization chamber 50 and of the heating element 4. This is particularly interesting in the case where the vaporization chamber 50 and/or or the heating element 4 are formed from a casting, or at the very least comprise a casting, that is to say a casting made of metal or metal alloy (and for example aluminum or cast aluminium, as will be discussed later).

Preferably, the steam channeling device 52 is made of an elastically deformable material, which facilitates assembly, advantageously contributes to thermally insulate the vaporization chamber 50 from the heating element 4, and makes it possible to take into account in a particularly simple and effective manner any phenomena of thermal expansion and/or any dimensional tolerances of the vaporization chamber 50 and of the heating element 4, without compromising the tightness of the steam connection between the steam outlet 502 and said at least one orifice 710 for steam ejection. Even more preferably, the steam channeling device 52 is made of a polymeric material (plastic material) resistant to heat and steam, and preferably of thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone or fluoropolymer (for example, PTFE) .

As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the steam channeling device 52 is advantageously assembled to said at least one steam outlet 502 by force fitting. This makes it possible in particular to ensure in a simple and robust manner, without additional clamping means, an excellent seal against steam at the interface between the steam outlet 502 of the vaporization chamber 50 and the steam channeling device 52 . Advantageously, in the case where said at least one steam outlet 502 has a tubular shape which advantageously extends projecting from one face (upper face) of the vaporization chamber 50, the channeling device 52 is therefore advantageously assembled to narrow covering of said tubular shape. Such an assembly by force fitting is particularly easy when the vapor channeling device 52 is made of an elastically deformable material as envisaged above.

[0031] Preferably, in particular in terms of the compactness of the hairdressing device 1, the heating element 4 and the vaporization chamber 50 are arranged facing each other, preferably at a distance from one another. on the other, the steam channeling device 52 being arranged at least in part between said heating element 4 and said vaporization chamber 50. In other words, the heating element 4 and the vaporization chamber 50 are advantageously arranged superimposed with respect to each other, with the channeling device 52 of steam interposed between them. As illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing appliance 1 can advantageously comprise a support plate 41 for the second heating device 40 of the heating element 4, which is designed and configured to firmly hold said second heating device 40 in permanent contact against at least a portion of the heating element 4 in order to ensure effective heat transfer by conduction, and which is interposed between the vaporization chamber 50 and the heating element 4, the second heating device 40 being interposed between the support plate 41 and the heating element 4. In this case, said support plate 41 can advantageously be provided with one or more through orifices 411 through which the vapor channeling device 52 can thus extend to connect the vaporization chamber 50 to the heating element 4.

Preferably, in order to ensure a particularly effective treatment of the hair with steam, the heating element 4 comprises a plurality of orifices 710 for ejecting steam. For example, as illustrated in the figures, said steam ejection orifices 710 are distributed along a line centered along the central axis X-X' of extension of the head 3 and of the handle 2 of the hairdressing appliance 1, which advantageously allows diffusion of the vapor flow over a major part of the length of the head 3, and in the center of the front face 3A of the head 3, that is to say advantageously in the center of the styling zone of the head 3. It is then advantageous, as illustrated in the figures, that the steam channeling device 52 preferably forms a monolithic part, in one piece (thus unique), defining a plurality of internal ducts 521, to ensure guidance of steam from said at least one steam outlet 502 to each of said steam ejection orifices 710, and thus advantageously allow a substantially homogeneous distribution of the steam flow.

As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the vaporization chamber 50 can advantageously be provided with a plurality of steam outlets 502, for example six in number, separate from each other. In this case, as illustrated in the figures, the steam channeling device 52 can therefore advantageously form a monolithic piece, in one piece, defining a plurality of internal ducts 521, for example six in number, to ensure guidance of steam from each of said steam outlets 502 to each of said steam ejection ports 710. Each of said internal ducts 521 therefore connects (or at the very least contributes to connecting) one of the steam outlets 502 to at least one of the steam ejection orifices 710 . Alternatively, but less preferably in terms of ease and cost of design, manufacture and assembly in particular, the steam channeling device 52 could comprise a plurality of channeling parts separate, each typically defining one or more internal ducts 521 (separate) to ensure guidance of the steam from said at least one steam outlet 502 to one or more of said steam ejection orifices 710 .

[0034] In particular to facilitate manufacture and assembly, while limiting the number of separate parts that the device 1 comprises, the heating element 4 is preferably formed by a single and unique (first) one-piece part 700 , preferably metal, for example aluminum or cast aluminum. Said one-piece part 700 can advantageously be obtained by molding and/or machining a primary metal block. As illustrated by example in Figures 6 and 10 in particular, said one-piece part 700 can then advantageously have:

- a face defining said outer face of the heating element 4 contributing to form at least a portion of the front face 3A of said head 3, and from which opens(s) the orifice(s) 701 for steam ejection , And

- an opposite face, defining the internal face 4A of the heating element 4, oriented towards the interior of the hairdressing appliance 1, and against which the second heating device 40 is advantageously pressed in contact to heat said one-piece part 700 less by thermal conduction.

As illustrated by example in Figure 10 in particular, the heating element 4 is preferably provided with at least one housing 42 (or recess or unhooked) which opens from the internal face 4A of the heating element 4, oriented towards inside the hairdressing appliance 1, and which communicates with said at least one steam ejection orifice 710, said at least one housing 42 being designed and configured to receive, within it, at least partially the interlocking steam line 52. In other words, the channeling device 52 is therefore advantageously nested (that is to say inserted, embedded) in the heating element 4, so as to bring the steam to said at least one orifice 710 of ejection of steam. This thus allows simple, effective and space-saving relative assembly of the steam channeling device 52 to the heating element 4. As in the example illustrated in the figures (FIG. 10 in particular), the heating element 4 can advantageously comprise two housings 42, distinct and distant, each receiving within them a part of the interlocking steam channeling device 52, said channeling device 52 advantageously forming a monolithic part, as envisaged above.

Advantageously, when the heating element 4 comprises a plurality of steam ejection orifices 710 as envisaged above, and in particular when the heating element 4 is preferably formed by a one-piece part 700, said au at least one housing 42 of the heating element 4 is designed and configured so that it communicates simultaneously with several of said steam ejection orifices 710, and preferably with each of said steam ejection orifices 710. As illustrated in particular in FIG. 6, the housing 42 can thus open onto the external face (opposite the internal face 4A) of the heating element 4, between the orifices 710 for ejecting steam, and thus connect together said vapor ejection orifices 710. This makes it possible to facilitate the manufacture of the heating element 4. In particular, said one-piece part 700 can thus be manufactured in a particularly simple and inexpensive manner, for example by molding (or injection-moulding) and/or machining, without the need for complex technical means (such as for example a mold with drawers). Advantageously, the vapor channeling device 52 then comprises in return partition portions 522 for partitioning, isolating (in a vapor-tight manner) all or part of said vapor ejection orifices 710 when the channeling device 52 is fitted, recessed, in the housing or housings 42 of the heating element 4, and thus ensure a homogeneous and leak-free distribution of the flow of steam towards each of said orifices 710 for steam ejection. Indeed, when the channeling device 52 is fitted into the housing or housings 42, the partition portions 522 advantageously fill the housing portions (s) 42 located between adjacent vapor ejection orifices 710 (FIG. 11), so that steam can only escape through the steam ejection ports 710.

[0037] The hairdressing device 1 advantageously comprises a temperature sensor 43 (omitted in FIG. 4 but visible in FIG. 11, for example a “Negative Temperature Coefficient” (NTC) thermistor for measuring the temperature of the heating element 4. As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the heating element 4 and the steam channeling device 52 preferably define between them a housing receiving at least partially said temperature probe 43. The housing in question is advantageously separate housing 42 mentioned above, which emerges from the inner face 4A of the heating element 4 and which communicates with said at least one orifice 710 for steam ejection. Thus, said temperature probe 43 can be kept in position in the device 1, with a particularly limited size, the vapor channeling device 52 advantageously at least partially isolating the temperature probe 43 from the second heating device 40 from the heating element 4, which contributes to making the measurement of the temperature of the heating element 4 more reliable. maintained flat in contact against the heating element 4, which is favorable both in terms of the robustness of the maintenance of the temperature probe 43 in position and in terms of the reliability of the measurement of the temperature of the heating element 4. By example, as illustrated in the figures, the vapor channeling device 52 comprises a half-housing 523, which cooperates with a corresponding half-housing 44 that respectively comprises the heating element 4, typically on or in its internal face 4A, for together forming said housing receiving the temperature probe 43 (FIG. 11).

Advantageously in terms of hair treatment efficiency in particular, the heating element 4 preferably comprises steam pins 71 which each incorporate a steam ejection orifice 710, among the plurality of orifices 710 of steam ejection considered previously. As such, said steam pins 71 thus advantageously contribute to forming said steam emitting means. To this end, said steam spikes 71 are therefore at least partially hollow and each steam ejection orifice 710 is in fluid communication with the interior of the vaporization chamber 50 via the steam channeling device 52 . The steam pins 71 thus assume, in addition to a mechanical brushing function, a steam sprayer function, that is to say that each steam pin 71, with its steam ejection orifice 710, forms advantageously a steam projection nozzle (preferably steam). Insofar as the steam pins 71 thus contribute to forming said heating element 4, the steam pins 71 therefore also act as heating pins, in addition to their steam diffusion function. In other words, the steam pins 71 then advantageously contribute to forming both the heating element 4 and the steam emission means. Thus, thanks in particular to said steam barbs 71, the heat treatment of the hair (supply of heat by the steam barbs 71 contributing to form the heating element 4) is, more again advantageously, combined not only with the fluidic treatment (supply of steam via the steam ejection orifice 710 of the steam pins 71 contributing to form the steam emission means) as mentioned previously, but also with a mechanical treatment hair, under the effect of a resistive force generated by the hair against the steam pins 71 . Thus the same portion of lock of hair will undergo simultaneously, that is to say concomitantly, both a heat treatment, a fluidic treatment and a mechanical treatment. This makes it possible to obtain a "triple" action combined and concentrated on the same area of hair. This makes it possible to further increase the effectiveness of the treatment of the hair by the hairdressing device 1, and thus to obtain even better results in terms of hairdressing, embellishment and care of the hair, while further minimizing the number necessary passages of the hairdressing device 1 against the hair.

In particular, the supply of heat from the steam pins 71 of the heating element 4, associated with a mechanical brushing action exerted by the steam pins 71, facilitates the shaping of the hair, and also makes it possible to beautify and care for them, by remedying surface defects which may affect the hair. This concerns in particular defects classified according to the following four categories:

- class A: dark spots in the middle of the scales;

- class B: semi-circular white areas, generally located mainly at the extremities of the scales, and corresponding to detachments or lifting of the scales;

- class C: appearance of the endocuticle following tearing of the upper parts of the scales;

- class D: type III notches, parallel to the axis of the hair and due to cracking of the cuticle.

[0040] Advantageously, the aforementioned brushing pins 7, which protrude from the front face 3A of the head 3, include at least said steam pins 71, and heating pins 70, which for their part advantageously have no orifice 710 for ejecting steam, and which themselves also contribute to forming said heating element 4. This makes it possible to further optimize the treatment of the hair, with a limited number of steam pins 71 (for example six, as illustrated in the figures) . Preferably, the spikes steam 71 are integral with the heating pins 70, that is to say that in this case the steam pins 71 and the heating pins 70 are advantageously formed by a single and same piece in one piece. In addition to an advantage in terms of simplicity and manufacturing and assembly costs of the hairdressing device 1, this allows in particular that, during the operation of the hairdressing device 1, the second heating device 40 thus heats up simultaneously, and in a relatively homogeneous manner the steam pins 71 and the heating pins 70. In the preferential case illustrated in the figures and mentioned above, where said heating element 4 is formed by a (first) one-piece piece 700, preferably made of metal, and for example in aluminum or cast aluminum, the steam pins 71 and the heating pins 70 are therefore all formed in one piece by said one-piece piece 700.

Advantageously, the heating pins 70, as well as the steam pins 71, are anodized, to allow them to maintain a smooth surface even when their temperature is high. Advantageously, each of said heating pins 70 and/or said steam pins 71 has, in cross-section, a substantially oblong shape. Thanks to this oblong shape, which gives the heating pins 70 a substantially flattened shape, in the shape of a paw, the heat exchange with the hair is optimized since the wider than long shape of the heating pins 70 gives a maximum exchange surface during the passage of the hair against the heating pins 70. As explained above, the steam pins 71 also play the role of heating pins, so that it is advantageous that they also have a substantially oblong shape in cross section, preferably substantially similar to that of the heating pins 70.

[0042] In any case, each steam pin 71 preferably has, as illustrated in particular in Figures 5 and 6, a substantially flattened shape with two opposite faces, separated by the thickness of the steam pin 71, said orifice 710 steam ejection opening on at least one of the two opposite faces, and preferably on said two faces ("double orifice 710 steam ejection"), in which case the steam is thus advantageously projected on each side of the steam bar 71 , which makes it possible to further improve the diffusion of steam within the locks of hair. Thanks to this specific arrangement of the steam ejection orifice 710, which opens onto at least one of the faces of the steam pin 71, that is to say substantially perpendicular to the axis of longitudinal extension of the steam pin 71 in question, the steam leaves the pin 71 with an incidence which is substantially parallel to the mean plane of the front face 3A, which not only makes it possible to reduce the risk of burns of the scalp during use, but also ensures a particularly effective projection of steam since it makes it possible to treat the locks of hair on their height. In order again to improve the diffusion of steam within the hair, with a view in particular to subjecting locks of hair to the flow of steam over their entire height, each steam ejection orifice 710 is preferably provided over at least half , and preferably over at least two-thirds, of the height of the steam bar 71 which incorporates it.

[0043] When, as illustrated in the figures, said steam ejection orifices 710 each advantageously open onto the two opposite faces of the steam pins 71 (“double steam ejection orifice 710”), and the heating element 4 further comprises a housing 42 which communicates simultaneously with several of said (double) orifices 710 for ejecting steam, said portions of partitions 522 which may advantageously comprise the channeling device 52 of steam, in accordance with the foregoing, are then advantageously shaped and configured for:

- ensure guidance of the steam coming from the, or one of, the steam outlet(s) 502 of the steam chamber 50 towards the double steam ejection orifice 710 carried by each of the steam pins 71, And

- compartmentalize, in a vapor-tight manner, two by two said double orifices 710 for ejecting steam carried by adjacent steam pins 71.

[0044] Preferably and as illustrated in the figures, the head 3 of the hairdressing device 1, and in particular the front face 3A of said head 3, has a plane of symmetry, which is advantageously parallel to or coincides with, at the central longitudinal axis X-X'. Such an advantageously symmetrical construction makes it possible to obtain a hairdressing appliance 1 which can be used in any direction on the hair, thus forming an advantageously ambidextrous appliance 1, usable both by a user of the right hand or of the left hand. , but also on the left side or on the right side of the user's head while advantageously maintaining movement gestures relative / identical treatment: typically from the root to the tip of the hair. Such a symmetrical arrangement also contributes to simplifying the industrial manufacture of the hairdressing appliance 1. Advantageously, the brushing pins 7, of which the steam pins 71 therefore advantageously form part as well as preferably the heating pins 70, can be distributed over the front face 3A according to a distribution pattern which has a plane P of central symmetry. More advantageously still, said plane P of central symmetry passes through said orifices 710 for ejecting steam/steam pins 71 . For example, as illustrated in the figures, the hairdressing device 1 can thus comprise at least, projecting from the front face 3A of the head 3:

- a central row of steam pins 71, that is to say pins allowing mechanical brushing of the hair (mechanical action), and also playing both a role of heating pins (thermal action) and a role of spikes that diffuse a stream of steam on and against the hair (fluidic action), and

- at least one, and preferably two, row(s) of heating pins 70, devoid of a steam ejection orifice 710, arranged on either side of said central row of steam pins 71, to further accentuate the thermal action and the mechanical action exerted against the hair.

According to this feature, the steam ejection orifices 710/steam pins 71 are arranged substantially in the center of the front face 3A, which has various additional advantages. A first advantage lies in the safety of use: an emission of steam localized in the center of the front face 3A in fact makes it possible to limit the risk of burns. Another advantage lies in the fact that the steam can act more effectively on the hair because it can escape less easily than if it were emitted from the periphery of the head 3.

[0046] Advantageously, the brushing pins 7 also include tensioning pins 72 and which allow, in cooperation with the other brushing pins (including the steam pins 71, as well as preferably the heating pins 70), to stretch the hair engaged by the head 3 in order to press them laterally on and against the heating pins 70 and/or the steam pins 71, thus allowing a better heat exchange as well as a better supply of steam to the locks of hair concerned. Advantageously, each of the tensor pins 72 substantially has the shape of a revolution, with for example a substantially frustoconical main body which rises between a base and an apex, the latter optionally being advantageously provided with an enlarged and rounded head, substantially spheroidal. Such a geometry makes it possible to protect the scalp and to obtain an optimal detangling effect. Preferably, said tensor pins 72 are formed by the same (second) one-piece part 701, for example in plastic material, and even more preferably in hard plastic, of the polyurethane or PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) type, advantageously polished, which has a particularly smooth surface while being resistant to high temperatures. The choice of a plastic material also makes it possible to benefit from lesser thermal conduction properties than that of a metal such as aluminum or cast aluminum, which advantageously forms the one-piece part 700 from which the steam pins 71 come. , as well as preferably also the heating pins 70. This allows the tensioning pins 72 to also play the role of thermal insulation. To this end, said tensor pins 72 are preferably higher than said steam pins 71 and/or are higher than said heating pins 70, so that they make it possible to keep the heating pins 70 and the steam pins 71 at a distance. of the scalp, thus limiting the risk of burns. Indeed, due in particular to the thermally insulating nature of the material of the tensor pins 72, the latter have, in normal operation of the hairdressing device 1, a second surface temperature (that is to say a surface temperature) of which the value is advantageously lower than that of said first surface temperature. Advantageously, the value of said second surface temperature is compatible with contact with the scalp, ie it is low enough not to cause burning and/or any discomfort.

Preferably, the (second) one-piece piece 701 from which the tensor pins 72 originate and the (first) one-piece piece 700 from which the steam pins 71 originate (as well as preferably the heating pins 70) are superimposed, with the one-piece piece 701 forming the tensor pins 72 arranged on and against the one-piece piece 700 forming the steam pins 71 , the latter protruding through openings made through the one-piece piece 701 . POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

The invention finds its industrial application in the design and manufacture of hairdressing appliances, for example for domestic use, intended to provide shaping, embellishment and / or improvement of the health of the hair, and more specifically electric portable hairdressing appliances such as hairdressing brushes, detangling brushes, smoothing brushes or hair straighteners.

Claims

24 CLAIMS Steam hairdressing appliance (1) comprising at least one heating element (4) intended to come into contact with the hair as well as means for emitting steam configured to subject said hair to a flow of steam in contact with said heating element (4), said heating element (4) comprising at least one orifice (710) for ejecting steam, said means for emitting steam comprising - a liquid vaporization device (5) for generating said vapor flow, said vaporization device (5) comprising a vaporization chamber (50) provided with at least one vapor outlet (502), and - a steam channeling device (52), which is separate from the vaporization chamber (50) and the heating element (4), and which is connected on one side to the steam outlet (502) and the other side to said at least one vapor ejection port (710). Hairdressing appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the steam channeling device (52) is assembled to the said at least one steam outlet (502) by force fitting. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the steam channeling device (52) is made of an elastically deformable material. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the steam channeling device (52) is made of a polymeric material resistant to heat and steam, and preferably of thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone or fluoropolymer. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the heating element (4) and the vaporization chamber (50) are arranged opposite each other, the channeling device (52 ) steam being arranged at least partly between said heating element (4) and said vaporization chamber (50). Hairdressing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the said heating element (4) is formed by a single piece (700), preferably made of metal, and for example of aluminum or cast aluminum. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the heating element (4) is provided with at least one housing (42) emerging from an internal face (4A) of the heating element ( 4) and communicating with said at least one vapor ejection port (710), said housing (42) being designed and configured to at least partially receive the interlocking vapor channeling device (52). Hairdressing appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the heating element (4) comprises a plurality of orifices (710) for the ejection of steam. Hairdressing appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the steam channeling device (52) forms a monolithic part defining a plurality of internal ducts (521) to ensure guidance of the steam from the said at least one outlet (502 ) of steam to each of said steam ejection ports (710). Hairdressing appliance (1) according to Claim 7 and any one of Claims 8 and 9, in which the said at least one housing (42) of the heating element (4) communicates simultaneously with several of the said orifices (710) of steam ejection, the steam channeling device (52) comprising portions of partitions (522) for partitioning said steam ejection orifices (710). Hairdressing appliance (1) according to any one of Claims 8 to 10, in which the heating element (4) comprises steam pins (71) each incorporating a steam ejection orifice (710). Hairdressing appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, which comprises a handle (2) for manual gripping as well as a head (3) for engaging the hair which is carried by said handle (2), said head (3) having a front face (3A) provided with brushing pins (7) between and against which the hair is intended to lie, said brushing pins (7) including at least : - said steam pins (71), and - heating pins (70) which help to form said heating element (4). Hairdressing device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said steam pins (71) are integral with the said heating pins (70). Hairdressing appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the heating element (4) and the steam channeling device (52) define between them a housing which at least partially receives a temperature probe (43) , preferably narrowly so that the temperature probe (43) is held flat in contact against the heating element (4).