BR112019010620A2 - hair care device, article thereof, variety of accessories for a hair care device, device set - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hair treatment device (1), comprising: - a frame for accommodating a hair care product refill (10), - a steam generator for steam output to the hair. a rate of less than 10 g / min, - a refill detection element that detects said refill when it is mounted to the housing structure, the device (1) being designed to switch to a refill mode if no refill (10) is detected. by the sensing element, the operation of the steam generator in this refill mode is different from its normal operation when a refill is present.

Description

HAIR TREATMENT DEVICE, ARTICLE OF THIS, VARIETY OF ACCESSORIES FOR A HAIR TREATMENT DEVICE, SET OF A DEVICE [0001] The present invention relates to devices that use a refill to operate and, more particularly, devices to treat the hair, such as straighteners.

[0002] The refill contains a product to be applied to the hair and, optionally, also an applicator that comes in contact with the region in which the product is intended to be deposited.

[0003] Devices for hair treatment by steam generation, together with the application of the product are known. The steam makes it possible to improve the performance of the product on the hair.

[0004] It is desirable for the operation of the device to be modified in the absence of a refill, in order to avoid its improper use.

[0005] According to a first of its aspects, the invention meets this need with the aid of a device for the treatment of hair, comprising:

a structure to accommodate a hair care product refill, a steam generator for the steam to exit the hair at a rate of less than 10 g / min, a refill detection element that detects said refill when it is mounted on the accommodation structure, the device being designed to switch to a non-refillable mode if no refills are detected by the detection element, the operation of the steam generator in this non-refillable mode is different from its normal operation when a refill is present.

[0006] Preferably, the device is configured to switch from non-refillable mode to normal operating mode, also

Petition 870190048547, of 05/23/2019, p. 14/48

2/23 known as normal mode, when a refill is mounted on the accommodation structure.

[0007] Preferably, the steam generator operates at a lower level or is inactive in the non-refill mode. The expression operates at a lower level means that the amount of steam delivered by the steam generator is less than during normal operation, or zero.

[0008] The device preferably comprises at least one heated straightening plate. The temperature of the heated straightening plate can be modified when the steam generator is in refillless mode; the temperature adjustment range of the heated straightening plate can be reduced or the heated straightening plate can be turned off.

[0009] Preferably, in the non-refill mode, the steam generator is turned off and the temperature adjustment range of the heated straightening plate is reduced. Thus, in the absence of a refill, the device operates in a refillless mode, in which straightening without steam remains available.

[00010] In a variant, in the non-refillable mode, the steam generator and the heated straightener remain off. This makes it possible to completely prevent the device from being used in the absence of a refill on it.

[00011] The device preferably comprises two arms to be closed over the hair to be treated.

[00012] The device can comprise an electronic control circuit with an electronic memory, designed to detect the closing of the arms and the fitting of the refill by means of the detection element, the device being designed to increment a variable stored in a device memory when using it after the refill has been changed, the device being designed to increase a variable in memory during use after the refill has been changed and switching to a finishing operation mode (also known as reduced operation mode), in which the operation of the

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3/23 steam generator and / or the straightening plate is modified, when said variable exceeds a first predefined limit.

[00013] The functionalities provided by the device in the finishing mode can be the same as in the non-refill mode.

[00014] The finishing mode advantageously allows the device to be used, although the refill is used, this use being limited, but sufficient to complete the treatment of the hair, or to carry out finishing operations.

[00015] The aforementioned variable can be proportional to the number of arm closings and can correspond to a fraction of the number of arm closures, particularly every fifth of the arms. This can make it possible to reduce the size of the memory and the cost of the electronic circuit.

[00016] The variable can incorporate the time for which the arms are closed over the hair, which makes it possible to increase the precision with regard to estimating the degree in which the refill was consumed.

[00017] The device can be designed so that the variable is reset when the refill is changed.

[00018] The device can be designed to switch to finishing mode if the variable exceeds a second predefined limit, different from the first, particularly lower than the first, under various uses among which the power supply to the device is cut.

[00019] The device can be designed in such a way that the value of the variable is preserved when the device is turned off without interrupting the power supply of the device.

[00020] Preferably, in the finishing mode, the steam generator is switched off.

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4/23 [00021] Preferably, in the finishing mode, the operation of the heated straightener plate is modified, and, particularly, the temperature adjustment interval of the heated straightener plate is reduced.

[00022] The operation in the refill mode can be different from the operation in the finish mode, and, in particular, the temperature of the heated straightener plate can be modified in the finishing mode and the heated straightener plate can be turned off in the mode without refill.

[00023] Preferably, the refill detection element is mechanical, particularly as a contactor, or is of some other type, particularly electronic, magnetic and / or optical. The detection can be carried out by direct contact of the refill with the detection element or by remote detection.

[00024] The steam generator may comprise an electrical resistor for the production of steam, and / or a reservoir of liquid, particularly water, and / or a pump. The device may comprise a handle and a base station, the base station comprising the liquid reservoir.

[00025] Preferably, the accommodation structure comprises an insertion guide for the refill. This insertion guide can be designed in such a way that the refill is fitted and removed with a sliding movement along the guide. Other movements to fit the refill are also possible.

[00026] The detection element can be arranged, at least partially, in the insertion guide for the refill.

[00027] For example, the sensing element comprises a projection element on the insertion guide, against which the refill rests when it is inserted into the insertion guide. The projection element protrudes enough to cause the detection element to change its state.

[00028] In a variant, the detection element is located elsewhere on the device.

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5/23 [00029] Preferably, the device is designed to mechanically prevent the fitting of a refill that has been previously used and then removed. Thus, the refill becomes for single use.

[00030] Preferably, in order to prevent the reuse of a refill that has already been used, the accommodation structure comprises a relief that is positioned so as to act on an element that serves as a usage memory for a refill when the refill is fitted to the device for the first time, in order to change it from an inactive configuration, in which the element is retreated from a space, to an active configuration, in which this element projects into said space, the accommodation structure comprising a locking member configured to intercept said element when it is in the active configuration, while the refill is being fitted and removed from the accommodation structure, the element and locking member being designed in such a way that the locking member can be transposed by said element in the direction of removing the refill and in such a way that the locking member prevents said element from passing in the direction refill insert, if an attempt is made to reinsert a refill that has already been used.

[00031] The characteristics above allow blocking the refill fitting in a simple and effective way if it was previously used on the device.

[00032] The locking member may be able to move transversely in the direction of movement of said element in contact with it, the locking member being preferably returned to the initial position by elasticity. It is incorporated, for example, with a wire spring or a moving part in which a spring acts.

[00033] It is possible that the locking member is not symmetrical in relation to a median plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of said element in contact with it.

Petition 870190048547, of 05/23/2019, p. 18/48

6/23 [00034] Thus, the locking member may have contact surfaces for contact with said element that has different inlet and outlet inclinations, with an entrance incline more steep than an exit inclination, the entrance inclination preventing the passage of said element in the active configuration by forming a stop that prevents the movement of said element, and the exit inclination allowing said element to engage with the locking member in order to cause it to retract when said element passes in the direction of refill removal. The locking member is transposed in one direction by said element.

[00035] The locking element is preferably located upstream of the aforementioned locking member in order to be actuated before locking the refill during its introduction, in the case of a refill that has already been used. The device can comprise a second contactor that is only activated when the refill insertion is completed.

[00036] The device may comprise a contactor carried by one of the arms between the head of the arms and the articulation, particularly a magnetic contactor of the type magnetic strip switch to detect the closing of the arms.

[00037] The element that serves as a usage memory can be incorporated in several ways. For example, the element is a pin that is capable of moving with friction in a corresponding housing in the refill, in order to maintain the active position once it has been brought into the housing.

[00038] This element can be molded into a piece with a refill body, thereby simplifying its production.

[00039] In this case, the element has, for example, an active part that cooperates with the locking member in the active configuration and a connection part that connects said active part to the rest of the refill in at least the inactive configuration. The refill can have a housing and the active part can be designed to be fixed in the housing,

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7/23 particularly by pressure fixation, when said element is in the active configuration.

[00040] The connecting part is, for example, a film hinge or a material separable bridge.

[00041] In a variant, the element can also be incorporated in the form of a hook articulated in the body of the refill.

[00042] An additional subject of the invention is an article for a hair treatment device as defined above, which is configured to be removably mounted on the structure to accommodate it, such that its presence can be detected by the device detection.

[00043] This article makes it possible to simulate the presence of a refill in the device, so that the device does not switch to non-refill mode. Thus, with the help of this article, the user can use the device in normal mode.

[00044] Preferably, the article does not contain any cosmetic product. Thus, the user can use the device with all its features in addition to the product application.

[00045] When the refillless mode corresponds to an operating mode in which the steam generator is turned off and the heated straightener remains on, the user can use:

the device without steam or application of a cosmetic product, without refill or article in the device, the device with steam, but without the application of cosmetic product, with the article, containing no cosmetic product in the device, or the device with steam and application of a cosmetic product, with the refill on the device, specifically, without the need for an additional programming action or control member on the device, simply

Petition 870190048547, of 05/23/2019, p. 20/48

8/23 when changing the tool (article or refill) on the device, thereby simplifying its use.

[00046] The article may have an elongated body that extends along a longitudinal axis.

[00047] The article may comprise a body and an absorbent element, particularly made of felt, arranged on said body.

[00048] The article may comprise a means of fixing to the accommodation structure, particularly a profile. This fixing means can comprise a profile, particularly two elements that engage an insertion guide of the accommodation structure along which the article moves when it is fitted into the apparatus and when it is removed from it. Preferably, the profile elements extend in the direction of insertion of the article as it fits into the device and / or along the longitudinal axis of the article.

[00049] Preferably, the fixing means has the general shape of a T-slot in the middle in cross section, the slot being made between the two profile elements.

[00050] Preferably, one of the profile elements comprises, at its rear end, a retention projection in the shape of a hook that is intended to engage with a clip of the device, in order to hold the article in its position.

[00051] Preferably, while the article is being attached to the accommodation structure, the presence of the attachment means is detected by the detection element.

[00052] Preferably, the article is capable of being inserted and removed from the device more than once. In particular, the article has the same configuration between its insertion and removal from the device. Preferably, the article does not have an element that serves as a usage memory and does not engage with the locking member. Thus, the locking member cannot prevent the reinsertion of the article, which

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9/23 can be used as many times as necessary. This is because, in the absence of a cosmetic product, it is not necessary to prevent the reinsertion of the article.

[00053] Preferably, the article is configured to occupy the corresponding space in the accommodation structure, as a refill would be.

[00054] Preferably, the article looks substantially identical to that of a refill, except that it does not contain a cosmetic product.

[00055] Preferably, the article is configured not to come into contact with the lock of hair treated by the device and / or with a pressure element of the device when the device is being used to treat the hair.

[00056] Preferably, the article is made of a thermoplastic material, such as PET, PBT, PA6,6, PP, POM, PC or SAN, particularly PET, PBT or PA6,6.

[00057] A further subject of the invention is a variety of accessories for a hair treatment device, as defined above, comprising at least two accessories, one of the accessories being a refill containing a hair treatment product, the other of the accessories being an article according to the invention.

[00058] Preferably, within this range, the refill and the article have the same general format. The article can generally be identical to the refill, except that it does not contain any hair care products.

[00059] While the refill comprises a means that prevents the reuse of the used refill, preferably, the article does not have one, in order to allow it to be reused.

[00060] A further subject of the invention is a set comprising a device according to the invention and an article according to the invention, the device and the article preferably being initially contained in the same package.

Petition 870190048547, of 05/23/2019, p. 22/48

10/23 [00061] A further subject of the invention is a method for controlling the operation of a steam generator in a device according to the invention or an assembly as defined above, comprising the steps of:

detect the presence or absence of the refill or article in the device's housing structure, when the steam generator is in non-refill mode and the fitting of a refill or article in the device's housing structure is detected, activate or allow the activation of the Steam generator.

[00062] The invention can be better understood from reading the detailed description below, from non-limiting illustrative modalities and from examining the attached figures, in which:

Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of an example of a device, with the refill fitted,

Figure 2 shows the device in Figure 1 with the refill missing,

Figure 3 shows part of the device in Figure 2, with the upper arm cover removed,

Figure 4 shows schematically a partial view of an example of a refill,

Figure 5A schematically illustrates a perspective view of a variant refill,

Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view in the VB-VB plane in Figure 5A,

Figure 5C schematically illustrates a perspective view of a variant refill, after the refill has been used,

Figure 5D is a cross-sectional view in the VD-VD plane in Figure 5C,

Figures 6A and 6B show the respective side views of the refill in Figure 4, before and after use in the device,

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11/23

Figure 7 shows schematically a perspective view of a variant refill, according to the invention,

Figure 8 is a schematic longitudinal section through the Figure 7 refill,

Figures 9A and 9B illustrate the change in the configuration of the refill in Figure 8, before and after its use,

Figure 10 is an example of an algorithm that can be implemented during the operation of the device

Figure 11 shows, very schematically, the electronic circuit of the device, and

Figure 12 shows, very schematically, an electronic circuit variant of the device.

[00063] In the example illustrated in the figures, device 1, also known as an appliance, to which the invention applies, is a straightener comprising two arms 2, 3 which are connected by a hinge 4 and carry heating elements 5, 6 on opposite faces of the arms. These elements 5 and 6 make up the straightening plates.

[00064] This device 1 takes a refill 10 which is attached to one of the arms, next to one of the heating elements, in this case the upper arm 2 and the heating element 5.

[00065] The refill 10, shown individually in Figure 4, comprises a body 11, for example, made of PBT, which contains a product to be applied, in this case, a cosmetic product to be applied to the hair.

[00066] Refill 10 also comprises an application means 13 for applying this product, such as a felt, for example, which comes into contact with the hair while the device is being used. The refill 10 has a means 12 for fixing it to a structure for accommodating the device, which only a part was shown in Figure 2.

Petition 870190048547, of 05/23/2019, p. 24/48

12/23 [00067] The product contained in the refill can be applied to the hair as it passes between the arms.

[00068] In the example in question, the means for securing the refill to the device comprises two profile elements 14 and 15 which are inserted into guide elements provided in the corresponding arm.

[00069] The device comprises, for example, three guide elements 17, 18 and 19 which are intended to cooperate with the upper profile element 15 and two guide elements 20 and 21 which are intended to cooperate with the lower profile element 14, when refill 10 is attached to the device.

[00070] The refill 10 may comprise, at the rear, a hook 23 which is intended to engage with a clip 24 in order to hold the refill in position, this hook 23 being fixed by pressure on the clip 24 at the end of its insertion on the device, for example, and being able to be removed from it by a push / pull or similar mechanism.

[00071] The device comprises a detection element 26 consisting of an electrical contactor that is actuated by the refill 20, when it is present, and which allows indicating the presence of the refill. This contactor comprises a lever 26a against which a seal 26b can press, said seal being actuated by a pusher 26c.

[00072] Device 1 comprises a locking member 30, the role of which is to cooperate with an element 33 of the refill 10 which serves as a usage memory.

[00073] The locking member 30 is returned elastically by a spring beam 31 in this example and has, at the front, an edge 34 substantially perpendicular to the plane of the wall 35 to which the guide elements are attached and, at the rear, a 37 less steep edge.

[00074] The locking member 30 is arranged, for example, through a slot 36 in the wall 35 and can retract when the element 33 passes in the direction of removing the refill.

Petition 870190048547, of 05/23/2019, p. 25/48

13/23 [00075] In the example in question, the element 33 is in the shape of a pin that is mounted with friction in a corresponding housing 42 in the upper profile element 15, as can be seen in Figures 5A and 5B.

[00076] Element 33, whose initial inactive configuration is shown in Figures 5A and 5B, does not protrude into the space 43 defined between the two profile elements 14 and 15 before the refill is used for the first time, as can be seen in Figures 5B and 6A, particularly.

[00077] Device 1 has a relief designed to move element 33 when refill 10 is fitted to the device for the first time.

[00078] In the example in question, this relief is formed by a ramp 45 of the guide element 18 located at the rear edge 37 of the locking member 30. Thus, when the profile elements 14 and 15 slide on the guide elements when the refill is used for the first time, the ramp 45 is progressively pressed against the element 33 and pushes it into its housing 42.

[00079] The element 33 thus projects into the space 43 between the profile elements 14 and 15, as shown in Figure 5D.

[00080] The locking member 30 engages between the profile elements 14 and 15 when the refill 10 is fitted to the device. Thus, during the insertion of the refill 10, the locking member 30 moves along the zone in which the element 33 extends once in the active configuration, as shown in Figures 5C and 5D.

[00081] The inclination of the rear edge 37 of the locking member 30 is chosen in such a way that the element 33 can deform the locking member 30 during the removal of the refill, in order to retract and transpose said locking member 30.

[00082] The pusher 26c acting on the contactor 26 is located upstream of the locking member 30 with respect to the direction of insertion of the refill 10 in the device 1. Thus, the contactor 26 is actuated before

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14/23 even if the locking member 30 exerts its possible action of locking the insertion of the cartridge.

[00083] The set formed by the refill and the device operates as follows.

[00084] The first time that the refill 10 is fitted to the device, the ramp 45 causes the element 33 to move from the configuration in Figures 5A and 5B to that of Figures 5C and 5D. This configuration change occurs when the element 33 has already crossed the front edge 34 of the locking member 30, due to the deviation between this edge 34 and the ramp 45 in the direction of insertion of the refill 10. The locking member 30, therefore, does not impairs the fit of the refill 10.

[00085] During its removal, the element 33 can pass through the locking member 30 due to the inclination of the rear edge 37 thereof.

[00086] However, if an attempt is made to refit the refill, element 33 abuts against the front edge 34 of the locking member 30 due to the increased inclination of this front edge 34 that prevents it from being passed by element 33. Therefore, the user cannot reuse the refill.

[00087] The element 33 that serves as a usage memory can be incorporated in several other ways and others without the aid of a pin that is capable of moving with friction in a housing, as just described with reference to the Figures of 1 to 6B.

[00088] Thus, it is possible, as shown in Figures 7 to 9B, to incorporate element 33 in the form of a hook comprising an end part 53 which captures in a housing 51 in the lower profile element 14 and a connection part 52 that connects the end part 53 to the refill body. This modality allows the formation of the element 33 when molding it in a piece with the elements of profile 14 and 15 and the body of the refill 10.

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15/23 [00089] When refill 10 is fitted for the first time, ramp 45 of the device presses against element 33, for example, at the angle formed between parts 52 and 53 of element 33, and part 53 can be fixed by pressure in housing 51, as shown in Figure 9B.

[00090] The path followed by the locking member 30 in relation to the refill 10, while it is fitted, is shown by means of a broken line in this figure.

[00091] Figure 9A shows that, in the initial configuration, which corresponds to that of Figures 7 and 8, before the refill is used for the first time, the end part 53 is located above the path of the locking member 30 and therefore , does not affect the fit of the refill. In the active configuration, as shown in Figure 9B, since the end part 53 has been pressurized in the housing 51, it can abut against the locking element 30.

[00092] Device 1 comprises an electronic circuit 100, shown schematically in Figure 10, which comprises an electronic memory 101, for example, of the EEPROM type. This electronic circuit 100 is connected to the contactor 26 which is actuated while the refill 10 is being fitted to the device. It is also connected to at least one electrical resistor 102 for the production of steam, to one or more electrical resistors 103 to heat elements 5, 6 and to one or more temperature sensors 104 that make it possible, for example, to know the temperature of plates.

[00093] A switch 105, for example, of the type of magnetic blade switch, makes it possible to know the closed or open state of the device. The switch 105 is arranged, for example, on one arm and a magnet is arranged on the other arm in order to change the state of the switch 105 when the two arms 2, 3 are in the closed position. The switch 105 makes it possible to inform the electronic circuit 100 of the number of arm closures. Electronic circuit 100 is designed to be

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16/23 connected by a power cable 106 to AC power, for example, 110 V or 240 V power.

[00094] The electronic circuit 100 can be in the form of one or more plates, some of which can be arranged on the handle and others can be arranged on the base station when the device has such a base station, which serves to produce steam containing, for example, a water tank and a pump.

[00095] Steam is preferably produced at a rate of less than 10 g / min.

[00096] Electronic circuit 100 comprises at least one component, such as a microcontroller, programmed to execute an algorithm that controls the operation of the device, preferably according to the diagram in Figure 11.

[00097] The electronic circuit 100 is powered when the cable 106 is connected to the electrical supply and can detect the fit of the refill when the device is turned off. The step 201 of connecting the cable 106 of the device to the power makes it possible, in a step 202, to detect, by virtue of a contactor 26, the possible insertion of the refill 10 before the device 1 is turned on, in step 203, by pressing a corresponding button .

[00098] If the insertion of the refill is detected in step 202, then an ILS_nbr variable representing the number of arm closings is initialized in step 204, even if device 1 has not yet been started.

[00099] When the device is turned on, in step 203, the presence of the refill is performed in step 205. If the refill has not been fitted, which corresponds to branch 206 in the diagram, the variable ILS_nbr is initialized in step 207 and the operation of device 1 is carried out in the finishing mode, this being indicated schematically by block 208 in Figure 10. In this finishing mode, the temperature is predefined

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17/23 so as not to be adjustable, for example, by setting the value to 180 ° C, steam generation is prevented and cannot be activated and the corresponding status is signaled to the user, for example, with the flashing of an LED or with the emission of an audible signal.

[000100] Device 1 remains in this finishing mode until a refill is possibly inserted in step 209; in this case, the device operates in a normal mode, illustrated by block 210 in Figure 10, in which the temperature can be adjusted by the user, starting from a standard value stored in memory, which corresponds to the last value of use in normal mode . The steam generator is activated and the corresponding state is signaled to the user, for example, by the aforementioned LED, being illuminated non-intermittently.

[000101] In the non-finishing mode, the electronic circuit 100 detects the closing of the arms 2, 3 on the locks treated in step 211, in order to increase the variable ILS_nbr by an amount representative of the number of closings. In order to save memory space, this variable is preferably increased every n closings, where n = 5, for example. Thus, for every 5 closings, the variable ILS_nbré is increased by 5 units.

[000102] In step 211, it is also possible to allow the user to modify the heating temperature of the plate setpoint. The amount of water remaining for steam generation can be detected in order to trigger a corresponding alarm, if necessary.

[000103] In step 212, a check is made if the variable ILS_nbr is less than a predefined limit n1, where n1 = 160, for example. If the variable ILS_nbr is less than n1, it is considered that the cosmetic composition in the refill has not been consumed and that device 1 can continue to operate in normal mode, as shown schematically by branch 213 in Figure 11. If the value of the variable ILS_nbr becomes greater than or equal to limit n1, as illustrated by branch 215, the device returns

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18/23 for the finishing mode, corresponding to block 208 in Figure 11. The heating temperature of the setpoint of the plates thus returns to the default value of the finishing mode, the operation of the steam generator is interrupted and the status corresponding signal is signaled by the flashing LED display.

[000104] If device 1 is stopped without its power supply being cut off, this is shown schematically in step 216, and device 1 is then started in step 217, the stored value of variable ILS_nbr is read in step 218. If this value is lower than the limit n1, as shown by branch 219 in Figure 10, the device maintains the normal mode represented by block 210. If the stored value of the variable ILS_nbr is greater than or equal to the limit n1, the device passes to the finishing mode, as represented by branch 221 and block 208.

[000105] If, when the device is turned on, the user removes the refill, as represented by branch 220 and step 223, the variable ILS_nbr is restarted in step 224 and device 1 goes into finishing mode.

[000106] Preferably, device 1 is designed, in the case of a prolonged period of non-use, that is, without closing the arms 2, 3 being detected, to switch to the suspend mode in step 230, until the button power on is pressed in step 210.

[000107] Block 231 schematically indicates the case in which device 1 is disconnected, in which case, when it is reconnected, the algorithm in Figure 10 returns to step 201 described above.

[000108] Return to the test in step 205, if device 1 is started in step 203 with the refill 10 already fitted, this corresponding to branch 234 in Figure 10, the value of the variable ILS_nbr is read in step 235 and this value is compared with a second limit n2, which is different from the limit n1 and, particularly, lower than this. Limit n2 is equal to 20, for

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19/23 example. If the value of the variable ILS_nbr is greater than or equal to the limit n2, the device switches to finishing mode in step 208. This prevents the device from operating in normal mode if the user has disconnected and then reconnected the device with an already significant number of openings and closings of the arms, it is likely that the user started using the refill and then allowed a non-negligible period of time to pass before resuming treatment, since disconnecting the device often implies that it was saved. In the case of excessively long-term uses, the cosmetic composition contained in the refill is likely to evaporate, resulting in a reduction in the efficiency of the refill.

[000109] If the variable ILS_nbr is strictly lower than the second limit n2, the device can operate in normal mode, corresponding to branch 237 and block 210 in Figure 11.

[000110] The invention is not limited to the illustrated algorithm.

[000111] Particularly, in a variant illustrated in Figure 12, step 208 described above can be replaced with a step 308 in which device 1 is operated in a non-refillable mode. In this non-refillable mode, the heated plates are turned off, steam generation is prevented and cannot be activated, and the corresponding status is signaled to the user, for example, by flashing an LED or by emitting an audible signal. Device 1 remains in this mode without a refill until a refill is possibly inserted in step 209. In steps 212 and 218, if the value of variable ILS_nbr becomes greater than or equal to limit n1, as illustrated by branches 315 and 321, respectively, device returns to finishing mode, corresponding to block 310 in Figure 12. Device 1 remains in this mode until the refill is removed in step 223. In step 224, the variable ILS_nbr is reset and device 1 goes into no refill mode , corresponding to branch 324 in Figure 12.

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20/23 [000112] It can also be advantageous to count not only the number of arms closed, but also the duration of the arms closed in the hair, which can be representative of the length of the treated locks. This allows for a more precise determination of the degree to which the cosmetic composition inside the refill was consumed and, thus, to signal the need to replace the refill more precisely to the user.

[000113] In order to determine the duration of the closing of the arms, the electronic circuit 100 of the device is advantageously provided with a clock 110, shown by dotted lines in Figure 10, preferably provided with a battery to store the data in a memory clock face.

[000114] In the example in question, the finishing mode corresponds to the operation without the steam generator at a predefined temperature of the heated plates.

[000115] In variant modalities of the invention, the finishing mode and / or the non-refill mode are different and correspond, for example, to the operation still with a possibility of adjusting the temperature of the heated plates, this, preferably, being more limited than than in the presence of steam.

[000116] In a variant that is not illustrated, the device is designed in such a way that it can identify the nature of the fitted refill, by virtue, for example, of one or more reliefs on the refill that encode information that is read by one or more corresponding contactors present on the device. In this case, it is possible to modify the limit values, particularly the first limit n1, depending on the nature of the refill, for example, in order to take into account the fact that the cosmetic composition is consumed differently from one refill to another, depending on nature of this.

Petition 870190048547, of 05/23/2019, p. 33/48

21/23 [000117] It is also possible, in a variant, to store the duration for which a refill is present in the corresponding arm. This can, in particular, make it possible to force the device to switch to the finishing mode after a certain duration in order to avoid a situation in which the user performs a treatment with a refill, whose cosmetic composition may have lost its effectiveness due to its evaporation, for example.

[000118] Refill 10 can be replaced by an article with the same structure as refill 10, except for the element that serves as a usage memory and the cosmetic product, which it does not have. Thus, when it is attached to the device in the same way as the refill 10, the article acts on the detection element 26 in the same way as the refill 10 would act.

[000119] It is evident that the invention is not limited to the examples just described.

[000120] The element 33 is produced, for example, when it is molded together with the adjacent profile element, being connected to one or more separable bridges of material. Once in the active configuration, element 33 can be maintained only by friction or, alternatively, by pressure fixation on the opposite profile element.

[000121] Although the invention was illustrated in connection with a refill fitted to the device by a sliding movement, the invention also applies to refills that are fitted by a movement other than just a sliding movement, for example, a rotating movement or a more complex movement, including translation and rotation components, for example.

[000122] The detection element 26 that detects the refill fit can be located elsewhere on the arm and, particularly, present in the push / pull type mechanism that cooperates with the hook 23.

Petition 870190048547, of 05/23/2019, p. 34/48

22/23 [000123] The detection element 26 can also be located under the pressure element against which the application means 13 is pressed when the arms are closed.

[000124] The detection element 26 can be something other than a contactor, for example, an optical detector that detects the presence of the refill 10 by reflection of a beam through it, an magnetic detector that detects the presence of a magnet or a conductive element present on the refill facing east when it is mounted on the device, or an electrical detector that detects the contact of a conductive element on the refill when refill 10 is mounted on the device.

[000125] The locking member 30 can also be produced as a plastic part that is articulated around an articulation axis and is returned to its initial position by a helical spring.

[000126] The shape of the cartridge profile can be different from the general T shape illustrated and the element 33 can be moved in some other way than in the spatial direction defined between the two profile elements; for example, it can be moved in a direction parallel to the T-rod.

[000127] The article may have a different structure than the refill. For example, the article does not have the felt, the housing is usually provided for it in refills being opened or closed. The article may be a part that does not come into contact with the hair or the pressure element when the arms are closed, but acts on the detection element in order to be detected as a refill.

[000128] The article can be made of a different material than the refill.

[000129] If necessary, the presence of element 33 in the active configuration, that is, after the refill has already been used, can be detected automatically if an attempt is made to fit the cartridge to the device, for example, due to a mechanical sensor or

Petition 870190048547, of 05/23/2019, p. 35/48

23/23 optical, in order to signal to the user the reason why the refill cannot be fitted, for example, by a message being displayed on a screen or by an indicator light being illuminated.

Claims (18)

1. Device (1) for hair treatment, characterized by the fact that it comprises: a structure to accommodate a hair care product refill (10), a steam generator for the steam to exit the hair at a rate of less than 10 g / min, a refill detection element (26) that detects said refill when it is mounted on the accommodation structure, the device (1) being designed to switch to a non-refill mode (208; 308) if no refill (10) is detected by the detection element (26), the operation of the generator steam in this mode without refills (208; 308) being different from its normal operation, when a refill is present. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it is configured to switch from the non-refill mode (208; 308) to the normal mode (210) when a refill (10) is mounted on the accommodation structure. 3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the steam generator operates at a lower level or is inactive in the non-refill mode (208; 308). 4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises at least one heated straightening plate (5, 6), the temperature of the heated plate (5, 6) being modified when the steam generator it is in non-refill mode (208; 308), particularly, the temperature adjustment range of the heated straightening plate (5, 6) being reduced or the heated straightening plate (5, 6) being turned off. 5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises two arms (2, 3) to be closed over the hair to be treated, the device (1) Petition 870190048547, of 05/23/2019, p. 37/48 2/4 comprising an electronic control circuit with an electronic memory, designed to detect the closing of the arms (2, 3) and the fitting of the refill (10) by means of the detection element (26), the device (1) being designed to increment a variable (ILS_nbr) stored in a device memory when using the device after the refill (10) has been changed and switched to a finishing operation mode (208; 310), in which the operation of the generator steam and / or the straightening plate (5, 6) is modified, when said variable (ILS_nbr) exceeds a first predefined limit (n1). 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the operation in the non-refill mode (208) is identical to the operation in the finishing mode (208). 7. Device according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the operation in the refillless mode (308) is different from the operation in the finishing mode (310), particularly the temperature of the heated straightening plate (5, 6) being modified in the finishing mode (310) and the heated straightener plate (5, 6) being turned off in the refillless mode (308). 8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the refill detection element (26) is mechanical, particularly it is a contactor, or is of some other type, particularly electronic, magnetic and / or optical. 9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the detection element (26) comprises a projection element (26c) arranged in a guide for inserting the accommodation structure, against which the refill ( 10) leans when inserted into the insertion guide to allow the refill to be detected. 10. Article for a hair treatment device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it is configured to be removably mounted on the structure of Petition 870190048547, of 05/23/2019, p. 38/48 3/4 accommodation, such that its presence is detected by the detection element (26) of the device (1). 11. Article according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that it does not contain any cosmetic product. 12. Article according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by the fact that it comprises a means (14, 15) for fixing to the accommodation structure, particularly a profile, preferably two profile elements (14, 15) that engage in an insertion guide of the accommodation structure along which the article moves when it is attached to the device and when it is removed from it. 13. Article according to any of claims 10 to 12, characterized by the fact that the fixing means (14, 15) have the general shape of a T-slot in the middle in cross section. 14. Article according to any of claims 10 to 13, characterized by the fact that one of the profile elements (14; 15) comprises, at its proximal end, a retention projection in the shape of a hook (23), which is intended to engage with a clip (24) of the device ( 1) to keep the refill (10) in its position. 15. Article according to any of claims 10 to 14, characterized by the fact that it is capable of being inserted and removed from the device more than once. 16. Article, according to any of claims 10 to 15, characterized by the fact that it is configured not to come into contact with the lock of hair treated by the device (1) and / or a pressure element of the device when the device is being used to treat the hair. 17. Variety of accessories for a hair treatment device, preferably according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least two accessories, one of the accessories being a refill (10) containing a product of Petition 870190048547, of 05/23/2019, p. 39/48 4/4 hair treatment, the other of the accessories being an article according to any one of claims 10 to 16. 18. Assembly of a device (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and article, according to any of claims 10 to 16, characterized by the fact that the device and the article are preferably contained initially in the same packaging.